List of documents for the court by case categories
List of documents for the court by case categories
The set of documents for the court differs depending on the category of the case, and it is the lack of one document that most often causes the return of the claim or delay in consideration. We have compiled a list of documents required for applying to the court for each main area of practice.
Documents by case category
Military affairs
- Passport and identification code
- Military registration document (military card or ID)
- The decision of the Military Medical Commission or Territorial Recruitment Center that is being appealed - original or copy with a receipt mark
- Medical reports, medical history extracts (in health cases)
- A lawsuit or complaint stating the grounds and claims
- Receipt for payment of court fee (if the case is not exempt from payment)
Pension affair
- Passport and identification code
- Pension certificate
- The decision or refusal of the PFU that is being appealed
- Certificates of experience and earnings for the relevant periods
- Work book or its copy (if available)
- Statement of claim to the administrative court with a statement of claims
Credit affair
- Passport and identification code
- Credit agreement with all annexes and payment schedule
- Account statement or calculation of debt from the bank
- Receipts or statements confirming payments made
- Claim or correspondence with the bank or collector (if any)
- Statement of claim and receipt for payment of court fee
Family affair
- Passports of both spouses and identification codes
- Original marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of common children (if any)
- Income certificate (in alimony cases)
- Property documents (in cases of division of marital property)
- Statement of claim and receipt for payment of court fee
Criminal case
- Passport and identification code
- Notice of suspicion or indictment (if served)
- Attorney's order to provide protection
- Protocols of investigative actions in which the person participated (if copies are available)
- Characterizing documents - certificates from the place of work, education, health status
- Motions or complaints filed earlier in the case
General rule for any category of cases
Regardless of the direction, the court always requires an identity document and a document confirming the basis for the application - a decision, contract, certificate or notice of suspicion. If the original document is lost, the first step is to obtain a duplicate from the relevant institution - this takes time, so it is worth checking the completeness in advance, and not on the day of filing the claim.
Specialists in the field will help you check the list of documents specifically for your situation: military, pension, credit, family and criminal lawyers from the directory.
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Paid remote consultationQuestions about documents for the court
Lawyer's answers to frequently asked questions about the list of documents for filing with the court for various categories of cases.
The court may leave the statement of claim without action and grant a deadline to eliminate the deficiencies, including providing the missing document. However, this delays the consideration of the case, so it is better to collect the complete package in advance.
Yes, a lawyer will tell you exactly what statements and calculations you need to request from the bank, and will also check the loan agreement for conditions that are subject to appeal.
You must order a duplicate from the registry office at the place of registration of the relevant act. Without the original or duplicate of the certificate, the court will not accept a claim in a family case.
First of all, the decision or notification that is being appealed, as well as medical reports and a military registration document. A lawyer will help prepare a complaint, taking into account the deadlines for appealing.
Thus, a warrant confirms the attorney's authority to provide defense in a specific criminal proceeding and is a mandatory document when entering into a case.
Yes, in the absence of a work record, the length of service is confirmed by certificates from the employer or archival certificates. A lawyer will tell you where to go for the relevant certificates in your case.
What to do in the first 24 hours after detention
What to do in the first 24 hours after detention
The first hours after detention are the moment when a person most often panics and that is why mistakes are made that are difficult to correct later. The law gives the detainee specific rights from the first minute, and knowledge of these rights is the main tool while the lawyer is still on the way. Let's analyze step by step what is happening and how to act, relying on the norms of the Constitution of Ukraine and the Criminal Procedure Code.
Rights that apply from the first minute of detention
These rights arise automatically at the moment of actual detention — regardless of whether they are voiced out loud.
The right to know the reason for detention
Under Article 29 Constitution of Ukraine Every detainee must be promptly informed of the reasons for his or her detention and his or her rights explained.
The right to inform someone about the detention
Article 213 Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine obliges to provide the opportunity to immediately notify close relatives, family members or any other person of their choice of the detention and whereabouts.
Right to a lawyer from the moment of arrest
The Constitution directly guarantees the opportunity to use legal assistance from a defense lawyer from the moment of detention, and not from some later stage.
The right not to incriminate oneself
Article 63 Constitution of Ukraine exempts a person from the obligation to give testimony or explanations regarding themselves, family members or close relatives.
Step-by-step algorithm of actions in the first hours
Step 1. Clarify the reason for the detention
Calmly ask under what article and on what grounds you are being detained. This is not a reason for conflict - it is the exercise of a direct constitutional right, and the police officer is obliged to answer.
Step 2. Exercise your right to call
Immediately inform a loved one or someone of your choice of your detention and whereabouts. This is not only emotional support, but it is this person who will be the quickest to contact a lawyer on your behalf.
Step 3. Directly declare the right to a defense attorney
Say clearly: “I will exercise my right to counsel and will not provide any explanations until he arrives.” This is a standard and legal position that does not make your situation worse, but protects against rash words under pressure.
Step 4. Refrain from detailed explanations without a lawyer
The right not to incriminate oneself means that silence or a brief "waiting for a lawyer" is a legal and safe response to any questions about the substance of the suspicion.
Step 5. Remember the details
The time of the actual detention, the names of the people involved, the circumstances - all this will be needed by the lawyer to assess the legality of the detention immediately upon arrival.
What you definitely shouldn't do before a lawyer arrives
- Sign any documents — no matter what they're called, until a lawyer sees them.
- Give detailed explanations "to understand faster" — these are the explanations most often used against a person later.
- Agree to an “informal conversation” without protocol — procedural guarantees apply regardless of what the conversation is called.
- Keeping quiet about the fact of detention in front of relatives — on the contrary, notifying loved ones is your legal right, which you should exercise immediately.
How long can they be held without a court order?
The period of detention without a decision of an investigating judge or court cannot exceed 72 hours from the moment of actual detention. In this case, within the first 60 hours, the person must either be released or brought to court for consideration of a request for a preventive measure. In addition, every detainee has the right to challenge his detention in court at any time - this right is not limited by any initial waiting period.
Lawyer's advice: how to act in different detention situations
The algorithm of rights is the same, but the specific actions differ depending on who exactly stopped and under what circumstances.
Police stop on the street
- Ask for the name, rank, and reason for the stop — the police officer is required to introduce himself.
- The right to a call and a defense attorney applies in the same way as in the case of an official arrest, from the first minute.
- Calmly clarify whether this is a document check or an actual detention - these are different procedures with different consequences.
Territorial Recruitment Centers and JV (joint patrol) inspection
- Independently, without the police, representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Centers do not have the right to forcibly stop, detain, or restrict freedom of movement - this is exclusively the power of the police.
- Legal verification of military registration documents on the street occurs only with the participation of a police officer as part of a joint patrol.
- Find out who exactly is a police officer on the patrol and ask the Territorial Recruitment Centers representatives to show their credentials.
- Exceeding authority by a representative of the Territorial Recruitment Centers may fall under Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (excess of power).
Search or visit to the place of residence
- Ask to present the investigating judge's search warrant - without it (except in urgent cases), investigative actions at the place of residence are illegal.
- Record who is present during the search - the participation of witnesses or technical recording is mandatory.
- The right to call a lawyer applies in this situation as well - call before signing the protocol.
Stopping at a checkpoint or checkpoint
- Checking documents at a checkpoint is a standard procedure that does not in itself constitute detention.
- If the situation escalates into actual detention, the same rules apply: the right to know the reason, notify relatives, and call a lawyer.
- Capture it on video if it is safe to do so - this is the best evidence in case of a later appeal of the wrongdoing.
A specialist will help you get legal assistance in the first hours after your arrest. criminal lawyer directory.
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Paid remote consultationQuestions about the first hours after detention
Lawyer's answers to frequently asked questions about the rights of a detainee until the arrival of a defense attorney.
Yes. Article 63 of the Constitution of Ukraine exempts a person from the obligation to give evidence against himself. A clear statement "I am waiting for a lawyer and will not give explanations" is a legal and safe position.
No more than 72 hours from the moment of actual detention, and within the first 60 hours, the person must be released or brought to court to consider a request for a preventive measure.
Yes. Article 213 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine obliges to provide the opportunity to immediately notify close relatives or any other person of the detainee's choice about the detention and the location of the detainee.
Yes, the Constitution of Ukraine directly grants a detainee the right to challenge their detention in court at any time — this right is not tied to the expiration of any initial waiting period.
It's better to hold off. Regardless of what the document is called, signing it without consulting a lawyer is risky - it's better to wait, even if it takes some time.
Yes, a lawyer can get involved at any stage — to assess the legality of the detention, check compliance with deadlines and rights, and develop a further defense strategy.
Table of limitation periods by case categories
Table of limitation periods by case categories
"The statute of limitations is three years" is a phrase that is applied to any situation, although in reality the specific period depends on the type of claim: civil, labor, family, administrative or criminal. In each of these areas, the law establishes its own periods - from one month to fifteen years. The reference table below shows the current periods by category, so as not to rely on approximate ideas.
| Requirement category | Term | Legal basis | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil claims - general term | 3 years | p. 257 Central Committee | It is counted from the day when the person learned or should have learned about the violation of his right |
| Collection of penalty (fine, penalty) | 1 year | p. 258 Central Committee | The period for calculating the penalty itself is also limited to one year from the date of filing the claim. |
| Credit disputes - collection of principal debt | 3 years | p. 257 Central Committee | Calculated separately for each overdue payment according to the schedule, not from the date of signing the contract |
| Family claims (alimony, divorce, division of property) | without time limit | p. 20 SKU | The statute of limitations does not apply as a general rule, except for certain exceptions expressly defined by the Family Code. |
| Labor dispute about dismissal | 1 month | p. 233 Labor Code | From the date of delivery of a copy of the dismissal order |
| Other labor disputes (reprimands, suspensions) | 3 months | p. 233 Labor Code | From the day the employee learned or should have learned about the violation of the law |
| Wage collection | without time limit | p. 233 Labor Code | The restriction was lifted from December 2025; previously, a three-month period was in effect |
| Appealing decisions of government bodies (in particular, the PFU) in the administrative court | 6 months | p. 122 WHO | From the day the person learned or should have learned about the violation of the right, freedom or interest |
| Criminal liability - misdemeanor (light punishment) | 2 years | p. 49 KKU | Punishment is less severe than imprisonment |
| Criminal liability - misdemeanor (restriction of liberty) | 3 years | p. 49 KKU | Punishment in the form of restriction or imprisonment for a misdemeanor |
| Criminal liability - a crime of medium gravity | 5 years | p. 49 KKU | — |
| Criminal liability is a serious crime | 10 years | p. 49 KKU | — |
| Criminal liability - a particularly serious crime | 15 years | p. 49 KKU | Does not apply to crimes against the fundamentals of national security, peace and security of mankind |
Important nuance: the effect of martial law
The statute of limitations established by the Civil Code of Ukraine is extended for the entire period of martial law in Ukraine — this is provided for by the final provisions of the code. That is, the formal course of the three-month or three-year term is actually suspended for the period of martial law, and this should be taken into account before drawing a conclusion about the missed term.
What this means for different categories of cases
Credit disputes. The bank or collector may claim that the statute of limitations has passed as a reason for rejecting the claim, but a counter-defense is also possible - the debtor himself may also claim that the statute of limitations has been applied to the bank's claim. A specialist in credit attorneys directory.
Family disputes. The absence of a general statute of limitations means that a claim for the recovery of alimony or the division of marital property can be filed even years after the event that gave rise to the dispute. With regard to divorce, alimony, and the division of property - to directory of family lawyers.
Pension disputes. The six-month period for appealing to the administrative court is one of the shortest in the table, so delaying the appeal of the PFU's refusal is risky. You can check the prospects of the case at pension lawyers directory.
Military disputes. The deadline for appealing to an administrative court regarding decisions of the Territorial Recruitment Centers or Military Medical Commission is also subject to the general six-month rule of the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine, unless otherwise established by a special law. Support in such cases is in directory of military lawyers.
Criminal cases. The statute of limitations for bringing a case to justice varies significantly depending on the severity of the act - confusing a minor misdemeanor with a serious crime in this matter means making a mistake for years. A specialist in criminal lawyer directory.
The table is for reference purposes only - the specific deadline for your situation should be checked taking into account the date of the right to sue, possible grounds for suspension or interruption of the deadline, as well as the specifics of the specific case.
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Paid remote consultationQuestions about statutes of limitations
Lawyer's answers to frequently asked questions about statutes of limitations for different categories of cases.
Yes. As a general rule, the statute of limitations does not apply to claims for the collection of alimony, so you can go to court regardless of how much time has passed since the right to alimony arose.
Yes. The general statute of limitations for credit obligations is three years, and if the bank misses this period, the debtor (upon application) can use this as a basis for refusing to satisfy the claim.
Only one month from the date of delivery of a copy of the dismissal order is one of the shortest deadlines in labor disputes. It is easy to miss it, so it is worth contacting a lawyer immediately after receiving the order.
No. The statute of limitations established by the Civil Code of Ukraine is extended for the entire duration of martial law, so the formal running of the term is actually suspended until its expiration.
Six months from the date the person learned or should have learned about the violation of their rights is the deadline for filing an appeal with the administrative court. A lawyer will help you not to miss this deadline and file a claim correctly.
It depends on the severity of the crime. For serious crimes, the statute of limitations is ten years, so upon its expiration, a person is released from criminal liability, unless the statute of limitations is interrupted by the commission of a new crime.