From first message to final order
Every matter, large or small, moves through the same eight stages. Knowing them in advance removes most of the uncertainty of instructing a lawyer in another country.
Enquiry
You describe the problem through the form, email or WhatsApp and attach whatever documents you have. You receive an acknowledgement at once.
Conflict check and first review
We confirm we do not already act for the other side. An advocate then reads your papers, checks limitation and jurisdiction and notes what is missing.
Consultation
A video or phone call at a time that suits your time zone. You get a frank view of your position, the realistic options and the likely stages.
Engagement
A written proposal sets out scope, stage-wise fees, out-of-pocket costs such as court fee and stamp duty, and who will handle your file. Work starts when you accept it.
Authority
If someone needs to sign or appear for you, we draft a power of attorney limited to that purpose and guide you through attestation where you live.
Action
Notices, filings, registrations and hearings follow. Drafts come to you for approval before they are filed.
Reporting
After each hearing or milestone you receive the order or receipt and a short note in plain English saying what happened and what is next.
Closure
When the work is complete you receive certified copies of the final orders or registered documents, and originals are returned by tracked courier.
What we need from you
- Honest facts, including the inconvenient ones
- Copies of every document you hold
- A passport or OCI copy and overseas address proof
- Timely approval of drafts
- One decision-maker if the family is acting together
- Your preferred time window for calls
What you can expect from us
A reply to every message within one working day. No filing without your approval of the draft. No fee outside the written proposal without your prior agreement. An update after every hearing, whether or not anything of substance happened. And advice that is about your interests, not about prolonging a case.
Fees and costs
Indian professional rules do not allow fees based on a share of the outcome, so we charge fixed fees by stage: for example drafting and filing, interim relief, evidence, and final arguments. Government charges such as court fee, stamp duty, registration fee and certified copy charges are passed on at cost with receipts. The proposal you receive lists both.
Frequently asked questions
How long before someone responds to my enquiry?
Within one working day, India time. Urgent matters such as an imminent sale, an arrest or a limitation deadline should be flagged on WhatsApp so they are picked up immediately.
What does the free first review include?
A reading of the documents you send, an assessment of whether you have a claim or defence, which forum it belongs in and what the first steps would be. Detailed written opinions, drafting and searches are quoted separately.
How do I pay from abroad?
By bank transfer to the firm's account in India against an invoice. Payments from NRE or NRO accounts and inward remittances are all acceptable. We do not accept cash.
Who will actually handle my case?
A named advocate is responsible for your file and is your point of contact. Court appearances may be made by that advocate or a colleague in the relevant city, under the same supervision.
Will I ever need to come to India?
Rarely. Courts may ask for personal presence in some criminal matters, in mutual consent divorce unless video appearance is permitted, and occasionally for cross-examination. We tell you at the start if your matter is one of these.
Can you work with my family member in India?
Yes. Many clients appoint a parent or sibling as attorney holder. We coordinate with them for signatures and local steps while keeping you copied on everything.