How to Show Text Messages in Court Without a Lawyer
Reviewed by Jacob Reed, founder of Verity ·
Short answer
Bring the texts printed, not only on your phone: three copies (for the judge, the other side and you), each message dated, the pages numbered, and a one-page list of the messages that matter. Check your court’s rules on sharing exhibits before the hearing, often days ahead. In court, say who sent the messages, how you know, and how you saved them, then point the judge to the numbered messages rather than reading everything aloud.
Judges see a lot of phones held up in court. A short, printed, numbered set of messages is easier to follow, and easier to rely on.
Before the hearing
- Find your court’s rules on exhibits: many require copies to be shared with the other side a set number of days before. The court’s self-help center or website will say.
- Export the conversation from the app and print it with dates, or print screenshots in order (see how to print text messages for court).
- Number every message, so you can say “message 214” instead of searching.
- Pick the ten to twenty messages that matter and list them on one page: number, date, one line on why.
- Make three copies of everything, and keep the original file and phone.
In the courtroom
- When you offer the texts, say what they are: “These are text messages between me and [name], from the number I know is theirs, which I exported from my phone on [date].”
- Hand over the copies as the judge directs; don’t hand anything to the judge without permission.
- Point to the numbered messages on your list; don’t read the whole thread aloud.
- If the other side shows only part of a conversation, you can ask for the rest to be considered (see the rule of completeness).
- Stay calm and brief. Let the messages make the point.
What makes texts easier to rely on
Judges look for who sent each message, when, the whole exchange rather than a few lines, and a way to point to one message. See what judges actually read in text evidence and the free 2-minute check for whether yours are ready.
Where does Verity fit?
Verity numbers every message in date order, free to read on screen, and prints it as one PDF ($19); the reports quote the flagged messages with their numbers ($99 Standard, $149 Detailed). Everything is read in your browser; your messages are not uploaded.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and by court; your lawyer or the court’s self-help center can tell you what applies to you. If you or your children are in danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
Number your texts before the hearing
Try the sample first, or use your own messages. They are read in your browser and are not uploaded.