Hearing Prep Sheet
Hearing: [purpose] — [date]
Location: [courthouse / department / Zoom]
Prepared: [Date]
_This is a private working document — not filed with the court._
My Goals for This Hearing
- [What is the single most important outcome you want?]
- [Secondary things you'd like the court to do.]
Key Points I Need to Make
- [Point 1 — keep it short, factual, and tied to what you're asking for.]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]
Anticipated Questions & My Answers
- Q: [A question the judge or the other side might ask.]
A: [Your brief, factual answer.]
- Q: [Another likely question.]
A: [Answer.]
Exhibits to Reference
- Exhibit [#]: [what it shows and the point it supports]
- Exhibit [#]: [what it shows]
Things to Avoid
- [Don't argue or interrupt — respond to the judge, not the other party.]
- [Avoid these topics or reactions that could hurt you.]
- [Stick to facts; leave out anything you can't back up.]