Is there a point in getting a lawyer for an easy case?

[shubhabala]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

 

[armoured]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

For simple cases, usually not. Obviously if you have the money and don't have the time at all - it's a convenience.

When I looked into it, that's what I found as well - most of the time was going to be tracking down stuff and confirming things to the lawyer (the lawyer would have us write down most of the stuff for them). I couldn't justify the money.

All I can suggest is do it bit by bit and don't stress over bits you don't know/understand to start. Identify the things you don't know, make a list of the things you need to get, and just knock them off one by one.

 

[steaky]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

But you need to get a reliable one, otherwise it might ruin your application.

 

[armoured]

But you need to get a reliable one, otherwise it might ruin your application.

Yes, can't emphasize this enough: Canadian lawyers are generally reliable, but even there, one should check the application carefully; Canadian registered immigration consultants a mixed bag, but some are ok; foreign lawyers - even more of a mixed bag but some might at least be reliable at paperwork (depending on where), but rare that they actually know much about Canadian immigration (so why?); and foreign consultants: many worse than nothing.

 

[MJSPARV]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

Not really. I did it as a full time working mom with an infant who was waking up several times a night and it was doable. I did quintuple check stuff since I was so sleep deprived. LOL

It feels overwhelming at first but once you start actually filling things out it is pretty straightforward and this forum is a great resource

 

[canuck78]

If you are really concerned you can pay to have someone review your application before you submit it but many submit themselves.

 

[volapan]

You're right that gathering paperwork is the bulk of the work, but lawyers add real value in form completion (the questions are trickier than they look), spotting issues in your history you wouldn't think to flag, and knowing exactly what evidence makes a strong package. A firm like Cockayne Law can often spot complications you wouldn't think to flag yourself. If your case is truly clean with no complications, you could do it yourself with careful research. A middle ground option is hiring a lawyer just for a one-time review before you submit, which is cheaper than full representation and catches most mistakes.