Free Investigation Case File Checklist
Use this checklist as a quick organizational reference when setting up or reviewing an investigation, research matter, compliance review or other structured case file. No signup is required.
Case setup
- Assign a case or matter identifier
- Record the date opened and responsible owner
- Define the purpose and scope
- List the primary questions the work should answer
- Identify immediate deadlines or priority actions
Timeline
- Record material events in chronological order
- Capture date and time when known
- Identify the source supporting each important event
- Mark verification status
- Flag gaps, conflicts and unanswered questions
Leads and actions
- Give each lead a clear description
- Record source and date received
- Assign an owner and priority
- Define the next action
- Add a due or review date
- Preserve status and final outcome
Sources and materials
- Record where each important item came from
- Note date obtained or reviewed
- Describe relevance to the matter
- Record known limitations or conflicts
- Identify additional corroboration or review needed
Interviews and contacts
- Define the purpose of the contact or interview
- Track contact attempts and outcomes
- Record unresolved questions
- Capture promised information or materials
- Turn follow-up commitments into assigned actions
Review before closure or reporting
- Review overdue and open actions
- Check unresolved leads
- Identify timeline gaps
- Review conflicting information
- Confirm important sources are documented
- Separate established facts from unresolved questions
- Prepare a concise status or final summary
Turn the checklist into a working tracker
If timeline gaps and open leads are the part of your workflow you need to fix first, start with the $15 Investigation Timeline & Lead Tracker. See exactly what it is designed to track before purchasing.
See the $15 Timeline & Lead Tracker →
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For intake through final review in one connected system, see the Investigation & Case Management System — $79.
Compare all CaseWorks investigation templates →
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This checklist is a general organizational resource. It is not legal advice, an official government or law-enforcement form, or a substitute for applicable law, policy or professional standards.