A family-law consultation is a chance to explain your situation, identify the questions that matter most, and learn what additional information an attorney may need. You do not need every document or answer ready before reaching out. A short outline can make the conversation more useful when you are dealing with divorce, parenting time, support, or changes to an existing order.
Start with a brief timeline
Write down important dates and events in plain language: when the dispute began, whether a case has already been filed, upcoming hearings or deadlines you know about, and any orders already in place. Bring the case number if you have one. If you are unsure whether a document matters, make a note and ask at the consultation.
Gather records that may explain the situation
Depending on the matter, helpful items might include existing court orders, a parenting plan, relevant communications, a list of assets and debts, income information, and records related to housing, insurance, or child-related expenses. Do not send sensitive documents through an unsecured channel. Ask the office which records it would like to review and how to provide them.
Florida Courts publishes official family-law forms, including dissolution petitions, financial affidavits, and a child-support guidelines worksheet. The form you may need depends on your situation; court staff cannot give legal advice about which legal course is right for you. An attorney can discuss how current rules apply.
If children are involved, list scheduling concerns
Consider writing down the current parenting schedule, school and activity commitments, transportation, holiday plans, and any existing written agreements or orders. If child support is at issue, collect the income and child-related expense information you have. For more context, see our Florida child-support calculation overview. Florida’s child-support guidelines consider multiple factors rather than automatically assigning payment based only on which household the child stays in more often.
Write down your goals and questions
Which issues are urgent? Is there room for negotiation or mediation? What should you expect if an agreement is not possible? Ask about next steps, documents, communication, fees, and whether any upcoming deadline needs immediate attention. A consultation should clarify options, not guarantee a particular outcome.
Discuss your specific facts with a Boca Raton attorney
Learn about Boca Raton family-law services and divorce representation, review Ronald M. Zakarin’s profile, or contact the office to ask about a consultation. This checklist is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.