Not every document you have that is related to your case will necessarily be useful as an exhibit at trial. Some documents may not even be admissible under the court's rules of procedure. Read through the rules of evidence carefully and think about how you will establish the authenticity of each document. If you need to call a witness to establish this, make sure the witness is included on your witness list and have the court issue a subpoena if necessary. Choose exhibits that are relevant to the arguments you plan to make at trial, and that will help prove the point you're trying to make. Avoid redundant exhibits – only choose documents that are necessary. For example, if you're suing over a car accident, you may have multiple photos of your car. Even though they all may be admissible, you only want the photos that most clearly show the damage to your car. Don't include multiple photos from the same angle, or any photos that are blurry or otherwise difficult to make out. Most courts have a form you must use to list the exhibits you plan to introduce at trial. Some courts also have separate witness lists, while in many the form is a combined exhibit and witness list. The clerk of court can give you a copy of the form the court uses. You may also be able to download the form on the court's website. Typically, the court requires you to make copies of each exhibit you want to have admitted into evidence, and place a specific sticker on each page that identifies the exhibit with a particular number or letter.  Some courts require different colored stickers for the plaintiff and the defendant in each case. Check with the court clerk to find out what kind of stickers you need. The clerk should also be able to tell you where you can buy the stickers you need. You may be able to find them at an office supply store. If you're e-filing your exhibits, you'll go through a different process of physically marking each exhibit. The court will have specific instructions on how to proceed. Typically you'll include a blank page that labels and numbers each exhibit.

Summary: Sort through your documents and other evidence. Select exhibits you want to use at trial. Create your exhibit list. Make copies and sticker your exhibits.


Before going to any additional methods, try removing a stain the same way you would with a new stain. You may be able to get rid of the stain by simply soaking the fabric and then machine or hand washing it. If linen items are stored improperly or are put away with existing stains, it may be more difficult to remove the stains.  Fill up a bathtub or sink with cool water for soaking. Hot water needs an added cleanser to prevent stains from setting. Every once in a while, check on the stain to see if it is being absorbed into the water. To test the stain, lightly rub the material between your fingers to see if it's coming out. Be gentle so that you don't rub the stain into the fabric. If the stains persist through multiple soakings and washing, let the fabric sit in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight can also damage fabric and bleach too much, so it’s important to keep an eye out if your fabric begins to look too light. Remove your linens from the sun if they begin to fade beyond the original color.  You can put the linens out completely dry, or you can lightly mist them with a spray bottle filled with water,  non-chlorine bleach, or any other liquid stain remover.  Do not soak the fabric if you’re leaving it in the sun. It may create an unpleasant odor. Vintage fabrics may become damaged from direct sunlight so use caution when deciding whether or not to put antiques in sunlight. It’s best to iron linen while it’s slightly damp. Once you have successfully removed a stain, you can safely apply heat to any of your linen items. Use the proper setting on your iron so that you don't cause any damage. By pressing fabric, it is then easier to store and less susceptible to damage and wrinkling.  Ironing a stain is a perfect way to seal the stain into the fibers. Check your whole garment or fabric to make sure that there are no other hidden stains. No matter the age of a stain, putting linens that have been rescued from stains in the dryer is not advised. Use a drying rack, clothesline with clothespins, or a clothes rack to air out your linens.

Summary: Soak the linen item in a hot water bath with a stain treatment additive. Lay out the linen items in the sun. Press older linen items by ironing immediately after washing to preserve them. Hang dry the linen if ironing is not needed.


It is appropriate and courteous to pick up any trash or garbage before dropping your car off with a valet service. As the valet workers will be driving your car, it is respectful to tidy up and ensure that their experience driving your car is not a negative one. Remove any trash or leftover items of food at a gas station or service station before starting your trip.  Although washing the exterior of your car is not necessary, do so if your car is extremely dirty. Valet parking is a classy service, so ensuring that your car is presentable will be a nice touch before entering the drop off zone. It is a nice touch to hang an air freshener in your car if you smoke or if you’ve eaten any food in the car recently. Tipping your valet is an important thing to do, as valet jobs are difficult and drivers are sometimes reliant on tips to complete their full minimum wage. Plan on spending $2 - $5 (USD) on tips when you drop off your car, and 2 to 5 dollars when you pick your car back up.  Taking out ten dollars in cash and saving it specifically for tipping will keep you from not having any cash on hand when the time comes. Although a two to five-dollar tip is average, you can tip more if your valet was particularly professional and hard working. Before arriving at your destination, place your valuables in a bag, or take them out of your car before you leave for your destination. Although you should not assume that the valet will steal anything from you, there is no reason to risk theft by leaving something expensive in your car.  Things like electronics, wallets, or sentimental items should all be removed prior to dropping your car off. If you have items that you are not particularly worried about, you can tuck them under the seats of your car. The prices for valet services could vary significantly depending on where you are dropping off your car. Some businesses will provide complimentary valet parking, but others will charge you. Checking beforehand will allow you to prepare for the expense.  Ask if they take credit or debit cards, or if they only accept cash. If you are using valet services at a hotel, they will mostly like charge you a daily rate. When dropping your car off at the valet, there is a chance that your key could be lost. Although this is rare, it is not worth risking your entire key ring. Either bring a spare car key to give the valet worker, or take the key off the ring and bring the rest of your keys with you, keeping them safe and secure. Giving your entire key ring to the valet worker is also a pain for them, especially if you have an abundance of keys on your ring.
Summary: Clean your car before entering the drop off zone. Stop to get some cash for tips beforehand. Remove any valuable personal items from the car. Call ahead for the price of the valet. Remove your car key from the rest of your keys.