04/02/2026
Your exhibits are your evidence—documents, photos, contracts, messages, etc.
Before court:
✅Label each exhibit (Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc.)
✅Bring at least 3 copies: one for you, one for the judge, one for the other side
During the hearing/trial:
You do NOT just hand documents to the judge.
✅Tell the court you want to introduce the exhibit
✅Show it to the opposing party
✅Ask the judge to admit it into evidence
Example:
“Your Honor, I’d like to introduce Exhibit 1.”
The judge will then decide whether it can be admitted based on the rules of evidence.
Only after it’s admitted does the judge actually consider it.
4. Timing matters
Some courts require you to exchange exhibits in advance (check your court’s standing order)
If you wait until the hearing, you risk objections or exclusion
5. Be prepared for objections
The other side can object to your evidence or your questions. If you don’t know how to respond, your evidence may never come in.
You can represent yourself—but you’re stepping into a system built for lawyers. The biggest mistakes I see are:
❌Not understanding evidence rules
❌Improperly submitting exhibits
❌Missing deadlines
If you’re going pro se, at minimum, invest in a strategy session with an attorney to prepare. It can make the difference between winning and losing.
