I went through it 8 years ago (via a K-1 and then as part of the permanent resident process) and didn't find it that onerous. There was a lot of repetition and

I went through it 8 years ago (via a K-1 and then as part of the permanent resident process) and didn't find it that onerous. There was a lot of repetition and some hassle with having to travel to another city for an interview and waiting for an employment authorisation document, but at no point did we consider involving a lawyer. I suspect the type of visa and country of origin make a huge difference.