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Free consultations give you a chance to connect with an immigration attorney, ask initial questions, and get a general idea of what you can do, all without spending a penny. At times, free consultations provide the information that helps you take the first steps towards success. Schedule a consultation with Alina Kats today to find out whether you qualify for an investment visa or an employment visa. She will explain if your status can be adjusted if you are already in the US, what to do if you are facing deportation, and how to gather evidence and documents that can result in the desired outcome for your case.
Most people seek free consultations when it comes to getting information regarding immigration laws and their eligibility. While free consultations can help you get some preliminary legal information or guidance, you should not expect too much from them. It is because a free consultation will only give you what is called a base evaluation.
This means that an attorney or legal professional will only determine whether or not they can help you and then explain their fee structure. Free consultations are good, but it usually depends on what you are expecting.
Read on to learn what free consultations are, what they mean in immigration law, and if they are truly worth your time and effort.
A free consultation with an immigration attorney is a short, free-of-cost phone call or online meeting with an attorney in which you can have a discussion regarding your immigration-related legal issues. The immigration attorney can help you understand if you qualify for a visa, green card, or other immigration benefits and explore available options.
In the legal world, a free consultation usually means:
Free consultations give you a chance to find out:
It is important to note that an attorney cannot give you complete legal advice, answer legal questions, or get into the middle of your case in a short discussion.
No. Free consultations are not worthless, but they can be if you misunderstand or misuse them. A free consultation is like a first date, which does not address everything. It is only to give you an idea if you want a second one.
While most people need and expect real value from legal consultations, sometimes they may fall short, as there is not sufficient time or length of discussion to give them answers to all their questions.
Free consultations, although brief, offer several potential benefits for the clients. It is especially true for people who are starting their immigration journey, have no idea of the process involved, and feel overwhelmed by the complex laws and policies.
They can look forward to:
What you should NOT expect from a free consultation:
Free consultations are just the starting point and get you on the right track. However, if you seek a more focused and detailed discussion, a paid discussion works best. Going for a paid discussion can help you get some real answers tailored to your unique situation, so you can make informed, confident, and legally sound decisions that work best for you.
You can retain the best legal professional by paying them for their services, and they will dedicate time and effort, to help you in the best possible way. After you pay the lawyer you like or want to work with, you can rest assured that they will be handling your case most efficiently.
Attorneys offer complete legal advice to their clients. Getting an attorney on retainer ensures their dedicated time and effort on your case. Also, legal professionals don’t want to give legal advice to a non-client who did not pay for a consultation as there are several factors to a case that are not discussed in the initial free consultation. An attorney on retainer will cover all the bases of your case and give you the best advice.
When you pay an attorney, they learn more about your case and how serious you are about finding a legal representative. They also develop an interest in your case and provide you with detailed information so you can make up your mind about hiring them. In addition, consultation fees narrow down options and enable you to find the right attorney.
Like everything else in life, quality matters, and it costs too. Good attorneys value their time, and by charging a fee, they offer you their undivided attention, which ensures you get the best service for your money. With years of experience and education, attorneys can provide the best legal guidance and come up with personalized legal strategies for you.
Paying for an initial consultation can prevent you from investing a large amount of money in your case with someone who may not be able to get the results you want. A preliminary discussion gives you a chance to make an informed decision about how to proceed and what to do. You can get helpful information and advice regarding your case and even decide if you cannot afford an attorney.
If you cannot afford to pay for an initial consultation, there are ways to limit your expenses without sacrificing value.
Related: Understanding the Role of an Asylum Lawyer in the Immigration Process
At Kats Immigration Law, Alina Kats offers consultations to help her clients learn more about their options, whether they are just starting their immigration journey or ready to take the next steps. She understands what you are looking for and works with you to offer the best guidance. She carefully analyzes the relevant facts of your case and gives meaningful advice that result in desired outcomes.