I hope this helps you and anyone else here planning to file without an attorney. Please study carefully.
The categories of proof are:
Applicantβs identity and current status
Evidence of abuserβs status
Proof of relationship and good faith marriage
Residence with abuser and current residence in U.S.
Good moral character
Abuse or extreme cruelty
Documents for Proving Applicantβs Identity and Current Status
Applicant and childrenβs birth certificates
Applicant and childrenβs passports, visas to enter the U.S. and I-94 (expired or current)
Applicantβs driverβs license
Any documentation to or from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Evidence of Abuserβs Status
Birth certificate (if born in the U.S.)
Certificate of Naturalization
Green card (permanent residency card)
U.S. passport
Alien number
Affidavits by persons with knowledge of the abuserβs immigration status.
Proof of Relationship and Good Faith Marriage
Evidence of βresidence with abuserβ plus:
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates of children together
Wedding photos and other photos of spouses together (before and after wedding)
Letter from employer stating changed name or listed spouse as contact
Photo IDs (with married name)
Declarations from friends and neighbors
Wills
Joint life insurance documents
Joint health insurance documents
Joint car ownership documentation and joint auto insurance
Correspondence between spouses or between abuser & applicantβs family members
Correspondence addressed to the couple
Proof of vacations taken together
Proof of major purchases made together.
Proof of Residence with Abuser and Current Residence in U.S.
Leases, deeds, mortgages with name (both names if for co-residence), rent receipts,
Letters from landlord or neighbors at each address
Tax returns (joint for co-residence)
Insurance policies naming spouse as beneficiary
Letters, cards, junk mail addressed to both spouses or different letters to each spouse at the same address
Bills (such as gas, electric, water, cable, telephone, rent)
School and medical reports
Credit card bills
Joint bank accounts
Magazine subscriptions in both names
Affidavits by people who knew that the applicant and abuser lived together
Legal documents with both names.
Proof of Good Moral Character
Police clearance letters for every place applicant has lived for six months or more for the past three years, or affidavits explaining efforts to obtain such letters;
FBI background check
Awards, certificates of appreciation, etc.
Letter from pastors, ministers, church or civic club officials.
Documentation of Abuse or Extreme Cruelty
Police reports (incident reports and victimβs referral card)
Restraining orders or protective orders
Photos of bruises, cuts, injuries, etc.
Shelter or domestic violence center forms or letters from center counselors.
Medical records.
Physiological evaluations.
CPS reports.
Affidavits from friends, family, neighbors, or witnesses