Free custody binder printables and custody log templates.

Custody binder printables

Print these in order and you have the skeleton of a binder: the checklist tells you which tabs to make, the timeline and index go at the front, and a cover sheet goes in front of each exhibit. The step-by-step guide is a tab-by-tab guide to setting up a custody binder.

Custody and visitation log templates

A log is only useful if you keep it the same way every day. Write what happened, when, and who was there, without opinions. For tips on keeping a consistent log, see how to keep a custody log you’ll stick with.

General organizing templates, not legal advice. Check your court’s local rules and required forms before filing anything. Every template is also on the free templates page.

Custody binder example: what each tab looks like

Here is one common way a custody binder is laid out, with a sample entry for each tab. Every name, date and detail below is made up to show the format. Your court’s local rules, or your attorney if you have one, may ask for a different order.

1. Cover page. The case name and number exactly as they appear on your court papers, your name, and the hearing date.
   Example: “In re the custody of J.M. · Case No. [as on your papers] · Prepared by Parent A · Hearing date: [date]”
2. Table of contents. Tab number, tab name and page range, so you can turn to any page fast.
   Example: “Tab 4 · Exhibits · pages 9–22”
3. Master timeline. One line per event, oldest first, with a cross-reference to the related exhibit.
   Example: “Mar 6 · Pickup 31 minutes late; J.M. waited in the school office · see Exhibit B-2”
4. Evidence index. One row per exhibit: number, what it is, the date and where it came from.
   Example: “B-2 · Text messages about the Mar 6 pickup · Mar 6 · screenshots from Parent A’s phone · 2 pages”
5. Exhibits. Each exhibit sits behind its own cover sheet, in the same order as the index.
   Example: a cover sheet reading “Exhibit B-2,” then the two screenshot pages with the date and time visible.
6. Logs. Exchange, message and call logs, kept the same way every day.
   Example: “Mar 6 · scheduled 5:00 pm · actual 5:31 pm · picked up by Parent B · text at 5:24 pm said ‘running late’”
7. Calendar. The schedule in the current order or agreement next to the time that actually happened.
   Example: “March: 12 overnights scheduled with Parent B, 10 kept (Mar 6 and Mar 20 changed)”
8. Orders and papers already filed. Copies of the current order and anything already on file, newest first.
   Example: “Temporary parenting order, signed [date] (copy)”

Each sample line is a short dated note with a source reference. To build these tabs, use the free printables above. For a step-by-step setup, read the tab-by-tab binder guide. This is an organizing format, not legal advice about what to file or present.