Get Organized — Jethro Justice

Guided organizer

Before we start

Two things up front, because they matter.

We give legal information, not legal advice. We can explain how things generally work and help you get your facts and documents in order. We cannot tell you what to do, what to file, what to say, or how your case will come out. Only a licensed attorney can do that.

We are not your lawyer. Using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. When something needs real legal judgment, we will say so and point you to someone who can help.

Your answers stay on your device. This organizer runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to Jethro Justice or to anyone else. When you are done you get a packet you can print or save. You can clear everything at any time.

I understand that Jethro Justice provides legal information and education, not legal advice, and that using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Your case in a sentence

One idea at a time. Skip anything you would rather not answer.

What is going on with your case right now?

What type of case is it?

Which court is it in?

County and state

Did you start the case, or are you responding to it?

I started it (petitioner) I am responding (respondent) I am not sure

Is anything time-sensitive — a deadline, a hearing, paperwork due?

Yes — something is due within about three days Yes — in the next few weeks Nothing I know of I think a deadline already passed

Is everyone safe right now? We ask so we can point you to the right help. Answer however you are comfortable.

Yes, everyone is safe No — there is abuse, threats, or a protective order involved I would rather not say right now

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, 24 hours a day. In New York City, the Family Justice Centers can be reached through nyc.gov/hope.

Who's who

Knowing exactly who is who keeps everything else straight.

Your name

The other parent's name

Does the other parent have a lawyer?

Yes No I don't know

Do you have a lawyer?

No — I am on my own Yes Only for part of it (limited scope)

Case number

Judge

Children

Anyone else official in the case A guardian ad litem speaks for the child's interests. An evaluator studies the family and reports to the court. A mediator helps the parents try to agree. These are general descriptions — what each does in your case can differ.

People who might be witnesses Teachers, doctors, family, neighbors, anyone who saw something that matters.

Put events in order

Courts run on dates. Build one timeline here and you can reuse it for everything else.

What has happened so far Orders already entered, filings, hearings, exchanges, incidents. Rough dates are fine — mark them as rough.

What is coming up Hearings, discovery cutoffs, trial, response deadlines.

We do not calculate your deadlines. Working out when something is actually due is a legal judgment and depends on rules that vary by court. Missing a deadline can cost a case regardless of the facts, so if any date here is close, unclear, or possibly already past, treat that as a reason to talk to an attorney now.

Your documents

You do not need to upload anything. We are building an index that you control.

Which of these do you have at least something in?

Court documents — orders, petition, motions, notices Anything the other side sent you Financial — pay stubs, taxes, bank statements Child-related — school, medical, IEP, childcare Texts, emails, shared calendar, exchange logs Photos, receipts, reports

Index the ones that matter most One line each. The point is that you can find it and say why it matters.

What is missing that you wish you had?

Whether to use or hand over a particular document is a legal judgment. Questions about privilege, sealed records, or whether something could hurt you belong with an attorney. This organizer helps you see what you have; it does not decide what you produce or hold back.

Anything the other side sent you

If you received discovery, let's make sure you understand what each piece is and get your own materials lined up. We cannot write your answers or tell you what to admit or deny.

What did you receive?

Interrogatories — written questions you answer in writing, usually under oath Requests for Production — requests for documents Requests for Admission — statements you are asked to admit or deny Nothing yet

Track each item Mark anything you are unsure about as “needs attorney” and it will be flagged in your packet.

General information, not advice: discovery responses are usually signed, and sometimes have to be verified or notarized. Requests for Admission often carry strict deadlines, and in many courts a request that goes unanswered can be treated as admitted. Whether to object, whether something is privileged, how to word an answer, and how a deadline is computed are all legal judgments. Take those to an attorney.

Getting ready for court

We help you organize and know what to expect. How you argue your case is for an attorney.

Date of your next court appearance

Is it a hearing or a trial?

Hearing Trial Not sure

Courtroom and location

Exhibits you want to bring Pull these from your document index. Label them in the order you would walk someone through them.

Logistics — check what you have handled

I know where to go and how to get there I have made copies of my exhibits I have my ID I know what time to arrive Childcare is arranged Time off work is arranged

What usually happens, in general terms: you check in, the court calls your case, each side has a chance to present, and the judge decides or sets the next step. Arrive early, bring organized copies, answer the question you are asked, and be brief and respectful. Composure builds credibility.

What do you most want to ask a lawyer?

Done

Your case packet

Find a lawyer →

Talk to a licensed attorney →