Directory
Find a resource.
190 resources in the directory
Stage
Need
NHTSA
Car seats and booster seats
The federal page for which seat, the belt path, and when a booster is the right seat. DadLane does not certify an install.
For Dads putting a seat in the car before the first ride, or rechecking it as the child grows.
- Car seat
- Basics how-tos
- Pregnancy
Safe Kids Worldwide
Forward-facing car seat install
Safe Kids Worldwide on the top tether, the belt or the lower anchors, and the inch test. Short on purpose. Both manuals still rule.
For Dads moving a child to a forward-facing seat because the seat's own limit says so.
- Car seat
- Basics how-tos
- First year
American Academy of Pediatrics
Choosing a car seat
A short American Academy of Pediatrics note: rear-facing to the seat's limit, then a booster until the belt fits.
For Dads who need the order of seats before they buy one.
- Car seat
- Basics how-tos
- Pregnancy
CDC
Safe sleep
CDC on a safe sleep space: on the back, their own firm surface, nothing soft in it. Your baby's clinician still owns the plan.
For Dads setting up the sleep space for a newborn or a baby in the first year.
- Safe sleep
- Safety
- Birth
HealthyChildren.org
Prenatal pages for families
HealthyChildren.org, from the pediatrics academy, on pregnancy. The clinician in the room outranks the article.
For Expectant dads who want a plain page before the next visit.
- Clinic visits
- Partner
- Pregnancy
HealthyChildren.org
Baby pages for families
HealthyChildren.org on the first year: sleep, feeding questions to take to the clinician, and everyday care.
For Dads in the hospital stretch and the first year who need a trusted page, not a thread.
- Clinic visits
- Safe sleep
- Birth
HealthyChildren.org
Toddler pages for families
HealthyChildren.org on toddler years: development, behavior, and when a worry belongs with the clinician.
For Dads of toddlers who want the academy's pages before they invent a rule.
- Clinic visits
- House rules
- Toddler
HealthyChildren.org
Grade-school pages for families
HealthyChildren.org on the school years: health, routines, and questions for the pediatrician.
For Dads of grade-school kids preparing for a checkup or a school week.
- School
- Clinic visits
- School
HealthyChildren.org
Teen pages for families
HealthyChildren.org on the teen years. Safety and health calls still belong with the clinician.
For Dads of teens who want the pediatrics academy's family pages, not a lecture.
- Teens
- Clinic visits
- Teens
HealthyChildren.org
Childhood looks better when Dad is in it
A HealthyChildren.org page on a dad's presence. Use it as a reason to pick a concrete job this week.
For Any dad who needs a short, official reminder that showing up is the work.
- Partner
- Returning dad
- Any stage
HealthyChildren.org
Communication and discipline
HealthyChildren.org on talking with children and on discipline. Pair it with one written house rule, not a new speech.
For Dads writing a rule or repairing a hard afternoon.
- House rules
- School
- Toddler
ZERO TO THREE
Parenting from pregnancy to age three
ZERO TO THREE on development from pregnancy through age three. A page to read, not a diagnosis.
For Dads from pregnancy through the toddler years who want development pages from that organization.
- Clinic visits
- Partner
- Pregnancy
Fatherhood.gov
For Dads
Free federal pages for dads. Start here when you need a public page that is about fatherhood, not a product.
For Dads who want the federal fatherhood pages, including dads coming back after time away.
- Returning dad
- Partner
- Any stage
Fatherhood.gov
Strong families, healthy relationships
Fatherhood.gov on the relationship at home. It is a public page, not counseling and not a court filing.
For Dads working on the relationship with the other parent, together or apart.
- Partner
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
Fatherhood.gov
Father involvement in education
Fatherhood.gov on showing up for school: the meeting, the reading, the ordinary week.
For Dads who need one school job this month, not a speech about involvement.
- School
- School
Understood
Parent-teacher conference
Understood, with a psychologist, on walking into the conference with a plan. One question you came to ask. Then their words.
For Dads with a conference on the calendar who want a plan instead of a speech.
- School
- School
Child Mind Institute
Parenting topics
Child Mind Institute pages for parents on behavior and mental health. If tonight is dangerous, use the Hard-day kit.
For Dads who want a clinician-backed page on behavior before the next ordinary week.
- Mental health
- School
- Toddler
Child Mind Institute
Parenting through depression
A Child Mind Institute article for a parent who is depressed and still has to show up. It is not a crisis line.
For Dads who are low and still responsible for a child tonight.
- Mental health
- Any stage
Child Mind Institute
Support your teen through the tough years
Child Mind Institute clinicians on staying connected while a teen pulls away. For a drive. Not a script for a fight.
For Dads of teens who need a calm listen before the next hard conversation.
- Teens
- Mental health
- Teens
American Psychological Association
Parenting topics
American Psychological Association pages on parenting. Background you can read. Not a session.
For Dads who want the psychology association's public pages on parenting.
- Mental health
- Partner
- Toddler
American Psychological Association
Teen topics
American Psychological Association pages on teens. Read them. The fight can wait until you are calm.
For Dads of teens looking for a public psychology page, not a diagnosis.
- Teens
- Mental health
- Teens
NHTSA
Teen driving
NHTSA on teen drivers: the risk, the rules, and the practice. Write your house rule after you read theirs.
For Dads of teens who are learning to drive or already have keys.
- Teens
- Safety
- Teens
Federal Student Aid
Apply for the FAFSA
Federal Student Aid's own start page for the FAFSA form. Copy the date from this site. Aid rules live with them and the school.
For Dads of a student who needs to start or finish the FAFSA.
- FAFSA and launch
- Money
- Launch
Federal Student Aid
StudentAid.gov
The federal front door for grants, loans, and the FAFSA. Start here when you are not sure which aid page you need.
For Dads starting the launch-year money questions with a student.
- FAFSA and launch
- Money
- Launch
Federal Student Aid
Types of federal student aid
Grants, work-study, and loans, explained by the agency that runs them. A loan is not a gift.
For Dads comparing kinds of aid before anyone signs.
- FAFSA and launch
- Money
- Launch
Federal Student Aid
Federal grants
Grant pages from Federal Student Aid. Grants do not have to be paid back. Read who qualifies on their site.
For Dads checking whether a grant is even on the table.
- FAFSA and launch
- Money
- Launch
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Paying for college
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tools for comparing college costs. Use their numbers, not a forum's.
For Dads who need a cost comparison before a deposit.
- FAFSA and launch
- Money
- Launch
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Money as You Grow
CFPB activities for teaching kids about money, by age. One activity. Then stop buying curricula.
For Dads who want a free, age-based money activity from the consumer bureau.
- Money
- School
- School
U.S. Department of Labor
Family and Medical Leave Act
The leave law, from the Department of Labor. Whether it covers your job is not something DadLane decides. Get the answer in writing.
For Dads who need the federal leave page before they talk to a boss.
- Leave and work
- Money
- Pregnancy
ACOG
Patient pages on pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pages for patients. Decisions stay with the pregnant person's clinician.
For Expectant dads who want the obstetric academy's public pages, not a comment section.
- Clinic visits
- Partner
- Pregnancy
American Red Cross
Find a CPR class
American Red Cross class finder. Book a class. A webpage will not teach your hands, and DadLane will not pretend a video does.
For Dads who need a real CPR class on the calendar before the due date.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Pregnancy
Poison Control
Poison Control
The national poison line. Use it for a possible poison. Do not wait to see what happens.
For Any adult in a house with a child, plus the sitter who needs the number on the fridge.
- Safety
- Any stage
Anchor It (CPSC)
Anchor furniture so it cannot tip
Anchor It, the federal tip-over campaign. Anchor the dresser or the shelf before you fill it.
For Dads with a dresser, a TV, or a shelf a child can climb.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Toddler
USDA MyPlate
MyPlate
USDA's plate for everyday meals. Use it to plan three meals, not to start a diet argument.
For Dads who cook the week and want a simple public picture of a meal.
- Feeding
- Basics how-tos
- Toddler
FoodSafety.gov
Food safety basics
FoodSafety.gov on handling food so dinner does not become an urgent care visit.
For Dads cooking for the house, including the grill night.
- Feeding
- Safety
- Any stage
National Fire Protection Association
Home grilling fire safety
NFPA on grill fires: where the grill sits, and what you do not do when it flares.
For Dads who run a propane or charcoal grill at the house.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
NHTSA
Tires
NHTSA on tires, including the pressure on the door sticker, not the number molded on the sidewall.
For Dads checking pressure or dealing with a flat, including the spare.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
AAA
How to jump a battery
AAA's public order for the clamps. Your car manual still wins if it disagrees. Wrong order can wreck the car.
For Dads with a dead battery and a second car or a jump pack.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
NHTSA
Bicycle safety
NHTSA on bikes: the helmet, the check, and where a child should ride.
For Dads teaching a ride or sending a child out on a bike.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- School
Ready.gov
Build a kit
Ready.gov on a basic emergency kit. Use it for the go-bag. Then put the list where you pack.
For Dads packing a hospital bag or a kit for a night away from home.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Pregnancy
988 Lifeline
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support, 24/7. You do not have to be in a suicidal crisis to use it. Counselors handle distress, substance use, and hard nights.
For Anyone in distress, including dads. You do not have to be sure it is an emergency.
- Mental health
- Hard day
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line
For veterans and the people who care about them. Connects to Department of Veterans Affairs responders.
For Veterans, and dads calling for a veteran in the family.
- Mental health
- Hard day
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line
Text-based support when a phone call is too much.
For Anyone who needs to text, not talk, on a hard night.
- Mental health
- Hard day
SAMHSA
SAMHSA National Helpline
Federal treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish. For an acute crisis, use 988.
For Dads looking for treatment referral for mental health or substance use.
- Mental health
- Hard day
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support if you or someone at home is being hurt or controlled. Advocates can help with safety planning.
For Anyone being hurt or controlled at home, and anyone calling for them.
- Mental health
- Safety
- Hard day
Postpartum Support International
Help for dads, postpartum
Postpartum Support International peer support for dads during pregnancy and postpartum. PSI states the HelpLine is not an emergency service.
For Dads in pregnancy or the postpartum months who need dad-specific support.
- Mental health
- Partner
- Pregnancy
National Fatherhood Initiative
National Fatherhood Initiative
An established fatherhood organization with programs and practical resources. This is not a crisis line.
For Dads looking for an established fatherhood organization beyond this map.
- Returning dad
- Partner
- Any stage
Legal Services Corporation
Find legal aid
Legal Services Corporation was created by Congress to fund civil legal aid. Enter an address and the page names the legal aid office near you. It does not take a criminal case.
For Dads who need a lawyer for a civil problem, including custody or child support, and cannot pay one.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
USAGov
Affordable legal aid
USA.gov lists the public doors to a free or low-cost lawyer: legal aid, LawHelp.org, free court forms, and Free Legal Answers. Family law on that page includes divorce, custody, and child support.
For Dads who want the federal list of legal aid before they pick a door.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
American Bar Association
Free Legal Answers
A volunteer lawyer answers one civil question online. Topics include family, divorce, custody, and child support. It is not a lawyer who shows up in court, and it does not answer criminal questions. Income limits apply. Wisconsin participates.
For Dads with a specific civil question who may qualify for a written answer from a lawyer.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
Office of Child Support Enforcement
State child support office
Child support runs through your state or tribal agency and the court that issued the order. The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement publishes the contact list. It does not take the case.
For Dads who need to apply, ask about a payment, or find the office that already has the case.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
LawHelp.org
Legal aid in your state
LawHelp.org is the nonprofit map of legal aid. Pick your state for free information and the local program. If a court form is posted for your state, it is on that same trail.
For Dads who need the legal aid site for their own state, including custody and court papers.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
LawHelp.org
Your state's court self-help
State courts publish their own self-help pages. Pick your state on LawHelp.org, then search that court's site for self-help, family, or custody. Wisconsin's court system is one plain example of the pattern.
For Dads in family court without a lawyer, or getting the court's own pages before they hire one.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
LawHelp.org
Custody and parenting time
Custody is who decides. Parenting time is the hours. Your state court and legal aid publish the forms. DadLane will not read your order or tell you how a hearing goes.
For Dads who need the official page for custody, placement, or parenting time.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
LawHelp Interactive
Free court forms
LawHelp Interactive fills in court forms from a question list, including family law where a state partner posts them. If your state is not on the map, go back to LawHelp.org. The form is still the court's.
For Dads preparing papers for a simple civil matter and checking that the form comes from a court or legal aid partner.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
WomensLaw.org
Protective order self-help
If someone is being hurt, threatened, or stalked, a court can issue a protective order. WomensLaw.org explains the process by state. The same path is there if you are the dad who needs the order. It is a safety filing, not a move in a custody fight.
For A dad, a partner, or a co-parent who needs the court page for a restraining or protective order.
- Legal help
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
State court self-help map
All 50 states and DC. Each row opens that court's self-help or forms page when the link was confirmed. If it was not, the row says so and opens the court front door.
For Dads who need their own state's court page for custody, forms, or a hearing.
- Court self-help
- Legal help
- Any stage
DadLane
Court-day wallet card
Case number, court time and place, lawyer, GAL, and mediator. A short list of what not to say. Print it. It is not a filing and not legal advice.
For Dads with a court date who need the facts in a pocket, not a speech.
- Forms
- Court self-help
- Any stage
DadLane
Exchange evidence log
Dated lines for parenting time and exchanges. One fact, the place, and how the child was. Not a rant diary and not legal advice.
For Dads who need a calm record of an exchange without turning it into a case file in the car.
- Forms
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Understood
What an IEP is
Understood explains an Individualized Education Program in plain language: who is on the team, what the plan covers, and how a meeting works. The school's own notice still rules.
For Dads heading into an IEP meeting who need the vocabulary before they sit down.
- School
- School
Understood
What a 504 plan is
Understood on a 504 plan: accommodations so a child with a disability can learn beside everyone else. It is not the same document as an IEP.
For Dads who were told '504' and need the difference before the meeting.
- School
- School
Center for Parent Information and Resources
IEP guide for parents
The Center for Parent Information and Resources, a federally funded parent center, on how an IEP is built. Bring the school's draft. This page does not write yours.
For Dads who want a parent-center explanation of the IEP, not a blog.
- School
- School
DadLane
Portal night
A short DadLane script for the night you get into the school portal: the login, one missing assignment, one fact to the other house. Not a grade lecture.
For Dads who have the portal password and have not opened it yet.
- School
- School
DadLane
Attendance call
Call the number the school published. Write the date, the reason in one line, and who you told. Do not invent a doctor's note.
For Dads calling in an absence or answering an attendance letter.
- School
- School
DadLane
Bullying report notes
Date, place, and what the child said happened. Tell the school those same facts and ask who takes the report. Keep your copy. No theory you cannot check.
For Dads whose child came home with a bullying report to make.
- School
- Safety
- School
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Child support for parents
The federal child support office explains how a case works for parents. Your state or tribe still runs the case. This page does not calculate your order.
For Dads who need the federal parent page before they call the state child support office.
- Money
- Legal help
- Any stage
Internal Revenue Service
Child tax credit
The IRS page for the child tax credit. Eligibility and the amount live there, and they change. DadLane does not compute your return.
For Dads filing taxes who need the official child tax credit page, not a blog calculator.
- Money
- Any stage
Internal Revenue Service
Earned income tax credit
The IRS page for the earned income tax credit, including who can claim a child. Use their rules. A tax app ad is not the rule.
For Dads who work and may qualify for the earned income credit.
- Money
- Any stage
Internal Revenue Service
Child and dependent care
IRS Publication 503 on child and dependent care expenses. Read their page for the credit. DadLane does not prepare the form.
For Dads paying for care so they can work, who need the IRS explanation.
- Money
- First year
USAGov
Find government benefits
Benefits.gov, from USAGov, helps you see which benefits you may qualify for. It does not enroll you by itself. Follow the agency it names.
For Dads who need a federal starting point for benefits, not a list of ads.
- Money
- Any stage
Childcare.gov
Find child care
Childcare.gov is the federal page for finding child care and understanding help with the cost. Your state office does the enrollment.
For Dads who need care so they can work, and a public page instead of a sponsored list.
- Money
- Basics how-tos
- First year
InsureKidsNow.gov
Medicaid and CHIP for kids
InsureKidsNow.gov is the federal door to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. DadLane does not pick a plan.
For Dads who need health coverage for a child and the official enrollment door.
- Money
- Clinic visits
- Any stage
Administration for Children and Families
Help with the heat bill
LIHEAP is the federal energy assistance program. States run it. This page is the program, not an application DadLane can submit.
For Dads who cannot cover the heat or cooling bill and need the official program name.
- Money
- House rules
- Any stage
HealthCare.gov
HealthCare.gov
The federal health insurance marketplace. Coverage rules and deadlines live on that site. DadLane does not choose a plan.
For Dads shopping for coverage for themselves or a child.
- Money
- Clinic visits
- Any stage
MyMoney.gov
MyMoney.gov
The federal financial education site. One page on earning, saving, or protecting money. Not a product to buy.
For Dads who want a public money lesson, for themselves or a teen.
- Money
- Any stage
Office of Head Start
Head Start
The federal Office of Head Start. Early learning for eligible families. Find the local program from their page. DadLane does not enroll you.
For Dads of young children looking for a public early-learning program.
- School
- Money
- Pregnancy
U.S. Department of Labor
Youth job rules
The Department of Labor on hours and jobs for teens. The rules depend on age and the work. This page is the federal start.
For Dads whose teen is getting a first job and needs the hour rules.
- Teens
- Money
- Teens
Apprenticeship.gov
Apprenticeship.gov
The federal apprenticeship site: paid work and training. Search their listings. DadLane does not place anyone.
For Dads and older teens looking at a trade instead of, or beside, college.
- Teens
- Money
- Teens
CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop is the federal career site from the Department of Labor. Training, local help, and job search. Not a recruiter.
For Dads helping a teen look at work, training, or a local American Job Center.
- Teens
- Money
- Teens
Selective Service System
Selective Service
Most young men must register with Selective Service. The official site says who and when. Missing it can affect federal aid. DadLane does not file it.
For Dads of a son nearing 18 who need the registration page, not a rumor.
- Teens
- FAFSA and launch
- Launch
Federal Trade Commission
Protect a child's identity
The Federal Trade Commission on child identity theft: how it happens and what to do if a credit file exists for a child. Not a monitoring ad.
For Dads who want the federal steps for a child's credit and identity.
- Money
- Safety
- Any stage
Medicaid.gov
Medicaid.gov
The federal Medicaid site. States run enrollment. Use it to understand the program, then follow your state door.
For Dads who need the federal Medicaid page before a state application.
- Money
- Clinic visits
- Any stage
National Institutes of Health
Safe to Sleep
The National Institutes of Health campaign: back to sleep, a clear crib, no soft bedding. Your pediatrician outranks a product label.
For Dads setting up a sleep space before the baby comes home.
- Safe sleep
- Safety
- Pregnancy
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Period of PURPLE Crying
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome on the normal crying peak in the first months. Put the baby down in a safe place if you are at the edge. This is not a diagnosis.
For Dads in the first months when the crying will not stop.
- Safety
- Mental health
- Birth
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Product recalls
CPSC recall and warning list for cribs, seats, and the gear in the house. Search the product name. DadLane does not certify a product.
For Dads checking a crib, a seat, or a toy against the federal recall list.
- Safety
- Basics how-tos
- Any stage
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead in the house
The EPA on lead paint and lead in the home, including older houses and small children. Test through their guidance. Do not scrape old paint on a guess.
For Dads in an older house who need the federal lead page before a renovation.
- Safety
- House rules
- Any stage
U.S. Fire Administration
Prevent home fires
U.S. Fire Administration on smoke alarms, escape plans, and the ordinary causes of home fires. Check the alarms. Know the door.
For Dads who need a fire plan for the house, including a sitter night.
- Safety
- House rules
- Any stage
SAMHSA
Talk. They Hear You.
SAMHSA's campaign for talking with kids about alcohol. Short, for parents. It is not a crisis line and not a lecture script.
For Dads who need a plain way to start the alcohol conversation.
- Teens
- Safety
- School
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
Alabama court self-help
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts is the state court site for Alabama. Self-help page not confirmed. Start at the courts site and open forms from their menu. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Alabama who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Alaska Court System
Alaska court self-help
Alaska Court System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Alaska. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Alaska who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Arizona Judicial Branch
Arizona court self-help
Arizona Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Arizona. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Arizona who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Arkansas Judiciary
Arkansas court self-help
Arkansas Judiciary is the state court site for Arkansas. Self-help page not confirmed. Start at the courts site and open forms from their menu. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Arkansas who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
California Courts
California court self-help
California Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in California. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in California who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Colorado Judicial Branch
Colorado court self-help
Colorado Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Colorado. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Colorado who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Connecticut Judicial Branch
Connecticut court self-help
Connecticut Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Connecticut. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Connecticut who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Delaware Courts
Delaware court self-help
Delaware Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Delaware. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Delaware who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
District of Columbia Courts
District of Columbia court self-help
District of Columbia Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in District of Columbia. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in District of Columbia who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Florida Courts
Florida court self-help
Florida Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Florida. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Florida who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Georgia Courts
Georgia court self-help
Georgia Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Georgia. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Georgia who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Hawaii Judiciary
Hawaii court self-help
Hawaii Judiciary publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Hawaii. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Hawaii who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Idaho Court Assistance Office
Idaho court self-help
Idaho Court Assistance Office publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Idaho. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Idaho who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Illinois Courts
Illinois court self-help
Illinois Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Illinois. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Illinois who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Indiana Judicial Branch
Indiana court self-help
Indiana Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Indiana. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Indiana who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Iowa Judicial Branch
Iowa court self-help
Iowa Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Iowa. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Iowa who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Kansas Judicial Branch
Kansas court self-help
Kansas Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Kansas. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Kansas who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Kentucky Court of Justice
Kentucky court self-help
Kentucky Court of Justice publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Kentucky. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Kentucky who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Louisiana Supreme Court
Louisiana court self-help
Louisiana Supreme Court publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Louisiana. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Louisiana who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Maine Judicial Branch
Maine court self-help
Maine Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Maine. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Maine who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Maryland Courts
Maryland court self-help
Maryland Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Maryland. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Maryland who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Massachusetts Court System
Massachusetts court self-help
Massachusetts Court System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Massachusetts. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Massachusetts who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Michigan Courts
Michigan court self-help
Michigan Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Michigan. DadLane does not read the case. This is the court forms page.
For Dads with a case in Michigan who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Minnesota court self-help
Minnesota Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Minnesota. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Minnesota who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Mississippi Judiciary
Mississippi court self-help
Mississippi Judiciary is the state court site for Mississippi. Self-help page not confirmed. Start at the courts site and open forms from their menu. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Mississippi who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Missouri Courts
Missouri court self-help
Missouri Courts is the state court site for Missouri. The courts site blocked a full read from here. Open it yourself and look for forms or self-help. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Missouri who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Montana Courts
Montana court self-help
Montana Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Montana. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Montana who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Nebraska Judicial Branch
Nebraska court self-help
Nebraska Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Nebraska. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Nebraska who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Nevada Self-Help Center
Nevada court self-help
Nevada Self-Help Center publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Nevada. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Nevada who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
New Hampshire court self-help
New Hampshire Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in New Hampshire. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in New Hampshire who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
New Jersey Courts
New Jersey court self-help
New Jersey Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in New Jersey. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in New Jersey who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
New Mexico Courts
New Mexico court self-help
New Mexico Courts is the state court site for New Mexico. Self-help page not confirmed. Start at the courts site and open forms from their menu. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in New Mexico who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
New York Courts
New York court self-help
New York Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in New York. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in New York who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
North Carolina Judicial Branch
North Carolina court self-help
North Carolina Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in North Carolina. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in North Carolina who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
North Dakota Court System
North Dakota court self-help
North Dakota Court System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in North Dakota. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in North Dakota who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Ohio Legal Help
Ohio court self-help
Ohio Legal Help publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Ohio. DadLane does not read the case. Statewide legal information and forms. Not a law firm.
For Dads with a case in Ohio who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Oklahoma State Courts Network
Oklahoma court self-help
Oklahoma State Courts Network publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Oklahoma. DadLane does not read the case. This is the court forms page.
For Dads with a case in Oklahoma who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Oregon Judicial Department
Oregon court self-help
Oregon Judicial Department publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Oregon. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Oregon who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania court self-help
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Pennsylvania. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Pennsylvania who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Rhode Island Judiciary
Rhode Island court self-help
Rhode Island Judiciary publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Rhode Island. DadLane does not read the case. This is the Family Court page.
For Dads with a case in Rhode Island who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
South Carolina Judicial Branch
South Carolina court self-help
South Carolina Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in South Carolina. DadLane does not read the case. This is the court forms page.
For Dads with a case in South Carolina who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
South Dakota Unified Judicial System
South Dakota court self-help
South Dakota Unified Judicial System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in South Dakota. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in South Dakota who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Tennessee Courts
Tennessee court self-help
Tennessee Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Tennessee. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Tennessee who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Texas Judicial Branch
Texas court self-help
Texas Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Texas. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Texas who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Utah State Courts
Utah court self-help
Utah State Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Utah. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Utah who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Vermont Judiciary
Vermont court self-help
Vermont Judiciary publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Vermont. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Vermont who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Virginia Judicial System
Virginia court self-help
Virginia Judicial System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Virginia. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Virginia who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Washington State Courts
Washington court self-help
Washington State Courts publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Washington. DadLane does not read the case. This is the court forms page.
For Dads with a case in Washington who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
West Virginia Judiciary
West Virginia court self-help
West Virginia Judiciary publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in West Virginia. DadLane does not read the case. This is the family courts page.
For Dads with a case in West Virginia who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Wisconsin Court System
Wisconsin court self-help
Wisconsin Court System publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Wisconsin. DadLane does not read the case. Court forms. Family self-help is linked from the same court system.
For Dads with a case in Wisconsin who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
Wyoming Judicial Branch
Wyoming court self-help
Wyoming Judicial Branch publishes this court page for self-help or forms. Use it for family court, custody papers, or a hearing in Wyoming. DadLane does not read the case.
For Dads with a case in Wyoming who need that court's own page.
- Court self-help
- Any stage
DadLane
Night sheet
A DadLane sheet for the night: who is awake, the after-hours number, and what you will not guess at 2 a.m.
For Expectant dads and new dads who need the night written down before it happens.
- Safe sleep
- Clinic visits
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Leave questions to get in writing
Questions to ask about leave and pay. The answers belong in writing from your employer. DadLane does not rule on your job.
For Expectant dads before they tell a boss the dates.
- Leave and work
- Money
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Fridge numbers
The house numbers, big enough for a sitter to read. Fill the blanks, then put the sheet on the fridge.
For Any dad, plus the sitter or grandparent who is in the house without you.
- House rules
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
Wallet card
The same emergency numbers, small enough for a wallet. Fill the blanks before you need them.
For Dads who want the numbers on their person, not only on the fridge.
- House rules
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
House rules, first year
A short rule card for a baby in the house. Both adults' names. Then stop adding rules.
For Dads in the first year who need a few written rules, not a parenting philosophy.
- House rules
- First year
DadLane
House rules, toddler
Three rules for a toddler house. Repair the same day. Do not collect more rules than you can keep.
For Dads of toddlers writing the rules both adults will actually say.
- House rules
- Toddler
DadLane
House rules, school years
Rules for homework, screens, and bedtime in the school years. One card. Both names.
For Dads of grade-school kids who need the week written down.
- House rules
- School
- School
DadLane
House rules, teens
The rule written calm, before the argument. Curfew, keys, and what happens if the rule breaks.
For Dads of teens who need the rule on paper before the night it is tested.
- House rules
- Teens
- Teens
DadLane
15-minute family meeting
Wins, the hard thing, next week. The clock wins. Fifteen minutes, then stop.
For Two adults who need a short meeting instead of a fight in the kitchen.
- House rules
- Partner
- School
DadLane
This week's three things
The same three jobs for both adults. Name the day you will check them. Then do those three.
For Any dad who needs this week smaller than the whole map.
- House rules
- Partner
- Any stage
DadLane
Rites calendar
A first you will not leave to chance. Write the date, who is there, and what done looks like.
For Dads marking a first: a bike, a job, a license, a Sunday.
- House rules
- School
DadLane
Helpers card
Who you can ask, what you will ask, and the boundary. Grandparents included. Gratitude included.
For Dads who need help and need the ask written so it is specific.
- House rules
- Partner
- Any stage
DadLane
Night-shift card
Hours, who is on, the note, and the backup. For a night shift, a long drive, or a weekend away.
For Dads who are away from the house and need the handoff written before they leave.
- Partner
- House rules
- Any stage
DadLane
Handoff
What the other adult needs to know when you trade the shift. Facts, not a speech.
For Two adults trading care, including co-parents at a door.
- Partner
- Custody and co-parent
- Birth
DadLane
Co-parent lane
The calendar, the bag, and the hours you have. Not legal advice, not a court form, and not a speech in the car.
For Dads who show up without full-time custody and need the next exchange to stay factual.
- Custody and co-parent
- House rules
- Any stage
DadLane
What to bring to a lawyer
Dates, the orders you already have, and what the child needs. A folder for the first meeting with a lawyer. Not a script, and not legal advice.
For Dads about to sit down with a lawyer about custody, child support, or a court date.
- Legal help
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
DadLane
Returning dad
You are not late. A lane for months or years away, and one concrete thing tonight.
For Dads coming back after time away who need a first step, not a speech about second chances.
- Returning dad
- Any stage
DadLane
Single dad week
Meals, rides, the backup adult, and one thing that is just with them. No pity tour.
For Dads running the week alone who need the list, not a pep talk.
- House rules
- Custody and co-parent
- Any stage
DadLane
Money timeline
Bills that must clear, what you will leave alone, and the FAFSA and school dates copied from the official page.
For Dads who need dates and a number they can pay, not a lecture.
- Money
- FAFSA and launch
- School
DadLane
Partner lane
The other adult is not your audience. This lane is the repair, the handoff, and the week you share.
For Dads in a household with a partner who need the next repair, not a performance.
- Partner
- Any stage
DadLane
Visit prep
Questions to write down before a prenatal visit or a pediatric visit. Not medical advice. The clinician answers.
For Dads who freeze in the room and need the questions on paper before they walk in.
- Clinic visits
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Lines for a boss
Short lines for leave, a schedule change, and a rough night. Say the line. Then stop talking.
For Dads who need one sentence for work before the conversation wanders.
- Leave and work
- Pregnancy
DadLane
What to say
Short lines for a partner, a clinician, a teacher, a teen, and a co-parent. One sentence, then stop.
For Dads who lose the sentence in the moment and need it written ahead of time.
- Partner
- School
- Any stage
DadLane
Hard questions by age
Sex, death, divorce, God, drugs, or why you left. A plain answer by age. Not a sermon.
For Dads who just got asked the question they were hoping would wait.
- House rules
- Teens
- Toddler
DadLane
The next hour
A short stop when the day is too much: who to call, the next hour, then one mile. The kit is the shoulder, not the map.
For Dads who need the next hour written down before they decide anything else.
- Mental health
- Hard day
DadLane
Baby is coming: ten minutes
A ten-minute start for pregnancy. One page, not the whole map.
For A dad who just found out, or who is close to the due date and has ten minutes.
- Clinic visits
- Partner
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Car seat
The right seat, installed so it does not move. The seat only protects the child if it matches their size and the car. A guess on the belt path is not an install.
For Dads installing a seat before the first ride, or rechecking it after a growth spurt.
- Car seat
- Basics how-tos
- Pregnancy
DadLane
CPR and first aid
Find a class before you need it. A webpage cannot teach your hands. The job this week is to book a class, not to memorize a diagram.
For Dads booking a CPR class. The card finds the class. It does not teach compressions.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Jump a battery
Cables, the order, and when to stop. A dead battery is a Tuesday problem until the cables go on wrong. The trunk should already have a plan.
For Dads with a dead battery who need the clamp order before they touch a cable.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
Change a tire
Off the lane, then the spare. A short trip after. The spare gets you to a shop. It is not the new tire, and the shoulder is a bad place to learn the jack.
For Dads changing a flat, off the lane of traffic, including the spare.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
Hang a shelf
Studs for weight. Anchors only when the package says so. A shelf that holds books has to hit the framing. The basic kit is small, and you can own it once.
For Dads anchoring a shelf or a dresser so a child cannot pull it over.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Toddler
DadLane
A running toilet
Stop the run, or stop the water and call. Most running toilets are a flapper. Water on the floor is a plumber. Know which one you are looking at.
For Dads with a running toilet who need the shutoff and the flapper, not a plumber myth.
- Basics how-tos
- House rules
- Any stage
DadLane
Three family meals
Pasta, a sheet pan, and eggs. The week is fed. The house eats on Tuesday. Three meals you can cook without turning dinner into a performance.
For Dads who need three meals that do not depend on takeout.
- Basics how-tos
- Feeding
- Toddler
DadLane
The bag
Hospital night, or a weekend. One bag you can find. The bag is logistics. Pack it on a calm day. The birth place's own list, if you are in labor, outranks this one.
For Dads packing the hospital bag or a go-bag before the night it is needed.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Tie a necktie
Four-in-hand. One knot. Practice once. A funeral, a meeting, a first job. The knot is a sequence. Learn it on a night when no one is waiting.
For Dads teaching a four-in-hand for a picture day, a service, or a first job.
- Basics how-tos
- School
DadLane
Teach the bike
Helmet first. Grass. You hold the seat. They remember whether you stayed calm. The street comes after they can start and stop.
For Dads teaching a child to ride, off a busy street.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- School
DadLane
Bike check
Air, brakes, chain, helmet. Then ride. Two minutes before you leave catches the flat and the brake that does nothing.
For Dads checking brakes, tires, and a helmet before a ride.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- School
DadLane
Grill safety
Outside, lid open, you stay with it. The grill is a fire and a meal. The rules are short, and they are not optional because the food smells good.
For Dads who run the grill. Fire rules and food rules are both on the card.
- Basics how-tos
- Safety
- Any stage
DadLane
Exchange sheet
Before the pickup. Time, door, bag, and the one fact. The child is not the mail.
For Two adults trading care at a door.
- Forms
- Custody and co-parent
- Toddler
DadLane
Night notes
You are leaving the house. The sitter, or the other adult, can run the night from this page.
For Dads handing off a night, a shift, or a weekend.
- Forms
- House rules
- Birth
DadLane
Fridge numbers
The house numbers, big enough for a sitter, plus the blanks only you can fill.
For Any adult in the house, and the sitter who should not have to search.
- Forms
- House rules
- Any stage
DadLane
Three things this week
Sunday, or the night before a hard week. Three jobs. Then stop adding.
For Dads who need a short list, not a new system.
- Forms
- House rules
- Any stage
DadLane
Clinic visit prep
The night before a prenatal visit or a pediatric visit. Questions on paper. The clinician answers.
For Dads who go quiet in the room and need the questions written first.
- Forms
- Clinic visits
- Pregnancy
DadLane
School conference
Portal night or a conference. One question you came to ask. Then their words.
For Dads with a meeting, a portal login, or a grade they do not understand yet.
- Forms
- School
- School
DadLane
Money map
A calm hour. What must clear, what you will leave, and who says the number out loud.
For Dads who need a page for the month, not a lecture.
- Forms
- Money
- Any stage
DadLane
Leave ask
Before you talk to a boss. One sentence, the dates, and what you need in writing.
For Dads asking for leave or a schedule change.
- Forms
- Leave and work
- Pregnancy
DadLane
Thirty-day return
You have been away. Thirty days of small kept promises. You are not late.
For Dads coming back after months or years who need a plan, not a speech.
- Forms
- Returning dad
- Any stage
DadLane
The next hour
When the day is too loud. One hour, written down. Then one mile.
For Dads who need the next hour before they decide anything else.
- Forms
- Mental health
- Hard day
DadLane
Pickup list
Who may take the child, and who to call first. Hand it to the school and the sitter.
For Dads setting the list of adults who are allowed to pick up.
- Forms
- House rules
- First year
DadLane
Pediatrician questions
Five lines before the well visit. You ask. They answer. You write it down.
For Dads who want the visit to be questions, not a nod.
- Forms
- Clinic visits
- Birth
DadLane
Co-parent week
A calm look at seven days. Hours, the handoff, and one fact. Not a filing.
For Dads sharing a week across two houses.
- Forms
- Custody and co-parent
- Toddler