Guides

Short answers to the questions people ask when they have to show what happened. Where a guide states a fact, it names the source and quotes it word for word. This is education, not legal advice.

• How to document abuse for a protective order

  How to keep a dated record of domestic abuse for a protective order: an incident log, photos, screenshots, voicemails and where to keep them safe. Sourced, plain English, not legal advice.

• How to organize texts and screenshots for custody court

  How to keep text messages, screenshots and emails for a custody or family court case: who sent it, when, the whole conversation, the originals, and one dated, numbered list.

• What coercive control looks like as evidence

  Coercive control is a pattern over time, not one bad day. How to show it: date every item, name the kind of behavior, and keep one timeline. Sourced, not legal advice.

• How to number exhibits for court

  How to number court exhibits: one number per item, date order, page numbers, an exhibit list, and copies for every party. With one court’s real instructions as an example.

• What to bring to the police after domestic violence

  What helps police understand a domestic violence call fast: who is involved, the latest incident with date and time, any protection order, photos and messages. Plain English, not legal advice.

• What a lawyer needs from you first

  What to bring to a first meeting with a lawyer about abuse, custody or a protective order: court papers, a timeline, numbered evidence, names and your questions. Not legal advice.