How to Write a Family Court Declaration (2026 Guide for Parents)

A declaration is your written story to the court, told under penalty of perjury.

Judges rely on declarations to understand what happened, why it matters, and what you want the court to order.

Your goal is not persuasion through emotion — it’s credibility through clarity.

Strong declarations sound calm, factual, and focused on the child.

Weak declarations sound reactive, speculative, or unfocused.

If a sentence can’t be backed up by a document, record, or date, it should be written carefully — or not at all.

Opening: one paragraph stating what you are asking the court to do.

Background: who the child is and what the current order says.

Facts: short paragraphs in date order, one event per paragraph.

Impact: why those facts matter to the child’s safety, stability, or routine.

Request: a clear, enforceable order you want the court to make.

Avoid character attacks and assumptions about intent.

State what happened, when it happened, and how you know.

Example: instead of “they’re irresponsible,” write the missed exchange date and attach proof.

Evidence should support your facts, not overwhelm the court.

Use simple exhibit labels and reference them consistently.

Attach only the documents that prove your most important points.

Long emotional narratives with no dates.

Dozens of screenshots without context.

Re-litigating the relationship instead of focusing on the child.

Opening: “I respectfully request that the court ____.”

Facts: “On [date], [event] occurred. I know this because [exhibit].”

Impact: “This matters because it affects the child’s ____.”

Request: “I ask the court to order ____.”

Closing: declaration under penalty of perjury.

Equalora helps you build timelines, store exhibits, and keep facts consistent.

It does not write legal arguments — it keeps your story organized and calm.