THE CASENEST GUIDES
A little guidance.
A clearer record.
Practical steps for capturing the facts, organising your notes and preparing records to share. Start with the guide you need today.
START SMALL
One event.
A few clear details.
What happened?
When did it happen?
What context belongs with it?
You don’t need to write everything at once.
What would you like help with?
Choose a topic to jump straight to the practical steps.
01
GETTING STARTED
Recording an event
Turn a quick note into a factual entry, with an example and reusable outline.
02
FINDING THE SEQUENCE
Reviewing your timeline
Check dates, revisit the context and make your records easier to follow.
03
KEEPING THE CONTEXT
Supporting files
Keep relevant messages, photos and documents alongside your notes.
04
READY TO SHARE
Preparing an export
Choose a format and check the contents before sending anything.
GUIDE 01
Record an event
Start with what you remember clearly. Keep each entry focused on one event.
Five details worth capturing
- A short title. Use a description you will recognise later, such as “Handover delayed”.
- The event date and time. Say when it happened. If a time is approximate, make that clear in your description.
- What you observed. Describe the actions, words and sequence. Keep your interpretation separate.
- The surrounding context. Include the location and people present where relevant.
- Supporting material. Add the relevant message, photo or document, then check the entry before saving.
WORKED EXAMPLE · FICTIONAL
A vague note
“The handover was a disaster.”
A more specific account
“The handover was arranged for 4 pm. I arrived at 3:55 pm and waited until 4:30 pm. I sent a message at 4:10 pm asking for an update.”
The second version gives a sequence someone can follow without having to guess what happened.
Open a reusable entry outline
Copy these prompts into your notes, then replace them with the details you know:
Title: A short description
Event date and time: Include any uncertainty
Location: If relevant
People present: If relevant
What happened: The facts, in order
Exact words: Only quote wording you remember accurately
Supporting files: Relevant messages or documents
Personal reflection: Keep separate from the factual account
If you use voice-to-text, read the transcription before saving. Names, dates and quoted words may need correcting.
GUIDE 02
Review your timeline
Use the sequence of entries to find the details you need.
Make the sequence easier to follow
- Check the dates. Confirm each entry reflects when the event happened, rather than when you wrote the note.
- Open the full entry. Titles and summaries may leave out important context.
- Clarify gaps. If an entry is incomplete, add what you know and make uncertainty clear.
- Read supporting material alongside the note. Avoid drawing a conclusion from a single line taken out of context.
A SIMPLE REVIEW ROUTINE
Date → Entry → Context
Check when it happened. Read the account. Look at the relevant messages or files. Then move to the next event.
Pattern summaries can help you decide which notes to revisit. They do not establish why an event happened or make a finding about another person.
GUIDE 03
Keep supporting files together
Useful documentation includes the context behind the note.
Give each file a clear purpose
- Choose relevant material. Attach the message, image, document or audio that relates to the entry.
- Keep the context. Where practical, retain the date, sender and surrounding conversation.
- Keep an original copy. Store the original separately if you edit, crop or annotate a version for your own reference.
- Explain the connection. Add a short note saying what the file shows and which event it relates to.
- Check the attachment. Make sure it opens and is readable before relying on it.
BEFORE YOU ATTACH
Ask yourself: Does this file help someone understand the event? Is the context clear? Have I included unrelated personal information?
An exported or downloaded file can contain sensitive information. Check who will be able to open it and where you are storing it.
GUIDE 04
Prepare an export
Bring your records together, then review what you are sharing.
Choose a format for the task
For reading, printing or sharing a report.
CSV
For working with rows of data in another tool.
Excel
For reviewing records in a spreadsheet.
Open the export tools in CaseNest, choose the available options for the records you need and select your format.
Before you send it
- Check the selected records and date range.
- Review names, dates and descriptions for accuracy.
- Open the exported file and read through its contents.
- Check for personal notes or unrelated information you do not intend to share.
- Confirm the recipient and share only what is needed.
- Keep a copy in an appropriate place.
An export organises your records. It does not verify the events described or guarantee acceptance by a court or professional.
A HAND WHEN YOU NEED IT
Still unsure about something?
For help with the app, your account or billing, our support information is a good next step.
These guides cover record-keeping and using CaseNest. They are not legal advice.