How to Prepare Your Statements Effectively for Family Court

The Power of the Written Word

In the family court system, your written statements are your primary weapon. Often, judges will have read your Position Statement or Witness Statement before you even step into the courtroom. Therefore, mastering the art of writing clear, persuasive, and child-focused documents is one of the most important skills a Litigant in Person can learn.

Brevity and Clarity

Judges and magistrates read dozens of statements every single day. A rambling, fifty-page document recounting every argument you have ever had with your ex-partner will alienate the court. A concise, well-structured, five-page document that focuses entirely on the welfare of the child will be far more persuasive. Use short paragraphs, clear headings, and bullet points to make your statement easy to digest.

Chronological Organization

When outlining the history of the case, always write chronologically. Provide a clear timeline of events. If you are alleging alienating behaviours or highlighting a pattern of denied contact, a chronological timeline with corresponding dates makes the pattern undeniable. Disorganized complaints are easily dismissed; structured timelines demand attention.

The Golden Rule: Focus on the Child

Every single paragraph in your statement should relate back to the child. If your ex-partner has behaved terribly, do not simply complain about it; explain specifically how that behavior is negatively impacting the child's welfare. The court does not care about your hurt feelings; it cares about the child's safety and happiness.

Referencing Evidence

Never make a claim in your statement that you cannot back up with evidence. If you state that contact was denied on three occasions, refer the judge to the specific email or text message in your evidence bundle. Use clear indexing (e.g., "See Exhibit A, Page 12"). A well-referenced statement demonstrates to the court that you are organized, factual, and credible.