How do I prepare a legal case chronology?
A case chronology is a dated list of the events that matter to the dispute. It helps an adviser or assessment tool understand what happened, identify missing evidence and check possible deadlines.
Use a simple structure
Create four columns: date, event, supporting document and why it matters. Put events in date order. If a date is uncertain, label it as approximate rather than guessing.
Include material events
- The agreement, purchase, tenancy or employment start.
- Each important promise, payment, incident or complaint.
- Formal notices and responses.
- Attempts to resolve the dispute.
- Losses, expenses and important deadline dates.
Link every document
Give documents short neutral names such as “Email 03/04/2026” or “Invoice 12”. Reference those names in the chronology. Preserve the original files separately.
Separate fact from argument
Describe events neutrally. Put disputed points in a separate column or note. Avoid repeating the whole legal argument against every date.
Check for gaps
Look for unexplained periods, missing messages and conflicting dates. Record the source of information where the event depends on memory or another person’s account.
Use the chronology
Paste a concise version into the case description and attach the most important supporting document. Start a personalised preview or review the structure used in our example reports.
General information for England and Wales. Not legal advice. Check current official guidance and urgent deadlines before acting.