Question Set · Plan

Questions to Bring to a Legal Appointment

Make a short, free consultation count.

Visit USA.gov — Legal Aid
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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