When you’re dealing with a custody case, it’s easy to assume that everything you’ve experienced automatically “counts” in court. But family court decisions rely on information the court can review and trust — which usually means evidence with context.
The Core Rule: Evidence Needs Context
A single screenshot rarely explains itself. Strong documentation is typically dated, identifiable, connected to a topic the court cares about, and organized so it can be reviewed efficiently.
- Dated: when it happened
- Identified: who it involves
- Connected: why it matters
- Organized: where it fits (timeline or category)
Types of Evidence That Commonly Matter in Custody Cases
Every court and situation is different, but these categories are commonly used when parents document custody-related issues.
1) Communication Records
Texts, emails, and co-parenting apps can help establish agreements, refusals, notice given, and patterns in communication. The key is to preserve context (not just a single message).
2) Parenting Time Records
Parenting time logs can clarify missed visits, late pickups, schedule changes, and repeated deviations from an agreement.
- Date and time
- What was scheduled
- What actually happened
- Any related communication (exhibit reference)
3) School Documentation
Attendance patterns, teacher communications, notices, and conference participation can matter because they’re often neutral sources.
4) Medical and Health Documentation
Appointment attendance, treatment follow-through, and continuity can be relevant. Keep it minimal and factual — and only include what’s necessary.
5) Financial Documentation (When Relevant)
Receipts, reimbursements, and written agreements can matter when the dispute involves shared expenses or required contributions.
6) Photos, Videos, and Digital Media
Media can help when it’s clearly dated (or tied to a date), relevant, and easy to understand without heavy interpretation.
7) Third-Party Records and Neutral Sources
Records from schools, providers, and official sources often carry more weight because they aren’t created by either parent.
What Usually Doesn’t Help (Or Can Backfire)
- Long emotional narratives with no documentation
- Random screenshots with missing dates/context
- Social posts without clear relevance
- Opinion labels (“narcissist,” “doesn’t care”)
- Excessive volume with no structure
- Speculation instead of facts
How to Make Evidence Court-Ready
- Create an Evidence Index: exhibit letter/number, description, date(s), type, relevance note
- Organize by category or timeline: pick one structure and stay consistent
- Use neutral summaries: short factual notes that reduce confusion
- Build patterns, not piles: document behavior over time
A Simple “Does This Count?” Test
Before including something, ask:
- Is it dated?
- Is it relevant to the child or parenting time?
- Can a stranger understand it in 30 seconds?
- Does it clarify a disputed fact or show a pattern?