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Anyone knows about lawyers fee and immigration?

Hi ladies,

 Does anyone know about immigration or how lawyer's fee work out? 
I have spoken to a lawyer about a case (permenant resident parent applying green card for their non-minor child) which seems streight forward but very long 8 years. I thought usually lawyers have a fee for each package, they charge half upfront and half at the end (pls correct me if I am wrong). 
The lawyer I spoke to told me his initial fee and explained that he can not estimate the second portion as his fee may go up in 8 years.  
I am afraid I would get myself into an open ended contract, what if in 8 years he charges a lot of money.  Is this common? WDYT?

Thanks,
WR

Re: Anyone knows about lawyers fee and immigration?

  • Lawyers typically charge either a flat fee or by the hour.  Flat fees are common in situations when it is fairly easy to estimate how long something will take (ie: drafting a will).  Hourly rates are used when the lawyer cannot estimate how long it will take to do something, because they don't want to short change themselves by asking for a rate that ends up being too low.

    Hourly rates typically range from $200-400 per hour, depending on the area of law and the lawyer's expertise and experience.

     

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  • I have been through immigration (from Canada to US) and have only ever been charged by the hour for their assistance with my visas and greencard. 

     FYI I would recommend Tara Goldsmith she is in midtown.  http://www.ggwweb.com/AttorneysStaff/TaraJGoldsmith/tabid/75/Default.aspx They are strictly immigration and at very least you could get a quote from them to see if it is similar to what you've been told...  good luck. 

  • I am currently going through immigration process and we decided not to use a lawyer. I also know tons of people who go through this without the need for a lawyer unless there are some serious circumstances. My DH's mom filed for him (non minor) and it took about 8-10 years to get through...but they just downloaded all the forms. Followed the instructions to a tee and submitted paperwork. And the application was successful. So do consider that aspect as well. Otherwise, definitely shop around for comparative legal rates.

    Good Luck!


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  • Thank you so much ladies! I will shop around.

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