Legal checklists
Send better papers. Get a better first view.
A legal problem becomes easier to assess when the right documents are put in the right order. These checklists help you send the evidence, deadlines and background papers we usually need before preparing court documents, bundles, speaking notes or practical next-step guidance.
Applications and statements
- The order or notice requiring action
- The application form or draft you have started
- Witness statement facts in date order
- Exhibits and evidence documents
- Draft order requested from the court
- Any filing or service deadline
Bundle preparation
- Notice of hearing or directions order
- Statements of case or application papers
- Witness statements and exhibits
- Key correspondence and decision letters
- Chronology and issue list
- Existing index or paginated PDF if any
Trial preparation
- Pleadings and statements of case
- Orders and court directions
- Disclosure and agreed documents
- Witness statements and exhibits
- Schedules of loss or account
- Authorities or legal materials if required
Court presentation
- The hearing purpose and order sought
- The bundle or key document set
- Your strongest factual points
- Likely points from the other side
- Questions for examination or cross-examination
- The documents proving each point
Judgment or decision challenges
- The sealed order or decision
- Judgment, reasons or hearing note
- Evidence and application from below
- Appeal or permission deadline
- Draft grounds if already started
- The legal error you believe occurred
Child maintenance evidence
- CMS calculation and decision notices
- Mandatory reconsideration notice
- Payslips, accounts or tax returns
- Payment records and arrears schedule
- Shared care calendars
- Variation or appeal deadline
Workplace and tribunal papers
- Contract and staff handbook extracts
- Grievance, disciplinary or dismissal papers
- ACAS early conciliation details
- ET1, ET3 or tribunal orders
- Pay records and loss figures
- Messages, emails and witness details
Business contract disputes
- The signed contract or terms
- Negotiation emails or order forms
- Invoices, payments and delivery evidence
- Proof of breach or defective performance
- Letter of claim or response
- The remedy or commercial outcome needed
Estate disputes
- Will, grant or probate documents
- Estate accounts or missing account requests
- Executor correspondence
- Property sale documents or valuations
- Beneficiary communications
- Any caveat, claim or deadline
Questions
Before you send the papers.
Do I need to send everything?
No. Send the documents that explain the decision, order, demand, dispute, deadline and evidence. We can then tell you what else is missing.
Can you work from messy papers?
Yes, but organised papers usually make the work faster and cheaper. A short chronology is often the single most useful starting point.
Should I send originals?
No. Keep originals safely. Scans, PDFs or clear photographs are usually enough for the first view.
Free initial consultation
Send the checklist documents. We will identify the next sensible step.
Initial consultations are free. Paid work starts only after the scope and fee are agreed.