How do I use WhatsApp messages as evidence in England and Wales?
Last reviewed 1 November 2026
In a civil case, you usually attach the messages to your witness statement as an exhibit. The statement says what the messages are and how you got them, and ends with a statement of truth.
The court may give its own directions, and decides what it accepts.
What are the steps for a litigant in person?
- Export the chat with dates and times, and keep the original on your phone. See export a WhatsApp chat to PDF with dates.
- Make the exhibit. If it holds several documents, put a front page listing them (PD 32 para 13.3). Give it a number or letter.
- Write your witness statement in your own words, if practicable (PD 32 para 18.1). Separate what you know yourself from what you have been told, and say who told you (para 18.2).
- Refer to the exhibit by its mark, for example "I refer to the WhatsApp chat marked 'AB1'" (para 18.4).
- Sign the statement of truth: "I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true." (para 20.2).
- Serve it as the court orders (CPR 32.4(2)). Check the dates in your directions.
Why does the statement of truth matter?
The court may direct that a witness statement without a statement of truth cannot be used as evidence (CPR 22.3).
Proceedings for contempt of court can be brought against anyone who makes a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth (CPR 32.14).
What about family court?
Different rules. Practice Direction 27A para 5.2 keeps text and WhatsApp messages out of the bundle unless the court directs otherwise. See messages in a family court bundle.
Questions people ask
Are WhatsApp messages "documents"?
In civil disclosure, the definition of a document covers electronic communications (PD 31A para 2A.1).
Is a screenshot enough?
It can be a start. The court decides. See are text messages admissible in court?
General information only, not legal advice. VaultXT is not a law firm and can't promise any court will accept a document. This page covers England and Wales only.