Custody Preparation Checklist

Key takeaways

• Print it or save it to your dashboard.
• Work top to bottom; the early items unlock the later ones.

Checklist

1. 1Obtain copies of every existing court order and the child's birth certificate
2. 2Confirm paternity is legally established (if unmarried)
3. 3Draft a proposed parenting plan with a specific weekly schedule and holidays
4. 4Start a dated communication and parenting-time log
5. 5Collect school records, attendance, and teacher contacts
6. 6Collect medical and dental records showing your involvement
7. 7Gather 3 months of pay stubs and last 2 tax returns
8. 8List child-related expenses you pay (insurance, activities, childcare)
9. 9Save texts, emails, and photos with dates to a backed-up folder
10. 10Identify witnesses who have seen you parent
11. 11Set up a co-parenting communication app if possible
12. 12Consult at least one family-law attorney about deadlines and strategy
13. 13Read your state's guide and official self-help pages