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> Why should I pay someone to fill out forms when I can do that myself?

Immigration law is similar in complexity to tax law. Few immigration petitions or applications are as easy as the 1040. Some immigration forms are deceptively simple; a one-page form can have dozens of ways in which an error can occur! An immigration attorney can provide the experience and know-how to avoid those errors -- errors capable of irreparably damaging your ability to enter or stay in the United States.

> Why should I hire an attorney instead of an immigration specialist or notario?

As our friends from Stopnotariofraud.org explain:

Only a licensed lawyer or accredited representative is authorized and qualified to assist you with your immigration case or green card application. Unlike consultants, immigration lawyers have completed extensive education and training before being licensed to represent clients. You can check whether an immigration lawyer is in good standing and licensed by contacting your state bar or state Supreme Court. You can also check to see if the immigration lawyer has been suspended or expelled from practice before the immigration court, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), or the immigration service (USCIS).

> Does GLF accept walk-ins?

We do not perform in-person meetings.

> Do you charge for a consultation?

Yes. Our standard consultation fee is a minimum of $400.

> I am not local, can you represent me?

We can represent clients around the world for United States immigration matters.

> What does GLF do to minimize its impact on the environment?

The paperless office is nearly impossible -- especially in the legal industry -- but the less-paper office is a dream we live every day at Gillenwater Law Firm!

When feasible, we use electronic means of communication. Our secure client portal allows us to exchange documents without using paper. When we need -- or you want -- us to use paper, we use chlorine-free, 100% post-consumer recycled paper. We seek similar environmental friendliness in the other supplies we purchase. Our professionally-printed materials such as business cards use soy based inks and we are exploring using such inks for our in-house printing. We also seek to minimize our power consumption; our computers, printers, scanners, light bulbs, etc. are low wattage. We encourage the use of reusable and recyclable cups. We recycle all recyclable materials not requiring shredding.

> How long does GLF take to return calls or emails?

We strive to respond within 48 hours. We often respond much sooner. Sometimes we respond later -- we’re human too!

> How much do your services cost?

We evaluate the particularities of each client's individual needs to determine a legal fee. A straight-forward case with no impediments, all necessary documentation provided up-front, and no time pressure will tend to be budget-friendly than a complicated case with multiple inadmissibility issues, significant document gathering and research on our part, and an immediate deadline.

The cost for our services does not include expenses such as document translation, international phone calls, document shipping, and government fees.

> What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept accept credit cards and bank transfers.

> I don't think I can afford an attorney, do you have payment plans?

We do not offer a formal payment plan, but we may be able to work something out on a case-by-case basis.

> This web site is beautiful and easy to use! Who built and designed it?

The brilliant, lovely, charming, witty, and highly-skilled Craig Wen.