'To consult someone' or 'to consult with someone'?

Hi,
Is there any difference in meaning when 'with' is used?

And may I know if there's and more casual verbs we can use, say when someone does so to get some information they need from parents, friends, etc.?

"With" should be used.

I think I come across the version without "with" more often. I don't think there is a lot of difference in meaning between them usually, but dictionaries seem to say that "consult John" means take advice from John, and "consult with John" means exchange ideas with John.

Had a look at the exact definitions in CAD, and it sort of says the same thing I suppose. More likely, when we 'consult with Sb' we are the one who needs advice. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks!

I think the reply here answers this question just about perfectly.

Rover