Child Custody Checklist

Child Custody Case Checklist

Winning a child custody case is rarely about making allegations against the other parent.

Family Courts primarily focus on one question:

What arrangement is in the best interests and welfare of the child?

For that reason, parents should focus on gathering documents and evidence that demonstrate their ability to care for the child physically, emotionally, educationally, and financially.

This Child Custody Case Checklist will help you prepare before filing a custody petition or appearing before the Court.

Essential Personal Documents

The following documents should be available before starting a custody case:

• Original CNIC.

• CNIC copies.

• Current address proof.

• Recent passport-size photographs.

• Mobile number and contact details.

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

Child Identity Documents Checklist

These documents establish the identity and legal relationship of the child.

• Birth Certificate.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Passport copy (if available).

• NICOP (if applicable).

• Previous Court orders relating to the child.

Marriage And Family Documents Checklist

Even though the case concerns the child, marriage records often play an important role.

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• Divorce Certificate (if applicable).

• Khula Decree (if applicable).

• Previous family settlements.

• Court judgments relating to the marriage.

School And Education Checklist

Educational records often help demonstrate which parent is actively involved in the child's upbringing.

• School admission records.

• School fee receipts.

• Progress reports.

• Attendance reports.

• Teacher communications.

• Parent-teacher meeting records.

• Certificates and awards.

Medical Records Checklist

Healthcare records can be important evidence in custody proceedings.

• Medical reports.

• Vaccination records.

• Prescription records.

• Hospital records.

• Health insurance documents.

• Special treatment records.

Evidence Of Daily Care Checklist

The Court often wants to know which parent is actively involved in the child's daily life.

• School drop-off records.

• School pickup records.

• Medical appointment records.

• Photographs with the child.

• Daily care evidence.

• Communication regarding the child's needs.

Housing And Living Conditions Checklist

The Court may consider whether suitable living arrangements exist for the child.

• Property ownership documents.

• Tenancy agreement.

• Utility bills.

• Photographs of the residence.

• Evidence of separate sleeping arrangements.

• Information about household members.

Financial Stability Checklist

Financial stability does not automatically determine custody, but it can be relevant.

• Salary slips.

• Employment certificate.

• Bank statements.

• Business records.

• Tax records.

• Property ownership documents.

• Investment records.

Evidence Of Parent-Child Relationship

One of the strongest parts of a custody case is evidence showing an active and healthy relationship with the child.

• Family photographs.

• School event participation.

• Birthday celebrations.

• Holiday photographs.

• Messages exchanged with the child.

• Video call records.

• Letters and cards from the child.

Visitation Related Documents

Where one parent has been denied access to the child, evidence should be preserved.

• Messages requesting visitation.

• Call records.

• Emails.

• Previous visitation schedules.

• Court visitation orders.

• Evidence of denied access.

Related guide: Visitation Rights Application Format.

Evidence Of Child Welfare Concerns

If a parent believes the child's welfare is at risk, supporting evidence should be collected carefully and lawfully.

• School complaints.

• Medical reports.

• Police reports (if any).

• Court orders.

• Witness statements.

• Official correspondence.

Overseas Pakistani Child Custody Checklist

International custody matters require additional documentation.

• NICOP.

• Pakistani Passport.

• Foreign Passport (if applicable).

• Residence Permit.

• Visa copy.

• Special Power of Attorney.

• Travel history.

• School records abroad.

• Foreign residence evidence.

Related guide: Can Child Custody Be Handled From Abroad.

Questions You Should Be Ready To Answer

• Who currently lives with the child?

• Who pays the child's expenses?

• Who takes the child to school?

• Who attends medical appointments?

• What are the child's educational needs?

• What are the child's healthcare needs?

• What custody arrangement are you seeking?

• Why is the arrangement in the child's best interests?

Common Mistakes Parents Make In Custody Cases

• Focusing on marital disputes instead of the child.

• Making allegations without evidence.

• Ignoring school records.

• Ignoring medical evidence.

• Refusing reasonable visitation.

• Using the child as leverage in disputes.

• Failing to maintain proper documentation.

Quick Child Custody File Checklist

Before meeting a child custody lawyer, try to collect:

• CNIC.

• Birth Certificate.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Nikah Nama.

• School records.

• Medical records.

• Photographs with the child.

• Financial records.

• Previous Court orders.

• Evidence supporting the child's welfare.

Need Help Preparing A Child Custody Case?

At Malhi Law Associates, we assist parents and guardians with Child Custody Cases, Visitation Rights Matters, Guardianship Proceedings, Child Maintenance Claims, Overseas Pakistani Family Law Matters, and family court litigation throughout Pakistan.