Top Smithfield, VA Citizenship Lawyers Near You

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. Citizen is an important step in many people’s lives. There are multiple ways to become a U.S. Citizen, including: being born in the United States; acquisition at birth; deriving citizenship through the naturalization or U.S. birth of a parent; posthumous citizenship through death while on active duty service; after 3 years of lawful permanent residence based on marriage to a U.S citizen, or 5 years of lawful permanent residence (along with other requirements).

Do You Need Citizenship Lawyer to Become a U.S. Citizen?

There are many naturalization and citizenship programs that you may fall under and every naturalization program has its own eligibility requirements. When applying for naturalization, some issues may make you ineligible, such as criminal arrests or convictions, selective service compliance, good moral character, lengthy absences from the United States and false claims to citizenship. It’s best to consult with a Smithfield immigration attorney who handles citizenship and naturalization cases to facilitate and assist in your case.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation

• Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
• Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
• Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
• Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.