⚖️ Immigration Attorney, Notary, or Do It Yourself? What You Should Know Before Making a Decision

When it comes time to handle immigration paperwork in the United States, many people ask themselves:

Should I hire a lawyer? Can I go to a notary? What if I fill out the forms myself?

These questions are totally normal—especially when money is tight. In this blog, we explain the differences, benefits, and risks of each option so you can make an informed and safe decision 💡

👩‍⚖️ What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

An immigration lawyer is someone licensed to practice law in the U.S. and has experience in immigration law. They are authorized to:

✅ Analyze your case individually✅ Represent you before USCIS, ICE, or an immigration judge✅ Prepare legal strategies for your situation✅ Detect legal errors or complications that could affect you✅ Defend you if you are in removal (deportation) proceedings✅ Advise you if you have criminal records or entered the U.S. without inspection

🔒 Additionally, lawyers are regulated and have ethical and legal obligations to their clients. If something goes wrong, you can file a formal complaint with the State Bar.

💼 Ideal for: Complex cases, family petitions, immigration waivers, immigration court, asylum, TPS, special visas, citizenship.

✍️ What Does a Notary Do?

In many Latin American countries, a notario (notary) has legal authority—but in the United States, that is not the case ⚠️

Here, a notary public only has administrative functions, such as certifying signatures or documents. They are not authorized to give you legal immigration advice or represent you before immigration authorities.

🚫 Despite this, many undocumented individuals trust notaries out of unfamiliarity with the U.S. system. This can result in:

❌ Incorrectly completed forms❌ Application rejections❌ Loss of time and money❌ Risk of being placed in removal proceedings

💡 Some notaries pretend to be “immigration consultants.” Be very careful—always ask for proof that they are legally licensed to practice law in the U.S.

🧾 What If I Fill Out the Application Myself?

USCIS allows anyone to submit their application without a lawyer, which might seem like a cheaper and more direct option. If you decide to go this route, here are a few things to consider:

✅ Benefits

• No attorney fees

• You have direct control of the process

• Some forms are relatively simple if there are no complications (e.g., renewing a work permit or changing your address)

⚠️ Risks

• You won’t receive legal advice (and you may not know if you qualify or not)

• It’s easy to make technical errors that delay or deny your application

• You may not know how to respond if USCIS requests additional evidence or an interview

• You could unintentionally harm your immigration record

🧠 If you choose to do it yourself, research thoroughly, review USCIS’s official guides, and if possible, seek a legal consultation before submitting your application.

🛡️ What’s the Best Option?

The best option depends on your case and resources, but here's a comparison chart to help you decide:

Option	Legal Advice	Security	Court Representation	Cost	Risks
Immigration Lawyer	✅ Yes	✅ High	✅ Yes	💰 Medium/High	Low
Notary	❌ No	❌ Low	❌ No	💰 Low	High
Do It Yourself	❌ No	⚠️ Medium	❌ No	💰 Low	Medium/High

✅ Final Conclusion: Inform Yourself Before You Act

📣 We know immigration procedures can be expensive and stressful, but skipping legal advice could cost you more in the long run.

A lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, make better decisions, and most importantly—protect your rights. If you decide to go solo, do it with great caution. And if a notary offers you immigration legal advice—beware! 🚨

📞 Need Help With Your Case?

At De Maio Law, we’re committed to helping you with transparency, experience, and empathy. Our mission is to help you fully understand your situation and make safe decisions.

Call us today at (786) 232-9120 to schedule your consultation.

📲 We’re here to help you build your future with confidence! 💙