Make an Application Record
You'll need:
- All the documents you received from the applicant
- All the documents you filed in your response
- The Application Record Index
- A ring binder large enough to hold all the documents
- Divider tabs
It is a good idea to make your own copy of the Application Record. An Application Record is a loose-leaf ring binder, divided by tabs, that contains your information and evidence and includes a table of contents, called an index. The other person is responsible for providing the Application Record to the court and for sending you a copy of the index, so that you can see what's in the Application Record.
The Application Record will help you to organize the information and evidence that you need in court, making it easier for you to follow the court proceedings because you, the judge, and the other person will all have the same materials, in the same order.
Insert all your documents, and those you received from the other person, in the order they appear in the index. You can use the Application Record index that the other person sent you for your binder. If materials are missing from the index the other person gave you, add them to the end of the index you're working with.
The Application Record can also include draft orders, written arguments, lists of authorities (any case citations, textbook, article, or statute you might use to support your argument), or a draft bill of costs. The Application Record must not include Affidavits of Service, copies of authorities (full copies of cases), or other documents unless the other person has agreed to you including these.
If you wish, you can make a separate binder called a book of authorities, to put all the cases you intend to rely on. If you do this, make sure you have a copy for the court and a copy for the other person.