Publication date: 20.06.2025
My name is Vitaly Romanov, I am responsible for the daily coordination of the Buro Law Group team - from strategic management and marketing to operational processes, work with personnel and financial accounting. My task is to ensure the smooth functioning of the company and guarantee that each client receives timely, attentive and effective legal support. My experience in the field of business consulting, management of service teams and launching Internet projects has allowed me to build a modern system of legal client service - with clear processes, proactive communication and control of the result at every stage. I coordinate work on complex cases - in particular, pension provision in the USA (Social Security Retirement), appeals of SSA denials, obtaining benefits and immigration cases to the USA and the UK. My task is to make sure that our clients do not feel the bureaucracy, but see the result. I am fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian, which allows me to work effectively with clients from different countries and cultures.
Proxy Marriage in the USA: Legal Support from Consultation to Marriage Certificate
In 2024, our law firm was approached by a citizen of Central Asia who planned to marry a U.S. citizen. Due to complex logistics and visa delays, the client was unable to physically travel to the United States. The goal was to enter into a legal marriage under Utah state law without physical presence, in order to later submit Form I-130 for a CR1/IR1 immigrant visa.
We developed a comprehensive legal strategy and provided full support — from document preparation to official marriage registration and obtaining the marriage certificate, which served as the basis for initiating the immigration process.
What steps did we take to achieve a successful result?
- Situation analysis and jurisdiction selection. After consultations with the client and assessment of his visa restrictions, Utah was chosen — one of the few states that allows unilateral proxy marriage, including for foreign citizens.
- Collection of evidence and document preparation. We gathered proof of visa application, a letter from the bride, notarized documents of the client, a certificate of marital status, and certified translations of the passport and other papers by a sworn translator.
- Power of attorney and ceremony coordination. The client issued a power of attorney authorizing a representative to be present at the ceremony on his behalf. We engaged a licensed officiant and organized an online marriage registration.
- Conducting the marriage ceremony and registering the act. The marriage was held remotely with the participation of the bride, witnesses, officiant, and the client’s representative. After the ceremony, we obtained an official marriage certificate recognized in all U.S. states.
Real Case Example
Situation: the client remained in his home country waiting for a visa and could not attend the wedding in person. It was necessary to prove the impossibility of personal presence, organize the ceremony, obtain a certificate, and prepare a document package for further immigration procedures.
Actions:
- Drafted and notarized a power of attorney;
The client’s representative had legal authority to act on his behalf. - Collected documents and proof of inability to enter the U.S.;
Visa history, letter from the bride, and evidence of logistical obstacles. - Organized an online wedding ceremony;
Engaged a certified officiant, used an official platform, and registered the marriage certificate. - Prepared a document package for USCIS;
Marriage certificate, Form I-130, and evidence of genuine relationship.
Result: the client officially married a U.S. citizen, received a legally valid marriage certificate, and initiated the immigration process without leaving his home country. The entire process — from consultation to documentation — took approximately 6 weeks.
What exactly do we offer?
- Legal support for proxy marriage;
State selection, drafting power of attorney, ceremony arrangement. - Preparation and translation of documents;
Compliance with USCIS standards, apostille, notarization. - Communication with officiants, registrars, and government authorities;
Complete legal support at every stage. - Assistance with visa application after marriage;
Form I-130, cover letter, and recommendations for next steps.
Why do clients trust us?
- Extensive experience with international marriages and immigration cases.
- Clear strategies, individualized approach, and high organizational standards.
- Legal precision and strict compliance with U.S. law.
- Full confidentiality, transparency, and ongoing client support.
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Even if you cannot be present at the ceremony, it doesn't mean you have to postpone your marriage. Thanks to proxy marriage in the U.S., you can officially marry and begin the journey toward reunification with your loved one. Contact us — and we will arrange everything professionally and legally.
A legally valid marriage without physical presence is possible. We know how to handle everything properly and without complications.
