What should I bring to a lawyer consultation about custody?
You want the consult to be focused and useful.
Last reviewed May 07, 2026
Short answer
Bring current orders, court dates, a short custody timeline, the child schedule, key records, and your top questions.
Bring the current order
If there is a current custody or parenting order, bring it.
Also bring any hearing notice or recent filing.
Bring a short timeline
Write the main events in date order.
Keep it short enough to read quickly.
Bring child schedule details
Bring school, childcare, activities, exchanges, and travel limits if they matter.
These details help explain daily life.
Bring questions
Write the top questions before the consult.
Ask about scope, cost, timing, and what information they need next.
What to do first
Make one folder with orders, court dates, timeline, schedule notes, and top questions.
What to save
- Current custody or parenting orders
- Court notices
- Short timeline
- Child schedule
- Key messages or records
- Top questions
What to avoid
- Bringing every screenshot without labels
- Forgetting court dates
- Starting with a long story
- Leaving without next steps
Start with one small step
Build one record with orders, dates, timeline, child schedule, and questions before the consult.
Prepare for a custody consultEqualora is educational software. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.