You want to have the best immigration lawyer to help you whether you intend to apply for a working visa or are facing the threat of being deported. You would rather have a legal expert helping you get through the process than be alone. The thing that could hold you back is the amount you need to spend on legal fees.
Usually, lawyers collect legal fees for consultations and specific services. A consultation fee is within the £150-200 range. For specific services to help you with your papers and hasten your application, the amount could be higher. A spousal visa application could go beyond £1,500. For other dependents, it might reach as high as £2,000. Application for British citizenship is a little over £1,000.
Some law firms will charge you per hour while others will seek payment for the specific services you request. If you get involved in a court case where you have to go through a criminal trial, you can expect the cost to go significantly higher. Bail hearings, for instance, start at about £900.
When will you pay?
You need to speak with your lawyer about when you need to pay for the services provided. Some of them offer a free consultation. If you think you can continue your partnership, you can discuss the payment details in the same session. Others charge a small fee for the consultation. Whether you continue your collaboration or not, you need to pay the consultation fee. Hence, you need to pay first before seeing the lawyer.
Once you commence your partnership, you need to discuss the payment schedule. Some lawyers require a retainer, which is like a deposit. The accumulated amount for the services provided will fall under the retainer fee. Once you have used it up, your lawyer will bill you. Others might ask for the accumulated charges once a week, depending on your agreement.
In situations where the immigrant is running away from violence or is in a dire situation, some lawyers might provide services pro-bono. Although rare, some lawyers are compassionate enough to extend their services for free.
Others might agree not to ask for payment while you are still out of a job. Once you find a job because of the help extended by the lawyer, you will then gradually repay the legal fees.
Finding the right lawyer
If you don’t have issues regarding payment, you won’t have a difficult time searching for the best lawyer to do the job. However, if you are in a financially difficult position, getting the best immigration lawyers UK legal firms have could be a challenge. You need to ask for referrals from people who are going through the same tough situation as you. They might point you to a compassionate lawyer who can help you. However, you need to be careful not to make the mistake of hiring a poor-quality lawyer because you are trying to reduce the cost. Take your time searching for the perfect lawyer.
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