Family law
What Should You Bring to a Custody Hearing?
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Walking into a custody hearing prepared can help you stay calm and focused. This is a general guide to the kinds of documents and information many parents find useful to have on hand.
Last updated June 2026
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What to bring to a custody hearing
Your Court Documents and Filings
Bring copies of every document connected to your case. This usually includes anything you filed, anything the other parent filed, and any orders the judge has already signed. Having your own clean set means you can find and reference a specific page quickly if the judge or the other side mentions it.
Many parents bring more than one copy: one for themselves, one for the other parent, and one for the judge, in case the court asks for it. The exact number of copies and how they should be organized can vary by state and even by courthouse, so check your state's guide and your local court's instructions before you go.
Evidence and Records That Support Your Position
A custody hearing often comes down to what is in the child's best interest, so it helps to bring records that speak to your involvement and the child's day-to-day life. This can include a proposed parenting schedule, a simple calendar or log of your time with the child, school and medical records, and communication between you and the other parent that is relevant to the issues before the court.
Organize these so you can locate any single item fast. Whether and how a document can actually be used as evidence, and what you need to do to have it accepted, varies by state and by the type of hearing. Rules about things like text messages, photos, and witness statements are technical, so review your state's guide to understand what applies to your situation.
A Simple Plan for What You Want to Say
Write down the main points you want the judge to hear and the specific outcome you are asking for. Judges often have limited time, so a short, clear summary of what you want and why helps you use your moment well. Bring a written outline or notes so nerves do not make you forget something important.
If you plan to ask for a particular parenting schedule, be ready to describe it in concrete terms: who has the child on which days, how exchanges happen, and how holidays are handled. Thinking this through in advance, and putting a proposed schedule on paper, makes it easier for everyone in the room to picture what you are requesting.
Practical Items and Logistics
Handle the basics so the day runs smoothly. Confirm the date, time, courtroom, and address ahead of time, and plan to arrive early to get through security and find the right room. Bring a pen and paper to take notes, and arrange childcare so you are not bringing your child unless the court has specifically asked you to.
Dress neatly and plan for the hearing to take longer than expected. Check your state's guide and your local court's website for any specific instructions, because procedures, check-in steps, and what is allowed inside the courtroom can vary by state and by county.
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This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.