Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do you no longer offer free consultations?

We offered free consultations for a little over two years. What we learned was that a majority of the people who came in were interested in information but not hiring a law firm to assist them with immigration issues. Free consultations took up a tremendous amount of time and it began to impact the time we spent assisting our paying clients. We decided to go back to our old policy that we had in place for about eight years. Now, we charge for the initial consultation but offer to credit the consultation fee towards the cost of the case if the firm is hired within seventy-two business hours after the consultation. We believe this policy is fair to our potential clients and the firm.

Q. Do I need a lawyer to assist me with the immigration process?

The short answer is yes. A competent experienced lawyer is required. There are a multitude of laws, rules, and regulations that can cause a magnitude of legal problems without proper legal counsel. Immigration law is complex and you do not want to make mistakes that delay your case or impact the case in a negative way.

Q. Why do lawyers' fees vary from office to office?

Lawyers do not get together and fix prices for their services. Normally, the more experience an attorney has the greater the cost. Many immigration lawyers today have less than five years of experience and while their fees for the services may be a little less, the result may be less as well. Competence not price should be the most significant reason why you hire a particular lawyer.

Q. How do I know I am hiring a competent lawyer?

Speak to people who have used the lawyer's services previously. Also, you may contact the State Bar where the attorney is licensed to see if the lawyer has been in trouble before for providing less than competent services.

Q. The lawyer I am considering hiring is not licensed in the state where I live, is that a problem?

No, any lawyer licensed in any U.S. State or Territory in the United States may Practice U.S. Immigration Law.

Q. When should I meet with a lawyer to discuss utilizing legal services?

Usually, the best time is when you are considering filing some type of immigration case.

Q. I think I have a complicated case, should I seek a second or third opinion?

Yes, just get a copy of the documents to show each lawyer so he or she can properly evaluate your immigration situation.

Q. My current lawyer does not seem to be able to handle my case, what can I do?

You need to find a new lawyer right away. You may contact a number of sources for a recommendation.