Before you sign

A practical checklist for credentials, scope, payment and records. Progress is saved only in this browser.

0 / 9 completed

Credentials

Check the attorney’s license with the issuing state bar.
For an accredited representative, verify the recognized organization and accreditation scope.

Scope

Identify the client, the matter and the exact stage covered.
Ask whether evidence requests, interviews and appeals are included.

Payment

Separate legal fees, government fees and other expenses in writing.
Record installment dates, refund terms and extra-work approval rules.

Records

Keep your signed agreement and an itemized receipt for every payment.
Agree how to obtain copies and how urgent notices will reach you.

Safety

Reject guarantees of approval and requests to sign blank forms.

Use this as a conversation checklist

Check an item only after you have an answer you understand and can retain. A completed list does not verify a professional, approve a contract or make a case safe to file. It organizes the questions that are easy to overlook when a deadline feels urgent. If a provider refuses to explain who will represent you, what the price includes or how you will receive copies, pause the payment decision and seek independent help.

For example, a written quote may cover preparation of one application but exclude an interview. Check the scope item only after the agreement describes that boundary and the process for pricing later work. Do not infer that a lower quote includes the same services as a higher quote. Keep the agreement, fee breakdown and receipts outside this website in your own secure records. Checklist state uses local storage on this device; reset clears this checklist but does not delete records you saved elsewhere. Do not enter immigration identifiers, account passwords or personal case details into a shared device.

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