Free guides for parents

Representing Yourself

Filing, serving, motions, declarations, courtroom basics and the mistakes self-represented parents make most.

Representing YourselfCommon Courtroom Objections, Explained in Plain English for Pro Se ParentsObjections in family court in plain English: what hearsay, relevance and leading mean, how to object out loud, and how to respond when one is aimed at you.8 min read

Representing YourselfCourt Self-Help Centers: What They Can (and Can’t) Do for YouWhat a court self help center can and can’t do for parents in family court, how to find yours, what to bring, and questions that get the most from a visit.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Cross-Examine a Witness in Family Court When You’re Pro SeHow to cross-examine a witness in family court pro se: short leading questions, using the other parent’s own messages, and staying calm when answers go wrong.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Build a Master Timeline for Your Custody Case (Free Template)A free custody battle timeline template in Word, Excel and PDF, plus how to build a master timeline for a custody case: each column, sources and an example.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Do Your Own Paralegal Work in a Divorce or Custody CaseHow to do your own paralegal work for divorce or custody: the tasks you can take on, how to do each one by hand, and a shortcut for the busywork.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Handle False Accusations in Family Court Without Making Them WorseHow to handle false accusations in family court: what to do first, how to follow orders, answer with evidence, get through investigations and avoid backfire.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Serve Custody Papers the Right Way: Service of Process ExplainedHow to serve custody papers: who can serve, personal service vs. mail, what to do if you can’t find the other parent, proof of service and common mistakes.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to File a Motion in Family Court Without a Lawyer, Step by StepHow to file a motion in family court without a lawyer: what goes in the packet, how to word your request, filing and fees, service, and the hearing.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to File for Custody Without a Lawyer: A Step-by-Step WalkthroughHow to file for custody without a lawyer: choosing the right court, finding forms, what to write, fees and waivers, serving the other parent and next steps.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Format a Court-Ready Document When You Don’t Have a LawyerHow to format a court-ready document: captions, case numbers, numbered paragraphs, signature blocks, margins, exhibits and e-filing PDFs, plus local rules.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Read a Family Court Docket: What Every Entry MeansHow to read a family court docket: where to find yours, what each part of an entry means, common abbreviations, and which entries mean you need to act.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Represent Yourself in Family Court: Custody Without a LawyerHow to represent yourself in family court for custody: what the judge decides, what helps parents without a lawyer, each stage, and organizing your case file.12 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Ask for a Continuance in Family Court, With Sample WordingHow to ask for a continuance in family court: reasons judges weigh, how and when to ask, sample wording for the other parent and the court, and what to avoid.8 min read

Representing YourselfServed With Custody Papers? What to Do in the First 72 Hours (and After)How to respond to custody papers: find your deadline, understand each document, file a response, prepare for the first hearing and avoid default mistakes.7 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Subpoena a Witness or Records for Family Court, Step by StepHow to subpoena family court witnesses and records: when you need a subpoena, getting it issued and served, witness fees, and mistakes that get one quashed.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Talk to a Judge in Family Court When You’re Representing YourselfHow to talk to a judge in family court pro se: what to call the judge, how to answer questions, word-for-word phrases, and how to practice staying calm.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Structure a Custody Declaration a Judge Can Actually FollowHow to structure a custody declaration: the standard sections, ordering by date or by issue, a paragraph formula with sample wording, and attaching exhibits.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Write an Affidavit for Family Court, From Blank Page to Notary StampHow to write an affidavit for family court: when you need one, its parts with a sample, what makes an affidavit for custody believable, and notarizing it.7 min read

Representing YourselfChild Custody Opening Statement Examples: 5 Fill-In Scripts for CourtChild custody opening statement examples for five common situations, a simple structure, delivery tips, and the mistakes that lose a judge’s attention.8 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Prepare for a Custody Trial on Your Own: A DIY, Week-by-Week PlanPrepare for custody trial without a lawyer with this DIY week-by-week plan: deadlines, witnesses, exhibits, your binder, your testimony and the night before.12 min read

Representing YourselfHow to Present Your Own Case in Family Court, From First Word to LastHow to present your own case in family court: build it around issues, testify clearly, introduce exhibits, question witnesses, handle objections and close.7 min read

Representing Yourself25 Pro Se Child Custody Tips (and the Mistakes to Avoid)25 pro se child custody case tips for parents representing themselves, plus common mistakes to avoid: deadlines, service, evidence, hearings and the order.12 min read

Representing YourselfThe Pro Se Custody Case Checklist: Every Step, in OrderA pro se custody checklist you can work through stage by stage: paperwork, deadlines, evidence, mediation, hearing prep, court day and life after the order.7 min read

Representing YourselfRecovering From Family Court Trauma: A Practical Guide for ParentsRecovering from family court trauma: why court stress lingers, practical steps for the weeks after, protecting your kids, and when to get professional help.7 min read

Representing YourselfSoftware for Pro Se Litigants in Family Court: The DIY Way and the Easy WaySoftware for pro se litigants in family court: what you need it to do, how to build a free do-it-yourself case system, and what to look for in case software.7 min read

Representing YourselfThe Best Binder Setup for Family Court, Tab by Tab (Free Checklist)The best binder setup for family court: the 10 tabs in order, supplies, exhibit copies, a cheat sheet and a Zoom version, with a free printable checklist.8 min read

Representing YourselfVisual Timeline Software for Court: Your Options and What to Look ForVisual timeline software for court, compared honestly: spreadsheets, slide tools, online makers and case organizers, plus how to build one by hand for free.7 min read

Representing YourselfWhat to Wear to Custody Court (and What to Leave at Home)What to wear to custody court: outfit ideas for any budget, what to avoid, security screening tips, Zoom hearing advice and why first impressions matter.7 min read