F1 to J1...Please help

[susu]

Hi Subrahmanya and seniors,

Please help...

I am a PhD student in F1 VISA. My husband and child are with me in F2 visa. He applied for a status change to H1 B. We are not sure about winning the H1B lottery. So we are thinking of Changing F1 to J1 Visa so the J2 can work. I am satisfied all the requirement for a status change to J1. now we have some questions .

1)Do we have to go to India to get the J VISA stamped.

2) Do we need any documents from India, I think we don't

3) do you think we need an attorney to do this . otherwise we have to do this.

4) If there is a question like "Why you are changing status now?" .

we plan to apply as soon as possible once we know the H1 results.

Pls help me to take a decision.

Thanks...