Keeping track of spending and writing in a diary are probably the last things you are thinking about if you are going through an emotional divorce. However, keeping good records is essential if you want to have evidence to use in a divorce case at some point.
The Men’s Legal Center is ready to help you with all of your divorce, spousal support, child custody and child support issues. With the help of the knowledgeable attorneys at the Men’s Legal Center in San Diego, you can learn how to keep good documentation of the things that impact your divorce and protect your rights.
If It Is Not Written Down . . .
You may have heard some version of the old saying, “If it is not documented, it did not happen.” To a certain extent this is true, although having something in writing is no guarantee that a judge will rule in your favor either. However, having a written copy or even just a narrative that was written at the time of a particular incident can be very valuable and may convince a court that your version of the fact is the correct one.
Ultimately, it does not hurt to have documentation. At a minimum, you should keep a record of the following during your divorce action:
- Money you have spent on your wife or children. Keep receipts and, if necessary, have your spouse give you a written receipt for cash payments.
- A “diary” of daily events such as days when you took care of the children at your spouse’s request or performed tasks such as picking them up at school, taking them to the doctor or meeting with teachers. Include dates and times.
- Emails, texts and other correspondence from your former spouse, particularly if these communications contain threats or other negative information that may be pertinent to your case.
Having written documentation is a good way to bolster your divorce case. However, even with written documentation there may be laws that apply to your case that negate the value of your evidence. This is not your fault, but it is something that you need to discuss with your attorney. Do not stop keeping documentation; at some point, it will become valuable.
Contact the attorneys at the Men’s Legal Center immediately if you have questions about divorce, child custody, spousal support or other topics related to domestic issues.