Practical Checklists
These checklists are intended to help clients and readers organise documents before seeking legal advice. The exact documents required may vary depending on the facts of each case, the forum, the applicable law and the stage of the matter. Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and do not cover every scenario.
Legal Notice Consultation Checklist
Before seeking advice on issuing or replying to a legal notice, it is useful to keep the following documents ready:
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Copy of the legal notice received, if any |
| 2 | Agreements, contracts, invoices or transaction documents |
| 3 | Correspondence exchanged between the parties |
| 4 | WhatsApp messages, emails, letters or written communications |
| 5 | Payment records, bank entries, receipts or acknowledgements |
| 6 | Names, addresses and contact details of all parties |
| 7 | Brief chronology of events |
| 8 | Details of any earlier settlement discussions |
| 9 | Copies of earlier notices, replies or complaints |
| 10 | Any urgent deadline or limitation-related concern |
Property Dispute Checklist
For property-related disputes, the following documents may be relevant:
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agreement for sale, sale deed, conveyance deed or transfer documents |
| 2 | Index II, registration receipt and stamp duty details |
| 3 | Property card, 7/12 extract, mutation entries or revenue records, where applicable |
| 4 | Society share certificate and society correspondence |
| 5 | Possession documents and electricity / water / maintenance bills |
| 6 | Development agreement, redevelopment documents or builder correspondence |
| 7 | Notices received from society, developer, municipal authority or other parties |
| 8 | Photographs, site records and inspection notes, if relevant |
| 9 | Earlier court papers, orders or pleadings |
| 10 | Family tree or succession documents, if the property has devolved by inheritance |
Family and Matrimonial Disputes Checklist
For family and matrimonial consultations, the following documents may be useful:
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Death certificate of the deceased |
| 2 | Original Will, if available |
| 3 | Copy of any codicil or later testamentary document |
| 4 | Details of all legal heirs and next of kin |
| 5 | Family tree |
| 6 | Identity and address proofs of heirs and beneficiaries |
| 7 | Details of movable and immovable assets |
| 8 | Property documents, bank details, demat details or investment records |
| 9 | Earlier correspondence or disputes relating to the estate |
| 10 | Details of any pending court proceeding involving the estate |
4. Wills Probate and Succession
Succession matters often involve questions relating to Wills, probate, letters of administration, succession certificates, nomination, inheritance rights and distribution of assets after death. The legal process may vary depending on the nature of the asset, the applicable personal law, the existence of a Will and the place where the deceased resided or owned property.
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marriage certificate or proof of marriage |
| 2 | Identity and address proof of parties |
| 3 | Details of children, if any |
| 4 | Financial documents, income details and bank statements |
| 5 | Residence documents, rent agreements or property records |
| 6 | Relevant photographs, messages, emails or correspondence |
| 7 | Details of previous proceedings, if any |
| 8 | Copies of notices, complaints, applications or court orders |
| 9 | Medical or school records, if relevant |
| 10 | Brief chronology of important events |
Writ Petition Checklist
For examining a possible writ petition, the following documents are usually relevant:
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Copy of the impugned order, notice, communication or decision |
| 2 | Details of the authority or body that passed the order |
| 3 | Copies of representations made to the authority |
| 4 | Replies received from the authority |
| 5 | Relevant statutory provisions, rules, circulars or policy documents |
| 6 | Earlier litigation history, if any |
| 7 | Supporting documents relied upon by the petitioner |
| 8 | Chronology of events |
| 9 | Urgency, if any, including deadlines or coercive steps |
| 10 | Details of alternate remedies, if any |
Arbitration Checklist
For arbitration matters, the following documents may be useful:
| Sr. No. | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contract or agreement containing the arbitration clause |
| 2 | Correspondence relating to disputes between the parties |
| 3 | Invoices, payment records, work orders or purchase orders |
| 4 | Notices invoking arbitration, if any |
| 5 | Statement of claim, statement of defence or pleadings, if already filed |
| 6 | Interim applications or court orders, if any |
| 7 | Details of the arbitral tribunal, if constituted |
| 8 | Timeline of events |
| 9 | Evidence and supporting documents |
| 10 | Details of settlement discussions, if any |