Is There a Partner Visa Lawyer With a Low-Cost First Consultation?

Why do partner visa lawyers charge for a first consultation?

Partner visa lawyers charge for a first consultation because a proper consultation involves real legal advice on the couple's eligibility, their visa history and the risks in the case. That advice can save a couple from lodging an invalid application or choosing the wrong subclass, mistakes that can cost the application charge and months of time. A paid consultation also allows the lawyer to give a clear opinion rather than a general sales talk. Our article on the immigration lawyer consultation explains what a consultation should cover.

What should a first partner visa consultation include?

A first partner visa consultation should include a check of which subclass fits the couple, whether the applicant can lodge in Australia, whether the sponsor is eligible and not caught by sponsorship limitations, and what evidence the relationship will need. The lawyer should also identify any Schedule 3, condition 8503, section 48 or character issue. By the end of the meeting, the couple should know whether they can apply now, what the main risk is and what the next practical step would be. Our article on partner visa eligibility lists the points a lawyer tests.

How can I get the most value from a paid consultation?

The most value from a paid consultation comes from preparation. The couple should send a short timeline of the relationship, the applicant's current visa details, any refusal or Department letter, and a list of their main questions before the meeting. Both partners should attend if possible, because the lawyer may need facts that only one of them knows. Our partner visa document checklist shows the documents the case will eventually need.

Is a cheaper consultation always better value?

A cheaper consultation is not always better value, because the important question is what the couple learns about their case. A short call that only describes the general process may leave the real risk unaddressed, while a focused consultation on the couple's own facts can change the whole plan. Couples comparing lawyers can read our guide to choosing Australian migration lawyers for the points to compare.

What happens after the consultation if I want the lawyer to act?

After the consultation, a client who wants the lawyer to act should receive a written costs agreement setting out the scope of work and the fee before anything is done. At My Migration Lawyers, the fee for the work is fixed and agreed in writing, and it is separate from the consultation fee. Our article on fixed fee immigration lawyers explains why written fixed fees help couples plan.

What does a consultation with My Migration Lawyers cover?

A consultation with My Migration Lawyers covers the couple's own partner visa questions in depth, including the right pathway, the risks in their history and the evidence the Department will expect. Consultations are held by video, so both partners can join from anywhere, and the firm can consult in Mandarin through Principal Lawyer Weiwei Zhang. Couples can read more about the firm's partner visa lawyers and request a consultation using the form on this page.