🧾 Fix Your Case: The Timeline

Court cases can feel like a maze — especially if you're alone, overwhelmed, or under attack. This timeline gives you a step-by-step plan so you know what to do, when, and why. Whether you're dealing with CPS, criminal charges, or a civil dispute — follow this as your battlefield map.

⏰ The General Timeline

1. Get Your Paperwork: Read the court summons or DSS notice. Note dates & deadlines.
2. File an Answer: Respond in writing (called an "Answer" or "Objection") within 21 days (most states).
3. Request Discovery: Demand evidence right away (case notes, reports, interviews).
4. Motion to Compel: If discovery is ignored, file a motion to compel.
5. File Motions: Motion to Dismiss, Continuance, Suppress Evidence, etc.
6. Challenge Players: Motion to Remove GAL, Recuse Judge, Bar Complaints
7. Request Hearing: For custody, removal, or urgent matters.
8. Prepare Evidence: Organize photos, texts, letters, statements.
9. Pretrial Filings: Submit witness list, exhibit list, trial brief (if required).
10. Trial / Final Hearing: Present evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine.
11. Appeal (if needed): File a Notice of Appeal within 10–30 days (varies by court).

🧠 Tips

• Write down every date and deadline.
• Always ask for a file-stamped copy of anything you submit.
• Organize your filings in folders by topic: custody, motions, orders.
• Use Ask Sage to generate filings and get suggestions.

📄 Coming Soon

• Timeline Tracker PDF
• Self-Rep Trial Checklist
• Calendar + Alert Generator

🧠 Ask Sage

Need help choosing what to file next? Ask Sage for a custom roadmap based on your issue.