Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — many parents represent themselves (often called “self-represented” or “pro se”). Courts allow it, but the court process still expects you to follow procedures, deadlines, and formatting rules. Judges typically respond best to parents who are organized, respectful, and clear about what they’re asking for and why it helps the child. The practical challenge isn’t “permission,” it’s execution: keeping timelines straight, attaching the right exhibits, staying consistent across declarations, and showing up prepared. Equalora is designed as a calm structure so you can track orders, deadlines, documents, and your story in a judge-friendly way. Educational only — not legal advice.

Judges are required to be neutral. But in real life, clarity matters: when two parents present the same underlying facts, the more organized presentation is easier to trust and easier to rule on. Being self-represented can feel intimidating, especially when the other side has an attorney, but the biggest advantage you can create is a clean, consistent record. The best “fairness strategy” is preparation: short, child-focused requests, a timeline you can explain without spiraling, and documents that back up your points. Equalora helps you build that structure so you’re not improvising under pressure. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Equalora is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We’re a software platform built to help parents stay organized, reduce overwhelm, and prepare more clearly for court. Think of Equalora like a case “command center”: deadlines, documents, orders, and practice responses in one place. You remain responsible for your case decisions and filings, and if you need legal advice you should speak with a licensed attorney or your court’s self-help center. Educational only — not legal advice.

No — Equalora does not replace legal counsel. Lawyers provide legal strategy, legal advice, and representation; software can’t do that ethically or safely. What Equalora can do is help you show up more prepared: track orders, organize evidence, keep your facts consistent, and practice calm answers to judge-style questions. Many parents use Equalora while self-represented, between lawyers, or alongside an attorney to reduce chaos and cost. Educational only — not legal advice.

“Best interest” is the child-centered standard most courts use for custody and parenting time decisions. While the exact factors vary by state, the themes are consistent: stability, safety, consistent routines, healthy parent-child relationships, and each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent (when safe). Parents often lose momentum when they argue from pain instead of from the child’s needs. A strong approach is to connect your request to practical child outcomes (school, health, transitions, communication, predictability) and back it with facts. Equalora helps you frame and organize your story in a judge-friendly, child-focused way. Educational only — not legal advice.

Start by getting specific: what issue is being decided at this hearing, and what order are you asking the judge to make? Then gather the minimum set of documents that support the request (existing orders, calendar/timeline, messages that prove key points, and any required forms). The goal is not to dump everything — it’s to present what is relevant and verifiable. Preparation also means rehearsing: a clear 30-second summary, 2–3 key facts, and 1–2 child-centered reasons. Equalora helps you track orders and deadlines, organize exhibits, and practice calm answers so you’re not scrambling on hearing day. Educational only — not legal advice.

It’s human — family court touches your kids and your life. The problem is that emotional responses often become long, unfocused, or accusatory, which makes it hard for the judge to extract the core facts. If you can’t stay calm, you can still stay structured. A helpful method is “pause → facts → request”: take a breath, state the factual point, and return to what you want the court to order. Practicing out loud is powerful — not to sound robotic, but to keep your story coherent under stress. Equalora is built to reduce overwhelm by giving you structure ahead of time. Educational only — not legal advice.

Yes. In fact, organization often saves time and money. When you can hand your attorney a clean timeline, a short list of issues, and the right documents, your legal team can work faster and you spend less time paying for them to “find the story.” Equalora can also help you stay consistent between meetings: track orders, capture events, store documents, and prepare questions for your lawyer. You stay calm, your attorney gets clarity, and your case becomes easier to manage. Educational only — not legal advice.

Your family court information is deeply personal — security and privacy must be built in from day one. Equalora is designed to protect documents and account access using modern secure infrastructure and careful data handling practices. The practical truth is also important: you control what you upload. A strong security posture includes using strong passwords, not sharing accounts, and only uploading what you need. Educational only — not legal advice.

Court procedures vary by state (and sometimes by county), but the fundamentals of being effective in court are surprisingly consistent: clarity, documentation, timelines, child-focused requests, and compliance with orders. Equalora focuses on those universal preparation principles. If you need state-specific procedural steps (forms, filing rules, deadlines), your court’s self-help center or a licensed attorney is the best source. Equalora helps you stay organized no matter where you file. Educational only — not legal advice.

Equalora can help you organize quickly: a timeline, key exhibits, and a clean summary of what’s happening. In emergency situations, your best asset is a clear record — who, what, when, where, and what you’re requesting. But emergencies are serious. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services or seek urgent legal help. Equalora supports organization and preparation — it does not replace emergency legal advice. Educational only — not legal advice.

Family court is full of “he said / she said.” Judges tend to care most about what can be verified: calendars, school records, medical records, consistent messages, police reports (when relevant), and patterns over time. Calling someone a liar rarely wins; showing the record usually matters more. A strong approach is to document events consistently, stay child-focused, and attach evidence only where it supports the point. Equalora helps you build a clean timeline and keep your documents organized so the truth is easier to see. Educational only — not legal advice.

Judges typically don’t care how you prepared — they care about what you file and what you say in court. Using a tool to get organized is not inherently negative. The risk comes from relying on AI for legal advice or making factual claims you can’t support. Equalora’s goal is to help you prepare calmly and clearly: organize facts, track orders, and practice answers. You remain responsible for your decisions and what you submit to the court. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Equalora is designed to be neutral and child-focused. The guiding principle is: reduce chaos, increase clarity, and help parents communicate in a way a judge can follow. That means we encourage short, respectful, fact-based writing, compliance with orders, and child-centered requests. This approach tends to help any parent who is acting in good faith and focusing on the child’s well-being. Educational only — not legal advice.

False allegations can be terrifying. While Equalora cannot provide legal defense strategy, organization matters a lot here: timelines, consistent records, relevant exhibits, and calm responses. Courts often look for patterns, corroboration, and credibility over time. Equalora can help you keep a clean record and avoid emotional spirals that create confusion. If you are facing serious allegations, consult a licensed attorney for legal advice. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Equalora does not give legal strategy or legal advice. Strategy depends on your jurisdiction, facts, and legal standards — and that’s work for a licensed attorney. Equalora provides organizational structure: track orders and deadlines, store documents, build timelines, and practice calm answers. That preparation often improves outcomes because your presentation becomes clearer and more credible. Educational only — not legal advice.

You’re not alone — court language is confusing by design. Even common terms like “stipulation,” “ex parte,” “declaration,” or “continuance” can feel overwhelming. The key is to reduce complexity into steps you can execute. Equalora helps by turning the process into a calm checklist mindset: what happened, what documents prove it, what order you want, and what deadline is coming next. For definitions and procedural questions, your court’s self-help center is an excellent resource. Educational only — not legal advice.

Yes — structure reduces anxiety. Most overwhelm comes from holding too much in your head: deadlines, messages, orders, and fear of missing something. When it’s all organized, your nervous system settles because the problem becomes manageable. Equalora is designed to turn chaos into a system: track what matters, ignore what doesn’t, and prepare your story in a judge-friendly format. Calm doesn’t mean you don’t care — it means you can function. Educational only — not legal advice.

That’s exactly who Equalora is built for. Family court overwhelm often looks like: missed deadlines, scattered documents, constant re-explaining, and emotional exhaustion. The antidote is a simple system: timeline, documents, orders, and next actions. Equalora helps you build that system quickly, even if you’re starting late. The point is not perfection — it’s momentum and clarity. Educational only — not legal advice.

Equalora typically includes a free tier so parents can get started and see the organizational structure before committing. Optional upgrades can unlock advanced features for heavier cases or more intensive preparation. Pricing can evolve as features expand (for example: advanced document tools, added storage, team features, or practice tools). We keep pricing clear and simple so parents aren’t surprised. Educational only — not legal advice.

Equalora was built to solve a real problem: family court is hard, confusing, and emotionally brutal — especially without a lawyer. Parents don’t just need information; they need structure, clarity, and a calm system to stay consistent. The mission is simple: help parents show up organized, child-focused, and judge-friendly — so outcomes are driven more by facts and stability than by chaos. Educational only — not legal advice.

A judge-friendly declaration is usually short, factual, and organized. The core is: (1) what the issue is, (2) what facts happened (with dates), (3) what evidence supports those facts, and (4) what order you want the court to make. Avoid long emotional narratives — not because your feelings don’t matter, but because the court record needs clarity. A practical template is “timeline + impact + request.” If you can’t explain your request in a few sentences, it’s usually too broad. Equalora helps you build timelines, attach documents as exhibits, and keep your story consistent across filings. Educational only — not legal advice.

Evidence works best when it’s curated. Instead of submitting everything, pick the smallest set of exhibits that prove your most important points. Judges don’t have time to read a novel — they look for relevance, credibility, and clear connections between your facts and your request. A good rule is “one point, one exhibit (or small set).” Label it clearly, reference it in your declaration, and avoid burying the court in screenshots. Equalora helps you store documents, tag them to issues, and keep an exhibit list so your filings stay clean. Educational only — not legal advice.

Deadlines are one of the most common failure points for self-represented parents. Missing a filing deadline can mean your evidence doesn’t get considered, your request gets delayed, or you lose momentum. The cure is a simple tracking system with reminders and a visible “next actions” list. Equalora helps you track orders, deadlines, and documents in one place so you’re not searching through emails and screenshots. The goal is fewer surprises and more control. Educational only — not legal advice.

Courts often consider communications, but the key is relevance and presentation. One screenshot can be helpful if it proves something specific (a refusal, an agreement, a schedule change), but dozens of screenshots without context can backfire because it looks messy or vindictive. A better approach is to select only the messages that support your request, show the date/time, and explain what it demonstrates. Equalora helps you store and label the few messages that matter so your record stays focused. Educational only — not legal advice.

Most effective declarations are concise. Judges prefer clarity over length. If your declaration is longer than necessary, the most important facts can get lost. Aim to include only what supports your request. Educational only — not legal advice.

You can describe concern or impact, but facts should dominate. Emotion without structure can weaken credibility. Calm, factual writing is more persuasive. Educational only — not legal advice.

State what you know and how you know it. Avoid overstating certainty. Judges value honesty and consistency over exaggeration. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Focus on what matters to the issue being decided. Responding to everything can dilute your strongest points. Educational only — not legal advice.

Yes — structure helps. Just ensure the facts are yours and truthful. Templates are a starting point, not a substitute for accuracy. Educational only — not legal advice.

Fewer, stronger exhibits are usually better. Judges have limited time. Make each exhibit count. Educational only — not legal advice.

They can be, if clearly dated and relevant. Context matters more than volume. Educational only — not legal advice.

Follow your court’s rules. Many courts still require paper copies. Have both digital and physical versions organized. Educational only — not legal advice.

Organization is your advantage. Calm, credible evidence levels the playing field. Educational only — not legal advice.

Start with your request, then choose evidence that supports it. If it doesn’t help the judge decide, leave it out. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Equalora does not provide legal advice and does not tell you which specific form to file for your situation. Court procedures and requirements vary by state and county. If you need help choosing the right form, your court’s self-help center or a licensed attorney is usually the safest place to ask. Equalora focuses on helping you stay organized once you know which form you’re working with. Educational only — not legal advice.

Equalora does not automatically fill out official court forms. You complete forms according to the court’s rules — whether that’s typeable PDFs, online portals, or printed documents — and then you can upload your completed forms into Equalora as part of your case record. The AI assistant can help you break down steps and summarize information in plain language, but it cannot and should not give you exact legal wording or guarantee specific language will be accepted. Educational only — not legal advice.

Courts can update forms, URLs, and instructions at any time. Equalora is designed to point you toward official sources, but the court’s website is always the final word. If you suspect a form has changed, it’s a good idea to double-check on your court’s official forms or self-help page. Educational only — not legal advice.

Some courts allow their PDFs to be displayed in other tools; others require you to access forms directly on their website. When embedding isn’t allowed, Equalora will link you to the official court page instead. You still get the benefit of Equalora’s organization: you can upload completed forms, attach them to your case, and connect them to your deadlines and hearings. Educational only — not legal advice.

Yes. Your court’s instructions, rules, and orders always come first. Equalora is a preparation and organization tool — it does not replace official instructions, legal advice, or local rules. Educational only — not legal advice.

Many forms are tied to specific deadlines (for example, responses due before a hearing). Equalora is especially helpful here: you can log the deadline, attach the related form, and track what you’ve filed all in one place. That reduces the risk of missing something simply because it was buried in your email. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Court Lens™ Deep Review is not legal advice. It is an AI-powered tool that helps you see key patterns and issues in a document so you can think more clearly about preparation. You remain responsible for your own decisions, filings, and strategy. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Deep Review is not a prediction engine. It can highlight themes, deadlines, and issues described in the document, but it cannot know how a particular judge, in a particular court, will rule. Use it to organize your thinking, not to forecast outcomes. Educational only — not legal advice.

You should always rewrite any AI-generated text into your own words and verify it against the original document before signing anything under penalty of perjury. Court Lens points are suggestions and prompts, not ready-made legal language. Educational only — not legal advice.

Court Lens™ Deep Review is designed for text-based court documents such as declarations, motions, responses, and orders. Scanned images may require OCR first. Very poor scans, non-court documents, or documents in unsupported formats may not review cleanly. Educational only — not legal advice.

AI is fallible. Deep Review can miss details or mis-prioritize issues, especially when the underlying document is unclear. That’s why you should treat it as a helper, not a final answer, and always read the document yourself. For serious questions, consult your court’s self-help center or a licensed attorney. Educational only — not legal advice.

In this first phase, you can invite up to three trusted people into a single case. This keeps the workspace focused and manageable, while still giving you meaningful support. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Collaborators get read-only access to the case view and Team comments. They cannot see or change your billing, export all of your data, or manage your subscription. Only the case owner controls those settings. Educational only — not legal advice.

Not in this first phase. Team Access is designed as read-only plus comments. Collaborators can help you think and organize by writing comments, but they do not have direct access to run the AI assistant in your account. Educational only — not legal advice.

If you remove a team member from a case, their access ends. They can no longer view that case workspace. You, as the case owner, stay in control of who is on your team at all times. Educational only — not legal advice.

No. Inviting a coach, mediator, therapist, or other professional through Team Access does not turn them into your attorney and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Their role remains whatever you have already agreed to outside Equalora. Team Access simply gives them a clearer view of your case workspace. Educational only — not legal advice.