Expert Immigration Law Firm

At WB Jones Law Office, we provide comprehensive immigration law services that help individuals and families navigate the complex US immigration system. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of immigration law matters including family-based petitions, employment-based visas, naturalization, and deportation defense. Our goal is to provide our clients with efficient and effective legal representation in order to achieve their immigration goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The following are immigration attorney flat-fee rates. The fee quoted is based on the typical case. A final fee cannot be quoted, however, until Sheri conducts a consultation. The attorney fees do not include government filing fees or associated costs. Please note that if your interview is conducted outside of the Baltimore-Metro area, there will be an additional cost associated with travel.

SERVICE: Green Card – For cases where Visa is immediately available and the I-485 can be filed simultaneously

TYPE OF CASE: Immediate Relative (Spouse/Parent/Child) & Brother/Sister
FEE – $4500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Visa & adjustment petition
• Work authorization request and travel permit are included
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information
• Prepares client for adjustment interview
• Attendance at Adjustment of Status interview
• Price is reduced by $1500 for those adjusting through K-1 Visa marriage

SERVICE: Green Card – Consular Processing Abroad on approved I-130
TYPE OF CASE: Immediate Relative (Spouse/Parent/Child) & Brother/Sister
Fee – $2500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Visa petition and the affidavit of support with supporting documents
• Assists with forms for consular processing
• Handles all DOS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Green Card – I-130 Visa Petition Only – where visa not immediately available
TYPE OF CASE: Relative (Spouse/Parent/Child) & Brother/Sister
Fee – $2500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Visa petition package
• Communicates with USCIS

SERVICE: Green Card – I-130 Visa Petition Only – where visa not immediately available
TYPE OF CASE: Immediate Relative Spouse in Removal Proceedings (Husband/Wife)
Fee – $3000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Visa petition package
• Assists with forms for consular processing
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information
• Includes Fraud Waiver preparation for those who marry while in removal proceedings

SERVICE: Green Card – (2 yr Conditional) – I-751 Joint Filing (ongoing marriage)
TYPE OF CASE: CR-1 Removal of Conditions (I-751)
Fee – $2750
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files petition package
• Communicates with USCIS

*Attendance at interview will be an additional charge of $500

SERVICE: Green Card – (2 yr Conditional) –I-751 Good Faith Waiver (abuse, divorce or death)
TYPE OF CASE: CR-1 Removal of Conditions (I-751)
Fee – $3500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files petition package
• Communicates with USCIS
• Prepares client for interview

*Attendance at interview will be an additional charge of $500

SERVICE: Green Card –(K-1 Visa) Consular Processing
TYPE OF CASE: Fiancée Visa
Fee – $4500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files petition package
• Assists with forms for consular processing
• Handles all USCIS & DOS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Green Card –(K-3 Visa) Consular Processing

TYPE OF CASE: Fiancée Visa (Minor Child of a K-1 Fiancée)
Fee – $4500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Visa petition package
• Assists with forms for consular processing
• Handles all USCIS & DOS communications and requests for additional information
• Does not include adjustment of status costs upon entry on the K1

SERVICE: Citizenship – Naturalization Application
TYPE OF CASE: N-400 Naturalization
Fee – $3000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files petition package
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information
• Helps prepare you for naturalization test
• Attends naturalization interview

SERVICE: Citizenship – Application for Certificate of Citizenship
TYPE OF CASE: N-600
Fee – $2500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Preparation of N-600 package
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

*Attendance at interview will be an additional charge of $500.00

SERVICE: Waiver – I-601 Waiver filed during consular green card process
TYPE OF CASE: N-601 Waiver
Fee – $5000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares I-601 waiver package
• Handles all USCIS & DOS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Waiver – I-601(a) Waiver filed during consular green card process
TYPE OF CASE: N-601(a) Waiver
Fee – $4000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares I-601(a) waiver package
• Handles all USCIS & DOS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Waiver – I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
TYPE OF CASE: N-212 Waiver
Fee – $4000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares I-212 waiver package
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Waiver – I-601 + I-212 Waiver filed during consular green
TYPE OF CASE: I-601 + I-212 Waiver (filed abroad)
Fee – $6500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares I-601 + I-212 waiver packages
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Waiver – J1 Waiver filed with DOS
TYPE OF CASE: J1 Waiver for Exchange Visitor
Fee – $2800
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares J1 waiver package
• Handles all DOS communications and requests for additional information

*Additional $1,200 cost for extreme hardship basis

SERVICE: Waiver – I-212(d)(3) waiver and/or I-192
TYPE OF CASE: Nonimmigrant Waiver
Fee – $3500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares waiver package
• Handles all DOS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: TN NAFTA Professional Visa
TYPE OF CASE: Nonimmigrant Visa for Canadian or Mexican Nationals Only
Fee – $2500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files petition package
• Handles all USCIS or CBP communications and requests for additional information
• Helps prepare you for TN Visa interview at border

SERVICE: Affirmative Asylum Application and/or Withholding of Removal
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-589
Fee – $6000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files asylum application
• Work authorization request included
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information
• Prepares client for asylum interview
• Includes attendance at asylum interview

SERVICE: U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa) Petition
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-918 & Supplement B
Fee – $3500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files U-Visa Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes preparation and filing of the Adjustment of Status application
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information
• I-192 is a separate charge of $500
• Derivatives cost an additional $1000 for their Supplement A

SERVICE: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petition
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-360
Fee – $3000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files VAWA Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request once I-360 approved
• Does not include preparation and filing of the Adjustment of Status application – charge for I-485 and concurrently filed I-765/I-131 is an additional $1500
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition for Relatives
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-730
Fee – $2300
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files relative petition for each relative
• Handles all USCIS communication requests for additional information

SERVICE: Defensive Asylum Application and/or Withholding of Removal and/or Relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE & HYATTSVILLE IMMIGRATION COURTS ONLY)
Fee – $7500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Asylum/Withholding/CAT Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)
• Prepares you for the Asylum Merits Hearing
• Represents you at the Asylum Merits Hearing

SERVICE: Voluntary Departure Application
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE & HYATTSVILLE IMMIGRATION COURTS ONLY)
Fee – $2250
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Preparation and Filing of Voluntary Departure Application
• Appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)

SERVICE: Cancellation of Removal
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE & HYATTSVILLE IMMIGRATION COURTS ONLY)
Fee – $6500 For LPR’s $7500 For Non-LPR’s
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Cancellation of Removal Application
• Includes Adjustment of Status Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)
• Prepares you for the Cancellation of Removal Merits Hearing
• Represents you at Cancellation of Removal Merits Hearing

SERVICE: Cancellation under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE & HYATTSVILLE IMMIGRATION COURTS ONLY)
Fee – $6000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Cancellation of Removal Application
• Includes Adjustment of Status Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)
• Prepares you for the Cancellation of Removal Merits Hearing
• Represents you at Cancellation of Removal Merits Hearing

SERVICE: NACARA Special Rule Cancellation Application
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE IMMIGRATION COURT ONLY)
Fee – $4500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Cancellation Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)
• Prepares you for the Cancellation Merits Hearing
• Represents you at Cancellation Merits Hearing

SERVICE: Adjustment of status under INA § 245, INA § 245(i), or INA § 249
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings (BALTIMORE IMMIGRATION COURT ONLY)
Fee – $6500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files I-130 with USCIS
• Prepares & files Form I-485 or Form I-485A with Immigration Court with Supporting Documentation
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Includes appearances at Master Calendar Hearing(s)
• Prepares you for the Merits Hearing
• Represents you at Merits Hearing

SERVICE: Motion to Change Venue
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings
Fee – $1200
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Motion with the Immigration Court

SERVICE: Prosecutorial Discretion Request
TYPE OF CASE: Removal Proceedings
Fee – $2000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files Request with ICE

SERVICE: Motion to Reopen or Motion to Reconsider
TYPE OF CASE: Motion filed with the deciding body, i.e. either the USCIS or Immigration Court
Fee – $6500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

Prepares & files Motion to Reopen or Reconsider with Supporting Documentation

*Does not include the fees for filing the appropriate relief application, Adjustment of Status Application or EAD Request.

SERVICE: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Application
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-821D
Fee – $2000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files DACA Application
• Includes Work Authorization Request
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Work Authorization Request Only
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-765
Fee – $500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files work authorization request
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Travel Document Only
TYPE OF CASE: Form I-131, for Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, or Re-Entry Permit
Fee – $500
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Prepares & files application
• Handles all USCIS communications and requests for additional information

SERVICE: Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
TYPE OF CASE: Appeal of an Immigration Judge ‘s Order
Fee – $9000
ATTORNEY ACTION:

• Reviews hearing transcript and Order for errors
• Researches case law thoroughly and prepares brief in support of appeal
• Prepares and files appeal with the BIA

Family Law is very broad and complex area of the law. If not handled correctly it can take a huge financial and emotional cost to families.

Family Law

The area of family law deals with the legal issues of the family, in whatever form.  All areas of family are complex and often interrelated. It is rare that one aspect of family law does not overlap with another.

• Adoption
• Alimony
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Civil Partnerships
• Divorce and Dissolution
• Foster Care
• Name Change
• And many others

Adoption is generally categorized as either contested or uncontested. Adoption is a primary vehicle serving the needs of homeless, neglected, abused and runaway children. As a result of the adoption process you become responsible for the financial, emotional, and physical care of your children.

Alimony is payments provided to an ex-spouse generally for the ex-spouse to maintain a certain standard of living that was established during the marriage.  The amount of alimony paid  is based upon a number of factors including the length of marriage, income and other community property issues.

Child custody issues are usually tied to legal separation or divorce proceedings.   It is not uncommon for  parents to share legal and physical custody (joint custody).  In may circumstances however, the courts may be award one parent custody while the other parent is awarded visitation rights, as determined to be in the best interests of the child or children.

The non-custodial parent is ordered to provide financial payments to be used to the support of the child.  These may payments continue until the child attains the age of 18.

Divorce and (dissolution of a civil union) are highly contentious matters that require competent legal counsel.  Divorce issues generally include at a minimum at least one of the following: property settlement, alimony, child custody, child support, and name changes.

While you can change your name for any reason, name changes are typical after marriage, divorce, or adoption. There are circumstances when you can change your name without the assistance of a lawyer.

Louisiana Family Law List of Familiar Terms and Definitions:

Article 102 Divorce A divorce sought or granted based on living separate and apart as required by Louisiana Civil Code article 102.  To get an article 102 divorce, after either spouse files a petition for divorce, the spouses have to live separate and apart for either 180 or 365 days if they have minor children.  After the 180 or 365 days, either spouse can file a "Rule to Show Cause for 102 Divorce," and the Court will set a hearing.  After the hearing, if the parties meet the requirements, the Court will grant a judgment of divorce. 

Article 103 Divorce A divorce sought or granted based on the grounds listed in Louisiana Civil Code article 103. When no spouse is at fault, spouses can get an article 103(1) divorce if, at the time the petition for divorce is filed, they have already lived separate and apart for either 180 days or 365 days if they have minor children.  Article 103 also allows for divorce based on the fault of a spouse

Temporary Restraining Order A temporary restraining order is an order issued by the Court that prohibits a party from doing a certain act.  A temporary restraining order can be requested and granted without a hearing, in some circumstances. 

Fault In the context of a divorce, fault means adultery, domestic violence, or having been sentenced to hard labor after being convicted of a felony criminal offense.  

There are many differences between fault-based and no-fault divorces. Fault means the Court decides that one spouse's actions are the reason that the marriage did not work out. If you are considering filing a fault-based divorce, you should consult with an attorney. In general, the differences involve:

• the facts that must be proven to get a judgment of divorce;
• the law that applies to calculating child support and spousal support;
• the time delay for obtaining a judgment of divorce; and
• the law that applies to awarding use of community property pending partition. 

Incidental Matters In a divorce case, incidental matters are other issues that the Court can address in the divorce case.  Incidental matters include "custody, visitation, or support of a minor child; support for a spouse; injunctive relief; use and occupancy of the family home or use of community movables or immovables; or use of personal property." 

Rule to Show Cause A Rule to Show Cause is another name for a motion in a summary proceeding.  

A rule to show cause is a kind of motion. A motion asks the Court to do something. The Court acts by entering an order. Before the Court will enter most types of orders, the Court will first have a hearing where both sides are allowed to present evidence and make arguments on their own behalf. Traditionally, the language used by lawyers asks the Court to order the other person to come and "show cause" why the Court should not enter the order requested by them.

Consent Judgment A Consent Judgment is when the Court approves an agreement made between parties to settle the pending issues. It has the same effect as any other judgment of the Court, but it also represents a compromise between the parties.  

Considered Judgment A Considered Judgment is a judgment of the Court rendered after a hearing or trial. It is based on the Court's consideration of the evidence and the law that applies to the issues the Court was asked to decide. 

Domicile Your domicile is the place where you live and consider your home. It is not a temporary place you live, but rather some place you intend to be your legal home.

Former Matrimonial Domicile The house where spouses lived together as married people, once spouses have physically separated, is the former matrimonial domicile. 

Property Injunction A property injunction is another term for a temporary restraining order or a permanent restraining order that prohibits either spouse from alienating, encumbering, or disposing of community property during a divorce and until the property is partitioned.  

Reconciliation is a defense to divorce. When used in divorce proceedings, the term reconciliation means to start living together again with the intent to remain married. A spouse must ask the Court to make a finding of fact to determine whether a reconciliation has occurred.  

Matrimonial Regime A matrimonial regime is a system of rules that control the ownership and management of the property of married persons as between themselves and toward third persons.  A matrimonial regime can be determined by the law, by a contract, or partly by the law and partly by a contract. In Louisiana, the legal regime is "the community of acquets and gains," more commonly called a community property regime.  Unless spouses enter into a matrimonial contract, the legal regime applies to their marriage. 

Property Partition (Partition of Property) A property partition is the process used to divide the former spouses' community and separate property between each spouse.  

Community property is certain property acquired during the marriage that is classified as owned by both spouses together, or co-owned. 

In general, property of married persons is either community or separate.  Louisiana Civil Code article 2338 defines community property to include:

• "property acquired during the existence of the legal regime through the effort, skill, or industry of either spouse;"
• "property acquired with community things or with community and separate things, unless classified as separate property under Article 2341;"
• "property donated to the spouses jointly;"
• "natural and civil fruits of community property;"
• "damages awarded for loss or injury to a thing belonging to the community;" and
• "all other property not classified by law as separate property."

The legal regime exists during the marriage.  The legal regime is terminated as of the date of a divorce, but the termination is retroactive to the filing date of the petition for divorce.  The "effort, skill, or industry" of either spouse means any work, whether paid work for an employer, creative work like building, painting, or sewing things, or unpaid work. 

Property acquired with community things means property gotten with money earned during the marriage or through the use of other community property.  One example would be when spouses use a car purchased during the marriage as a trade-in to get a new car.  Unless otherwise classified as separate property, a car purchased during the marriage with a trade-in that was one spouse's separate property would also be community property.

Any property jointly donated or gifted to both spouses during the marriage is classified as community property.  If there is a written document that shows the donation, the Court will rely on that document to classify the property.  If there is no written document, the Court will look to the circumstances of the donation or gift and the intent of the donor.   

"Natural and civil fruits" are things produced by or derived from another thing without diminution of its substance.  Natural fruits are "products of the earth or of animals."  Civil fruits are "revenues derived from a thing by operation of law or by reason of a juridical act, such as rentals, interest, and certain corporate distributions."  

Damages awarded for loss or injury of a thing belonging to the community usually describes money judgments or insurance proceeds received as a result of accident or destruction of property. 

Each spouse owns an "undivided one-half interest" in community property.  During the marriage and until the termination of the matrimonial regime, a spouse may not "alienate, encumber, or lease" their undivided interest in community property to a third person.   

Separate property is certain property acquired by a person, usually outside of a marriage, that is classified as owned by one spouse. Some property acquired during a marriage can be separate property.  

A spouse's separate property, by definition, belongs exclusively to that spouse. Separate property means that only one spouse has the full share in the property and assets which they own. All property the spouse got before marriage is separate. 

Separate property also includes:

•  Property that was acquired during the marriage when there is a prenuptial separate property agreement
•  Property acquired during the marriage after a post-nuptial separate property agreement is judicially approved
•  Property acquired by a spouse with separate money (things)
•  Property acquired with mostly separate money (things) when the community money used can be classified as "inconsequential in comparison"
•  Property that was acquired by inheritance or donation (gift) to a spouse individually
• Damages due to personal injuries sustained during the marriage; however, damages attributable to expenses incurred by the community as a result of the injury or in compensation for lost community earnings are community property
•  Damages from a breach of contract against the other spouse or resulting from the fraud or bad faith of the other spouse in managing the community property
•  Damages related to the management of the spouse's separate property
•  Any property acquired by a spouse as a result of a voluntary partition of the married couple's community property during the community property regime. 
• All property acquired by a spouse after divorce or death of their spouse, including property from a community property settlement or community property partition, is separate property. 

Matrimonial agreements (i.e. pre-nuptial agreements) allow for the renunciation, termination or modification of the community property rules as follows:

• A matrimonial agreement can maintain the spouses completely separate in property, or provide for separate and community property during the marriage. For example, the salary of one spouse can be classified as his/her separate property and the salary of the other spouse classified to be community property, or the spouses can provide for fixed contributions to the expenses of the marriage or apportion community property by shares.
• A matrimonial agreement executed prior to the marriage does not require judicial approval. 
• A matrimonial agreement executed after the marriage (subject to exception below) requires judicial approval and must be by joint petition.
• During the first year after moving into and acquiring a domicile in Louisiana, spouses may enter into a matrimonial agreement without judicial approval.
• A matrimonial agreement is effective towards third parties as to real estate when filed for registry in the conveyance records of the parish where the property is situated, and as to movables when filed for registry in the parish where the spouses are domiciled.
• A minor cannot enter into a matrimonial agreement without written consent of his mother and father, or the parent with legal custody, or their tutor, unless they are fully emancipated

Gather your assets. Inventory everything you own, from cars to collectibles.

Protect your family. Think about if you have adequate life insurance to leave your family in a position where they could maintain the life you currently lead. 

Determine the plan that’s best for you. Decide what type of Estate Plan you need.

Choose who you would like to be guardian of your children/pets/self. If you have children or pets, or if you care for another loved one who cannot care for themselves, you want to choose a guardian. You can also name the person you would want to make medical and/or financial decisions on your behalf should you ever become unable to do so for yourself.

Determine and establish the necessary directives. There are several directives you should include in your Estate Plan, including but not limited to: 
Durable Power of Attorney 

Medical care directive

Limited Power of Attorney – LPOAs are less commonly used (Durable POAs are more frequently the norm), though an LPOA can be appropriate in some instances.

Name your Beneficiaries. Some documents and accounts will have Beneficiaries already designated. These could include retirement plans and life insurance policies, to name a few. But there are other assets you should note in your Will or Trust if you’d like to leave them to a specific person. If there is an opportunity, you should name contingent Beneficiaries. Keep in mind that Beneficiary designations will only go into effect after you pass, so if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions, you need to have prepared for more than simply naming Beneficiaries.

Find a trusted partner. Explore your options for creating your Estate Plan. This can be face-to-face with an attorney or you may choose to use another service provider. You have options, but some are going to be much more expensive than others. If you don’t have an overly-complicated estate, working with a partner like Trust & Will could be the perfect solution to starting on the path of Estate Planning.

Create your plan. If you’re using an online program to create your Estate Plan, be sure to go through all the steps and finalize everything.

Sign and notarize your Estate Plan. Don’t forget to check how many witnesses your state requires.

Notify your Executor. It’s a good idea to let the person you chose to be your Executor know of your intentions.

Store your Estate Planning documents. Put your Estate Plan in a safe place where your loved ones can easily find it. A fireproof safe is a good idea.

Update as needed over time. There isn’t a hard rule about when you should update your Estate Plan, but a good rule of thumb is try to update it whenever you have a major life event (birth of a child, death of someone important to your plan, marriage, divorce, etc.). And if you find you haven’t had any life events in recent years, try to review and update as needed every 3 - 5 years.