Use this template to keep a short, findable note about an event. Include only information that is relevant and appropriate to retain. A note is your account, not a finding about another person or a guarantee of professional or court acceptance.
Blank entry
Short title: ____________________
Event date and time, including time zone if relevant: ____________________
When this note was written: ____________________
Location or context, if necessary: ____________________
What I directly saw, heard or did: ____________________
What a source says, and which source: ____________________
What remains uncertain or is my interpretation: ____________________
Relevant document or message reference: ____________________
Practical follow-up, if any: ____________________
Before saving
- Can I tell observation, a source's statement and interpretation apart?
- Have I kept the event time separate from the time I wrote the note?
- Have I identified the relevant original file/message without adding unnecessary private detail?
- Is the wording specific and neutral, without guessing motives or diagnosing someone?
- Does the note preserve useful context, including information that qualifies my account?
- If I discovered a correction later, have I labelled the later clarification and its date rather than presenting it as something known at the original time?
Worked fictional example
Title: Library book returned at changeover.
Event: October 16, 2026, 4:05 p.m., local time. Written: October 16, 2026, 6:10 p.m.
Observation: I received a blue school bag at the agreed changeover. I found the library book in its front pocket at home.
Source: A message received at 3:40 p.m. said the book was in the front pocket. Relevant message reference: “School bag, October 16.”
Uncertainty: I do not know when the book was packed.
Follow-up: Return the book to school on Monday.
All people and events in this example are fictional. Keep original material where appropriate, check permissions before sharing, and ask your professional what they need. Do not record another person, access their account or collect private information just to fill this template.
Custody Companion supports dated incident records, uploaded supporting material and selected chronological reports. Paid-plan limits apply to some capabilities; check current features. Create a free account.
Prepared by Custody Companion. Updated October 14, 2026. General organisation information; not legal advice.