Law Office of Shayne Epstein is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, but represents clients in throughout the US and abroad. Call 954-781-1994 for a free consultation.


Please select the appropriate button on the menu to your left.  

Finding Legal Advice
You may choose to be represented by an attorney or accredited representative when filing applications or petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But, you should be aware of the following information to help protect yourself from fraudulent activities committed by individuals posing as attorneys or accredited representatives.

Know Your Rights
If you choose to have a representative when filing an application or petition with USCIS, you may be represented by an attorney or an accredited representative of a recognized organization. A representative must file a “NOTICE OF ENTRY OF APPEARANCE AS ATTORNEY OR REPRESENTATIVE” (Form G-28) along with the application or petition. In matters filed within the United States, only attorneys and accredited representatives may communicate on your behalf to USCIS and receive information from USCIS regarding your application or petition. If you are filing an application or petition at an office outside the United States, you may be represented by an attorney admitted to the practice of law in that country.

If you need legal advice about an immigration matter but cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may be able to ask an attorney, an association of immigration lawyers, a state bar association, or an organization specially accredited to provide such assistance about the availability of free or reduced cost legal services on immigration issues.

Attorneys
Attorneys must be a member in good standing of the “bar” of a U.S. State and not be under any court order restricting their practice of law. Before you pay attorney fees for help with your immigration case, make sure that the individual is a licensed attorney.


Important Information Regarding Notarios, Notary Publics and Immigration Consultants
Notarios, notary publics and immigration consultants may NOT represent you before USCIS. They may not give you legal advice on what immigration benefit you may apply for or what to say in an immigration interview. These individuals may NOT hold themselves out as qualified in legal matters or in immigration and naturalization procedure and may only charge nominal (inexpensive) fees as regulated by state law. In many other countries, the word "notario" means that the individual is an attorney, but that is not true in the United States. Individuals seeking help with immigration questions should be very careful before paying money to non-attorneys.


How to Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim
1. DO NOT sign blank applications, petitions or other papers.
2. DO NOT sign documents that you do not understand.
3. DO NOT sign documents that contain false statements or inaccurate information.
4. DO NOT make payments to a representative without getting a receipt.
5. DO NOT pay expensive fees to non-attorneys.
6. DO obtain copies of all documents prepared or submitted for you.
7. DO verify an attorney’s or accredited representative’s eligibility to represent you.
8. DO report any representative’s unlawful activity to USCIS, State Bar Associations and/or State Offices of Attorneys General.