Checklists & templates

Check your county's local rules and standing orders for what documents must be exchanged before a hearing. Commonly required:

• Proof of net resources and ability to pay support
• Federal income tax returns: last 2 years
• Financial statement
• Current pay stubs
• Child health insurance: carrier, policy number, policy and schedule of benefits, card, premium cost for the child
• Child dental insurance: same items
• Proof you delivered it (email or certified mail)

• Petition complete, no blanks, signed
• County standing order attached, if your county has one
• Sensitive data redacted (Tex. R. Civ. P. 21c)
• Fee or Statement of Inability
• Email and mailing address given to the clerk
• Request citation (if not agreed)
• Cause number and court recorded

• Know your court, courtroom, and time. Arrive 30 minutes early.
• 4 copies of each exhibit (judge, other side, you, witness), pre-marked (Petitioner's Ex. 1…)
• Witness list ready and witnesses confirmed
• Proposed order printed
• One-page outline: what I'm asking for, facts, exhibits, law
• Time plan (often about 20 minutes per side)
• Phone silenced, no recording
• Dress as for a job interview

Sample statement for a setting request: "I attempted to confer with Respondent on [date] by [email] and on [date] by [text] about available dates. [Respondent did not respond / We agreed on ___]."

Section 157.002 requires each violation to be stated specifically.

1. "Your Honor, may I approach?" Show the exhibit to the other side.
2. "I'm showing what's been marked as Petitioner's Exhibit __."
3. "I recognize it as __. I know because __." (TRE 901)
4. "It is a fair and accurate copy / it was not altered."
5. "I offer Petitioner's Exhibit __." Then wait for objections and the ruling.