Top Gastonia, NC K-1 Fiancé Visa Lawyers Near You

Where can I get help with my K-1 Fiancé Visa application?

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to marry a foreign national, a K-1 Fiancé Visa is one method of bringing him or her into the country. Since this is a travel visa, you must marry your foreign fiancé within a limited period of time. Due to the complicated nature of this visa application process, speaking with a K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer can be very useful in determining whether this is the best option for your situation.

Am I eligible for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen with the exclusive purpose of bringing his or her fiancé into the country for marriage. Both you and your fiancé must be free to marry. This means that both individuals must have had any previous marriages legally dissolved through death, divorce, or annulment. You must marry your fiancé within 90 days of him/her entering the United States.

In general, you and your fiancé must have met in person within the past two years. Some exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you can prove extreme hardship to meet or cultural reasons that prohibit such a meeting.

How can a K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer help me?

The application process can be complex and frustrating. There are numerous required forms, supporting documents, and medical exams required. A K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer can help ensure a complete application and address potential legal pitfalls. Below are a few questions this type of lawyer can answer:

• What is the application and visa approval process?
• Should I apply in the U.S. or through my fiancé’s local U.S. embassy/consulate?
• What is the cost of a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
• How long does it take to get approved?

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney’s hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For “routine” legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.