How to Prepare Exhibits Without a Lawyer
A beginner-friendly guide to preparing professional court exhibits. No legal training required. Follow these simple steps to organize your evidence properly.
Start Preparing Your Exhibits3 exhibits free • No account required
You Can Do This
Thousands of people represent themselves in court every day. Courts are required to treat self-represented litigants fairly. While you must follow the same rules as lawyers, the rules for exhibit preparation are straightforward. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Exhibits
Gather Your Documents
Collect everything that supports your case:
- Contracts and agreements
- Receipts and invoices
- Photographs
- Text messages (screenshots)
- Emails (printed)
- Medical records
- Bank statements
- Police reports
Organize by Importance
Put your strongest evidence first. Ask yourself: "Which documents best prove my case?" Those go at the top. Group related documents together. For example, put all medical records together, all financial documents together, etc.
Convert to PDF
Most courts require PDF format. For paper documents:
- Use a scanner or smartphone scanning app (free apps: Adobe Scan, CamScanner)
- Make sure text is readable—scan at 300 DPI or higher
- Save as PDF, not JPEG or PNG
Label Each Exhibit
Add a stamp or label to identify each document:
If You're the Plaintiff
(You filed the case)
Use: Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, Exhibit 3...
If You're the Defendant
(Someone sued you)
Use: Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C...
ExhibitPrep adds these labels automatically—just upload your documents and select your party type.
Create a List (Table of Contents)
Make a simple list of your exhibits:
EXHIBIT LIST
Exhibit 1 - Rental Agreement dated 1/15/2024
Exhibit 2 - Rent receipts January-March 2024
Exhibit 3 - Text messages about repairs
Exhibit 4 - Photos of damage
ExhibitPrep can generate this list automatically when you combine your exhibits.
Make Copies
You need multiple copies of everything:
- 1 copy for the judge - The court keeps this
- 1 copy for the other party - Required for fairness
- 1 copy for yourself - Your reference during the hearing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Missing the deadline - Know when exhibits are due. Late exhibits may be rejected.
- ✗Illegible copies - If the judge can't read it, it won't help your case.
- ✗No labels - Unlabeled documents create confusion and may not be admitted.
- ✗Too many irrelevant documents - Quality over quantity. Only include what's relevant.
- ✗Forgetting copies - Always bring enough copies for everyone.
Ready to Prepare Your Exhibits?
ExhibitPrep makes it easy. Upload your documents, choose your party type, and download professionally labeled exhibits. Your first 3 exhibits are free.
Start for FreeNo account required • 3 free exhibits • Pay only if you need more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare my own exhibits for court?
Yes, you can prepare your own exhibits for court as a self-represented (pro se) litigant. Courts accommodate people without lawyers and expect them to follow the same exhibit rules as attorneys. The key requirements are: proper labeling (Exhibit 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C), clear copies that are easy to read, organization in a logical order, and timely submission per court deadlines. ExhibitPrep helps pro se litigants create professional exhibits that meet court standards.
What documents can I use as exhibits?
Almost any document that supports your case can be an exhibit: contracts and agreements, receipts and invoices, photographs (printed), text messages and emails (printed screenshots), medical records, bank statements, letters, police reports, and any other relevant documentation. The document must be relevant to your case and you must be able to authenticate it (explain how you got it and that it is genuine). Original documents are best, but courts typically accept clear copies.
How do I number my exhibits?
Most courts want plaintiffs (the person who filed the case) to use numbers: Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, Exhibit 3. Defendants (the person being sued) typically use letters: Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C. This helps the judge quickly identify which party submitted which exhibit. Check your court's local rules or ask the clerk for the specific convention in your jurisdiction. ExhibitPrep has templates for both numbering systems.
How many copies of exhibits do I need?
You typically need at least 3 copies of your exhibits: (1) One for the judge, (2) One for the other party (opposing counsel or self-represented opponent), and (3) One for yourself. Some courts require additional copies for court staff or multiple judges. Ask the court clerk how many copies are required. For multi-party cases, you need a copy for each party. Keep your originals safe at home.
When do I submit my exhibits to the court?
Exhibit submission deadlines vary by court and case type. Common timeframes: Small claims courts often accept exhibits at the hearing itself. Civil courts typically require exhibit exchange 7-30 days before trial (check your scheduling order). Family courts may have specific deadlines in standing orders. Always check your court's rules and any orders in your case. Missing the deadline could mean your exhibits won't be admitted. When in doubt, submit earlier rather than later.
What if I have a lot of exhibits?
If you have many exhibits (10+), organization becomes critical. Create a table of contents listing each exhibit with its label and a brief description. Consider combining related documents into a single exhibit binder. Use tabs or dividers between exhibits for easy navigation. ExhibitPrep can combine all your exhibits into one PDF with an automatic table of contents and clickable bookmarks—making it easy for the judge to find any exhibit quickly.