Good day Sadatul,
We didn't use a lawyer, we did it all ourselves, I think if people follow the instructions carefully and use this site for help, it is really unnecessary for a lawyer, unless the case is complicated of course.
As for our proof:
We sent our marriage certificate (We got married in Canada in January 2009), about 70 pages of photos, with about 3 -7 pictures on each page with a typed description at the bottom of each page, we used microsoft word and regular paper, we didn't use photo paper or anything but we did print in colour. The pictures basically showed us together in the Philippines the first time I visited, the Philippines again the second time I visited, our travels around the islands in Thailand and pictures of us working together (we both teach in the same school and in the same office) oh, and pictures of us together in Canada. There are also pictures of me with her family and her with my family. We only sent one picture of our wedding because it was so simple, only my parents, my spouse, the marriage commissioner and I were present. We have a video of it but they don't allow us to send in videos.
I sent a copy of my passport and high lighted my travel stamps to the Philippines twice.
We sent a copy of her passport and high lighted her travel visa to Canada.
I also got my parents, two sisters, and two aunts to send letters of support of our relationship.
Both my partner and I wrote 6-8 page documents outlining our relationship, how we met, how it progressed, and the dynamics involved, I think even to the point of how we split household chores and manage our finances.
We did not send any proof of joint bank accounts because we are a same sex couple and are not allowed to have that here. We also do not have any joint property because we are both on non-b work permits and are not allowed to own any property in Thailand.
We sent copies of our work contracts here because it states that our housing is provided for us by the school and therefore, we are residing at the same place.
As for proving that I will return home once the visa is issued, I submitted:
My enrollment letter at my university because I am working on another degree while I am here but I am running out of distance courses I can take. If they ask for more in this area I am just going to send them a copy of my class syllabus.
I sent a letter from the military that states once I am back in Canada I will be resuming working for them in the same position I had before I left Canada.
I also sent a letter from my parents telling them that we are welcome to stay with them until we find an apartment that we both like.
As, for if I think we will be able to get the passport request before next year, I am highly doubtful, I have sort of been planning that we would get it around March, 2011. I am hoping to be home in May next year though because my sister is getting married and my military unit wants me to take another course that begins in May.
As for your question about updates: I haven't had any, my E-CAS says "In process we started processing NAME on August 31st, 2010."
In a way I am happy that Singapore doesn't update, update and update constantly because that means they are busy working on applications.
I hope this helped. What evidence did you guys all submit? I wish you all the best of luck!
