- Who it's for
- Outside Caregiver, Inside Parent
- Child / youth age
- All ages
- Geography
- National
- Action type
- Plan
- Reading time
- About 3 min
- Last verified
- August 2026
What this is
A prepared question set for a legal-aid intake or attorney consultation about a family matter.
Why it matters
Consultations are short. Families who arrive with a written question list leave with usable answers instead of a general impression.
What you should know
- Lead with the decision you cannot currently make, not the whole family history.
- Ask what the process is called in your state and roughly how long it takes.
- Ask what it costs, including filing fees, and whether fees can be waived.
- Ask what documents you need to bring next time.
- Ask what happens if you do nothing.
- Take notes and ask for the name of the person you spoke to.
Talk about it
Agree with the other adult on the single most important question before the call.
Your next step
Write your six questions on one page before your appointment.
The information provided through The #FKLM Family Blueprint is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws and policies differ by jurisdiction and may change. Families needing advice about their individual circumstances should consult an appropriately qualified attorney or legal-services organization.
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