With or Without an Attorney? what are your suggestions?
Good Afternoon,
I got married 2 weeks ago with an american citzen; the marriage is real, weve been living together for 8 months now.
Today we saw an attorney and his fee is $1500 that includes his organizing everything, filing and coming with us at the interview. Plus the USCIS fees (which are around $1500 as well).
Since I am here asking I am gonna ask you: My wife actually is not working, is looking for a job so right now she wouldnt be able to support me legally (affidavit of support) so shes gonna need a co-sponsor, she would like to ask her cousin, but what is the implication with a co-sponsor? is there any risk involved for a co-sponsor(if everything is ok, and we do everything legally)? or its just a signature?
the other thing I would like to ask is: is there a difference between filing with an attorney or without? besides the fact that without I will have to file everything without any help.
thank you very much
Matteo
First,
Congratulations on your marriage.
Are you aware that you can use your salary to sponsor yourself?
If both your wife and you do not have enough money and assets, that you need a third person , it might raise a red flag, but if everything is legit than you should be fine even without a lawyer.
There arent any legal risks for the co-sponsor if everything is legal, however s/he will be legally and financially responsible for making sure that you have enough financial means, even if you get divorce.
Filing without a lawyer is fine , however you should realize that it will take you some time (I would set aside at least 2 days) - see here for some stories of people who did not use a lawyer : http://easygration.com/Blog/Entries/..._a_lawyer.html
Good luck.
6 months later I can say... that probably wouldve been better to go without.
wow, sorry to hear that