Your Texts, DMs, and Posts Can Become Divorce Evidence
Texts, direct messages, posts, photos, and app data may become evidence in an Illinois divorce when relevant, lawfully obtained, and authenticated.
Read the guideIllinois family-law library
Evidence and discovery in Illinois
Records, witnesses, discovery, and presenting reliable evidence in court.
Evidence and discovery
1–24 of 92 guides
What You Certify in an Affidavit of Completeness
A discovery affidavit should reflect an actual document search, identified objections, and a continuing duty to supplement.
Read the guideWhen a Screenshot or Recording Tells Only Part of the Story
Illinois completeness rules can require related material to be considered with an excerpt offered as evidence.
Read the guideRedacting Divorce Discovery Without Hiding the Relevant Facts
Privacy concerns should be addressed through specific objections and appropriate protection, not unexplained black boxes.
Read the guideWhy a Divorce Witness May Be Barred from Testifying
Late or inadequate disclosure can affect whether the court hears a witness or opinion at trial.
Read the guideIndependent and Retained Experts: Why the Distinction Matters
Illinois Rule 213 assigns different disclosure duties to independent and controlled expert witnesses.
Read the guideObtaining IRS Tax Records for a Divorce
If tax records are missing, the IRS offers transcripts and copies of filed returns.
Read the guideWhen Divorce Evidence Becomes Repetitive
Several witnesses or exhibits can establish a fact, but more is not always better.
Read the guideRebuttal Witnesses in an Illinois Divorce Trial
A rebuttal witness responds to evidence presented by the other side.
Read the guideHow to Request Missing Divorce Discovery
When requested divorce records remain missing, a focused motion to compel can ask the court to require a response.
Read the guideShowing Diligence in Divorce Discovery
Diligence means taking timely, concrete steps to obtain the information the case requires and documenting those efforts.
Read the guideUsing Financial Charts and Summaries at a Divorce Trial
A clear chart can help the court understand extensive financial records, but a chart is not reliable merely because it looks professional.
Read the guideThe Discovery Conference Required by Rule 201(k)
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k) is designed to make discovery disputes specific and, when possible, resolve them without a motion.
Read the guideWhen Can a Mental Examination Be Ordered in an Illinois Divorce?
A requested psychological examination needs a legal basis, a defined scope, and safeguards. Learn how Illinois Rule 215 works.
Read the guideHow to Challenge an Overbroad Subpoena in an Illinois Divorce
A subpoena can be limited or challenged for concrete reasons, including privilege, disproportionate burden, and lack of relevance.
Read the guideWho Receives Records Obtained by Subpoena in an Illinois Divorce?
Records obtained through a document subpoena are not automatically a private collection for the party who requested them.
Read the guideWitness Disclosures in Illinois Divorce: What Must Be Shared Before Trial
Illinois Rule 213 requires more than a last-minute list of names, particularly when expert opinions will be offered.
Read the guideWhen a Child's Statements Become Evidence in an Illinois Family Case
A child's words can matter, but a parent repeating them in court raises separate questions about purpose, reliability, and admissibility.
Read the guideUsing Notes to Refresh a Witness's Memory in an Illinois Divorce Trial
A witness may use a writing to refresh memory, but opposing counsel has rights to inspect it and question its use.
Read the guideWhat Conflicting Statements Mean at an Illinois Divorce Trial
A prior inconsistent statement can affect credibility, but its use depends on context and the evidence rules.
Read the guideHow Expert Opinions Are Tested in an Illinois Divorce
Useful challenges examine qualifications, methods, assumptions, and disclosure rather than attacking an expert personally.
Read the guideCan a Divorce Deposition Be Limited to Particular Subjects?
Illinois discovery rules allow tailored limits, but the scope should be clear in an agreement or order before questioning begins.
Read the guideUsing Circumstantial Evidence in an Illinois Divorce
A fact can be supported by evidence that permits a reasonable inference even when no witness directly observed the event.
Read the guideTalking With Your Lawyer During a Divorce Deposition
How preparation, objections, breaks, and private messages affect an Illinois divorce deposition.
Read the guideThese guides provide general information. Individual facts, current law, and court orders determine the advice appropriate for your case.
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