Tips For Your Initial Meeting With An Attorney That Specializes In Immigration Law
When you find yourself experiencing legal troubles with immigrating, it can be an extremely stressful experience. This can be particularly true for those that are currently living in the country as they may have fears and concerns about being deported. During your first meeting with an immigration attorney, such as Fickey Martinez Law Firm, P.L.L.C., you may not know what should be expected or how to ensure that this meeting is productive.
Be Honest About The Facts Surrounding Your Immigration Case
It can be tempting for an individual to withhold some of the more damaging facts surrounding their case. However, this can prove to be a catastrophic mistake, as deceiving immigration officials is automatic grounds for denying your request. Additionally, there is little point to deceiving your attorney as the secrets you are keeping are likely to be discovered during these proceedings. For example, it can be common for clients to withhold information about prior convictions or arrests in their home country. However, this information will be remarkably easy for the government to obtain. By being open and honest about your situation, you can avoid these problems and ensure that the attorney is able to provide you with the most accurate legal advice possible.
Have Any Relevant Documents Ready For The Meeting
There are numerous documents that your attorney may request you to bring to your first meeting. Often, these documents will be simple items such as proof of employment and residency. Additionally, the attorney may have sent you a questionnaire ahead of time. Completing this questionnaire will allow your attorney to more quickly evaluate your case, which can lead to a more productive initial meeting. If you have trouble completing this questionnaire due to language barriers or reading comprehension problems, you should answer as many questions as possible as this will limit the amount of time that your attorney will need to spend asking you basic questions about the situation.
Understand The Attorney's Billing Process
While hiring an immigration attorney can be one of the best investments that you make, the costs of working with these professionals can vary substantially. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for their immigration services while also may charge an hourly rate with a retainer. Furthermore, the unique facts of your case can also increase these costs as highly difficult cases are likely to require higher fees. At the end of your initial consultation, the attorney will explain the payment method that they utilize. For those that are concerned about paying a large sum at the end of this meeting, many attorneys will create a payment plan for clients that have strict financial limitations.