Before You Visit
What to Bring to Your First Consultation
A first meeting is most useful when the right papers are on the table. Here is a checklist, by type of matter.
For every matter
- A government photo ID and address proof
- A short written timeline of what happened, with dates, in your own words
- Every notice, summons, letter, email, or message you have received or sent about the matter
- Names and contact details of the other people or organisations involved
Property purchase, sale, or dispute
- Sale deed, agreement to sell, or allotment letter
- 7/12 extract or property card, and previous title documents if you have them
- Property tax receipts and utility bills
- Encumbrance certificate, if available
- Any notice, complaint, or court paper about the property
Family and matrimonial matters
- Marriage certificate and photographs, if relevant
- Details of income, property, and expenses of both spouses, as far as known
- Children's birth certificates and school details
- Any earlier petitions, orders, or police complaints
- Messages or documents relating to the dispute
Cheque bounce or recovery of money
- The original cheque and the bank's return memo
- Any legal notice sent or received, with proof of posting
- The agreement, invoice, or record behind the payment
- Bank statements and written acknowledgments of the debt
Bank loan and recovery matters
- Loan agreement and sanction letter
- Loan account statements
- Notices received from the bank, including any demand or possession notice
- Documents of the property or asset given as security
Criminal matters, FIR, or bail
- A copy of the FIR or complaint, if one exists
- Any notice, summons, or arrest memo
- Court orders passed so far, if any
- Names of the police station and investigating officer
Employment and labour matters
- Appointment letter and any revised terms
- Salary slips and bank statements showing salary
- Termination letter, show-cause notice, or resignation correspondence
- Provident fund and gratuity details
Trademark and copyright
- The name, logo, or work you want to protect
- The goods or services it is used for
- Proof of how long it has been in use, such as invoices or advertising
- Details of anyone using something similar
Business, contracts, and company matters
- The agreement, draft, or proposal in question
- Incorporation documents and registration details, if any
- Correspondence about the disagreement or issue
- Names of all parties and their authorised signatories
Wills and succession
- Death certificate, where relevant
- The Will, if one exists, and details of the executor
- A list of property, bank accounts, and investments
- Names and relationships of family members who may be heirs
Consumer complaints and accident claims
- Invoice, warranty card, and correspondence with the seller or company
- For an accident: the FIR, medical records, and bills
- Vehicle and insurance documents, where relevant
- Proof of income, in the case of an injury or death
Bring copies, and keep the originals safe unless asked for them. If you aren't sure whether a paper is relevant, bring it anyway. If you don't have everything on this list, that is fine; it simply helps to bring what you have. This is general information only and is not legal advice.
Ready to discuss your legal matter?
Schedule a consultation with Advocate Jaya Sharma to get clarity on where you stand and what to do next.