Family Law Homework List 

1. Get rid of your problems: (The ammunition that will be used against you in Court).
2. Make a list of bad acts by you, your spouse, paramour, family or witnesses that opposing party will use against you.  Collect any documents to support or challenge allegations, whether true or not.
3. Make a list of bad acts of opposing party, his/her spouse, paramour, family and collect witnesses and any documents to support their bad acts.
4. Make a list of your witnesses and opposing party witnesses include address/phone numbers of each and brief summary of what witnesses will say.
5. Take or collect photos of your residence, (inside and out, children’s bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, etc.), opposing parties residence (if possible) and family photos.  Photos of you involved in activities with children (holidays, birthday parties, picnics, etc.).   Provide an inexpensive photo album. (PHOTOS MUST BE COPIES.  THESE PHOTOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. THEY WILL BE USED AS EVIDENCE.)
6. Write a detailed account of your case (using a time frame of actual events).
7. Collect documents from real life:
   1. Check and print electronic/Social Media regarding all parties, their spouse/paramours, family and witnesses (My Space, Face Book, Craig’s List, Internet Dating Sites, Google Talk, Etc.)  (DO NOT highlight or mark on document.  Use a post-it only);
   2. Report Cards/Attendance Records/ School Records for children;
   3. Children’s Health Records;
   4. Tax Return (most current) and last three current pay stubs of both parties;
   5. Insurance policies (health, life, car, boat, homeowners, etc.) COPIES ONLY;
   6. Deed, or other document of title of real estate/vehicles/property over $500.00  (COPIES ONLY, NO ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS);
   7. Legal descriptions of all property;
   8. Tax appraisals district statements on real property;
   9. Expert appraisals on real property;
   10. Drug testing/Counseling records if drug use or mental illness is alleged;
   11. Employee Benefits information including retirement, etc.;
   12. Bank account statements;
   13. Credit card statements;
   14. E-mails, text messages and written communication to and from all parties that you are a party to.
   15. Prepare a calendar documenting all time and events spent with the children.
8. Complete the inventory and Appraisement.
9. Complete the income and expense statement.
10. Save all documents regarding communications.  Record future communications only if you are a party to that communication.  Any recordings of conversations that you are not a party to could subject you to criminal prosecution.  (Phone calls, text messages,
    e-mails, my space, etc.  Please note you are probably being recorded by other party).
11. DO NOT discuss case with or in the presence of your children and do not involve them with the process.  You will hurt your kids and your case by involving them.
12. DO NOT mark or write on any documents or photos.  Please use post-its to indicate important portions.  Furthermore, copy all information and do not leave any portion of the text, email or document off, (date, time, names, etc.)   Make sure all your documents are safe from theft and destruction by the opposing party.     

HILL AND HILL 1005 N. ELM, DENTON, TX 76201         EMAIL: brent@ehillandhill.com or liz@ehillandhill.com