E. Signing Up Your Lawyer

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

E. Signing Up Your Lawyer

Many lawyers will ask you to sign an agreement—known as a fee agreement—covering their services and the fees you will pay them. A fee agreement can help prevent misunderstandings, but in order for it to be effective, it should be understandable—not written in confusing legal jargon—and the lawyer should explain the contract to you, not just push it under your nose, saying, "Sign here." A fee agreement usually provides for:

• Scope of work. The agreement will describe what the lawyer will do for you. To protect yourself from abuse, make very sure that the contract specifies in detail all the work that will be included. For example, a contract for a lawyer to help you with your citizenship application might specify that the lawyer will be responsible for "preparation and submission of N-400 application, reasonable follow-up with USCIS, and representation at one USCIS interview." If the lawyer agrees to include work on any special documents, make sure these are mentioned in the contract—for example, a sworn statement from a friend or family member.

Beware of...