The Best Immigration Attorneys in Frederic, Michigan
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Frederic, Michigan. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
David W. Fultz
David W. Fultz & Associates, PLLC
David W. Fultz is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience serving clients throughout Michigan, including the Frederic area. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and maintains a perfect 5.0 rating with the Michigan Bar Association. Specializing in complex immigration cases, he has successfully handled thousands of family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense cases. Clients consistently praise his responsive communication, thorough case preparation, and high success rates in difficult immigration matters.
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Richard L. Lapehn
Richard L. Lapehn, P.C.
Richard L. Lapehn has been practicing immigration law for over three decades and serves clients throughout central and northern Michigan, including Frederic. He is recognized for his expertise in business immigration and family-based cases, with particular success in H-1B visas, PERM labor certifications, and marriage-based green cards. With extensive courtroom experience in immigration courts, he maintains an excellent track record in deportation defense. Clients highlight his personalized attention, deep knowledge of immigration law changes, and commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
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Lorna L. G. Schuler
Law Office of Lorna L. G. Schuler
Lorna L. G. Schuler is an experienced immigration attorney serving the Flint area and surrounding communities including Frederic. She specializes in humanitarian immigration cases including asylum, VAWA petitions, and U visas, while also maintaining a strong practice in family-based immigration and citizenship matters. With fluency in Spanish, she effectively serves diverse immigrant communities. Clients consistently report high satisfaction with her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and successful outcomes in complex humanitarian cases. She maintains active membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Michigan State Bar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Frederic, Michigan
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in the Frederic, Michigan area typically handle?
Immigration attorneys serving Frederic and surrounding Crawford County primarily assist with family-based petitions, such as spousal or fiancé visas, as well as adjustment of status applications for individuals already in the U.S. Given the local agricultural and seasonal tourism economy, they also frequently handle employment-based matters like H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas for local farms and businesses. Additionally, they can provide guidance on naturalization, DACA renewals, and responding to notices from USCIS or ICE.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Frederic, MI, since it's a smaller town?
While Frederic itself is a small village, reputable immigration attorneys often serve the wider Northern Michigan region from offices in nearby cities like Grayling, Gaylord, or Traverse City, and many offer virtual consultations. You can start by checking the Michigan State Bar's lawyer referral service or the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory, filtering for attorneys who serve Crawford County. It's also advisable to seek recommendations from local community organizations or the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which has resources for the state.
Are there any unique immigration challenges for individuals living in rural Northern Michigan like Frederic?
Yes, living in a rural area like Frederic presents specific challenges, including limited access to in-person legal services and greater distances to required USCIS offices or biometrics appointment locations, which are typically in Detroit or Grand Rapids. There may also be fewer local interpreters for less common languages and a lack of specialized community support networks found in larger cities. An experienced local attorney will understand these logistical hurdles and can help plan for travel and communication effectively.
What should I expect during my first consultation with an immigration attorney in the Frederic area?
Your first consultation, which may be conducted via phone or video call, will involve a detailed review of your immigration history, current status, and goals. The attorney will ask for relevant documents, such as passports, I-94 records, or prior denial notices, to assess your case. They should explain the applicable processes, potential timelines, estimated costs, and their specific experience with similar cases in Michigan's federal immigration courts and USCIS field offices.
Can a Frederic-based immigration attorney help me if I have to go to immigration court in Detroit?
Absolutely. Immigration attorneys practicing in Northern Michigan, including those serving Frederic, are licensed to represent clients throughout the state and are familiar with the Detroit Immigration Court and the Chicago Immigration Court (which has jurisdiction over Michigan). They can prepare your case locally, represent you at hearings in Detroit, and coordinate with any necessary experts or witnesses. They understand the travel logistics involved and will guide you through the entire process, including potential appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Understanding K1 Visa Lawyer Costs in Frederic, Michigan
If you and your fiancé(e) are planning a life together in Frederic, Michigan, navigating the K1 fiancé visa process is a critical first step. A common and important question for couples in our area is understanding the cost of hiring a K1 visa lawyer. While Frederic itself is a smaller community, residents typically look for legal services in nearby hubs like Grayling, Gaylord, or even further to Traverse City or the Tri-Cities area. The cost for legal assistance with a K1 visa can vary, but having a clear picture of what to expect financially can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected surprises during what should be an exciting time.
Generally, K1 visa lawyer fees in Michigan are not typically priced by the hour for this specific service. Most experienced immigration attorneys will offer a flat fee for handling the entire K1 visa petition process, from preparing the initial Form I-129F to guiding you through the consular interview stage. In our region, you can expect this flat fee to range from approximately $1,500 to $3,500 or more. This range depends heavily on the attorney's experience, the complexity of your specific case, and the level of service provided. A case with straightforward backgrounds for both partners will generally cost less than one involving previous immigration issues, criminal history, or complex marital records.
It is crucial to understand what this legal fee includes. A reputable lawyer's flat fee should cover the preparation and filing of all necessary forms, drafting supporting letters and documentation checklists, communication with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf, and guidance for the medical exam and interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Be sure to ask for a detailed engagement letter that outlines these services. Remember, the attorney's fee is separate from the required government filing fees, which are currently $535 for the I-129F petition and later $265 for the visa application itself, plus costs for the medical examination and other incidentals.
When consulting with immigration lawyers serving Frederic residents, whether locally or in surrounding cities, ask specific questions. Inquire if the quoted fee includes representation all the way through the visa issuance and adjustment of status after marriage, or if that is a separate service. Also, clarify how communication is handled—will you have direct access to your attorney or primarily work with a paralegal? For couples in Northern Michigan, finding an attorney who is comfortable and efficient with remote communication can be a significant advantage, saving you time and travel costs. Investing in competent legal help can prevent costly errors that lead to requests for evidence (RFEs) or denials, which ultimately delay your union and incur more expense. The right attorney provides not just a service, but peace of mind as you build your future together in Frederic.
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About Frederic, Michigan
Frederic residents and their families deserve experienced, knowledgeable legal representation when navigating immigration law. Our featured attorneys specialize in immigration law, visa applications, and citizenship services with personalized legal strategies in Michigan.
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