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Custody & Support

Custody & Child Support Exhibit Guide

Your time with your children depends on what you can prove. This guide helps you build the evidence that shows you're the best parent for the job.

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Important: This guide is an informational resource prepared to the best of our knowledge and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. You remain responsible for all due diligence and ensuring that your filings conform to applicable court rules. For legal advice about your specific case, consult with a licensed attorney or your local court's self-help center.

Courts decide custody based on documentation—not just your word. What you can prove matters more than what you say. Judges look at stability, involvement, and the child's needs. This guide helps you organize evidence showing your relationship with your child, your ability to provide care, and any concerns about the other parent—so you walk into court with the proof you need.

Document Checklist

Child's Records

  • School records and report cards

    Shows child's academic progress and your involvement

  • Medical records

    Child's health history, including who takes them to appointments

  • Extracurricular activity records

    Sports, lessons, club memberships and your involvement

  • Child's schedule

    Daily routines, activities, and care arrangements

Communication Records

  • Co-parenting communication logs

    Texts, emails, or app messages about the child

  • Visitation logs

    Record of actual time spent vs. scheduled time

  • Missed visits documentation

    Dates and circumstances of cancelled or missed parenting time

  • Screenshots of concerning messages

    Any threatening or inappropriate communications

Financial Documentation

  • Income verification

    Pay stubs, tax returns, or business records (both parents)

  • Child-related expenses

    Receipts for childcare, medical, activities, school

  • Current child support records

    Payment history from the child support agency

  • Daycare or childcare contracts

    Costs and arrangements for childcare

Living Situation Evidence

  • Photos of your home

    Child's bedroom, play areas, safety features

  • Lease or mortgage documents

    Proof of stable housing

  • Household member information

    Who lives in each home (new partners, relatives)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors
  1. 1Speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child
  2. 2Denying visitation without a court order
  3. 3Failing to document incidents when they happen
  4. 4Bringing up issues unrelated to the child's welfare
  5. 5Not following the current court order while waiting for modification

Organization Tips

Pro tips for success
  • Keep a parenting journal documenting daily involvement and incidents
  • Use a co-parenting app that timestamps all communications
  • Organize documents chronologically to show patterns over time
  • Create a timeline of significant events related to custody
  • Save digital evidence in multiple locations (cloud backup)

Courtroom Preparation

Be prepared for your hearing
  • Focus on facts, not emotions or attacks on the other parent
  • Be prepared to explain how your proposal benefits the child
  • Bring your calendar showing your availability for parenting time
  • Know the current custody order inside and out
  • Have specific examples ready, not generalizations
  • If children are old enough, they may speak with the judge privately

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence is most important in custody cases?

Focus on evidence showing your involvement in the child's life: school records, medical appointments you attended, communications about the child, and documentation of your parenting time. Judges want to see stability and consistent involvement.

Can text messages be used as evidence in custody court?

Yes, text messages are commonly used in custody cases. Screenshot them with visible dates and phone numbers. Focus on messages relevant to parenting, not personal disputes between the parents.

How do I document the other parent missing visitation?

Keep a written log noting each missed visit with the date, scheduled time, and what happened. Save any text messages about cancellations. If you have witnesses (like relatives waiting with you), note their names.

Do I need labeled exhibits for family court?

Yes, family courts typically require organized, labeled exhibits. Having professional exhibit labels makes your documents easier for the judge to reference and shows you've taken the case seriously.

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