How to Preserve Evidence for Court Through a Notary: Evidence Preservation in Uzbekistan

What Is Evidence Preservation and Why Does It Matter

If you are preparing for a legal dispute — or already involved in one — there are situations where a critical piece of evidence may disappear, be altered, or become inaccessible before the court has a chance to examine it. In such cases, a notary records the relevant facts in an official notarial report: a document with full evidentiary standing in Uzbek courts. This procedure is known as evidence preservation (or notarial securing of evidence).

In my practice, I regularly see clients who miss the window: a screenshot was taken but never certified; a witness was willing to testify but left the country the next day; a webpage containing defamatory content was quietly deleted. A notarial report is the most reliable way to "freeze" evidence exactly as it exists at a given moment.

Key points:

• A notary can secure evidence both before a claim is filed and during ongoing proceedings.
• Notarial reports are accepted by Uzbek courts as official written evidence.
• The procedure is especially relevant for online content, witness testimony, and physical assets that are at risk of being lost or altered.
• You can approach any notary office; in urgent cases, the notary can travel to the location.

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When to Seek Evidence Preservation

The most common situations in which clients contact me include:

• Intellectual property or reputational harm online — a page hosting unlawfully published content or defamatory posts can be taken down at any moment.
• Disputes over the quality of goods or services — documenting the condition of a property, vehicle, or product as of a specific date.
• Employment and contract disputes — correspondence, emails, or terms posted on an employer's website.
• Witness testimony — when a witness cannot appear in court due to illness or travel abroad.
• Corporate conflicts — recording data from registries, websites, or internal company systems.

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How the Procedure Works: General Steps

The evidence preservation process is straightforward, provided you approach a notary in a timely manner.

• Contacting the notary office. You explain what fact needs to be recorded and why there is a risk it may be lost. I recommend preparing a brief written description of the situation in advance — this speeds up the process considerably.
• Determining the appropriate format. The notary advises on which notarial act is suitable: website inspection, witness examination, property inspection, and so on.
• Conducting the notarial act. The notary personally inspects the subject matter or examines the witness, recording everything in a formal report. Printouts, photographs, and other supporting materials are appended to the report.
• Issuing the notarial report. You receive a certified notarial act that can be submitted to the court as evidence.

For current fees applicable to this notarial service, please verify with the notary at the time of your visit, as tariffs are subject to periodic revision.

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Documents to Bring

• Passport or other government-issued identity document of the applicant
• Documents confirming your interest in the matter (if available): contract, statement of claim, formal complaint, etc.
• For website inspection — the exact URL and, if possible, a printout of the page for the notary's preliminary review
• If a witness is involved — their passport
• For property inspection — title documents or other evidence confirming lawful access to the asset

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can evidence be preserved after court proceedings have already started?

Yes. You may approach a notary both before filing a claim and during ongoing proceedings — for example, if new evidence has emerged or there is a sudden risk of its loss.

Do Uzbek courts accept notarial reports as evidence?

Yes. Notarially certified inspection reports and other evidence preservation acts are accepted by the courts of the Republic of Uzbekistan as written evidence.

Is it necessary to notify the opposing party in advance?

No. The purpose of the procedure is often precisely to record facts before the other party has an opportunity to alter or delete anything.

Can the notary travel to the location?

Yes. In some cases this is necessary — for example, to inspect real estate or equipment. An on-site visit is arranged in advance.

How quickly is the report issued?

Timelines depend on the complexity and scope of the notarial act. In most standard cases, the report is prepared within a few business days.

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> Important: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a substitute for individualised notarial advice. The specific procedure, required documents, and applicable fees may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Always verify current details with your notary.

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Contact the Notary Office in Yunusabad District

If you need to secure evidence for court proceedings urgently — do not delay. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of preserving the information in its original, unaltered form. Contact my notary office in the Yunusabad District of Tashkent: we will advise you on the most appropriate method of evidence preservation and prepare all necessary documents efficiently.