How to Gather and Present Evidence for Your Family Law Case — the Smart and Cost-Effective Way

At Lotspeich Law, LLC, we know that strong evidence is key to a successful family law case. But how you gather and share that evidence with your attorney matters just as much.

Whether you’re going through a divorce, custody dispute, or modification of an existing order, the evidence you provide can help shape the outcome of your case. But sending one screenshot at a time, forwarding dozens of emails without context, or dropping off a shoebox full of mixed documents can lead to confusion, delays—and increased legal fees.

Here’s how to help your legal team help you, while keeping your case moving efficiently and cost-effectively.

1. Understand What Qualifies as Useful Evidence

Think about what you’re trying to prove. Are you showing that your ex isn't following a custody schedule? That your co-parent is refusing to communicate? That you’ve been the primary caregiver or paid the majority of household expenses?

Common examples of helpful evidence in family law cases include:

• Text messages, emails, or social media messages that demonstrate communication patterns

• Photos, videos, or voicemails

• School records, report cards, or daycare logs

• Medical or mental health records (yours, your child’s, or the other party’s—if legally accessible)

• Financial documents such as paystubs, tax returns, and bank statements

• Calendars or journals that track parenting time or incidents

*Note: if you’re providing texts messages, make sure it includes the party’s name at the top (or phone number) and dates and times of the messages.

2. Organize It Before You Share It

Unorganized evidence creates more work for your legal team—which translates to higher costs for you. Instead:

• Group like with like: All messages in one folder, all photos in another, and so on.

• Add dates and context: Rename files with the date and a brief description (e.g., “2024-10-15_Missed_Exchange.jpeg” or “2025-01-02_Text_about_pickup.pdf”).

• Create a timeline or summary: A simple document that explains key events and links to your supporting evidence can be incredibly helpful.

• Avoid duplicates: Only send each item once and make sure it’s relevant to the issues in your case.

Folders examples:

[Child Abuse & Neglect] —> Place all evidence of abuse and neglect in this folder.

[Financial misconduct] —> Place all evidence of financial misconduct in this folder.

[Property values] —> Place appraisals and Kelly Blue Book values in this folder.

[Income] -> Place tax returns and your most recent paystub(s) in this folder.

Organizing your evidence before giving it to your attorney could potentially save you thousands of dollars during the course of your litigation.

3. Use Digital Tools

If you’re sending evidence electronically, consider these formats:

• PDFs: Ideal for text messages or emails. You can take screenshots, then export them and save as a PDF.

• Cloud folders: Use tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to upload your files in an organized manner. Share access with your attorney.

• Spreadsheets: For financial tracking or incident logs, a spreadsheet with clear columns for date, event, and details can make complex information easier to digest.

4. Protect Your Privacy

Before sending anything, double-check to make sure:

• You’re not including sensitive information that isn’t relevant (like unrelated emails or other people’s private details).

• You’re not violating any court orders or laws by obtaining or sharing the material.

If you're ever unsure, ask your attorney first—we’re here to help guide you.

5. Save Time, Save Money

When you provide your attorney with clear, organized, relevant evidence, it reduces the amount of time we have to spend sorting through materials—and that directly impacts your legal fees. At Lotspeich Law, LLC, we’re committed to providing high-quality legal advocacy while being mindful of your resources. When you help us work efficiently, everyone benefits.

Need Help Getting Started?

We know that organizing evidence can feel overwhelming, especially during a stressful time. If you’re unsure what’s relevant, or how best to present it, just reach out—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

At Lotspeich Law, LLC, your preparation becomes our power. Let’s build your strongest case—together.