Custody mediation failed and I am overwhelmed about court prep

I need blunt advice. Money is tight and every filing fee feels like a major risk if I do the wrong thing first. I have payment records but the dates are messy and I need to organize them. I can only afford one consult this month, so I need to show up prepared.

I'm trying to avoid a bad decision: I'm worried one rushed decision now will affect finances for years.

If you were in my position, what 3 actions would you do in the next 7 days?

operationally been there. first thing that helped me was a one-page checklist by date like hearing date docs due and who i called.

im not a lawyer but u gotta keep records. screenshots bank stuff text msgs. dont wait till last minute. Hope that gives you a clear next step

From a filing standpoint: use a structured approach: objective timeline, evidence index, and issue-by-issue risk assessment. Also, keep every deadline in one calendar so nothing slips.

Attorney here. General information only: this happend to me. court only cared about what i could prove not what i said happened. get proof now