Custody only

Steadycase Custody Trial Notebook

A structured workbook for self-represented parents preparing a contested custody case: rules, dates, parenting evidence, exhibits, witnesses, requested orders, and court prep in one working file.

Excel + Google Sheets User manual Getting-started guide $69
Preview of the Steadycase Custody Trial Notebook workbook closeup

What it is for

When custody evidence is scattered, the notebook gives every piece a place.

Custody cases quickly become a mix of calendars, messages, school records, medical records, parenting schedules, witnesses, missed exchanges, and proposed orders. The Custody Trial Notebook is built to organize that material around what a court actually needs to see.

View 5 sample workbook pages →
$69 one-time · instant download · yours to keep
System requirements: Use a current version of Microsoft Excel for the XLSX workbook, or a Google account with Google Sheets in a current browser with cookies and JavaScript enabled. PDF guides open in any modern PDF reader. Older spreadsheet apps or very old devices may not support every workbook feature.

Checkout runs through a secure hosted checkout partner. If you add Compass, choose the same state again at checkout so the correct state edition is delivered.

How the workbook works

Start with orientation. Build toward court.

The tabs are arranged to help a non-lawyer move from urgent first steps to a printable, internally consistent trial file.

Set your state reference points

Use the State Rules tab to record official sources for response deadlines, forms, fees, child-support calculator, and best-interest factors.

Capture what happened

Build your timeline, parenting-time log, communications record, custody-factor notes, and key events as they happen.

Connect facts to proof

Link exhibits to witnesses, foundation notes, issue proved, admission status, discovery requests, and subpoenas.

Prepare the court-facing pieces

Use the relief, pretrial statement, opening, closing, deadlines, and Checks tabs before printing or going to court.

Custody notebook workbook closeup showing facts, proof, and court-prep connections

Key tabs

Custody preparation is more than a list of documents.

Crisis

First seven days after service

For defendants facing an answer deadline, default risk, allegations to admit or deny, and counter-petition decisions.

Custody

Best-interest factors and parenting proof

Organize your position, evidence, witnesses, parenting-time log, current-vs-requested schedule, and parenting-plan terms.

Proof

Exhibits and witnesses

Track exhibit numbers, source or witness, foundation notes, objections, admission status, and what each item proves.

Finish

Relief, statements, deadlines, and Checks

Turn the organized file into the specific orders you ask for, trial documents, argument outlines, and a final review dashboard.

Preview of the core Steadycase notebook files and optional Compass add-on

Workbook

Excel and Google Sheets editions so you can use the format that fits your computer and comfort level.

User manual

A tab-by-tab explanation with sample case illustrations, warnings, and plain-language instructions.

Getting-started guide

A shorter path from download to a working file so you can begin without reading the full manual first.

Information, not legal advice. The notebook organizes your facts and points you to official sources. It does not apply the law to your situation, decide strategy, or create an attorney-client relationship.