Finding an immigration attorney is an important step to gaining citizenship. If you choose the wrong attorney, you may not be able to enjoy a stress free process. In fact, the wrong attorney can delay your citizenship by a huge period of time and might end up causing you to waste your hard earned money. Whether you ask people that you know about the best attorneys in your area, or do an online search for immigration attorneys who represent clients in your situation, there are some good practices for finding the right attorney for your specific needs.

Ask Friends and Family

If you have family and friends that have used an immigration attorney in the past, they can be your most valuable resources while you search for your own attorney. Sometimes people you know can offer the most candid advice, giving you both the pros and cons of working with a certain lawyer. Starting your search in your inner circle is a good place to start, as it will help you narrow your choices to a few for which you have a good deal of information.

Do a Search Online

If you don’t have family and friends to help guide your search, you can also set out online to look for an attorney. Be sure to pay attention to any lawyer’s credentials, because you want an attorney that can not only deal with immigration, but also your specific situation. For instance, when searching through deportation attorneys, make sure that the lawyers you are considering have experience with other clients who were facing the same issue. Looking online also lets you see what other former clients have to say, which will let you know if people are generally satisfied or frustrated with any given attorney.

Interview the Attorney

Ultimately, the best way to know if an immigration attorney is right for you is by talking to him. Explain your exact situation, and ask questions about how the lawyer will help guide you through the situation. In addition to making sure that you can afford the services, you also need to have confidence that the lawyer can take on your specific situation and handle it competently. Break down your particular case, and give the lawyer enough details so that he can tell you if he has dealt with similar circumstance in the past. If you don’t feel comfortable with a lawyer, keep looking.

Finding the right immigration attorney for your case may take some time. Don’t rush into the decision if you can help it – if you choose an attorney who is not well versed in the law when it comes to your specific needs, you may regret it later. Not only should your lawyer know a lot about immigration law, but also be able to show positive results from past clients that he has represented in similar cases. When in doubt, interview several attorneys before you decide to hire one to take your case.