How to Prepare Exhibits for Family Court
Professional exhibit preparation makes your evidence easy for judges to review and understand. Learn the step-by-step process for creating court-ready exhibits.
Exhibit Preparation Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence
Collect all documents, photos, communications, and records you plan to present. Ensure everything is relevant and supports your case.
- Email printouts or screenshots
- Text message screenshots
- Photos (printed)
- School/medical records
- Financial documents
- Calendar/schedule records
Step 2: Organize Chronologically
Arrange exhibits by date (oldest to newest) or by topic if that makes more sense for your case. Chronological order is usually preferred for family law.
Step 3: Number Each Exhibit
Assign each exhibit a unique identifier:
- Petitioner typically uses: Numbers (1, 2, 3...)
- Respondent typically uses: Letters (A, B, C...)
- Check your court's local rules for guidance
Step 4: Create Descriptions
Write a brief description for each exhibit:
- Good: "Email from Jane Smith to John Doe dated March 15, 2025 regarding custody schedule"
- Good: "Text messages between parties, March 1-15, 2025"
- Good: "Photo of child's bedroom at mother's residence, taken April 2, 2025"
Step 5: Create an Exhibit Index
Make a master list of all exhibits with descriptions. Example:
| Exhibit # | Description | Pages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Custody Order dated Jan 10, 2025 | 3 |
| 2 | Email chain re: schedule changes | 2 |
| 3 | School attendance records | 1 |
Step 6: Format Professionally
- Use clean, white paper
- Ensure all text is legible (no tiny fonts)
- Add exhibit numbers/letters clearly at top or bottom
- Use tabs or dividers for easy reference
- Make multiple copies (one for court, one for other party, one for yourself)
ThreadLock's Exhibit Preparation Tools
ThreadLock automates exhibit preparation:
- Automatic exhibit numbering
- Professional PDF generation
- Exhibit index creation
- Clean, court-ready formatting
- Print-ready or email-ready files
FAQs
What is an exhibit in family court?
An exhibit is a piece of evidence formally presented to the court, typically numbered or lettered (Exhibit A, Exhibit 1, etc.) and accompanied by a brief description. Exhibits can include documents, photos, emails, texts, records, or any other evidence supporting your case.
How do I number my exhibits?
Use either letters (A, B, C) or numbers (1, 2, 3) consistently. Check your local court rules for preferences. List all exhibits in an index with brief descriptions. Number exhibits in the order you plan to present them or chronologically by date.
Do I need original documents or are copies acceptable?
Most family courts accept copies, especially for preliminary hearings. Bring originals if you have them, but clean, legible copies are usually sufficient. Check your specific court's rules. Digital evidence (emails, texts) can be presented as screenshots or printouts.
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