how do you vet a lawyer in the DR (besides word of mouth)?

@wondering9  Just because they're licensed doesn't mean they're good.  There are several, well-known, lawyers who run large operations and are nothing but scammers.  Word of mouth is the ONLY way to vet a lawyer, and from somebody you know and trust personally that has used them for what you are looking to use them for.  Do not take second or third-hand recommendations.  I bet there are more people who have been ripped off by "reputable" immigration lawyers than not, just based on how many stories you hear.

@UncleBuck agree completely, but once you have got that word of mouth, is there also a way to check on the other (licensed and in good standing)?

I don't think there is any "in good standing" organization here. 

Well if that's the case then I guess I feel better about just going with the recommendations.

I can't believe it didn't occur to me to ask about this until after I shelled out the $$ and gave my IDs!

It's been good so far, just a bit slower than I might have hoped, but I assume that's probably normal, also it's Xmas.

I don't normally try to rush people, but this has got me a little nervous. I'm sure it will be fine.

Thanks, all!

One thing that is normal here - whoever you hire will tell you what you want to hear.  Absolutely stay on top of them for timelines and progress reports!

Keep us updated!

I know I am beating a dead horse here but be extremely careful. It cannot be said enough times. Expats come here with an expectation of consumer protection and standard of care. This little of that in this country. The locals may squeeze you for a few dollars here and there, but it is the ex-pats and the attorneys that will literally steal your life savings from you. They seem to have no honor, loyalty or conscience.

Whew! we're back on track, communications-wise. It was really only a short delay but I am glad we got squared away before the Christmas downtime begins. Thanks very much for the helpful feedback and context! Happy to be finally moving forward on this.

Every single lawyer I have dealt with (outside of those doing simple legal translations) I have had issues with.

The first time was a lawyer doing my residency.  She did not get the proper birth certificate and that showed up more than 10 years later... What can I say?  I do everything I can without a lawyer now that many would use a lawyer for.

Good luck on finishing your current legal business to the OP.  I hope  it goes well.

@UncleBuck

I agree with you Buck, try someone who has completed the process for a few people.  Talk with those folks I hear you can spend 2-4 K for the service. 

I went with a lawyer that was recommended here for the transfer of my Title papers. I provided all of the requested documents and provided the estimated land transfer tax to that lawyer. I was told that the entire process would take approximately one to two months. As I had to return to my home country, I was also advised to pay for power of attorney documents that would enable the lawyer to complete the process in my absence.  That was eight months ago. I am still waiting and receiving nothing but lip service. Please avoid using my lawyer. Misael Polanco in Sosua.

Sorry to hear this!  Thanks for updating everyone

For those from the USA that might need a criminal background check below is the FBI's page for that.

I got mine after going into a police station while visiting friends in Rochester NY, then mailing the fingerprint card I had them take, etc..  There are people who claim to do this for you while you remain in the DR.  They charge as much as a plane ticket to the USA when I asked about that. If you get good at it, you could take your own fingerprints or have that done at any police station in the USA.

FBI Link:

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you … ary-checks

@windeguy

I was lucky while in the DR. I was able to print the offical FBI stock finger print card and go the the main police station in SD get the finger prints completed 500 peso and fedex them to the FBI.

Also, to your point you can now get them completed via many US postal offices in the states, 50 bucks and have the offical report in 24 hours.

I'm working my way through the fingerprint thing right now & learned something interesting -- some of us (unfortunately including me) have very faint fingerprints. Apparently, (1) digital fingerprinting devices can pick up more detail than paper prints and (2) not all fingerprint-taking specialists are equally skilled or helpful.

Technologically, it seems like it would be easy to do digital prints from the DR, but from Windeguy's experience it sounds like the market will bear higher prices.

The rest of this post is about dealing with faint fingerprints -- just in case it helps someone later. The main thing is that this is a known problem and there are things you can do about it.

I tried to work through one of those official FBI "channelers" who take the digital prints for you. When my digital prints failed, they told me to get paper prints, which was the exact wrong advice (as paper is more likely to fail, not less).

It turns out that there are things you can do to try to "plump up" your fingerprints. Some you can do right away if your first attempt fails, others you can prep for a few days in advance. It mostly seems to involve being well hydrated and moisturized and not stressing your fingers too much. There's more, but google it if you need it, don't rely on my summary.

A good technician would be able to help you through the process, but I don't know how hard it is to find a good one. If you run into problems, don't assume that the people you're paying $$ to will help you through it; research it for yourself. FWIW!

On this topic, as we age our fingerprints disappear. First hand knowledge of couple, both over 90 were renewing cedulas and his driver's license, they needed fingerprints again.  She was good but his were just not available anymore!!! Being in DR, a 1,000 pesos "propina" and they used the old ones.  I had no idea this was a thing!