Court Hearing Prep Checklist

Everything you need to prepare for your family court hearing. Check items off as you go and track your readiness score.

This is part of our comprehensive guide: How to Represent Yourself in Family Court: A Pro Se Guide

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Documents to Bring

Copy of your current court order or parenting plan Photo ID (driver's license or passport) Any filed motions or petitions related to this hearing Evidence binder organized by category with tabs Communication logs (screenshots, app exports, printed emails) Financial documents if support is at issue (pay stubs, tax returns, expense list) Three copies of everything (one for you, one for the judge, one for opposing counsel) Notepad and pen for taking notes during the hearing

Appearance

Business casual or business attire (no jeans, no t-shirts) Conservative colors (navy, gray, black, neutral tones) Clean, pressed clothes with no logos or slogans Minimal jewelry and accessories Phone silenced (not just vibrate) before entering the courtroom

Courtroom Behavior

Address the judge as "Your Honor" Stand when the judge enters or exits the courtroom Do not interrupt the judge, opposing counsel, or the other parent Keep facial expressions neutral even when you disagree No eye-rolling, head-shaking, sighing, or whispering Speak clearly and calmly. Take a breath before responding. Answer only the question asked. Do not volunteer extra information. If you do not know the answer, say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure"

Preparation

Write down your 3 key points (what you want the judge to know) Prepare a one-page timeline of key events if relevant Review your evidence binder so you can find documents quickly Know the name of the judge assigned to your case Confirm the courtroom number, building address, and parking Plan to arrive 30 minutes early (allow time for security screening) Arrange childcare. Do not bring children to the courthouse unless ordered. If you have an attorney, confirm who will speak and when

Mistakes to Avoid

I will NOT badmouth the other parent in court I will NOT bring up issues not on today's docket I will NOT post about the hearing on social media I will NOT argue with or confront the other parent in the hallway I will NOT exaggerate or stretch the truth I will NOT cry or lose composure (take a pause if needed)

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