Label Your Court Exhibits Yourself
A document assembly tool for self-represented litigants. Add professional exhibit labels to your PDFs.
Important: ExhibitPrep is a document labeling tool only. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, legal document preparation services, or representation. This tool simply helps you add exhibit labels to your own documents. For legal advice about your case, court procedures, or what documents to submit, please consult with a licensed attorney or your local court's self-help center.
What Are Court Exhibits?
Exhibits are documents, photos, or other materials presented as evidence in legal proceedings. They are typically labeled (e.g., "Exhibit A" or "Exhibit 1") so they can be easily referenced.
Why labels matter: Labeled exhibits help organize documents so all parties can easily reference them during proceedings. Check your local court rules for specific exhibit labeling requirements.
What ExhibitPrep does: ExhibitPrep is a tool that adds exhibit labels (stamps) to your PDF documents. Upload your PDFs, choose your label format, and download labeled documents.
How to Label Your Documents with ExhibitPrep
Gather Documents to Show Judge
Collect all papers, photos, emails, or records you want the judge to see (contracts, receipts, texts, photos).
Convert Everything to PDF
Use phone scanning apps, office software, or library scanners to make PDF files.
Go to ExhibitPrep.app
Visit ExhibitPrep.app in your web browser. No signup or credit card needed to start.
Upload Your PDFs
Drag and drop your files or click to browse. Upload all documents you want as exhibits.
Choose Auto-Letter Labeling
Select "Auto-Letter" option for simplest labeling (A, B, C, D...). Avoids numbering mistakes.
Pick Rectangle Stamp Style
Choose Rectangle (most professional for beginners). Select color if court requires (Yellow common for plaintiffs).
Preview Before Paying
See exactly how stamps look on your documents. Check readability. Only pay if perfect.
Download and Print
Download stamped PDFs. Print copies for court (check rules for how many). Bring to hearing.
Common Pro Se Cases & Typical Exhibits
Small Claims Court (5-10 exhibits)
Money disputes, contract breaches, property damage, security deposits
Common exhibits: Contracts, receipts, photos of damage, text messages, emails, repair estimates, invoices, canceled checks
Family Law (10-20 exhibits)
Custody, child support, spousal support, visitation modifications
Common exhibits: School records, medical records, emails/texts about children, calendars/schedules, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, expense records
Landlord-Tenant Disputes (5-15 exhibits)
Evictions, security deposit returns, habitability issues, rent disputes
Common exhibits: Lease agreement, rent receipts, photos (move-in/move-out), repair requests, correspondence, notices, inspection reports
Employment Disputes (10-30 exhibits)
Wrongful termination, wage theft, discrimination, harassment
Common exhibits: Employment contract, offer letter, emails, performance reviews, pay stubs, time records, termination letter, handbook, complaint filings
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Hiring Help
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| ExhibitPrep (10 exhibits) | $14.99 | 20 minutes |
| Paralegal services | $100-300 | 1-2 days turnaround |
| Law firm | $500+ | 3-5 days turnaround |
| Your Savings with ExhibitPrep | $85-$485 | Same day, instant |
Why Exhibit Labels Matter in Court
When documents have clear exhibit labels, they can be easily referenced during proceedings. Below are examples of how labeled exhibits are typically referenced in court settings. Note: These are illustrative examples only. Court procedures vary by jurisdiction, and you should consult your local court rules or a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Example: Introducing a Labeled Exhibit
"Your Honor, I'd like to mark this document as Exhibit A."
Labeled exhibits make it easy for all parties to reference specific documents.
Example: Referring to an Exhibit
"As shown in Exhibit C..."
Clear labels allow everyone to quickly locate the referenced document.
Example: Directing Attention to an Exhibit
"Please refer to Exhibit F in the binder."
Organized, labeled exhibits help proceedings run more smoothly.
Document Labeling Checklist
- Gather all documents/photos that prove your case
- Convert everything to PDF (scanning apps, office software)
- Upload to ExhibitPrep and add professional labels
- Preview to ensure stamps are readable and properly placed
- Download stamped PDFs (only pay if perfect)
- Print required number of copies (check court rules)
- Organize in order (Exhibit A, B, C...) with paper clips
- Bring extra copy to hearing just in case
Plain-Language Glossary
Exhibit
A document or photo you show the judge as evidence
Stamp
A label (like "Exhibit A") that identifies the document
Binder
A book containing all your exhibits organized in order
Table of Contents
A list showing which exhibit is on which page
Pro Se / Pro Per
Representing yourself in court without a lawyer
Clerk's Office
Court office where you file documents and ask questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Note: The information below is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court rules and procedures vary by jurisdiction. Consult your local court rules or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Do I need exhibits for small claims court?
Yes, exhibits strengthen your case significantly. Judges prefer to see documents rather than just hear your story. Common small claims exhibits: Contracts, receipts, photos of damage, text messages, emails, estimates/invoices. Even simple cases benefit from 3-5 well-organized exhibits. Properly labeled exhibits make you look prepared and professional.
How do I know what documents to bring to court?
Bring anything that proves your side of the story. Ask yourself: 'What documents show what happened?' Examples: Lease agreement (landlord disputes), receipts (damage claims), contracts (breach cases), photos (injury/property damage), text messages (harassment/threats), pay stubs (employment cases). When in doubt, include it - judges can ignore unhelpful exhibits but you can't add new ones at hearing.
Can I use my phone to take pictures of evidence?
Absolutely! Phone photos are acceptable court evidence if relevant. Take clear, well-lit pictures. For documents: Use scanning apps (Adobe Scan, Genius Scan - both free) for better quality than photos. For physical evidence: Photograph from multiple angles with ruler for scale. Save as PDF or JPG, upload to ExhibitPrep, and stamp as exhibits. Print copies for court.
What if I don't have a printer?
Many options: (1) Print at office supply stores (Staples, FedEx Office - about $0.10-0.15/page), (2) Public libraries (often free or very cheap), (3) UPS Store, (4) Friend/family member with printer, (5) Employer (if allowed). Download your stamped exhibits from ExhibitPrep to USB drive, email to yourself, or save to cloud (Google Drive/Dropbox). Check court rules - some courts accept electronic exhibits via email/upload.
How many copies of exhibits do I need for court?
Varies by court and case type. Common rule: 3 copies minimum - (1) Give to judge, (2) Give to other party, (3) Keep for yourself. Check court website or call clerk's office to ask: 'How many copies of exhibits for [your hearing type]?' Small claims often requires 2-3 copies. Family court often needs 3-4. Bring one extra copy just in case.
What if I can't afford a lawyer to prepare exhibits?
ExhibitPrep is designed for self-represented litigants. Cost: $4.99 per document or $14.99 unlimited day pass vs $100-300 paralegal charges. Many pro se litigants successfully prepare exhibits themselves - it's not as hard as it seems. Step-by-step interface requires no legal knowledge. Preview before paying means zero risk. Some courts offer free self-help centers for additional guidance on exhibit requirements.
Can I add exhibits at the hearing?
Difficult and discouraged. Most courts require exhibits submitted in advance (1-7 days before hearing). Adding exhibits at hearing requires judge's permission and other party may object. Better approach: Prepare all possible exhibits beforehand, even if unsure you'll use them. Courts prefer seeing you're organized and prepared. Unused exhibits stay in your folder - no penalty for bringing extras.
What happens if my exhibits aren't properly labeled?
Three possible outcomes: (1) Judge may reject unlabeled exhibits (won't look at them), (2) Hearing delayed while you label them properly (wastes everyone's time), (3) Judge labels them for you but appears unprofessional. Proper labeling shows respect for court and makes judge's job easier. It's the difference between looking prepared vs unprepared, which can influence judge's perception of your case overall.
Professional Exhibit Labels Made Simple
ExhibitPrep is a straightforward document labeling tool. Upload your PDFs, add exhibit stamps, and download your labeled documents. Preview before you pay.
Label Your Exhibits - Free PreviewExhibitPrep is not a law firm. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
Helpful Resources for Pro Se Litigants
Court Self-Help Centers
Many courts have free self-help centers with staff who can answer questions about forms and procedures (not legal advice)
Legal Aid Organizations
Free or low-cost legal help for people who qualify based on income (search "[your state] legal aid")
Court Website Local Rules
Check your specific court's website for rules about exhibit formatting, number of copies, and filing deadlines
Law Library
County law libraries are open to the public and often have librarians who can help you find information (not legal advice)