Separation is stressful enough without feeling unprepared for your first meeting with a family lawyer, whether that’s in person or over video. Most people arrive with a folder of half-remembered dates, a phone full of screenshots, and a long list of questions they’re worried they’ll forget to ask. The good news is that a small amount of preparation goes a long way, both in calming your nerves and in getting more useful advice out of the appointment itself.
Why preparation matters
A first consultation isn’t a test, but it is your best opportunity to get advice that’s actually tailored to your situation rather than general information you could have found online. The more clearly you can set out your circumstances, the more specific and useful your lawyer’s advice will be. If you’re not sure where to start, the government-funded Family Relationship Advice Line can also point you toward support services before or alongside seeing a lawyer, particularly if children are involved.
How to Prepare for Your First Family Law Consultation in Queensland
Before your appointment, it helps to gather:
- A timeline of key dates. When you got together, when you married (if applicable), when you separated, and any other dates you may consider important to know in your situation.
- Financial documents. Recent payslips, tax returns, superannuation statements, mortgage or rental documents, and a rough list of shared and individual debts and assets. If either party has an interest in a business, company or trust, any available documents that may assist in identifying the business structure and ownership, including business registration documents, trust deeds and any variations, and documents identifying trustees and beneficiaries.
- Parenting details, if children are involved. Their ages, current living arrangements, school enrolments, and any existing informal agreement about time spent with each parent.
- Any correspondence already exchanged. Letters from a former partner’s solicitor, text messages about arrangements, or anything referencing an agreement (even an informal one).
- Your goals, in plain terms. You don’t need legal language. “I want to keep the house” or “I want the kids every second weekend” is a perfect starting point.
You don’t need to have everything perfectly organised. Even a rough version of the above will help your lawyer understand your situation quickly.
What to expect during the appointment
Your lawyer will usually ask questions to build a clearer picture of your circumstances before giving any advice, so be prepared for the appointment to feel more like a conversation than a lecture. If your matter progresses toward a formal application (for either parenting or property orders), you should also know that the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia generally expects parties to take genuine steps to resolve issues, such as attempting family dispute resolution, before applying to the court. Your lawyer will explain whether and how this applies to your situation, so it’s worth asking early if you’re unsure.
It’s also worth going in with an open mind. A good family lawyer will sometimes tell you something you didn’t want to hear, such as recommending negotiation over court action, because it’s genuinely in your best interests.
Questions worth asking
- What are the likely next steps in my situation?
- What will this cost, and how are fees structured?
- What’s a realistic timeframe?
- What do you need from me before our next appointment?
Getting the right support from the start
If you’re not sure whether your situation needs a family lawyer yet, our guide on separation in Queensland covers the practical steps to take in the early stages, before or alongside your first consultation.
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, we’ve been helping Queenslanders through separation, parenting arrangements, and property settlements since 1974. We’re a real firm with real people across South East Queensland, with offices in Brisbane (Stafford and Mount Gravatt), Gold Coast (Mermaid Beach), and the Sunshine Coast (Birtinya), plus consultations available by phone or video no matter where in Queensland you’re based.
If you’re preparing for separation or an upcoming family law matter, speak with our family law team on 1300 334 566, or fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.
