User cannot afford an attorney: Note that some options exist for lower-cost estate planning: legal aid organizations (for those who qualify by income), law school clinics, state bar association pro bono programs, and reduced-fee clinics. A simple will created through a legitimate reduced-cost channel is far better than no will at all.
User already has documents but does not know if they are current: Recommend they bring all existing documents to the consultation. The attorney can review them and advise whether they need updating. Common triggers for updates: changes in law, changes in family structure, changes in asset value, changes in named individuals (executor died, moved, etc.), or documents more than 5-7 years old.
User is doing estate planning for elderly parents: Note that the parents must be mentally competent to sign legal documents. If there is any concern about cognitive decline, the estate planning meeting becomes more urgent. The attorney may assess competency as part of the process. The adult child can help gather documents and attend the meeting with the parents' permission.
User and spouse disagree about estate planning decisions: This is common and the attorney is experienced in facilitating these conversations. Note that each spouse should feel comfortable expressing their preferences. Major areas of disagreement (executor choice, distribution to children, guardianship) should be identified before the meeting so the attorney can help facilitate discussion.
User has assets in multiple states or countries: Note that estate planning across multiple jurisdictions is more complex. The user may need an attorney who practices in multiple states or may need separate counsel in each jurisdiction where they own real property. International assets add another layer of complexity. Flag this for the attorney at the outset.
User asks about online DIY services: Acknowledge that online services exist and may work for very simple situations (single person, few assets, no minor children, no business interests). However, note that these services cannot provide the individualized analysis an attorney offers, may not account for jurisdiction-specific requirements, and errors in estate documents may not be discovered until after death when they are too late to fix.