01 / ANSWERStart with the essentials.
Start by retaining original documents and data, recording dates and the source of each item, and separating confirmed facts from matters still to be checked. The applicable deadline and procedure depend on the particular facts, so verify the current rule and responsible authority before acting.
This general information is not formal legal advice for a particular matter. Check the procedure, deadlines and materials against the current rule and the facts of the case.
02 / STEPSWhat order should be followed?
Keep the original material
Keep the complete context, author, date, medium and source. Separate known facts, accounts, assumptions and items still to be verified so that each procedural choice can be reviewed.
Build a checkable chronology
Keep the complete context, author, date, medium and source. Separate known facts, accounts, assumptions and items still to be verified so that each procedural choice can be reviewed.
Sort material by the question it answers
Keep the complete context, author, date, medium and source. Separate known facts, accounts, assumptions and items still to be verified so that each procedural choice can be reviewed.
Check deadlines and the next step
Keep the complete context, author, date, medium and source. Separate known facts, accounts, assumptions and items still to be verified so that each procedural choice can be reviewed.
03 / CHECKLISTMaterials for the first check.
- Documents and notices received, with the actual receipt date
- A chronology and the source for each fact
- Relevant contracts, messages, payments, decisions and original data
- Details of parties, authorities and possible witnesses
- Priority questions, deadlines and steps already taken
- Working copies kept separately from original files and devices
For electronic material, retain the original device or file, full context, account identity and creation date where possible. Before sharing, redact identity numbers, bank details and unrelated third-party personal information.
04 / BOUNDARIESWhat cannot be applied mechanically?
- This general information is not formal legal advice for a particular matter; facts, documents, jurisdiction and deadlines must be reviewed together.
- An isolated copy, cropped screenshot or account without context may be insufficient. Retain the original and its surrounding context.
- Rules, interpretations and local filing requirements can change. Check that the text and procedure are current before relying on them.
05 / SOURCESLegal and public sources.
- 最高人民法院关于适用《中华人民共和国民事诉讼法》的解释: Public source to check for the current text and its application to the matter; 现行有效；用于核对管辖、诉讼参加人、证据、保全和审理程序。
- 最高人民法院关于民事诉讼证据的若干规定: Public source to check for the current text and its application to the matter; 2019 年修正，自 2020 年 5 月 1 日起施行；涉及书证、电子数据、举证和证据保全。
Reviewed on 2026-07-17. Laws, judicial interpretations and local filing requirements can change; confirm the current position before citing them.
Need to assess the materials in a particular matter?
Before making contact, put the chronology, current procedure, available material and the question you want resolved on one page. Acceptance depends on conflict checking, material verification and formal communication.
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