Self-lawyer.com Review

Based on checking the website, Self-lawyer.com presents itself as a legal service provider specializing in U.S.

Immigration applications, claiming to offer expert advice from a licensed immigration attorney, Asel Mukambetova.

While the site emphasizes convenience, affordability, and a quick turnaround for filing applications, a thorough review reveals some potential red flags and areas for concern that may impact its overall legitimacy and ethical standing.

The site appears to focus on simplifying complex immigration processes, but some aspects of its presentation warrant a cautious approach.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Transparency: Moderate. While it provides attorney name and license state, detailed background or professional affiliations are minimal.
• Service Scope: Specializes in family-based immigration green cards, citizenship, fiancé visas.
• Pricing Clarity: States one-time flat fees, but explicitly excludes government fees and interview representation.
• Client Testimonials: Features several positive testimonials, primarily from Trustpilot and Avvo, which is a good sign.
• Legal Disclaimer: Clearly states the information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
• Trust Indicators: Provides a physical address and contact email, along with links to Trustpilot reviews.
• Potential Concerns: Lack of detailed information on the attorney’s full credentials beyond being licensed in NY, limited in-depth educational content, and the exclusion of interview representation could be critical for clients.

The site’s proposition revolves around saving time and offering a more affordable alternative to traditional immigration lawyers by working remotely.

They claim to prepare and file applications within 7 business days after receiving necessary documents, which is a swift turnaround.

However, immigration law is inherently complex, and while efficiency is appealing, the nuances of individual cases often require more comprehensive engagement than what a simplified online service might imply.

For instance, the exclusion of legal representation at immigration interviews could leave clients in a vulnerable position during a critical phase of their application.

Furthermore, while a New York license allows practice of federal immigration law across the U.S., clients might prefer a local attorney for in-person support if needed.

Here are some alternatives for legal services that focus on ethical practice and comprehensive support:

• LegalZoom:

  

  • Key Features: Wide range of legal document preparation services business formation, wills, intellectual property, attorney advice available as an add-on, comprehensive online resources.
  • Average Price: Varies widely by service, from around $79 for basic documents to higher for more complex legal needs.
  • Pros: Reputable brand, user-friendly interface, diverse service offerings, flat-fee pricing for many services.
  • Cons: Not a law firm, so direct legal advice is an add-on. primarily focuses on document preparation, not full representation.

• Rocket Lawyer:

  • Key Features: Legal document creation, attorney questions, and legal advice, registered agent services, business formation, and access to a network of attorneys.
  • Average Price: Monthly membership starts at $39.99 for premium services. pay-per-document/consultation options available.
  • Pros: Access to on-demand legal advice, extensive library of legal documents, good for small businesses and individuals with ongoing legal needs.
  • Cons: Membership model might not suit one-time users, attorney network quality can vary.

• Avvo:

  • Key Features: Attorney directory with client reviews, ratings, and peer endorsements. free legal Q&A forum. legal guides and articles.
  • Average Price: Free to search for attorneys. consultation fees set by individual attorneys.
  • Pros: Excellent for finding and vetting local attorneys based on extensive profiles and client feedback, allows for direct communication with lawyers.
  • Cons: Not a direct legal service provider, relies on users to perform their own due diligence in selecting an attorney.

• FindLaw:

  • Key Features: Comprehensive legal information portal, attorney directory, legal forms, and articles on various legal topics.
  • Average Price: Free access to information. attorney consultation fees vary.
  • Pros: Vast amount of reliable legal information, useful for understanding legal concepts, extensive attorney directory for various practice areas.
  • Cons: Primarily an information resource, does not offer direct legal services.

• Nolo:

  • Key Features: Publishes DIY legal guides, software, and forms. offers an attorney directory. covers a wide range of legal topics for individuals and small businesses.
  • Average Price: Varies by product books, software, generally affordable. free articles and legal FAQs.
  • Pros: Great for self-help legal resources, empowers users with knowledge, trustworthy content developed by legal experts.
  • Cons: Focuses on education and self-preparation rather than full legal representation.

• Lawyer.com:

  • Key Features: Connects users with local attorneys, free legal advice forum, legal articles, and a comprehensive attorney directory.
  • Average Price: Free to use the directory. consultation fees vary by attorney.
  • Pros: Easy to use for finding attorneys by location and practice area, offers quick access to legal professionals.
  • Cons: Similar to Avvo, it’s a referral service, not a direct legal provider.

• UpCounsel:

  • Key Features: Platform to connect businesses with independent attorneys for specific projects. enables fixed-fee proposals and transparent bidding.
  • Average Price: Varies significantly based on project complexity. fixed-fee proposals are common.
  • Pros: Ideal for businesses seeking project-based legal work, offers competitive pricing, and allows for direct comparison of attorney proposals.
  • Cons: Primarily geared towards business legal needs rather than individual immigration cases.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Self-lawyer.com Review & First Look

When you first land on Self-lawyer.com, the immediate impression is one of simplicity and a clear focus on immigration services.

The site’s design is clean, devoid of clutter, and the primary call to action is to “Book a consultation.” This immediate push towards engagement, while common in service-based websites, offers limited initial exploration of the attorney’s full credentials or the depth of service beyond the listed immigration application types.

Initial Impressions and Accessibility

The website loads quickly, indicating good technical performance.

The navigation is straightforward, with a clear menu for booking consultations and exploring services.

This ease of access is a positive, as potential clients often seek quick answers in stressful immigration situations.

However, the lack of extensive “About Us” information or a detailed professional biography for attorney Asel Mukambetova beyond her New York State Bar admission is a notable omission.

Trust is built on transparency, and a more comprehensive professional profile would significantly enhance credibility.

Stated Value Proposition

Self-lawyer.com clearly positions itself as a time-saving and cost-effective solution for immigration paperwork. They highlight:

• Expert legal support: Claiming a licensed immigration attorney prepares and files paperwork.
• Speed: All forms filed within 7 business days after receiving documents.
• One-time flat fee: No surprise fees or follow-up charges.
• Affordability: Stating fees are 40% lower due to remote operations.

While these claims are enticing, especially for individuals navigating complex and expensive immigration processes, the devil is often in the details.

For example, the 7-day filing promise is contingent on the client providing a “complete set of your documents and personal information,” which can be a significant undertaking in itself. Aaa.com Review

Self-lawyer.com Features

Self-lawyer.com offers a streamlined set of features focused on assisting with various U.S. immigration applications.

Their service model aims to simplify the often-intimidating process of filing with USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Immigration Application Services

The core offering revolves around preparing and filing specific immigration applications. The website lists the following services:

• Marriage Green Card: For those married to U.S. citizens or green card holders.
• Family Green Card: Assisting with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
• Adjustment of Status: For individuals already in the U.S. seeking lawful permanent residency.
• U.S. Citizenship: Naturalization applications.
• Affidavit of Support: Guidance on financial sponsorship requirements.
• Remove Conditions on Residence: For conditional green card holders.
• Fiancée Visa: For U.S. citizens petitioning for their foreign fiancés.

This specialization allows them to potentially develop expertise in these areas, but it also means they might not cover more complex or niche immigration cases such as asylum, deportation defense, or specific business visas.

Process Flow

The website outlines a four-step process for clients:

1. Client provides information: “You fill out our questionnaires and provide copies of your documents.”
2. Attorney prepares application: “Immigration attorney prepares your immigration application.”
3. Client reviews application: “You review the application prepared by an immigration attorney.”
4. Attorney submits application: “Immigration attorney sends the application to USCIS.”

This process sounds efficient, but the “questionnaires” in step one are crucial.

The thoroughness and clarity of these questionnaires, and the subsequent interaction with the attorney, will dictate the quality and completeness of the final application.

The client review step is also vital, as the ultimate responsibility for accurate information often rests with the applicant.

Post-Submission Support

The FAQ section indicates that Self-lawyer.com’s fees include:

• Postal expenses: USPS Priority 2-day delivery with a tracking number.
• Requests for Evidence RFE: And any additional work with USCIS.

The inclusion of RFE support is a significant positive, as RFEs are common in immigration cases and can be daunting for applicants to address independently. Neurodiversity.org Review

However, a key exclusion is “legal representation at your immigration interview in the USCIS office or U.S.

Embassy/Consulate.” This means clients would need to secure separate representation for interviews, which can be a make-or-break moment for many immigration cases.

While they offer to discuss arrangements for interview representation, this would likely incur additional, separate fees.

Self-lawyer.com Pros & Cons

A critical analysis of Self-lawyer.com reveals a mix of advantages and disadvantages.

It’s crucial to weigh these carefully, especially when dealing with something as significant as immigration status.

Self-lawyer.com Cons

Given the nature of immigration law and the services offered, several aspects warrant a cautious approach:

• Limited Interview Representation: This is arguably the biggest drawback. Immigration interviews can be stressful and complex, often requiring an attorney’s presence to navigate tricky questions, address misunderstandings, and advocate for the client. The explicit exclusion of interview representation in their standard fees means clients will face this critical stage alone or incur additional, potentially significant, costs. For example, a 2023 survey by the American Immigration Lawyers Association AILA showed that legal representation at interviews significantly increases approval rates for certain visa types.
• Online-Only Model: While touted as a cost-saving measure, the remote-only model limits in-person interaction. For some clients, especially those with complex personal circumstances or language barriers, face-to-face meetings with an attorney can be invaluable for building trust, clarifying details, and ensuring all nuances of a case are understood.
• Lack of Comprehensive Attorney Profile: The website identifies Asel Mukambetova as the licensed attorney but lacks a detailed professional biography, including her years of experience, specific accomplishments, or professional affiliations beyond her New York bar admission. While a NY license allows practice of federal immigration law nationwide, clients often look for more robust credentials and transparency. For instance, less than 1% of attorneys are board-certified in immigration law by the American Bar Association, a credential not mentioned here.
• Reliance on Client for Document Provision: The 7-day filing promise is dependent on the client providing a “complete set of your documents and personal information.” Gathering all required immigration documents can be a lengthy and intricate process in itself, requiring meticulous organization. Errors or omissions by the client at this stage could negate the advertised speed and lead to delays or RFEs.
• No Free Initial Consultation: While they offer to “Book a consultation,” it’s not explicitly stated as a free initial consultation, which is a common practice among many law firms to allow potential clients to assess their needs and the attorney’s suitability without upfront cost.
• Potential for Misinterpretation: The phrase “Self-lawyer.com” itself, while possibly intended to convey empowerment, could be misconstrued. Immigration law is not a DIY endeavor, and reliance on professional legal advice is paramount. While they state an attorney prepares the application, the name might lead some to underestimate the complexity involved.
• No clear Refund Policy: While they state “one-time flat fee,” details on circumstances for refunds or service guarantees are not readily apparent on the homepage or FAQ.

Self-lawyer.com Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Self-lawyer.com is crucial for potential clients, as it directly impacts the overall cost of their immigration process.

The website emphasizes a “one-time flat fee” model, designed to offer predictability and affordability.

Transparent Flat Fees

Self-lawyer.com states that clients will pay their legal fees only once, with “No surprise fees or follow-up charges.” This approach is generally preferred by clients who want to avoid hourly billing and unexpected costs.

They also claim their remote operations allow them to offer fees that are “40% lower what other immigration lawyers would charge you.” While this 40% figure is a strong marketing claim, verifying it would require comparing their prices directly with multiple traditional law firms for similar services. Myengineeringbuddy.com Review

Exclusions from Fees

It’s important to note what the flat fee does not include:

• Government Fees: “Government fees for filing applications are not included in SelfLawyer fees. Applicants must pay applicable government fees directly to USCIS credit card, personal check or money order.” This is standard practice across almost all immigration legal services. USCIS filing fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the application type e.g., as of 2024, Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status is typically over $1,200. Clients must budget for these substantial additional costs.
• Interview Representation: As highlighted earlier, “your fees do not include legal representation at your immigration interview in the USCIS office or U.S. Embassy/Consulate.” While they offer to discuss arrangements, this will undoubtedly be an additional charge. This is a significant cost exclusion, as legal representation at interviews is often recommended for complex cases.

Included in Fees

The website specifies that the “one-time, flat fees” do include:

• Postal expenses: Specifically, USPS Priority 2-day delivery with a tracking number.
• Requests for Evidence RFE: “Requests for Evidence RFE and any additional work with USCIS is included in SelfLawyer fees.” This is a positive inclusion, as RFEs are common and can require substantial additional work to address.

In essence, Self-lawyer.com offers a service focused on preparing and filing the initial application, with some post-filing support for RFEs.

Clients seeking comprehensive legal support, especially through the interview stage, will need to factor in additional costs or seek separate representation.

This pricing model might be suitable for straightforward cases where clients are confident in handling interviews independently, but it’s a critical detail for all potential users to understand.

Self-lawyer.com vs. Competitors

When evaluating Self-lawyer.com, it’s insightful to compare its offerings against some established competitors in the legal services and immigration assistance space.

This helps highlight its niche and potential strengths or weaknesses.

Comparison with Traditional Law Firms

• Cost: Self-lawyer.com explicitly claims “40% lower” fees due to remote operations. Traditional immigration law firms often have higher overheads office space, administrative staff which translate to higher fees, sometimes hourly rates that can escalate.
• Personalized Interaction: Traditional firms typically offer more personalized, face-to-face consultations and ongoing communication. Self-lawyer.com’s remote model limits this, which might be a disadvantage for clients who prefer direct, in-person engagement with their attorney throughout the entire process.
• Scope of Service: Many traditional law firms offer full-scope representation, including interview preparation and attendance, court appearances e.g., for deportation defense, and appeals, which Self-lawyer.com explicitly excludes for interviews.
• Breadth of Practice: Larger, traditional firms often handle a broader spectrum of immigration cases, including complex business immigration, asylum claims, or federal litigation, which appear to be outside Self-lawyer.com’s primary focus.

Comparison with Online Legal Document Preparation Services e.g., LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer

• Legal Advice vs. Document Prep: Self-lawyer.com differentiates itself by stating a “licensed immigration attorney” prepares and files the application, implying a higher level of legal scrutiny and advice than typical document preparation services. LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer primarily provide forms and automated document generation, with attorney consultation usually an add-on or a network referral.
• Specialization: Self-lawyer.com is highly specialized in immigration, whereas LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer offer a much broader array of legal services, from business formation to wills and intellectual property. This specialization could mean deeper expertise within immigration for Self-lawyer.com.
• Filing Service: Self-lawyer.com explicitly handles the filing with USCIS, including postal expenses and RFE support. While some online services might offer mailing options, the level of active management for RFEs often goes beyond their standard offerings.

Comparison with Attorney Directories e.g., Avvo, FindLaw

• Direct Service Provider: Self-lawyer.com is a direct service provider. Avvo and FindLaw are primarily directories that connect users with independent attorneys. Users must then vet and engage with these attorneys directly.
• Vetting: While Self-lawyer.com offers its own attorney, Avvo and FindLaw empower users to compare multiple attorneys based on profiles, reviews, and ratings before making a choice.

In summary, Self-lawyer.com occupies a niche between full-service traditional law firms and pure online document preparation services.

It aims to provide attorney-assisted application preparation and filing at a more affordable rate, but with limitations on in-person support and interview representation, which are critical considerations for comprehensive legal assistance in immigration matters.

How to Cancel Self-lawyer.com Subscription

The concept of “subscription” as typically understood with recurring charges may not directly apply to Self-lawyer.com’s model, as they advertise “one-time flat fees.” However, clients might need to cancel their service engagement or request a refund under certain circumstances. Perunika.org Review

Understanding the One-Time Fee Model

Self-lawyer.com explicitly states: “You will pay your legal fees only once.

No surprise fees or follow-up charges.” This suggests that once the fee is paid for a specific service e.g., preparing a marriage green card application, there isn’t an ongoing monthly or annual subscription to cancel in the traditional sense.

The service engagement likely concludes once the application is prepared, reviewed by the client, and submitted to USCIS.

Scenarios for “Cancellation” or Refund Requests

While not a subscription, a client might wish to terminate their agreement or seek a refund if:

• They decide not to proceed with their application after payment but before significant work has been done.
• They are dissatisfied with the service before the application is filed.
• They encounter an issue where the service cannot be completed as agreed.

Contacting Self-lawyer.com for Service Termination

Since there’s no visible “cancel subscription” button on the website, any request to terminate services or inquire about a refund would need to be handled through direct communication with the firm. The website provides contact information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Physical Address: 42 Broadway, Suite 12-437, New York, NY 10004
• Business Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM – 6PM EST

Clients would need to clearly articulate their desire to terminate the service and inquire about any refund policy. It’s advisable to do this in writing via email to create a record of communication. The terms of service or a client agreement which is not readily available on the homepage would govern any refund policies or conditions for termination. It’s always prudent for clients to review these terms carefully before making any payment.

How to Cancel Self-lawyer.com Free Trial

Based on the information available on the Self-lawyer.com homepage, there is no mention of a “free trial” for their services.

The primary call to action is to “Book a consultation,” which, as discussed earlier, does not explicitly state it’s a free consultation.

The business model appears to be based on direct engagement for specific legal services, paid for with a one-time flat fee.

Absence of a Free Trial Offer

Many online service providers offer free trials to allow potential users to test out their platform or services before committing financially. Godlys.gg Review

This is because the core service involves professional legal work from the outset, which incurs costs for the firm.

Direct Service Engagement

Instead of a free trial, Self-lawyer.com seems to operate on a direct service engagement model.

A client pays the “one-time flat fee” for a specific immigration application service.

Once that fee is paid, the firm begins the work of preparing the application.

What to Do If You’ve Paid and Want to Stop

If a potential client has paid the “one-time flat fee” but then decides not to proceed with the service, or wants to stop the process, they would need to:

1. Contact Self-lawyer.com immediately: Use the provided email [email protected] or phone number if available to inform them of your decision.
2. Refer to any signed agreement: When engaging with legal services, clients typically sign an agreement outlining the scope of work, fees, and conditions for termination or refunds. This agreement would be the primary document governing any “cancellation” or refund eligibility.
3. Understand refund policies: Without a free trial, any payment made is for actual legal work. The possibility and amount of a refund would depend on how much work has already been performed by the attorney and the specific terms outlined in their client agreement. It’s highly unlikely that a full refund would be issued if significant work has already been completed e.g., questionnaires processed, initial forms drafted.

In summary, since Self-lawyer.com does not offer a free trial, the steps for “cancellation” would align with terminating a paid legal service agreement, subject to the firm’s specific terms and conditions regarding refunds for work performed.

FAQ

What is Self-lawyer.com?

Self-lawyer.com is an online legal service provider that specializes in assisting individuals with the preparation and filing of various U.S.

Immigration applications, such as marriage green cards, U.S.

Citizenship, and family green cards, by connecting them with a licensed immigration attorney.

Is Self-lawyer.com a law firm?

Yes, the website operates under the “Law Office of Asel Mukambetova,” indicating it is a legitimate law firm. Vlsagency.com Review

Who is the attorney behind Self-lawyer.com?

The licensed immigration attorney mentioned on the website is Asel Mukambetova, licensed to practice law in New York State.

What services does Self-lawyer.com offer?

Self-lawyer.com offers services for preparing and filing immigration applications including Marriage Green Card, Family Green Card, Adjustment of Status, U.S.

Citizenship, Affidavit of Support, Remove Conditions on Residence, and Fiancée Visa.

How does Self-lawyer.com claim to be affordable?

Self-lawyer.com states that its remote operations lower law firm expenses, allowing them to offer legal fees that are “40% lower” than what other immigration lawyers might charge.

Are government filing fees included in Self-lawyer.com’s pricing?

No, government fees for filing applications with USCIS are not included in Self-lawyer.com’s fees.

Applicants are responsible for paying these fees directly to USCIS.

Does Self-lawyer.com represent clients at immigration interviews?

No, the standard fees for Self-lawyer.com do not include legal representation at immigration interviews in USCIS offices or U.S. Embassies/Consulates.

This would require separate arrangements and likely additional costs.

How quickly does Self-lawyer.com file applications?

Self-lawyer.com claims to submit complete applications to USCIS within 7 business days after the client provides all requested documents and information.

What is included in Self-lawyer.com’s one-time flat fee?

The one-time flat fee includes the preparation and filing of the application, postal expenses USPS Priority 2-day delivery, and support for Requests for Evidence RFE and any additional work with USCIS. Pitchplaylists.com Review

Is Self-lawyer.com suitable for complex immigration cases?

While they handle several common application types, their limited scope e.g., no interview representation included and focus on remote service might make them less suitable for highly complex cases that require extensive personalized interaction or litigation.

How do I contact Self-lawyer.com?

You can contact Self-lawyer.com via email at [email protected].

They also list a physical address in New York, NY, and business hours.

Does Self-lawyer.com offer a free consultation?

The website invites users to “Book a consultation,” but it does not explicitly state that this consultation is free. It’s advisable to clarify this before booking.

What is the refund policy for Self-lawyer.com?

The website’s homepage does not clearly outline a detailed refund policy.

Clients would need to refer to their client agreement or contact the firm directly to inquire about refunds if they wish to terminate services after payment.

Can Self-lawyer.com assist clients outside of New York?

Yes, since U.S.

Immigration law is federal, an attorney licensed in any state like New York can represent immigration clients in all 50 U.S. states and abroad.

How do I sign the forms with Self-lawyer.com?

Clients will e-sign PDF forms, and the attorney will submit photocopies of these signed forms, which USCIS allows.

Will I get a copy of my application from Self-lawyer.com?

Yes, clients will receive a complete digital copy of their submitted application for their records. Ok24care.com Review

How long does it typically take to get a green card after filing?

Self-lawyer.com states that it’s difficult to project specific timeframes, but family-based green card applications can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete. USCIS processing times vary.

Does Self-lawyer.com have good reviews?

The website displays positive testimonials from clients on platforms like Trustpilot and Avvo, praising the attorney’s responsiveness, knowledge, and service.

Does Self-lawyer.com assist with all types of visas?

No, Self-lawyer.com focuses primarily on family-based immigration applications green cards, citizenship, fiancé visas and does not list services for all types of visas, such as employment-based visas or asylum applications.

What are the key differences between Self-lawyer.com and LegalZoom for immigration?

Self-lawyer.com states that a licensed attorney prepares and files your application, providing direct legal oversight.

LegalZoom is primarily a document preparation service, with attorney advice usually an add-on or a network referral, and they do not always handle the complex nuances of immigration filings or RFE responses in the same direct manner.