Claude Prompt: Family Law Intake and Case Assessment Memo
Turns first-consultation notes and the documents received into an internal assessment memo: safety concerns first, the issues in play, what is documented versus only told, urgent matters, documents to collect, client questions and immediate tasks. It states no law and predicts no outcome.
The Prompt
Variables (7)
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {{client_name}} | Client Name | Dana Whitfield |
| {{governing_state}} | Governing State | Oregon |
| {{consultation_date}} | First Consultation Date | 2026-09-28 |
| {{current_date}} | Today's Date | 2026-10-02 |
| {{intake_notes}} | Intake Notes | Married 2014; two children, Owen (11) and Pia (7). Client says husband took the car keys on 09/20 and told her to leave. Client says she texted her sister that night that she was afraid. Client wants primary care of the children and the house. |
| {{documents}} | Documents Received | Marriage certificate dated 06/14/2014; July 2026 pay stub for client ($2,410 gross); mortgage statement 09/01/2026 showing balance $212,400; text screenshot 09/20/2026 11:42 p.m. to sister. |
| {{authority_text}} | Statute, Rule or Order Text | NONE |
Expected Output
An <analysis> block, then the memo: (1) safety concerns quoted at the top; (2) conflicts between sources with both versions quoted; (3) the issues in play by category (dissolution, custody and parenting time, child support, spousal support, property and debts, protective orders) with the facts that bear on each and an authority marker where a standard would be needed; (4) a documented-versus-told table; (5) urgent matters with supplied dates and days remaining; (6) documents to collect; (7) questions for the client; (8) immediate tasks; (9) missing information, unsupported statements declined and declined requests; and a closing Verification list.
Usage Notes
Use within a day or two of the first consultation. Paste the intake notes as taken and every document the client brought; add statute or rule text only if you want it used. Check that any safety statement appears first and is quoted rather than paraphrased, and that every item marked Documented cites a document you actually pasted. Failure mode to watch: the model describing what the state's law provides for custody, support or property; the prompt forbids this, so any such sentence is a defect. Not legal advice. The attorney remains responsible for verifying every fact, figure and authority before use.
Originally featured in: Prompt Engineering for Lawyers: The Complete 2026 Guide
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* These prompts are drafting and analysis aids for licensed attorneys. They are not legal advice and do not replace professional judgment. AI output can contain errors, including invented citations and incorrect deadlines: verify every fact, figure, authority and deadline against primary sources before relying on it. Rules vary by jurisdiction, and you remain responsible for the final work product.