How do you write a Chronological Statement for a Family Court Attorney?

Answer 1

Keeping a chronological statement of the facts of your case is important. When you hire an attorney, you will be spending a certain amount of time explaining the "facts" of the case to him/her. When you hire an attorney, you are not just paying for their expertise, you are also paying for their time. The more time you take explaining your circumstances, and providing him/her with all the necessary facts, the more it is costing you. For this reason you need be prepared in advance. By doing a chronological statement you will have all your material ready to either hand the attorney, or to refer to for answering questions. Use a computer so that you can sit and look at what you have written, adding parts that you later see that you missed. If you don't own a computer, check with the local library. They have ones available for use by their patrons. Below is a list to aid you in that endeavor.

1. Please type, double spaced. If you must write, please print on lined paper, skipping every other line.

2. List yours and your spouse's (or former spouse's) first, middle and last names; the date of the marriage; the names and birth dates of any children of this marriage; and same for any children of previous marriages. List your social security number, your spouse's social security number, and the children's social security numbers (the children's social security numbers are required by state and federal (IRS) laws). List the date you and your spouse filed a joint income tax return for the last time. Provide a copy of this if available.

3. List, in order of occurrence the problems, events, court actions and papers served, etc. By chronological order, this means that you put the things that happened to you first by the date each occurred. DO NOT WRITE, "Oh, I forgot, but back before Jane left, her sister Phyllis and Jane did so - and - so". As a matter of information, if you require, after the statement is completed, you can cut out sections and put them in order, by date and time. Then you should recopy your statement. If you do not know the exact day of each occurrence, put down an approximate date and time, i.e. "in late November of 19__" of "After Jane left on or about __ Jan. 19__".

4. List the attorney(s) that you have hired; list your spouse's (ex) attorney(s); the names of the judges who have presided in your case (if any); any probation officials; Welfare Workers, etc. Be specific. Do not write that "She did so and so". se specific names, not "he" or "the boyfriend", etc.

5. If at all possible, FURNISH A COPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS YOU HAVE ON THE PROBLEM. NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER, GIVE YOUR ATTORNEY YOUR ONLY COPY. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR ATTORNEY A DUPLICATE. Make sure the copies you provide are legible, so that they can be checked out as authentic.

6. Be sure that you include in the statement if you did not receive proper notice or service on all matters pertaining to any or all hearings on the matters on which you are making a statement. State in clear wording how you can prove each point, either by document, or voice recording. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT A VOICE RECORDING BEING ADMISSIBLE IN COURT AT THIS POINT. List all witnesses to the above, showing the name, address and telephone number, if known.

7. If known, list the gross salary; and after taxes, the net salary of both parties (you and your spouse). If you have filed a Joint Tax Return for the previous three (3) years, have these available. List the amounts of money you have paid for the children from a previous marriage (either living or not living in your household). List these children by name and dollar amount by month. Show how you have paid this money, either by check, money order or cash. Be prepared to back up how you have paid the money, either by canceled check, copy of money order or witness to the cash you provided.

8. Be as brief as possible be rational; and be as accurate as possible. Do not state your opinion or what you think is unconstitutional; but list each event carefully and as they occurred, to the best of your memory.

9. IF A TRIAL OR HEARING IS SCHEDULED INVOLVING YOU, YOUR (EX) SPOUSE, OR YOUR CHILDREN, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, LET IT BE KNOWN, E.G. THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE.

10. If there are any court orders issued, or outstanding against you, provide a copy of the order.

11. List what you want done. Be brief: such as "enforce visitation"; "get joint custody"; "custody"; "avoid imprisonment for contempt of court"; "modification of original divorce decree for specific visitation - dates and times"; "modification of original divorce decree for specific visitation of grandparent"; etc.

12. If your (ex) spouse took the child (or children) out of the county or the state, note whether or not it was with or without your permission. Give the date and time the child (or children) was taken. If the new address for your child or spouse is known, provide same.