⚖ Jethro Justice

Case binder

What does the court ask for?

Pick the kind of case you have. The binder lists what the court asks for, what each item is for, and where to get anything you are missing. It stays on this device.

Loading the requirements for New York Family Court…

Which of these is your case?

Choose a case type to see what it requires.

Guided organizer

Step 1

Guided organizer

Before we start

Two things up front, because they matter.

We give legal information, not legal advice. We can explain how things generally work and help you get your facts and documents in order. We cannot tell you what to do, what to file, what to say, or how your case will come out. Only a licensed attorney can do that.

We are not your lawyer. Using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. When something needs real legal judgment, we will say so and point you to someone who can help.

Your answers stay on your device. This organizer runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to Jethro Justice or to anyone else. When you are done you get a packet you can print or save. You can clear everything at any time.

Your case in a sentence

One idea at a time. Skip anything you would rather not answer.

What type of case is it?
Did you start the case, or are you responding to it?
Is anything time-sensitive — a deadline, a hearing, paperwork due?
Is everyone safe right now? We ask so we can point you to the right help. Answer however you are comfortable.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, 24 hours a day. In New York City, the Family Justice Centers can be reached through nyc.gov/nychope.

Who's who

Knowing exactly who is who keeps everything else straight.

Does the other parent have a lawyer?
Do you have a lawyer?
A guardian ad litem speaks for the child's interests. An evaluator studies the family and reports to the court. A mediator helps the parents try to agree. These are general descriptions — what each does in your case can differ.
Teachers, doctors, family, neighbors, anyone who saw something that matters.

Put events in order

Courts run on dates. Build one timeline here and you can reuse it for everything else.

Orders already entered, filings, hearings, exchanges, incidents. Rough dates are fine — mark them as rough.
Hearings, discovery cutoffs, trial, response deadlines.

We do not calculate your deadlines. Working out when something is actually due is a legal judgment and depends on rules that vary by court. Missing a deadline can cost a case regardless of the facts, so if any date here is close, unclear, or possibly already past, treat that as a reason to talk to an attorney now.

Your documents

You do not need to upload anything. We are building an index that you control.

Which of these do you have at least something in?
One line each. The point is that you can find it and say why it matters.

Whether to use or hand over a particular document is a legal judgment. Questions about privilege, sealed records, or whether something could hurt you belong with an attorney. This organizer helps you see what you have; it does not decide what you produce or hold back.

Anything the other side sent you

If you received discovery, let's make sure you understand what each piece is and get your own materials lined up. We cannot write your answers or tell you what to admit or deny.

What did you receive?
Mark anything you are unsure about as “needs attorney” and it will be flagged in your packet.

General information, not advice: discovery responses are usually signed, and sometimes have to be verified or notarized. Requests for Admission often carry strict deadlines, and in many courts a request that goes unanswered can be treated as admitted. Whether to object, whether something is privileged, how to word an answer, and how a deadline is computed are all legal judgments. Take those to an attorney.

Getting ready for court

We help you organize and know what to expect. How you argue your case is for an attorney.

Is it a hearing or a trial?
Pull these from your document index. Label them in the order you would walk someone through them.
Logistics — check what you have handled

What usually happens, in general terms: you check in, the court calls your case, each side has a chance to present, and the judge decides or sets the next step. Arrive early, bring organized copies, answer the question you are asked, and be brief and respectful. Composure builds credibility.

Done

Your case packet

Find a lawyer →
Talk to a licensed attorney →

Your answers are saved on this device only — they are never sent to Jethro Justice. That means anyone who can unlock this device can open them, and clearing your browser will erase them. You can delete them at any time.