Is it better to have a Solicitor for ILR?

[Oblivion]

I've had to do 6 years of Descrectionary Leave to Remain before being able to apply for ILR(I'm Canadian and my wife is British). On the First instance of my DLR(3 years granted) I was able to get legal aid, on the second I was not able to, so had a solicitor write a cover letter and check over the application, and was granted another 3 years. I was then advised I should be able to apply for ILR after the 6 years DLR which is coming up in Feb 2012....obviously money is tight and with the cost of the application the solicitor wants about £300 to check things over this time almost double what I paid last time...so is it better having a solicitor or just doing it all on your own?

Cheers

[Lucapooka]

It's always better to have legal assistance as they deal with applications of this sort regularly and know the ropes, but it depends entirely on your ability to pay for this and your understanding of the rules. Whatever suits your circumstances and personal preference.

[Oblivion]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know which form I need to fill in for my ILR since I had to do the 6 years Discretionary. Mine was the usual letters from the HO stating "Although you do not qualify for leave to remain in the UK under the Immigration Rules, it has nonetheless been decided that discretion should be exercised in your favour. You have therefore been granted limited leave to remain in the UK in accordance with the principles set out in the HO Policy instruction on Discretionary Leave. You have been granted Discretionary Leave.......". ....is it the SET(O) form I need?