Before You Pay for Help, Build This Case or Administrative Review Packet

Before paying anyone to review a complicated matter, organize enough of the file to make the review efficient. You should be able to show what happened, what is happening now, what documents matter most, and what result you are trying to obtain.

Page one: the executive summary

In one page, identify the parties, case or account number, location or agency, current status, next known deadline, and the outcome you want. Keep it factual and short.

Page two: the chronology

List the major events by date. Include filings, notices, payments, hearings, agency decisions, service, repossession, record changes, correspondence, or other events that changed the matter.

Then build the evidence sections

Organize the controlling documents first, then supporting records, correspondence, proof of delivery, research, and prior drafts. Label every exhibit. If a document is missing, list it instead of pretending the file is complete.

Turn the packet into an action plan

TOFG's Introductory Consultation can be used to classify the matter and identify missing pieces. Strategic Planning/Initial Consult is suited to a file that is already organized enough for a deeper roadmap. The purpose is not to create more paper. It is to make the existing problem easier to understand, research, and manage.