Custody Evidence Checklist

Strong evidence is dated, organized, and easy to verify. This checklist helps you collect only what matters and label it so the story is clear. Educational only — not legal advice.

Core categories to gather

  • Parenting time & exchanges: dates/times/locations, delays, cancellations, make-up time attempts.
  • Communication excerpts: only the few messages that prove a point (preserve originals).
  • School records: attendance, notes, schedules, relevant communications.
  • Medical/therapy summaries (if relevant): keep it minimal and redact sensitive identifiers.
  • Calendar/logs: a clean custody timeline and logs for repeated issues.

Labeling system (so you don’t drown)

Recommended naming convention:
YYYY-MM-DD_topic_source_exhibit.ext

Examples:
2025-10-03_exchange_latepickup_message_exhibitA.png
2025-09-12_schedule_change_talkingparents_exhibitB.pdf
2025-10-01_school_absence_attendance_exhibitC.pdf

The goal is “anyone can open this folder and instantly understand what each file is.”

What to avoid

  • Hundreds of screenshots without dates or context.
  • Personal attacks or emotional rants (hurts credibility).
  • Irrelevant history not tied to child well-being or logistics.
  • Edited/altered screenshots (preserve originals).

Next steps

Want MCC to package your evidence cleanly?

MyCustodyCoach helps you build a labeled evidence packet and timeline so your facts are easy to review and share.

Free signup to demo

Disclaimer: MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for educational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.