People often remember the major events in their story but have the supporting information spread across phones, email accounts, paper files, old photographs, messages, and family members.
The practical problem is not only finding evidence. It is connecting each piece of evidence to the event or fact it is meant to support.
Start with the timeline
Create one chronological list before trying to write a polished story. Record the date, location, people involved, what happened, and what evidence may exist for each event.
If you do not know an exact date, do not invent one. Record the most accurate truthful approximation you can and note why the exact date is uncertain.
Build one incident file at a time
For every major incident, create a small evidence list:
- documents
- photographs
- messages
- witnesses
- medical or police records if they exist
- video or audio
- reliable outside sources that may help explain the surrounding conditions
Keep a missing-evidence list
A missing-evidence list is useful because it separates what you already possess from what you still need to request, search for, or discuss with an attorney.
Make the file reviewable
Use simple file names, keep originals, and create an index. A well-organized file makes it easier for you - and anyone reviewing it - to understand what each item is and why it is there.
The free Evidence Preparation Checklist gives you the categories to begin with. The Complete Evidence Preparation Workbook walks through the organization process step by step.