UK Citizenship for German national

[ian.mcpherson]

Hello - I've had a look around the fora and can't find the information that I need so hope someone can help me. My German wife has lived in the UK for 20 years and wants to apply for UK citizenship, we have been married 19 years. She clearly qualifies for PR under the 5 year rule but, when she previously took advice from the local Registrar's department, was told she would be unlikely to qualify for citizenship as she "isn't a Bangladeshi with four children". Aside from the overt dearly beloved nature of the comment, this knocked her back a lot.
I have looked through the Government advice pages and think she WILL qualify, easily. Unfortunately she took it upon herself to contact a firm of lawyers, Rehoboth, who are now being very pushy for an up front fee for their services - £750. I think that this would be wasted money as her case is entirely straightforward. Have i been too optimistic? Any advice gratefullt received. Thanks. Ian.

[vinny]

If in doubt, then apply for confirmation of PR first.

[LilyLalilu]

Should be straightforward as long as she has acquired Permanent Residency (PR) at some point during her 20 year stay. PR is usually acquired automatically by exercising treaty rights for five continuous years, however, if you are unsure you can, as previously pointed out, apply for a confirmation of PR status before going for citizenship.
Once she has PR, she can apply straight away for citizenship if married to a British Citizen (otherwise she'd need to hold PR for at least 12 months before applying).
I don't think you need a lawyer, especially because one hears that there are not many who are experts in EEA route applications...

Just ensure she holds PR, make sure she meets all other requirements (Language and LIUK test, absences, residency, good character etc.) and then apply through the National Checking Service where they check and photocopy all your documents.