This paper discusses and demystifies one of the most difficult yet central aspects of a trial: presenting evidence to the court. It provides an overview of general considerations and principles for evidence, including types of evidence, exclusionary rules, privilege, and hearsay. It also discusses practical pointers for affidavits of records and electronic records, evidence of a child, expert witnesses, and objecting to an opposing party’s evidence.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Trial Fundamentals program in Calgary on November 17, 2016 and in Edmonton on November 22, 2016.