Document Checklist by Case Type
Select your case type to see exactly what documents you need. We cover personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and immigration.
This checklist is a guide. Every case is different. An attorney will review your specific situation and may require additional documents.
Personal Injury Cases
Car, truck, motorcycle accidents, slip & fall, dog bites
Medical Records
- □Police / accident report
- □ER records / discharge summary
- □Doctor visit notes
- □MRI / X-ray / CT scan results
- □Physical therapy records
- □Medication prescriptions
- □Medical bills (itemized)
- □Future treatment plan from doctor
Employment / Income
- □Pay stubs (last 3-6 months before accident)
- □Tax returns (last 2 years)
- □Employer letter confirming missed work and wages
- □Self-employment records if applicable
Insurance
- □Your auto insurance policy declarations page
- □Health insurance info
- □Other driver's insurance info if available
- □Any correspondence from insurance companies
- □PIP / MedPay claim forms
Evidence
- □Photos of injuries (from the day of the accident and ongoing)
- □Photos of vehicle damage / scene
- □Names and contact info of witnesses
- □Dashcam or surveillance video if available
Other
- □Property damage repair estimates
- □Rental car receipts
- □Any correspondence with the at-fault party
- □Journal / diary of pain and daily limitations
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Criminal Defense Cases
DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies
Court Documents
- □Arrest warrant or citation
- □Bond paperwork
- □Charging document (accusation / indictment)
- □Any court orders or conditions of release
- □Prior court dates and continuances
Evidence for Defense
- □Alibi evidence (receipts, GPS data, witnesses)
- □Character reference letters (from employer, pastor, community)
- □Photos or video relevant to the incident
- □Text messages or communications
If DUI
- □DMV/DDS administrative hearing request (must file within 30 days in Georgia)
- □BAC test results
- □Field sobriety test details
- □Dashcam or bodycam footage request
Criminal History
- □Prior arrest records
- □Disposition of all prior cases (Georgia and out-of-state)
- □Probation records if applicable
- □Any prior expungement / restriction orders
Personal
- □Valid ID (driver's license or passport)
- □Proof of employment
- □Proof of residence
- □Enrollment in any treatment programs (alcohol, drug, anger management)
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Family Law Cases
Divorce, custody, child support, adoption, protective orders
Financial
- □Tax returns (last 3 years)
- □Pay stubs (last 3 months)
- □Bank statements (all accounts, last 6 months)
- □Retirement / 401k / IRA account statements
- □Credit card statements
- □Mortgage / rent documents
- □Vehicle titles / loan statements
Property
- □Real estate deeds
- □Vehicle registrations
- □Business ownership documents
- □Personal property inventory (high-value items)
- □Debts owed (student loans, medical bills, credit cards)
Children
- □Birth certificates of all children
- □School records
- □Medical records of children
- □Current custody arrangement (if any)
- □Child care expenses documentation
- □Extracurricular activity costs
Marriage / Relationship
- □Marriage certificate
- □Prenuptial / postnuptial agreements
- □Separation date documentation
- □Evidence of domestic violence (if applicable: photos, police reports, medical records, texts)
Protective Orders
- □Police reports
- □Photos of injuries
- □Threatening texts / emails / voicemails
- □Witness statements
- □Medical records documenting abuse
- □Any prior TPO / restraining orders
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Family Petition + Adjustment of Status (I-130 + I-485)
Spouse, child, or parent of U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Petitioner Identity (Beneficiary)
- □Valid passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate (with certified English translation)
- □2 recent passport-style photos (white background)
- □Medical examination results I-693 (USCIS-designated civil surgeon)
Marital / Family Relationship
- □Marriage certificate (with certified translation)
- □Evidence of bona fide marriage: photos together, joint bank accounts, joint lease, letters, communications
- □If divorced: divorce decree for all prior marriages
- □If child: birth certificate showing parent
Immigration and Criminal History
- □Copies of all visas, I-94, entry stamps, or any prior immigration documents
- □If previously detained: records of that detention
- □If criminal record exists: court records, disposition of charges
- □Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from financial sponsor
Sponsor (Petitioner) Documents
- □Evidence of citizenship or residence: U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card
- □Federal tax returns for last 3 years (Form 1040 + W-2)
- □Employment letter or bank statements
- □Last 3 pay stubs
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Naturalization / Citizenship (N-400)
Permanent resident with 3 or 5 years of continuous residence
Identity and Residence
- □Green card (both sides, copy)
- □Passport (all used pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □2 passport photos (recent)
Travel History (last 5 years)
- □List of all trips outside the U.S.: entry/exit dates, countries visited
- □Expired passports showing travel stamps
- □If 6+ month trip: document reason and maintenance of U.S. domicile
Continuous Residence Evidence
- □Federal tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if married to a citizen)
- □Lease agreements or property titles
- □Bank or credit card records showing U.S. activity
- □Utility bills, medical account statements
Marital Status
- □If married: marriage certificate
- □If divorced: all divorce decrees
- □If spouse is a citizen: naturalization certificate or spouse's passport
Criminal History and Other
- □If criminal record exists: full records and disposition (including large traffic fines)
- □If registered to vote: evidence of residence in that state
- □Form N-648 if medical disability prevents English/civics exam
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Asylum (I-589)
Persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or particular social group
Identity
- □Passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □Any other identity document from home country
- □2 passport photos
Personal Declaration (Crucial)
- □Detailed first-person written statement describing: (1) the harm you suffered, (2) who caused it, (3) why you believe you were persecuted, (4) why you cannot return to your country
- □Witness statements if available
Country Conditions Evidence
- □State Department Human Rights Reports for your country
- □Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch reports
- □News articles about persecution of your group in your country
- □Documents showing you were specifically targeted
Medical / Psychological Documents
- □Medical reports of injuries suffered due to persecution
- □Psychological or psychiatric evaluation (very important to strengthen case)
- □Hospital or clinic records from home country (if available)
Filing Notes
- □I-589 must be filed within 1 year of last entry into the U.S.
- □If the year passed: document extraordinary circumstances or change in country conditions
- □If you have family in the country: document their situation as well
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
DACA Renewal
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Prior Approval
- □Copy of prior DACA approval (I-797 Notice of Action)
- □Copy of current or expired EAD (Work Permit)
- □Prior DACA case number
Identity and U.S. Presence
- □Passport from country of origin
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □Date of U.S. entry (evidence: school records, medical records, entry stamp if available)
Education / Employment
- □If studying: enrollment letter or recent transcript
- □If working: employment letter, recent pay stubs
- □If completed military service: DD-214 or equivalent
No Major Convictions
- □If criminal record exists: full court records and disposition
- □DACA is not approved with felony convictions, significant misdemeanors, or 3+ misdemeanors
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
For nationals of designated countries: Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, and more
Identity and Nationality
- □Passport from country of origin (current or expired)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □Any other identity document from home country (ID, license, etc.)
- □2 passport photos
Continuous U.S. Presence
- □Evidence you were in the U.S. on the designated eligibility date for your country
- □Lease agreements, employer letters, medical records, school records
- □If entered with visa: copy of visa and I-94
Prior TPS Registration
- □If you have prior TPS: copy of approval (I-797) and prior EAD
- □Prior case number
No Disqualifying Convictions
- □TPS can be denied for specific criminal convictions
- □If criminal record exists: complete records and disposition for attorney review
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
Self-petition for abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Petitioner Identity
- □Passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □2 recent passport photos
- □Valid ID (driver's license, national ID, consular ID)
Relationship with Abuser
- □Marriage certificate (if spouse)
- □Child's birth certificate showing abusive parent
- □Evidence of abuser's citizenship or permanent residence (if available)
- □Divorce decree from prior marriages (abuser's and petitioner's)
Evidence of Abuse (CRITICAL)
- □Detailed personal declaration describing abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial)
- □Police reports of incidents
- □Protective orders (TPO) issued or requested
- □Photos of injuries
- □Medical records of treatment for injuries
- □Threatening text messages, emails, or voicemails
- □Psychological evaluation documenting trauma
- □Letters from shelters, counselors, or social workers
- □Witness statements (friends, family, neighbors)
Good Moral Character
- □Police clearance records (from each place lived in the last 3 years)
- □If criminal record exists: full records and disposition
- □Character reference letters (church, employer, community)
- □Tax returns (if available)
Joint Residence
- □Joint lease or mortgage agreements
- □Joint bank accounts
- □Utility bills in both names
- □Joint tax returns
- □Mail addressed to both at the same address
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
U-Visa (Crime Victims)
For crime victims who cooperated with law enforcement
Identity
- □Passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □2 recent passport photos
- □Any available identity documents
Law Enforcement Certification (I-918B)
- □Form I-918 Supplement B signed by certifying agency (police, prosecutor, judge, or other certifying agency)
- □Police report of the crime
- □Police or prosecutor case number
- □Evidence of cooperation with investigation
Evidence of Crime and Harm
- □Detailed personal declaration of the crime suffered
- □Police reports
- □Medical records of injuries suffered
- □Psychological evaluation documenting trauma
- □Photos of injuries
- □Protective orders
- □Hospital or clinic records
- □Witness statements
Evidence of U.S. Presence
- □Evidence you were in the U.S. when the crime occurred
- □Records of U.S. residence, employment, or education
- □Visa, I-94, or entry stamp (if available)
Derivative Family Members
- □If including spouse or children: marriage certificate and birth certificates
- □If under 21: may include parents and unmarried minor siblings
- □Identity documents for each derivative
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Military Parole in Place (PIP)
For spouses, parents, and children of active-duty U.S. military members or veterans
Petitioner Identity
- □Passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □2 recent passport photos
- □Any identity document (driver's license, consular ID, military dependent ID)
Relationship to Service Member
- □Marriage certificate (if spouse)
- □Birth certificate showing parent-child relationship
- □Divorce decree from prior marriages (if applicable)
- □Additional evidence of genuine relationship (photos, communications, joint accounts)
Service Member (Sponsor) Documents
- □DD-214 (honorable discharge certificate) if veteran
- □Active duty orders or commander's letter if active duty
- □Military ID (CAC or veteran ID)
- □Recent LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
- □Evidence of honorable service
Immigration History
- □Any prior immigration documents (visa, I-94, prior EAD, approvals)
- □Evidence of U.S. entry (date and method of entry)
- □If prior deportation order: complete documentation
- □If criminal record: full records and disposition
Extreme Hardship (if applicable)
- □Service member's statement describing impact on service and family
- □Letters from military commanders or supervisors
- □Medical records of service member or dependents
- □Evidence of deployments and family separation
- □Documented financial impact
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
Bond Hearing
For individuals detained by ICE seeking release while their case continues
Community Ties (Most Important)
- □Letter from a U.S. family member or employer pledging to supervise the detainee
- □Evidence of children, spouse, or parents in the U.S. (especially citizens)
- □Evidence of time in the U.S.: tax returns, employer records, rent receipts
Employment or Financial Resources
- □Employment letter confirming job will be maintained if released
- □Bank account statements
- □Pay stubs from before detention
- □If employer will pay bond: letter pledging to do so
No Flight Risk
- □Evidence of stable U.S. domicile (not living in hotels)
- □No convictions for fleeing court or violating prior orders
- □Passport voluntarily surrendered to court (shows intent not to flee)
- □Participation in church, school, community organization
No Danger to Community
- □If criminal record exists: complete records and disposition
- □Letters from community members attesting to good character
- □No domestic violence, serious crime, or drug offense convictions (these complicate bond)
Immigration History
- □If prior deportation order: explanation of why reopening case applies
- □Any evidence of eligibility for immigration benefit (pending petition, cancellation, asylum)
- □Attorney representation: letter of commitment
Remember: Gather all documents as soon as possible. Documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation. Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure location.
General Tips for Your Documents
Always Send Copies
Never send originals to USCIS unless specifically required. Keep originals in a secure location.
Certified Translations
Each document in another language needs a certified English translation. The translator must certify competency in both languages.
Current Documents
Use current documents where possible. USCIS may request updated documents if originals are too old.
Organize by Category
Separate documents by sections with clearly labeled dividers. This helps the USCIS officer and your attorney.
Keep Digital Copies
Scan all important documents and store them in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) and on an external hard drive.
Send with Tracking
When mailing to USCIS, use USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation or FedEx/UPS with tracking number.
Need Help Gathering Your Documents?
Our attorneys will guide you step by step through the process and review all your documents. Call for a case evaluation.