Massachusetts · Evidence Preparation

Evidence Organization Sheet

Organize your evidence for MA Probate & Family Court. Every document must be labeled, dated, and indexed. Bring 3 copies to court — one for you, one for the judge, one for the other parent.

⚠️ This is a template, not legal advice. Dad Court Help is not a law firm. Evidence rules in MA Probate & Family Court can be complex. Have an attorney review your evidence before your hearing.

Need this template filled out and ready to file?

Get the fillable PDF version — complete online, print, and bring to court.

Buy for $14.00 →

Instant download · Fillable PDF · MA-specific

Case Information

Court / County

Docket Number

Hearing Date

Judge

Evidence Index

List every piece of evidence. Label each with an exhibit number. Organize by date — oldest first.

Exhibit #	Date of Document	Document Type	Description	What It Proves	Copies Made (3?)	File Location	Tab #

Evidence Categories Checklist

Category	What to Include	Have it?	Organized?	Notes
Parenting Journal	Daily log of pickups, drop-offs, activities, bedtime routines, overnights
School Records	Report cards, attendance, teacher emails, IEP records, parent-teacher conference notes
Medical Records	Vaccination records, appointment attendance, medical decision involvement, pediatrician correspondence
Communication Records	Texts, emails, call logs with other parent — chronological, organized by month
Financial Records	Pay stubs (3–4), tax returns (3 years), W-2s/1099s, bank statements, child-related expense receipts
Court Documents	Complaint, motions, affidavits, prior orders, summons, proof of service — all file-stamped copies
Photos / Videos	Documenting time with child, living environment, activities, any injuries or concerns
Witness List	Names, contact info, what they'll testify about — witnesses wait outside until called
DCF Records	If DCF investigated — 51A/51B reports, findings (supported/unsupported), fair hearing results
Police Reports	If any incidents occurred — police report numbers, responding officer names
Co-Parenting App Records	OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, or similar — export full communication history
Drug/Alcohol Screens	If false substance allegations were made — clean test results from certified lab
Social Media Screenshots	Other parent's posts showing lifestyle, spending, or contradicting their claims

Witness List

#	Name	Relationship to Child	What They'll Testify About	Contact Info	Subpoena Needed?

Tips for Organizing Evidence

📎 Binder Setup: Use a 3-ring binder with numbered tabs. One tab per exhibit, in chronological order. Create an index page at the front listing every exhibit by number, date, and description. Make 3 identical binders.

📱 Digital Evidence: Screenshots must show the date, sender, and full context. Don't crop — full screen only. Save original files (texts, voicemails, photos) on a backup drive. Print copies for the binder.

⚖️ Admissibility: The judge decides what's admissible. Hearsay is generally excluded. Documents must be authenticated (you or a witness confirms they're genuine). If unsure, ask an attorney what will be allowed.

🚫 What NOT to include: Angry texts you sent, social media posts where you complain about the other parent, anything that makes YOU look bad. The other parent's attorney will use it against you.

Dad Court Help · Document Pack for Massachusetts · Not legal advice · dadcourthelp.com