For any type of consultation

Basic information about your situation

  • A brief written summary of your situation — even a few bullet points helps
  • Key dates: when something happened, when you received documents, or when a deadline is approaching
  • Names and contact information for people involved, if relevant
  • Any questions you want answered — write them down in advance
  • Your main goal for the meeting

Your preferred support level

  • Whether you are looking for information only, help with a specific task, or ongoing support
  • Whether you have spoken with a lawyer before about this matter
  • Whether the other party has a lawyer

For court or family law matters

Court documents and deadlines

  • Any court documents you have received, including applications, notices, or orders
  • File or court case numbers
  • Upcoming court dates or filing deadlines (these are time-sensitive)
  • Any correspondence from the other party's lawyer
  • Existing agreements, parenting plans, or separation agreements

Financial information (for family law, support, or property matters)

  • Most recent federal tax return or Notice of Assessment
  • Recent pay stubs, if available
  • Basic list of assets: home, vehicles, savings, investments, pension
  • Basic list of debts: mortgage, loans, credit cards
  • Children's expenses if child support is a concern

For wills and estate planning

Personal and family information

  • List of people you want to include in your will (beneficiaries)
  • Name of your preferred executor (the person you want to manage your estate)
  • Names of any guardians for minor children, if applicable
  • Basic overview of assets and how they are held (jointly or individually)
  • Any existing wills, powers of attorney, or healthcare directives
  • Any special wishes you want included

For small claims matters

Supporting documents

  • Contracts, agreements, or written terms related to the dispute
  • Receipts, invoices, or records of payment
  • Text messages, emails, or written communications about the matter
  • Any photographs or evidence of damage or the subject of the claim
  • A written timeline of what happened and when
  • The amount you are claiming and how you calculated it

For the scope of legal help available, see the Family Law Coaching, Wills & Estates, or Small Claims service pages.