Frequently asked questions
General information for parents keeping records during a custody or juvenile dependency case. This is organizational information, not legal advice — for your case, talk to a qualified attorney.
Custody documentation
What should I actually write down?
Facts with dates: visits and exchanges (planned vs. actual), important conversations, money spent on your child, incidents, and the services and appointments you attend. Record what was said and done, not your conclusions about it.
How soon after something happens should I log it?
The same day if you can. A dated record kept consistently over time is far more useful than a summary reconstructed later.
Can I upload screenshots and documents instead of typing everything?
Yes. In ReunifyReady you can upload message screenshots, PDFs and court papers. The originals are stored unchanged in your private evidence vault, and the app can help pull dates and text out of them for your review before anything is saved.
Who can see my records?
Your records are private to your account. ReunifyReady has no shared feeds or public profiles. You choose what to export and share, for example with your attorney.
Court timelines
How do I keep track of hearings and deadlines?
Write down every date the moment you learn it, and keep it in one place with your goals and appointments. ReunifyReady's timeline holds court dates, milestones and personal goals with reminders, and your dashboard shows what is coming up.
How long does a dependency case take?
It varies case by case. California dependency cases generally include periodic review hearings, and the law sets frameworks for how long reunification services can last — but what applies to you depends on court orders and your circumstances. Your attorney is the right person to explain the timeline in your case.
Riverside County
Where do I find official Riverside County juvenile court information?
Start with the Riverside Superior Court Juvenile Division and the court's local rules. California's statewide self-help center also has a juvenile dependency guide.
Are Riverside local rules the same as statewide rules?
Not always. Counties can have their own local rules and standing orders, and they change. Anything ReunifyReady's case review cannot verify against an official source is labeled unverified — confirm local procedures with the court clerk or a qualified Riverside County dependency attorney before relying on them.
About ReunifyReady
Is ReunifyReady legal advice?
No. It is a private organizational tool. It cannot tell you what to file, what a court will decide, or whether your rights were violated. It helps you keep clear records and good questions to bring to your attorney.
What does it cost to start?
You can create a free private workspace and start logging right away. Sign up here.