Custody Commander documentation

Everything you need to set up Custody Commander, use each tool well, and connect your own software through the API and MCP.

Custody Commander is self-help software for people handling a family court matter — custody, protective orders, divorce, support. These guides walk through every part of the app: how to set it up, what each tool does, and how to get the most out of it. If you're a developer, the developer section covers the REST API, the MCP server, and the downloadable AI skill.

Custody Commander is not a law firm

The software helps you organize the facts, documents, and messages you provide, and helps you with how to write things. It can't tell you what to file, what to argue, or how a court will rule, and no one on our team reviews or edits your documents. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney where you live.

Start here#

Quick startCreate your account, finish the setup wizard, and get your first evidence and document in — in about 15 minutes. How the app is organizedWorkspaces, your case, court cases, and how evidence, documents, and messages connect to each other. Plans, trial & AI operationsWhat's free, what the 14-day trial includes, and how AI usage is counted. FAQ & troubleshootingQuick answers to the questions people ask most.

Organize your case#

Cases & court casesSet up your case, add each court file, and keep case numbers, judges, and parties in one place. TimelineBuild a dated, filterable history of what happened, linked to the evidence that shows it. To-dos & hearingsTrack deadlines, court dates, and the work that has to happen before each one. Sharing with your attorneyInvite a lawyer or advocate, control what they can see, and collaborate in one place.

The tools#

Evidence HelperUpload screenshots, photos, PDFs, audio, and video; extract text; tag, date, and number exhibits. Message ExtractorImport text-message and chat archives into a searchable log and export page-numbered PDFs. Documents & templatesStart from a blank page, a family-court template, or an AI draft built from your own case facts. Hearing preparationPull your issues, evidence, and talking points together before you walk into court. Comms GuardCheck the tone of a message before you send it to the other parent or their attorney. Mediation CoachPractice beforehand and get calm, what-to-say help during mediation. AssistantAsk questions about your own case file and have the assistant do organizing work for you. Binders & exportsAssemble exhibit binders and download everything you've stored, at any time.

For developers#

Developer overviewWhat you can build, how the API and MCP server relate, and the limits that apply. API tokensCreate, scope, and revoke personal access tokens. REST API guideAuthentication, conventions, errors, and working examples. MCP serverConnect Claude and other MCP clients to your case with the permissions you choose.

Safety first#

Some people who use Custody Commander are dealing with someone who may check their phone or computer. Read Privacy, safety & security for what the app does to protect you, and the steps you can take on your own device. On this website, pressing Esc twice leaves immediately for weather.com.