Was wondering if I should keep a journal of information? if so what information will be best? should I use a notebook journal, or an electronic journal?

If you have sought out a lawyer, they should have already suggested that to you. I don't know your MO, if you have kids or not, but this is what is in mine.

I write down what I do with my daughter, her interactions with her father, when she sees him, ect. I also write down reasons for each action I take during the day.

That's what my lawyer advised. Ask your lawyer, they will be able to let you know what you need to do to help them.

I do the same as Chastesin. Even though a lot of it is seen as heresay and therefore unadmissable in court it can come in handy if you need to back something up.

I am currently in the middle of a post divorce custoday suit. My XH wants more custody, but his actions aren't where his mouth is. The Guardian ad Litem recently asked me how much extra time my XH requests with my children and whether I allow it. When I explained the situation he asked if I would happen to have a record of these things and I was able to provide him with one. My XH has nothing to back him up and so I believe a journal definately helps.

Good luck!

Take care and God bless!
K

Hi Informant,

Keeping a journal is an excellent idea. Not admissable in court as factual evidence but can be used as means to back up your own memory for your testimony should you need to recall times, dates, events. I don't know about you but under conditions of extreme stress and high emotions ones mind can rearrange events of a given situation. Many people see things differently as well so your record of what was said may help to clear up things and prevent further arguments.

I write in my journal every day and have used it in dissagreements with my stbxw already. Denying things she said or didn't say. I pull out the journal and give her own words back to her.

There is also a certain therputic value to journaling if you use it for your own thoughts and reactions. It is an excellent tool for counseling if you write honestly about your thoughts, emotions, reactions, hopes, expectations.

The more you progress through your situation it is an excellent way to get a reality check to go back and read about yourself and how you have or haven't changed.

I used to write at night before I went to bed but that didn't work out well as I was to tired to be creative in describing my feelings. I only write at night now if there is something important and detailed that happened and I don't want to forget anything. I get up an hour earlier than I need to and go to work. I sit in the parking lot all alone, have my coffee and cigarette and write for half an hour to 45 minutes in silence. I can usually squeeze in most of my thoughts and details from the previous day in this time frame. Occasionaly I will add a bit more at lunch time if I think of them during the morning when I am alone at work.

That was a long answer to a short question but I hope it helps. Good Luck and God Bless you on your journey. Let us know if we can help or you just need a place or an ear to listen and share your pain.

David A