By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 20 September 2026 · General preparation information
A family change can create several legal questions at once. Start by separating the decisions about children, money, housing and personal safety. The closest guide is the one that matches the decision you need help with now; it is not necessarily the label used in a letter from the other person. Bring any existing orders or agreements so an adviser can understand what is already in place.
Three distinctions to make first
Decision 01
Parenting or financial arrangements?
A question about a child's routine needs different information from a question about property or debts. Make separate lists, including where decisions overlap, such as keeping a home near school. Ask how the adviser will coordinate the work.
Decision 02
Planning an agreement or responding to a dispute?
Explain whether discussions have started, an agreement has been drafted or documents have been served. An appointment to understand options is different from representation at an upcoming hearing. Give the office the next known date before discussing a general appointment.
Decision 03
Is communication safe and practical?
Tell the office how it may contact you, whether messages can be left and whether another person can access your accounts. Ask how private instructions, support people and interpreters are arranged. A routine directory enquiry is not an emergency response.
Prepare for a useful appointment
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A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
Compare the work, not just the price
A family-law quote should reflect the issue you want addressed and the stage it has reached. Explain safety and communication needs before documents are sent. Separate initial advice, negotiation, formalising an agreement and court work when comparing services. If parenting, property and another proceeding overlap, ask how advice will be coordinated and which tasks require separate instructions.
- First assessment
- Ask which documents will be reviewed, how options and dates will be explained and whether you receive a written summary of agreed next steps.
- Negotiation or agreement
- Confirm whether preparation, correspondence, meetings and drafting are included, and how the fee changes if new financial information or disputed issues emerge.
- Formal proceedings
- Ask what particular stage is quoted, who will attend, whether counsel or experts are additional and when the strategy and estimate will be reviewed.
Understand legal fees and written quotes →
Leave with an agreed next step
Before the appointment ends, ask for a written list of the immediate actions, who is responsible for each and what requires further advice. If another process is already underway, confirm whether this office handles it or will coordinate with a different adviser.