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Custody binder checklist: how to organize your custody case (USA)

For parents in custody, parenting time and visitation cases in the US. Prints on US Letter paper. Here is a practical way to organize your papers so you, the other side and the judge can find everything quickly.

The quick version

  1. Keep every document in one binder, split into the sections below.
  2. Write down every date and deadline the moment you get it.
  3. Give each piece of evidence a reference and use it everywhere.
  4. Number the pages and keep an up-to-date index at the front.
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Dates and deadlines to track

  • Petition or motion filed
  • Response due
  • Mediation or parenting class
  • Financial disclosures due
  • Temporary orders hearing
  • Hearing or trial date

Always use the exact dates in your court or tribunal letters and orders.

How to section your binder

Section A: Case summary & issues
A brief overview of the case and the key issues in dispute.
What to file: Case number and court; The children (names and dates of birth); The current order and what you are asking the court for; The main issues in dispute.
Section B: Petition, motions & responses
Formal documents setting out each parent's case.
What to file: Petition or complaint for custody or parenting time; Response or answer; Motions and responses (for example temporary orders, modification or enforcement); Summons and proof of service.
Section C: Timeline
A timeline of key events in your case.
What to file: Timeline of key events (separation, moves, schedule changes, incidents, court dates); Any updated versions.
Section D: Court orders & parenting plan
The orders and plan you and the other parent must follow.
What to file: Current custody or parenting time order and parenting plan; Temporary orders; Notices of hearing; Mediation or parenting class referrals.
Section E: Evidence & exhibits
Documents and records you will show the court.
What to file: Messages with the other parent (texts, emails, co-parenting app exports); School and medical records; Photos; Police or child protective services reports, if any.
Section F: Witnesses
Details of your witnesses and what they will say.
What to file: Witness list and contact details; Signed witness statements, where allowed; Subpoenas, if needed.
Section G: Correspondence & discovery
Communications and the exchange of information with the other side.
What to file: Letters and emails with the other parent or their attorney; Discovery requests and responses; Financial disclosures, if required.
Section H: Child support & expenses
The money side of the case.
What to file: Child support orders and worksheets; Records of support paid or received; Receipts for shared costs (childcare, medical, school, activities).
Section I: Hearing notes
Preparation and notes for hearings or mediation.
What to file: Key points to raise; Questions for witnesses; Notes taken during hearings.

What this binder is for

Case Ready is a document organization and preparation tool that helps you present your case materials clearly. This edition is designed with reference to custody, parenting time and visitation cases in US state family courts, for parents representing themselves.

  • Organize documents logically
  • Keep materials in order
  • Prepare for hearings and deadlines

What this binder is not

Case Ready:

  • Does not provide legal advice
  • Does not tell you what arguments to make
  • Does not guarantee any outcome

If you need legal advice, speak to a family law attorney, your court's self-help center or your local legal aid office.

Keeping your records focused on the children

  • Courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, so organize your records around the children: their routine, school, health and time with each parent.
  • Write things down as soon as you can after they happen, with dates and times.
  • Stick to facts. Describe what happened, not what you think the other parent meant.
  • Keep communication with the other parent brief, polite and in writing where you can.
  • Follow the current order even if you disagree with it, and ask the court if you want it changed.

Terms used in this binder

  • Petitioner: the parent who started the case.
  • Respondent: the other parent.
  • Parenting plan: the schedule and rules for how the children spend time with each parent.
  • Legal custody: decision-making about things like school, health care and religion.
  • Physical custody or parenting time: where the children live and when.
  • Terms vary by state. Some states use "parenting time", "allocation of parental responsibilities" or "conservatorship" instead of custody.

Exhibits & page numbers

Courts expect documents to be easy to find. Where possible:

  • Number your pages
  • Label each exhibit with a number or letter (Exhibit 1, Exhibit A)
  • Refer to exhibits by their label in your notes and timeline

Timeline & evidence

A timeline and exhibit list help the judge understand:

  • What happened
  • When it happened
  • Where the proof is

Hearings & practicalities

On the day of your hearing:

  • Bring the copies you have been asked for
  • Keep this binder with you
  • Use it to find documents quickly

Judges, tribunal members and staff expect parties to be organized and to follow procedure.

Who this is for

This edition is for parents representing themselves in a custody, parenting time or visitation case, including modifications and enforcement. If you or your children are in danger, call 911. For domestic violence support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

Before your hearing

  • Documents are filed in the right sections
  • Pages are numbered
  • Exhibits are labeled and easy to find
  • The timeline is clear and up to date
  • Court orders and deadlines are recorded
  • Documents are in date order
  • Confidential material is kept separate
  • Copies are ready for the judge and the other side
  • The binder is easy to navigate quickly

Save time with Case Ready

Case Ready is a printable, fillable case binder for custody and parenting time: front sheet, dividers, key dates sheet, evidence index and more, with your case details on every page. Type into it on screen or print it at home.

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This binder is a general organizational aid. Procedure varies by court, tribunal and case type. You are responsible for following the rules, orders and directions that apply in your case. Nothing in this binder is legal advice.