Use of a Representative

[KelseyTVS]

Just curious, did anyone use a lawyer? Is it worth it? Or is the whole process straightforward enough that you could do it yourself?

 

[kickb]

Just curious, did anyone use a lawyer? Is it worth it? Or is the whole process straightforward enough that you could do it yourself?

If you think you can handle the documentation part then mostly you dont need lawyer. Even if you think is straight farword but dont want to stress out with documentation then go for one

 

[bigredmoose]

Just curious, did anyone use a lawyer? Is it worth it? Or is the whole process straightforward enough that you could do it yourself?

I don't think a soul on here will advise you to get a lawyer or representative. A ton of money and too many horror stories. I know the process is daunting, but if you take the time to review everything at least 3 times you'll be fine. You'll get far better and quicker (also free) answers on here than you'll get from any lawyer. They can't do anything to speed it up either.

 

[brucem]

I don't think a soul on here will advise you to get a lawyer or representative. A ton of money and too many horror stories. I know the process is daunting, but if you take the time to review everything at least 3 times you'll be fine. You'll get far better and quicker (also free) answers on here than you'll get from any lawyer. They can't do anything to speed it up either.

I second all that! The only reason I can see for getting a representative is if you had a particular complication with your application such as criminal conviction...etc etc, otherwise this is the best place for advice

 

[Mapleson]

Generally speaking, this group has more invested in knowing exactly what the regulations are than any given lawyer. Plus the advice here is free. If after getting advice here, you are still unsure or have conflicting advice, you can always go to a lawyer, but why make this process any more expensive than it needs to be?

 

[truesmile]

NOT a lawyer, but we assigned myself (the sponsor) as an authorized representative. If you ever need to speak to CIC on the applicant's behalf it could come in handy.

 

[reachmenow]

yep I second that, having sponsor as representative would always help, we did the same on my application as well.

 

[littlemeatball]

Same with us, the sponsor is the rep!

 

[kettle]

We used a rep for a straightforward common law outland application for a UK citizen.

The reason is we were getting bogged down by the paperwork, and both were far too worried about making mistakes to trust ourselves to do it. In hindsight that was lazy on our parts, but it is what it is.

Our rep made some mistakes:
1) the rep didn't ask for a medical up front
2) the rep never asked for a police clearance, after finding this forum, I had my spouse get one ASAP and we submitted that with his medical
3) the rep didn't ask for notarized proofs of our relationship (which it turns out we didn't need, but every case is individual
4) the rep wasn't aware that Mississauga was processing applications for London, and was advising we pull and go inland due to the clerical error
5) I did not pay the RPRF upfront, as I should have.

That being said, the rep did reassure us about our application, she helped us file a concise thorough (mostly) application with minimal amounts of proof. A solid essay 18 photos and only 8 pages of essay and photos, 5-8 pages of supplementary documents and that was it.

The peace of mind was worth it, the $3500 bill wasn't so much. I just wish I had been better educated going in.