Family law cases, whether divorce, custody disputes, modifications, or enforcement matters, often depend on clear, credible timelines. A well-prepared timeline can help your attorney understand the sequence of events, identify legal issues, support evidence, and build a stronger case on your behalf.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create a timeline that is organized, thorough, and persuasive, without becoming overwhelming or emotional.

Why a Timeline Matters in Family Law Cases

A timeline helps your attorney quickly grasp:

• • The major events of your relationship or dispute
  • The history of parenting issues or financial changes
  • Patterns of behavior (positive or negative)
  • Dates relevant to evidence, such as texts, emails, or police reports
  • When and how certain problems began escalating

A clear timeline can save you legal fees, reduce confusion, and speed up case preparation.

Step 1: Start With the Major Categories

Break your timeline into sections instead of writing a long story. Common categories include:

☑ Key Relationship Events

Marriage, separation, major disagreements, relocation, therapy, counseling, etc.

☑ Parenting Events

Visitation issues, missed pickups, school concerns, medical decisions, extracurricular issues, and communication problems.

☑ Safety or Welfare Concerns

Family violence incidents, substance use issues, police involvement, CPS reports, or significant behavioral changes in children.

☑ Financial Events

Job changes, income shifts, major purchases, debt changes, or support payment issues.

☑ Legal Events

Prior court orders, mediations, enforcement actions, protective orders, or attorney communications.

Organizing by category keeps your timeline clean and professional.

Step 2: List Events in Chronological Order

For each event, write:

• • The date (or “approx. June 2023” if unsure)
  • What happened
  • Who was present
  • Why it matters

Example format:

March 10, 2024 – Missed Pickup:
Father did not arrive for the scheduled possession at 6:00 PM. I sent a text at 6:10 PM with no response until 8:30 PM. The child reported feeling upset. This has been an ongoing pattern.

Short, straightforward statements are best.

Step 3: Stick to Facts, Not Emotion

Your timeline should read like a log, not a story.

Avoid:
✘ “He is always irresponsible and never shows up on time.”

Use:
✔ “Between January–June 2024, Father missed 8 scheduled pickups. Dates documented below.”

Clear facts carry more weight than emotional statements.

Step 4: Attach Supporting Evidence When Available

Your timeline should reference, not replace, the evidence.

Examples:

• • Texts or emails → “See Exhibit A”
  • Police report → “See incident #12345”
  • School or medical records → “See school notes dated Oct 15”
  • Receipts or financial documents → “Exhibit B”

Your attorney will organize these into formal exhibits if needed.

Step 5: Update the Timeline as New Events Occur

Family law cases evolve quickly. Keep a running log in:

• • A Word document
  • A notes app
  • A Google Drive folder shared with your attorney
  • A spreadsheet

Your attorney will appreciate regular, organized updates rather than long, scattered messages.

Step 6: Keep It Concise and Relevant

A good timeline is:

• • Clear
  • Chronological
  • Easy to read
  • Directly tied to legal issues

Avoid long commentary, unnecessary background, or daily journaling unless specifically requested by your attorney.

Step 7: Review With Your Attorney

Before submitting your final timeline:

• • Ask what issues are most important
  • Remove non-relevant entries
  • Confirm whether the timeline should be exchanged with the other side or kept internal
  • Clarify what supporting documents they need

This ensures your timeline strengthens your case and doesn’t accidentally harm it.

Final Thoughts

Creating a considered, well-organized timeline can make a significant difference in your family law matter. It helps your attorney advocate for you effectively and ensures the court understands the full picture behind your case.