Openings & Issue Frames (60–90 sec)
Custody
Your Honor, [Name], self-represented. I’m requesting the parenting plan in FL-311/FL-341 because it maximizes stability and school attendance. Evidence is Exhibits A–C. I’ll be brief.
Support
Guideline support should be set using incomes in FL-150 and timeshare from FL-311. Add-ons requested: 50/50 child-care and unreimbursed medical within 30 days of receipt.
DVRO (if relevant)
Pattern of abuse on [dates]. Exhibits A–C include texts and police/medical records. I request no contact, stay-away, firearm surrender, move-out, and temporary custody with safe exchanges.
Frame the issue (what you want), anchor it to evidence (where), and stop talking.
Issue Scripts (Plug & Play)
Exchange Problems → School Impact
On exchanges: Late hand-offs caused tardies (Ex. B-1). My plan sets school-based exchanges and a Sunday 6 PM return to protect sleep and grades.
Add-Ons Cleanly
Orders requested: 50/50 child-care and unreimbursed medical/dental/vision, payable within 30 days of receipt with proof. Basis: FL-150 and receipts (Ex. C).
Fees (Need-Based)
Fees of $____ under FC §§2030–2032. FL-150 shows my need; the other party’s ability is shown by income/assets. See FL-319/FL-158 and invoices.
Objections (Say It Clean)
- Relevance: “Objection, relevance to the custody/support factors.”
- Hearsay: “Objection, hearsay—no exception stated.”
- Foundation: “Objection, lack of foundation for this document.”
- Speculation / Argumentative: “Objection, calls for speculation / argumentative.”
If overruled, move on calmly to your next clean point with an exhibit tab ready.
Cross-Examination Traps (Control the Question)
Yes/No Ladder
Q: On 3/14 you arrived 45 minutes late for the exchange, correct? Q: The child was marked tardy on 3/15, correct?
Pin the Document
Q: That text at 7:41 PM is yours (Ex. A-1), correct? Q: You wrote “I’m not coming,” correct?
Don’t Argue—Tighten
If they wander, cut it off with a narrower question that forces a fact. Judges want facts.
Exhibit Handling (Make Rulings Easy)
Binder Build
- Tabs A–F (Texts/School/Medical/Police/Photos/Financials)
- One-page timeline on top
- Three sets: Court • Other Party • You
Label & Highlight
Exhibit A-1: Text 02/12/25 7:41 PM (missed exchange) Exhibit B-3: Attendance log, Sept–Nov Exhibit C-2: Counselor letter 03/05/25
Hand-Off
When called, hand the court your set, direct to the flagged page, and say the line that matters.
Logistics & Fit (The Calm Adult in the Room)
- Arrive: 30–45 min early; check in; silence phone; breathe.
- Wear: clean, neutral, simple. No loud logos or drama.
- Bag: binder (3 sets), forms, proofs of service, pens, tabs, water, charger, spare USB.
- Mindset: Short > long. Facts > feelings. Exhibits > opinions.
Access (Remote • ADA • Interpreter)
- RA-010 — Remote Appearance (if your court allows)
- MC-410 — ADA Accommodation (disability access)
- Court Interpreters (language access)
- Find My Court (address, department, local rules)
Subpoenas (When You Need Documents/Witnesses)
- SUBP-001 — Civil Subpoena (Personal Appearance at Hearing)
- SUBP-010 — Deposition Subpoena for Business Records
- SUBP-002 — Deposition Subpoena (Personal Appearance)
Subpoena rules can be technical—check your local court’s self-help center or legal aid for service deadlines and witness fees.
Continuances & Minute Orders
- If you need more time: ask on the record and file the proper forms if required.
- DV-115 — Request to Continue Hearing (DV context)
- DV-116 — Order on Request to Continue
- Minute Order: get a copy; confirm what was granted/denied; calendar deadlines.
Proposed Orders & After the Hearing
Checklists (Print This Section)
Hearing Bag
- Exhibit binder (3 sets) + timeline (1 page on top)
- Forms & proofs of service (FL-330/335, etc.)
- Pens, tabs, highlighters, water, charger, spare USB
Day-Of Flow
- Arrive 30–45 min early; check in with clerk
- Tab key pages; rehearse your 60–90s opening
- Speak to exhibits, not emotions
Mindset
- Short > long. Facts > feelings. Exhibits > opinions.
- Breathe. Pace. Eyes on the judge. Respectful and surgical.