Hi Rachel, great to see you! FLR is much more predictable than the initial entry clearance visas and generally runs at around 6-8 weeks.
The requirements are essentially the same as the last time but with the addition of your mail in both names and your marriage certificate and obviously no wedding planning is required.
Did you have any special circumstances that lead you to go with a solicitor the first time around (sorry, I forget) or was it more for peace of mind?
If the latter, why don't you give some thought to having us help you through it, then you could use the extra money for an in person appointment or save it for something else?
Hiya!
Awww, thank you for saying you're happy to see me around. I'm happy to be here -- both on the board and in the lovely UK with a wedding coming up in ten short days!!
We initially hired a solicitor because 7 years ago, I was charged with and convicted of one count of prostitution after offering adult massage and being targeted in a Backpage sting. I was given a non-custodial sentence (three years' unsupervised probation, the choice between a fine or community service, and an AIDS test). The conviction was "dismissed pursuant to 1203.4" in 2016, which is as close as the state of California comes to expungement unless factual innocence can be proven. This is the only arrest or criminal charge/conviction I've dealt with in my life.
Additionally, I've had several _minor_ traffic offences over the years (the most recent having taken place in July 2013). These have all resulted in fines. As mentioned, these were all minor -- but due to there being several, I was nervous. This was another reason why I thought it would be prudent to hire an attorney.
While I am obviously admissible (as I was granted entry clearance as a fiancee/spouse), I will likely have to explain my past misdemeanor/list my traffic violations once more. If the forms are different from the last one, I do not want to risk screwing anything up. That is why I suspect working with the same attorney as before might be beneficial.
Larrabee, you and KF -- and, possibly, others on this forum -- seem willing to help. While that is an extremely kind offer, do you think it would be wise to take that chance given the circumstances?