The process for filing petitions for a spouse or children in joining family in the USA can be complicated because of all the paperwork that is required. You must hire a competent immigration lawyer – one that specializes in family-based immigration. Here are some tips to help you sift through a whole cadre of these professionals.
It is time to talk to family, friends and people within your circle of influence if they know of any attorney that specializes in family based immigration. They usually can give excellent recommendations, whether they have had any immigration issues themselves or not. They may not be able to refer you to someone, but they typically keep their ear low to the ground and can warn you about an incompetent lawyer they may have heard about.
- Find Lawyers on the Internet
Search for lawyers for family immigration cases on the internet. The website for the American Immigration Lawyers Association has a long list of lawyers who specialize in this field. These are professionals who know immigration law and policies like the back of their hand. Start by listing those who practice in your area. Attorneys who sign up as members of particular associations indicate that they are committed to this area of the law.
- Set up Appointments to Interview Layers and Shortlist Your Choices
Once you have a list of several lawyers, narrow it down to just a few that you would like to interview. You can expect a short discussion about your case, and you can ask questions regarding their expertise. You can also ask whether they have worked on a similar case before. Ask about their fees and expected expenses. If they have client references, you can request for them to share them with you.
Evaluate the lawyers’ fee schedules and find out how they charge for their services. As in other areas of specialization, legal services may be charged hourly or flat. Billings will also include court costs, courier fees and other expenses like photocopying, faxing, and postage. Make sure you know what expenses are chargeable or passed on to you as these can add up.
Aside from membership associations that are particularly related to family based immigration, you should also make sure that they have a license to practice law in your area. It will not be considered impolite; instead, it is expected of you to ask whether any disciplinary actions have been filed against them.