What to Expect During a Family Law Consultation

Written by Susan Reff

Taking the first step to speak with a family law attorney is rarely easy. For many people, scheduling a consultation means they’re facing one of the most challenging chapters of their lives. Whether you’re considering divorce, dealing with a child custody dispute, modifying an existing court order, or simply trying to understand your legal rights, it’s normal to have questions and uncertainty.

At Hightower Reff Law, we believe a consultation should do more than answer legal questions. It should give you clarity, direction, and confidence about what comes next.

Why a Consultation Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is, “I’m not ready to hire an attorney yet.”

The truth is, a consultation isn’t about making a commitment. It’s about gathering information so you can make informed decisions. In family law, timing often matters. Understanding your options early can help you avoid costly mistakes, preserve important evidence, and prepare for the road ahead.

Many clients tell us they wish they had scheduled a consultation sooner.

What Happens During Your Consultation?

Every family is different, and every legal situation is unique. That’s why we begin by listening.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss:

  • Why you’re seeking legal guidance.
  • Your family dynamics and current situation.
  • Any existing court orders or legal proceedings.
  • Your goals for moving forward.
  • Potential legal options available under Nebraska law.

This is also your opportunity to ask questions. We encourage clients to come prepared with anything that’s on their mind, whether it’s about custody, parenting time, property division, child support, alimony, timelines, or the court process.

Our goal isn’t to overwhelm you with legal terminology. We want you to leave with a better understanding of your situation and a realistic picture of what to expect.

Bringing the Right Information

You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly organized binder of documents.

If you have paperwork such as court filings, financial information, or communications relevant to your case, those materials can certainly be helpful. If you don’t, that’s okay too. We can explain what information may be important as your case moves forward.

The most valuable thing you can bring is an honest understanding of your circumstances and the questions keeping you up at night.

More Than Just Divorce

While many people associate family law consultations with divorce, our attorneys help clients through a wide range of legal matters, including:

  • Divorce
  • Child custody
  • Parenting plans
  • Child support
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Modifications
  • Paternity
  • Grandparent rights
  • Contempt and enforcement actions
  • Protection orders
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Even if you’re unsure whether your situation requires legal representation, a consultation can help you understand where you stand.

Choosing the Right Family Law Attorney

Not every attorney is the right fit for every client.

A consultation allows you to evaluate whether you feel comfortable with the attorney, their communication style, and their approach to resolving your case.

At Hightower Reff Law, we know that every client comes to us with a different story. Some want to negotiate and move forward efficiently. Others are facing high-conflict situations that require strong courtroom advocacy. Our role is to provide honest guidance tailored to your circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Why Clients Leave Feeling More Confident

One of the most common things we hear after a consultation is:

“I finally understand what my options are.”

Family law situations often feel overwhelming because there are so many unknowns. Once you understand the legal process and have a plan, those unknowns become much easier to manage.

Even when the answers aren’t always what someone hopes to hear, having accurate information is far better than relying on internet searches, advice from friends, or assumptions that may not apply to your case.

Taking the First Step

You don’t have to have everything figured out before contacting a family law attorney.

If you’re considering divorce, have questions about child custody, need to modify an existing order, or simply want to understand your legal rights, scheduling a consultation is one of the most important investments you can make in your future.

At Hightower Reff Law, we’re committed to helping individuals and families throughout Nebraska navigate difficult transitions with experience, compassion, and practical legal guidance.

If you’re ready to better understand your options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. Together, we’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the next best step for you and your family.

Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Susan Reff

About the Author

Susan Reff

Susan Reff is a founding partner of Hightower Reff Law in Omaha and has over 20 years of experience advocating for children and families, specializing in family law. She also practices in the areas of surrogacy, child custody and support, adoption, divorce (including collaborative and uncontested), mediation, protection orders, asset and property division, guardianship and conservatorship, as well as paternity and paternal rights. Susan is certified in Basic Mediation and Family Law Mediation by the Office of Dispute Resolution. Additionally, she is a member of the Nebraska Academy of Collaborative Professionals and certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney. Susan has previously sat on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 4th Judicial District for District and County Court vacancies and currently is on the Supreme Court’s Committee on Inquiry Panel. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to her community were recognized by the Nebraska Families Collaborative in 2015 with Community Champion for Children and Families distinction. She also was recognized as the Best Family Law Attorney in 2019 by AIOFLA.

Susan graduated with her Juris Doctor from the Creighton University School of Law in 2001 after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Creighton University. She’s also a graduate of Nebraska Bar Leadership Academy. In her free time Susan enjoys taking long naps, keeping on top of the news, and listening to “Under Pressure” from Queen.

related content

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Nebraska?

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Nebraska?

Nebraska divides property fairly in a divorce, though not always equally. Courts consider a range of factors when determining what is fair, and judges are given significant discretion in reaching decisions. Understanding the divorce process and factors that influence...

read more
Everything You Should Know About Nebraska Divorce

Everything You Should Know About Nebraska Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a challenging and emotional experience. From filing a petition to the final decree, the Nebraska divorce process involves several legal steps that you need to understand before separating from your spouse. Here’s everything you should...

read more