The Shelf: Gather, Cut, Name

This page is the inventory brain: what belongs in the folder, what belongs in the trash, and how a filename tells the truth when you are not in the room. For workflow order (triage → timeline → cull → index), use the custody evidence documentation resource. Master one page at a time or you will duplicate work and still feel behind.

Minimum viable set (one claim)

Neutral anchors
School portal lines, official PDFs, program schedules that do not need your adjectives.
Message excerpts
3–8 cards, timestamps visible, topic tagged. Not the whole thread.
One calendar truth
Something you did not rewrite at 2 a.m. after a fight.
Witness list (sparingly)
Only people who change a fact, not everyone who agrees with you.

Parenting time + exchanges

Planned vs actual, delays, cancellations, make-up attempts, receipts tied to missed time.

Comms excerpts

Short verbatim quotes with timestamps; originals in /raw.

School + activities

Attendance, schedules, coach notes when they change the story.

Medical (careful)

Summaries over dumps; redact what you do not need to share.

Calendars + logs

Anything that proves pattern, not one-night tone.

Keep

Dated exports with readable filenames.
Official records you can explain in one sentence.
One table you are willing to defend line by line.

Cut first

Spicy archives that do not touch this year’s dispute.
Other kids’ full files when a redacted line suffices.
“Character” photos with no logistics hook.

Naming convention

FILENAME PATTERN
YYYY-MM-DD_topic_source_exhibit.ext

Examples:
2025-10-03_exchange_latepickup_talkingparents_exhibitA.pdf
2025-09-12_schedule_change_text_exhibitB.png
2025-10-01_attendance_pull_schoolportal_exhibitC.pdf

If the filename still says IMG_2039, you have not finished the checklist.

FAQ

Why is “minimum viable” better than “everything”?

Because readers punish haystacks. A tight set with dates beats a dump that signals you cannot prioritize. You can keep a private raw folder without filing it.

Where does sequence fit?

After you know what you are keeping. For triage → timeline → cull → index order, use the custody evidence documentation resource.

Pair checklist discipline with MCC extraction

Upload, label, and hand counsel a folder that already respects your naming rules instead of apologizing for chaos.

Start free

Safety: If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. Evidence planning supports advocacy; it does not replace it.

MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This checklist is educational; confirm requirements with official court resources or counsel.