How do I ask for an informational chat? - what worked for you?

A friend suggested informational chats and I do not know how to ask. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. Some people reply with short answers. What did you ask?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 14 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

Do not apologise for asking. Most people remember someone who helped them.