Custody Court Paperwork & Responses
If you’re staring at paperwork and thinking “I don’t even know where to start,” this page gives you a calm, evidence-first structure to follow. Educational only — not legal advice.
A calm 30‑minute plan (when you’re overwhelmed)
- Copy the allegations into a document and highlight what’s concrete (dates, claims, events) vs. vague language (“always,” “never,” “unsafe” without specifics).
- Make a short timeline (5–10 bullets) with dates only — then attach proof where you have it (messages, calendars, school/medical notes).
- Draft your response using the structure below. Keep tone neutral and child-focused. Save “how unfair this feels” for a trusted friend or therapist — court writing should be calm.
The response structure that stays credible
1) Quote/summary the allegation (1–2 lines)
Keep it short. Don’t rewrite it in a stronger form. Example: “Allegation: I refused parenting time on 2025‑09‑12.”
2) Respond with dates + specifics (no labels)
Write what happened, when, and what you did next. Avoid diagnosing, insulting, or speculating about motives.
3) Reference neutral proof
Messages, calendars, school records, medical summaries, exchange logs. Preserve originals. Use consistent exhibit labels (Exhibit A, B, C).
4) Close with a child-focused request
Keep it practical: stability, routines, school, transportation, conflict reduction. Don’t use the close to re-argue the entire case.
Tone checklist (fast credibility wins)
- Use dates, times, and observable facts.
- Write like a calm third party is reading it.
- Connect facts to child outcomes (school, sleep, health, routines).
- Avoid words like “always/never” unless you have data to back it up.
- Remove insults, sarcasm, and mind-reading.
Want MCC to draft this calmly for you?
MyCustodyCoach helps you turn allegations + scattered messages into a clear, respectful, evidence-referenced draft you can review before sharing with counsel or the court.
Free signup to demoDisclaimer: MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for educational purposes only. Court rules vary by state and county. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.