Your checklist
01Preserve what arrived
- Record when, how and by whom the communication was received.
- Keep postal tracking, delivery acknowledgments and email details.
- Mark missing or unreadable attachments for follow-up.
Context & checks+
Save every page, attachment and envelope. Keep the original email with its sender, recipients and timestamps, or export the relevant message thread. Make a working copy for notes while preserving the original record. Do not omit a page because it appears routine.
02Build a factual chronology
- Include agreements, invoices, payment records and correspondence.
- Identify the parties and their relationship to the matter.
- Note inaccurate statements and the evidence relevant to each.
Context & checks+
List the events in date order and link each event to its document. Separate what you personally know from another person’s account or a disputed statement. Include earlier discussions, payments, complaints and replies so your reviewer can see the complete exchange.
03Flag dates and the type of paper
- Keep the document date separate from the date received.
- Share any earlier response or pending proceeding.
- Ask your advocate to verify the applicable dates and next action.
Context & checks+
Copy every stated response, hearing or action date exactly and identify its source. A private notice, a government communication and a court document need different assessment; do not assume a universal response period. Flag any near date when requesting professional review. For court papers, preserve the court name, case number and CNR if present. eCourts can provide case history, orders and listed dates for supported records.
04Agree the review brief
- Name the person who can confirm facts and approve instructions.
- Provide a short summary with the indexed supporting file.
- Keep the agreed output and follow-up owner with the matter.
Context & checks+
Explain your desired outcome and the questions you need answered. Agree whether the assignment covers assessment, drafting a response, sending a notice or further representation. Confirm the responsible professional, scope, fees and approved file-transfer route before supplying sensitive records.
Sources & further reading+
Check the jurisdiction, date and facts before relying on a source.
Explore notice support↗