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3 Things You Need To Know About Meeting With An Immigration Attorney

4 July 2016

Celina Nichols

Going to an immigration attorney can be a little scary at first. You might be worried about getting the help that you need or getting in trouble for something that you may have already done. The important thing to remember is that an attorney is there to help you. This is why if you are working towards immigration, you should meet with an immigration attorney right away. Here are some things you need to know about hiring an immigration attorney.

1. There Will Be Attorney Client Privilege

First, it is important to understand that everything that you tell the attorney will be privileged. With very few exceptions, you can be sure that everything that you say to your attorney will not be used against you, even with law enforcement. This is why it is vital that you are upfront and honest with your attorney about your situation. They cannot help you if they don't know what is going on. You should always use your real name, facts from your past, and anything else that might help them understand your situation. If you aren't honest and it is discovered later that you lied, the attorney might not be able to help you.

2. You Will Need To Pay A Retainer

Although no one likes to bring up money, it is a part of the legal process. In order to get the best representation possible, you must have a retainer ready to give the attorney. This may mean that it takes you some time to save up the money, but it must be done. In some circumstances the attorneys will accept payments over time for legal work, but you should check beforehand to make sure.

You can always call an attorney's office and ask about payment options. They can give you an idea of how much the retainer will be and if they do payment plans.

3. Bring All Related Documents

Before you meet with the attorney it is important that you are prepared. Since you will be paying by the hour for the attorney's time, you need to have everything ready to prevent any time wasters. Having all documents of your previous citizenship, proof of political strife in your previous country will all help to improve your chances of getting granted citizenship and speeding up the process.

By understanding these things about an attorney, you can get the most out of your meetings with the immigration attorney. Contact legal professionals like Tarkowsky & Piper Co., L.P.A. for more information.

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