Preserve the underlying records
Keep contracts, invoices, statements, communications, photographs, and relevant digital records together. Avoid changing or deleting original materials related to the disagreement.
Write down the key events
Identify who was involved, what happened, when it happened, and what each person or business understood at the time. Separate facts you can verify from assumptions.
Identify notices and deadlines
Court documents, demand letters, contract provisions, and other notices may contain deadlines. Do not assume all notices follow the same rules. Seek timely legal guidance when deadlines may apply.
Know what a resolution would accomplish
Before the first discussion, consider what matters most: payment, performance, possession, a negotiated agreement, or another practical outcome. Legal options and outcomes depend on the circumstances.
This article is general information. It does not assess any claim, deadline, or defense and is not a substitute for advice about the specific facts.