Preparation Guide

Document Checklists

These general checklists can help organize papers before an initial discussion. The exact documents needed depend on the facts and stage of each matter.

How To Prepare

A document checklist is not a substitute for legal advice, but it helps an initial discussion stay focused. The aim is to identify the transaction, the parties, the relevant dates, the current stage and the papers that prove or challenge the claim.

For most disputes, prepare a short chronology before sharing documents. Mention the first transaction date, the main dispute date, notices received or sent, any pending case number, next hearing or deadline, and the immediate relief or response needed.

Core Preparation

Identity And Authority

Full names, addresses and contact details of parties.
Authorisation letter, board resolution or power of attorney where needed.
Identity and business registration records where relevant.

Timeline

Date-wise sequence of events.
Important limitation dates, notices and replies.
Pending hearing, deadline or compliance date.

Communication Trail

Email chains, letters and notices.
WhatsApp or SMS screenshots with dates and sender details.
Admissions, settlement proposals or payment promises.

By Matter Type

Cheque Bounce

Original cheque and return memo.
Demand notice, postal receipt and delivery proof.
Invoice, loan paper or transaction record.
Account statement and payment communications.

MSME Payment

Udyam registration details.
Invoices, purchase orders and delivery proof.
Ledger statement and payment reminders.
Email, message or acknowledgement of dues.

RERA / Builder

Builder-buyer agreement or allotment letter.
Payment receipts and bank statements.
Possession timeline and project details.
Emails, notices and builder replies.

Arbitration

Contract containing arbitration clause.
Invocation notice and replies.
Invoices, correspondence and evidence records.
Prior orders, pleadings or award if any.

Commercial Recovery

Contract, purchase order or work order.
Invoices, ledger and account statement.
Delivery challans or service proof.
Notices, replies and settlement communications.

Property / Civil

Title deeds, mutation records or khatiyan.
Rent receipts, tax receipts or possession papers.
Maps, photographs and boundary records.
Notices, prior cases or court orders.

Before Sharing

Do not send original documents by post or courier unless specifically advised after formal engagement. For initial communication, scanned copies or a short document list are usually sufficient.

Use clear file names where possible, such as agreement-date, notice-date, reply-date, invoice-number or order-date. Avoid sending unrelated personal records, passwords, bank credentials, complete device backups or confidential material that has not been requested.

If a matter is urgent, mention the urgency in the first message: proposed demolition, threatened dispossession, limitation deadline, cheque-bounce notice period, RERA hearing, arbitral hearing, execution step or recovery action. This helps identify whether a quick conflict check or consultation slot is needed.

This page is for general preparation only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement or solicitation. The final document list depends on facts, forum, limitation, current stage and formal consultation.