Like so much else in life, choosing to contract the services of immigration lawyers in Chicago is ultimately a value decision. You need to decide what you need from it, how much it costs you and how much of it you think that you can do for yourself.

It may also be worthwhile to consider the consequences of not hiring an immigration lawyer. This article seeks to explore those various issues.

Instances When an Immigration Attorney is Necessary

First, there may be instances where you may actually need an immigration lawyer. For example, if you’re applying for a fiancé visa, you actually cannot represent yourself or your betrothed throughout the proceedings. Only a licensed legal professional can, all but necessitating that you find for yourself legal representation.

For matters you can handle yourself, though, there are very real costs, some financial some intangible, of choosing to go it alone through the immigration process.

First, there are fees, fines and surcharges that may find you if you fail to adhere to various court protocols – all of which immigration lawyers in Chicago will know.

These vary, and could be the costs of anything from re-applying improperly filled-out paperwork to being held in contempt of court for a procedural gaffe.

These costs could be in the form of money, but they could also be in the form of time. And for those that will need to be taking time off, they could be one in the same.

Beyond that, though, there’s something to be said for general unpreparedness. As I’ve often said, sometimes in life, there are things you didn’t even know you didn’t know.

Suffice it to say, that with the help of immigration lawyers in Chicago or anywhere, you would be ready for each step of the process, and not be susceptible to surprises.

This is particularly true of interviews and other such processes, where it would, at the very least, be nice to be confident in your ability to best reflect who you are.

How Long Have You Been a Family Immigration Lawyer?

Sure, any lawyer can take a look at various cases and judgments to get an idea of how all of this stuff works. But nothing can take the place of experience when it comes to such a sensitive matter. Be sure you find out about any lawyer’s experience before going any further.

Explain Your Case and Ask About Similar Experiences

Explain the situation you face, and ask the attorney if they have experience with similar cases. It doesn’t mean they can’t help you if they don’t, but they’re far more likely to be effective and successful if they do.

Is a Positive Outcome Likely?

While it’s impossible for any family immigration lawyer to predict the outcome of a complicated case, their experience should provide some insight into yours (especially if they have experience with similar case). A reputable attorney will be upfront and honest with you, allowing you to decide whether or not you want to spend time and money on a case that is unlikely to result in a positive verdict.

Do You Belong to the AILA?

Family immigration lawyers who belong to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA, are committed to staying current with laws pertaining to immigration. Whether you’re seeking permanent residency or attempting to prevent deportation, they’re the most likely to prove effective.

How Will We Handle Communication?

While the majority of family immigration lawyers will communicate by phone, many more will be happy to discuss your case via text messages and email. In some circumstances, it might be necessary to utilize overnight mail for signing documents and other official matters. Learning how your lawyer expects to communicate will allow both of you to streamline the process.

Who Else Will Work on the Case?

While your lawyer will do the majority of the case work, his or her support staff will play a pivotal role in the process. Paralegals, researchers, secretaries, investigators, and translators may all be involved. Learning who they are, their names, and how they’ll contribute will provide greater clarity into how everything works, which can give you additional peace of mind.

What Can We Do to Improve the Odds of a Favorable Outcome?

It’s important that you ask this question as early as possible. There may be certain things that you should avoid, or things that you need to do promptly. By discussing them with your family immigration lawyer early in the process you’ll minimize your chances of making any mistakes.

Be Honest, Open, and Upfront

Don’t hold anything back from your family immigration lawyer. If there is something that could prevent your chances of success, your lawyer will need to know about it so you can be properly defended. The last thing you want is for a prosecutor to surprise your attorney when you’re on the stand.