Start with a short chronology
Prepare a one-page timeline of the important dates, events and communications. Include when the dispute began, whether any notice has been received, whether any case is already pending and what immediate concern now requires advice.
Collect the core documents
Bring the main agreements, notices, orders, identity papers, messages, emails, receipts or photographs that directly relate to the issue. It is usually better to bring fewer but more relevant documents than an unsorted bundle of papers.
List the practical questions
Write down the points that matter most: the court involved, the next date, any limitation or deadline concern, the immediate relief needed and the papers that may still be missing. This helps keep the consultation focused on decisions rather than background alone.
Protect confidentiality from the start
Website forms and first-contact emails should not be used for confidential or urgent details. During the consultation, mark out which documents are sensitive, which facts are disputed and whether third parties have access to the records.