Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Flávio's family reunification petition

I'm facing a family reunification petition. My hearing is scheduled for December, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $850. I have been told by three legal-aid offices that their waiting list is longer than my deadline. I have all of my paperwork ready, and my caseworker at Curitiba Welcome Centre has confirmed that my case is valid. If I miss the deadline I could lose my right to stay with my family and my job. My children were born here and this is the only home they know. I'll share any non-sensitive updates as the case moves along. The money goes to the immigration attorney's trust account and the court filing office. I'll upload receipts with sensitive details removed. Where the $850 goes: • Attorney retainer: $600 • Filing and biometrics fees: $140 • Certified translations and document copies: $70 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $40 Thanks for reading all this. - Flávio