ChecklistDivorce

Questions to ask at a divorce consultation

Bring this to a first meeting with a divorce lawyer. The right questions help you compare attorneys and understand your options before you commit.

By Top Law Blog EditorialChecklist · Divorce · 5 min readReviewed 2026

A consultation is your chance to learn how a lawyer thinks, how they would handle your case, and whether they are a good fit. Use these questions to compare attorneys and avoid surprises. This is general information, not legal advice.

How much family-law experience do you have?

Ask how long the attorney has practiced family law and how often they handle cases like yours.

Who will actually work on my case?

Find out whether the attorney you meet will handle the matter or pass it to someone else.

How do your fees and retainer work?

Ask for the hourly rate or flat fee, the retainer amount, and what typically drives cost up.

How long do cases like mine usually take?

Get a realistic range for your situation, including the one-year separation if divorce is the goal.

How do you communicate and how fast do you respond?

Ask how you will get updates and who to contact with questions.

What are my options, and what would you recommend?

Ask the attorney to outline the paths available and the trade-offs of each.

How familiar are you with the local court?

For a Greensboro matter, ask about experience in the Guilford County courts and mediation process.

What outcomes are realistic, and what cannot be promised?

A trustworthy attorney sets honest expectations rather than guaranteeing a result.

What do you need from me, and what should I do next?

Clarify the documents and steps required to move forward.

How to use this checklist

You do not need to ask every question in order. Focus on the answers that matter most to you, whether that is cost, communication, or experience with your kind of case. Take notes, then compare attorneys afterward.

Preparing for a Greensboro divorce?

Read the local guide on what to know before filing, including Guilford County context and what to gather.

Read the Greensboro guide

Common questions

Is the first divorce consultation free?

It depends on the attorney. Some offer a free initial consultation and others charge for it. Ask when you schedule.

What should I bring to a divorce consultation?

Bring your date of separation, income records, a list of assets and debts, any existing court orders, and a proposed parenting schedule if children are involved.

How to use this checklist

Preparing for a Greensboro divorce?

Common questions

What to know before you file for divorce in Greensboro

A plain-language guide to North Carolina family law

Krispen Culbertson, a Greensboro divorce lawyer