Receipts! Proof! Timeline! Screenshots! F*cking Everything!

I love Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and this episode was juicy. Not only did it deliver some incredibly meme-worthy moments, but Heather Gay’s wise words are a must if you ever need to confront a friend who betrayed you. More importantly, they’re absolutely critical if you're thinking about filing a lawsuit—or if you get sued.

Proper documentation can make or break a case. Failing to preserve evidence isn’t just a bad idea—it’s technically illegal. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure require all parties to take reasonable steps to preserve information, so solid recordkeeping is essential to protecting your interests in any legal dispute.

The More Documentation, the Better

In a lawsuit, the burden of proof typically falls on the party making the claim. That’s why emails, documents, photographs, screenshots, and other forms of evidence are crucial—they lay the foundation for proving your case.

Contracts, invoices, calendar appointments, and correspondence can all be key to corroborating your version of events. These documents help establish whether an agreement existed, whether someone breached an obligation, or whether a debt is owed.

Your Credibility Depends on It

A well-documented case strengthens your credibility with the court and jury. Being organized with supporting evidence not only helps your attorney present a stronger argument but also influences how your claims are perceived.

“I have the receipts” isn’t just a sassy comeback—it’s a legal power move. Documents are often the best way to counter an opposing party’s claims. There’s nothing more satisfying than pulling out a photograph or a canceled check to shut down false allegations. Strong documentary evidence can even push a case toward mediation or an out-of-court settlement.

Discovery: The Legal Version of Spilling the Tea

In litigation, both sides are required to exchange relevant documents in a process called discovery. This step ensures that each party knows what evidence may be presented at trial.

Failing to preserve documents before discovery can seriously weaken your legal position. Without evidence, proving your case—or defending against allegations—becomes exponentially harder.

When in Doubt, Don’t Throw It Out!

In the wise words of Taylor Swift, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” When it comes to documentation, more is always better. So if you’re heading into litigation, keep everything. When in doubt, don’t throw it out!