Documentation Examples
Your documentation is powerful evidence. Learn how to capture the truth in a way that courts respect and attorneys can use.
Clear, detailed records are your strongest defense. You have the power to tell your story accurately.
Documentation Tips
- ✓ Always include exact date and time
- ✓ Be specific with names, locations, and quotes
- ✓ Describe impact on child when relevant
- ✓ Save screenshots with timestamps visible
- ✓ Forward important evidence to your attorney
Father was 45 minutes late picking up Emma from school
"March 3, 2026 at 3:45 PM - Emma's school called. Father arrived at 4:30 PM instead of 3:45 PM. Emma was upset and confused. I had to stay late at work."
Why This Matters:
Courts track pattern of late pickups. This shows unreliability and impact on child.
Father told child negative things about mother
"March 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM - Sienna came home upset. She said father told her "Your mom doesn't really care about you, she just wants my money." This is parental alienation."
Why This Matters:
Parental alienation is taken very seriously by courts. Document exact quotes and child's reaction.
Hostile communication via text message
"March 1, 2026 at 11:47 PM - Text from father: "You better not try to take the kids away or I'll make sure you regret it. I have lawyers too.""
Why This Matters:
Threats are strong evidence of hostile behavior. Save exact timestamp and wording.
Disagreement over child's medical care
"February 28, 2026 - Scheduled Emma's orthodontist appointment for March 15 (my custody day). Father demanded to attend and said I'm 'wasting his money.' I have medical decision-making authority per court order."
Why This Matters:
Document who has medical decision-making authority. Show you're making decisions in child's best interest.
Parent refused to return child at end of custody time
"February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Father was supposed to return Sophia at 6 PM. At 6:15 PM, he texted 'She wants to stay longer.' I called him. He said 'I'm not bringing her back tonight.' I called police for welfare check."
Why This Matters:
This is custodial interference. Document time, your attempts to reach child, and police involvement.
Father failed to pay child support or agreed expenses
"February 20, 2026 - Child support payment due. Father did not pay. This is the 3rd month in a row. Total owed: $1,200. I have screenshots of bank account showing no deposit."
Why This Matters:
Courts enforce financial obligations. Keep records of all missed payments with dates.
Document good interactions too (shows you're fair)
"March 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM - Father picked up Emma on time. He was polite. Emma seemed happy to see him. They went to soccer practice as planned."
Why This Matters:
Documenting positive interactions shows you're objective and not trying to alienate the children.
Track child's emotional/behavioral changes
"March 5, 2026 - After returning from father's house, Sienna was withdrawn and quiet. She didn't want to talk about her time there. She went to bed early. This is different from her normal behavior."
Why This Matters:
Courts consider child's wellbeing. Behavioral changes after exchanges can indicate problems.
Unplanned changes to custody schedule
"March 3, 2026 - Father texted at 2 PM asking to switch weekends (his weekend is March 9-10, mine is March 16-17). I agreed. We swapped. I have text confirmation from him."
Why This Matters:
Document all schedule changes with timestamps. Shows flexibility but also creates record.
Proper way to save evidence
"March 2, 2026 - Father sent hostile email at 9:47 AM. I took a screenshot (timestamp visible) and saved it to my Evidence folder. I also forwarded it to my attorney."
Why This Matters:
Screenshots with timestamps are admissible in court. Always save originals and forward to attorney.
Always Include:
- ✓ Exact date and time
- ✓ Who was involved
- ✓ What happened (specific details)
- ✓ Impact on child
- ✓ Witnesses (if any)
How to Save Evidence:
- ✓ Screenshots with timestamps visible
- ✓ Original files (don't edit)
- ✓ Organized by date
- ✓ Backup copies (cloud)
- ✓ Share with attorney promptly