DVRO Hearing Preparation Checklist

Your Hearing Prep Timeline

This checklist walks you through preparing for your restraining order hearing. Organization and preparation are your strongest tools.

[ ] Secure an attorney — this hearing is critical. LawHelp.org for free legal aid, Avvo for attorney search
[ ] Read the petition line by line — highlight every specific allegation
[ ] Create your timeline — for every date mentioned in the petition, document where you were and what actually happened
[ ] Gather evidence:
- [ ] Text messages and emails covering the relevant time period
- [ ] Co-parenting app records (OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents)
- [ ] Photos or videos that contradict allegations
- [ ] Any police reports (showing no arrest or no finding of wrongdoing)
- [ ] Medical records (if injury is alleged and no injury exists)
- [ ] Work records, receipts, or GPS data showing your whereabouts
[ ] Identify witnesses — make a list of people who:
- [ ] Were present during alleged incidents
- [ ] Can speak to the relationship dynamic
- [ ] Can provide character references
- [ ] Have observed your parenting
[ ] Request police reports — if law enforcement was involved in any alleged incidents

[ ] Organize your evidence binder:
- Tab 1: The restraining order petition and your response
- Tab 2: Your timeline of events
- Tab 3: Communication records (organized by date)
- Tab 4: Photos, videos, or other physical evidence
- Tab 5: Witness list and statements
- Tab 6: Character reference letters
- Tab 7: Any other supporting documents
[ ] Prepare 3 copies of everything (you, judge, opposing party)
[ ] Finalize your response declaration — your written, sworn statement responding to each allegation
[ ] Confirm witnesses — verify they can attend and brief them on when to arrive
[ ] File your response with the court if your jurisdiction requires advance filing
[ ] Review courtroom procedures for your specific court

[ ] Lay out court attire: Business suit or dress shirt and slacks. Conservative, clean, pressed. No flashy jewelry or logos.
[ ] Organize your binder one final time — make sure everything is tabbed and easy to find
[ ] Review your key points — what are the 3–5 most important things you need the judge to know?
[ ] Confirm courtroom location and time — check the court's website or call the clerk
[ ] Plan your route — know where to park, how long it takes, where the courtroom is
[ ] Get a good night's sleep — no alcohol, eat a real dinner, set two alarms
[ ] Charge your phone (but silence it before entering the courthouse)

[ ] Eat breakfast — you need energy and focus
[ ] Arrive 30 minutes early — check in with the clerk, find the courtroom, use the restroom
[ ] Bring: Evidence binder (3 copies), pen and notepad, water bottle, patience
[ ] Do NOT bring: Children, large groups of supporters, weapons of any kind
[ ] Silence your phone before entering the courtroom
[ ] Do not engage with the other party or their supporters in the hallway

[ ] Stand when the judge enters and exits
[ ] Address the judge as "Your Honor"
[ ] Do not interrupt — anyone. Wait your turn.
[ ] Stay calm no matter what you hear — your composure is evidence of your character
[ ] Speak clearly and directly — answer questions, don't ramble
[ ] Refer to your evidence — "Your Honor, in Tab 3 of my binder, the text messages from that date show..."
[ ] Do not argue with the other party — speak to the judge, not to them