Frequently Asked Questions
1. Scope of Service & Legal Relationship
What is a "Limited-Scope" consultation?
Unlike traditional law firms that handle a case from start to finish, we offer targeted, one-time verbal advice. Our relationship is temporary and ends automatically the moment your verbal session concludes. This allows you to remain self-represented while getting professional feedback on the specific documents you have prepared.
Are you my "Attorney of Record"?
No. By engaging in this session, you remain self-represented. We are not your lawyer for your filing. You must not list our firm - BRAVLIN PC dba Immigration Zen or BRAVLIN LAW (hereinafter as the "Firm") or our attorneys as a "Preparer" or "Representative" on any government forms.
What are the risks of listing the Firm on my forms?
Falsely listing an attorney on government forms may constitute Material Misrepresentation to the U.S. Government, which can result in the permanent denial of your immigration benefits. If unauthorized use is discovered, we are ethically required to notify the government to disclaim the filing, which may trigger a fraud investigation into your application.
Do you offer "start-from-scratch" application preparation?
No. We only review finalized packets that are ready for filing; we do not offer initial preparation services.
2. Responsibility, Outcomes, & "Pro Se" Status
What does it mean to be "Pro Se"?
"Pro se" means you are representing yourself. You are 100% responsible for accurately filling out your forms, meeting all deadlines, and mailing your packet to the correct government office.
Am I responsible for the final outcome of my case?
Yes. While we provide professional legal opinions based on current law and the documents you provide, we cannot guarantee a specific outcome from the government. You remain responsible for the final results of your filing.
What if I make a mistake after our session?
Our role is strictly to provide a verbal assessment of the "snapshot" of facts you share during the session. We are not responsible for your interpretation or implementation of our advice once the session ends.
3. Pricing & Value Logic
Why do some sessions cost more if the time is the same?
Our fees are based on the total administrative lifecycle and complexity of the form, not just the minutes spent on the call. High-stakes applications require more extensive document pre-screening and specialized expertise before the session begins.
Is there a discount for filing multiple forms at once?
Yes. We offer bundled rates for concurrent filings (such as the I-130 and I-485 Family-Based petition), which is more cost-effective than booking standalone sessions.
Who is responsible for my filing deadlines?
You are 100% responsible for your own filing deadlines and outcome of your application berfore, during, and after the consultation. We are not liable for any missed deadlines resulting from the time it takes to clear conflicts or schedule your session.
4. High-Complexity Cases & Referral Policy
What happens if my case is too complicated for a one-time review?
If our attorney determines in their professional judgment that your matter involves "red flags"—such as criminal or domestic assault history, serious traffic offenses such as DUIs, prior immigration denials, deportations, or overly complicated immigration history and issues, etc.—they will advise you of the risks and recommend against filing it pro se.
Why can't you just give me the advice anyway?
Providing "incomplete" advice on a complex problem is a major legal risk. In these instances, the attorney will recommend that you seek full-service representation of your own choice to ensure you do not rely on incomplete information for such a complicated matter.
Do I get a refund if my case is determined to be too complex?
No. The fee is still earned because identifying that a case is "unsafe" for self-filing is a vital professional service.
5. Lawyers
Who will I be speaking with?
Your session will be conducted by a licensed, experienced immigration attorney.
Can I bring a translator or family member to the call?
Yes. However, because the session is protected by attorney-client privilege, you must authorize their presence at the beginning of the call.
Does using a translator affect my session time?
Yes. If you bring a translator, please be aware that the need to translate each statement will significantly reduce the time available for the attorney to review your case. The Firm is not under any obligation to extend the session due to your use of a translator.
6. Document Logistics
What exactly do you mean by "Finalized Packets"?
You should have your forms fully filled out and your supporting evidence (e.g., eligibility documents, birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc.) organized. Our session is for the final "sanity check" to spot errors or inconsistencies before you ship the package.
Do you provide translation services?
No. If your supporting documents are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified English translation for our review.
7. Scheduling & Changes
What if I need to reschedule?
We aim to be flexible. If you need to change your appointment, please send us an email and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Can I record my session?
No. To protect privacy and intellectual property, users are strictly prohibited from recording the session via audio, video, or any other digital means. You are encouraged to take your own written notes.
8. Privacy & Support
Can I reach back out with additional questions after my session?
No. This relationship is temporary and ends automatically the moment your verbal session concludes. To keep our rates accessible, we do not provide ongoing email support or post-session correspondence.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your session is protected by attorney-client privilege. We maintain a record of your documents for seven (7) years per Virginia State Bar guidelines.
