Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Judicial Department Logo

Preparing for Trial

Preparing for Trial

Getting ready for trial takes planning and careful organization. This checklist will help you understand what you need to do, including how to label and copy your exhibits, how to request technical equipment or support, how to identify your witnesses, and how to make sure all required trial fees are paid. Reviewing each step ahead of time can help the trial go more smoothly and help you present your case clearly.

Trial Preparation checklist - printable

Trial Preparation Checklist

Exhibits

  • Print out all exhibits (avoid using your phone for evidence). Common types of evidence include written communications (emails, texts, social media messages), photographs, police reports, financial records and medical records.
  • Prepare an Exhibit List (all evidence you want the Judge to consider must be listed).
  • Label exhibits on the bottom right corner:
    • Plaintiff/Petitioner: 1, 2, 3, ...
    • Defendant/Respondent: 101, 102, 103, ...
      (Note: A multi-page document counts as one exhibit and gets one number)
  • Make 3 copies of your Exhibit List and all exhibits. Bring the original and both copies with you to trial.
  • If you have audio or visual (AV) evidence, contact the court at least 48 hours in advance for technical support and equipment needs.
  • If any party (Plaintiff/Petitioner, Defendant/Respondent or Judge) is appearing remotely, review Submission of Exhibits in Remote Hearings for proper submission steps.

Witnesses

  • Identify witnesses with first-hand knowledge of important facts.
    (Witnesses can only testify about what they personally saw or heard.)
  • Submit a Witness List to the court before trial and send a copy to the opposing party.
  • If a witness needs to appear remotely (phone/video), you must file a Motion for Remote Appearance.
    • File as soon as you know the witness needs remote appearance.
    • Send a copy to the opposing party.

Trial Fees

  • Confirm if court fees have been waived.
  • If not waived:
    • Plaintiff/Petitioner must pay a trial fee.
    • Contact the court to pay trial fee before trial.
    • Contact the court for questions or to make payment by phone.