Evidence & Exhibits

Evidence is information presented to prove or disprove facts in your case. In family law, this typically includes text messages, emails, photos, financial documents, medical records, school reports, and written agreements.

Exhibits are specific pieces of evidence formally marked and presented to the court. During hearings, you'll reference 'Exhibit A' or 'Exhibit 1' rather than fumbling through stacks of papers. Proper labeling makes your evidence accessible and credible.

For photos, capture images immediately with timestamps and location data enabled. Document the context of what you're photographing.

For financial records, collect pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and receipts systematically. Keep both electronic and paper copies. Organize chronologically and by category (income, expenses, assets, debts).

Standard convention assigns letters (A, B, C) to plaintiff/petitioner exhibits and numbers (1, 2, 3) to defendant/respondent exhibits.

• Create an exhibit list that includes each designation, a brief description, page count, and relevant dates
• Use adhesive exhibit stickers or colored tabs on physical documents
• Include exhibit labels in PDF bookmarks for electronic filings
• Keep exhibits in order and easy to access during hearings

Avoid these critical errors when handling evidence:

• Not preserving metadata: Cropped screenshots or edited photos lose credibility. Keep original files with complete metadata intact.
• Poor organization: Dumping 200 unsorted text messages on a judge doesn't help your case. Organize chronologically and highlight key messages.
• Missing authentication: Courts require you to authenticate evidence—proving it's what you claim it is. Include declarations explaining the source and chain of custody.
• Wrong labeling conventions: Using numbers when you should use letters, or skipping exhibit lists entirely, creates confusion and wastes court time.
• Bringing only one copy: Always bring three copies of each exhibit—one for the judge, one for the opposing party, and one for yourself.
• Forgetting relevance: Not all evidence is admissible. Make sure each exhibit directly relates to issues in your case and isn't just emotional clutter.