How do you answer interrogatory questions in a divorce?

How do you answer interrogatory questions in a divorce?

Your answers to the interrogatories should usually be short, clear, and direct and should answer only the question that is being asked. This is not the time to set out your entire case or defense to the other side. Take the time to make sure your answers are correct and truthful.

How do you object to discovery questions?

Make it a lead-off “general objection.” Object to anything that is not relevant to the “subject matter” (no longer the standard) or not likely to lead to admissible evidence (no longer the standard). Don’t say if anything is being withheld on the basis of the objection. Use boilerplate wording from form files.

What happens if interrogatories are not answered?

Motions to Compel – If a party doesn’t respond to interrogatories or requests for production, then the party seeking those answers must file a motion to compel with the court. If the court grants the motion to compel, then the party who objected or failed to answer must then do so.

Can you depose someone twice?

There are times when someone may be required to participate in a second deposition, but in the State of California, this generally requires a court order. It may happen if there is a new party that is later added to the case after the original depositions were completed.

How many times can you depose a witness?

30(a)(2)(ii), which provides that a witness may not be deposed more than once absent a stipulation or leave of court.

What do you say in court if you don’t want to answer?

If you don’t know the answer to a question, the proper answer is “I don’t know.” If you cannot remember, say so. 7. Be Courteous: Remain courteous at all times and keep your temper in check. Do not argue with the lawyers or the judge.

Can you plead the Fifth at a deposition?

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Evidence Code §940 both provide a privilege against self-incrimination. Once a Fifth Amendment privilege is asserted at a deposition, it cannot be waived at trial. …

Can I remain silent in a deposition?

Refusing to Testify in Civil Depositions based on the Fifth Amendment. “You have the right to remain silent. Consequently, it is not uncommon for witnesses in civil lawsuits to refuse to answer deposition questions based on that privilege, so long as the testimony could possibly lead to criminal liability.

Can you be forced to testify against yourself?

The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protects a person from being compelled to incriminate oneself. Self-incrimination may also be referred to as self-crimination or self-inculpation.

Does a witness have the right to remain silent?

The Fifth Amendment establishes the right to remain silent and the right not to be a witness against yourself in a criminal case. This important constitutional amendment means you do not have to provide an answer that would incriminate you.

Can you say no comment in court as a witness?

‘You do not have to say anything if you do not wish to do so, but anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. Today, courts can use silence (or no comment answers) as an inference of guilt. This means that saying nothing, in some cases, can do more harm than good.

Can you refuse to answer court questions?

A witness can, at any time, refuse to answer a question by claiming protection under the Fifth Amendment. The person testifying is the defendant in a criminal case: This is an extension of the protection under the Fifth Amendment. Criminal defendants can never be forced to testify.

What happens if you remain silent?

What Happens When You Invoke Your Right To Silence? As soon as you invoke your right to remain silent, all police questioning must stop. Your right is not specific to the person questioning you, so law enforcement cannot simply switch interrogators and continue questioning.

Can silence be used against you?

Because merely keeping quiet when police ask damaging questions is not claiming a right to silence, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, prosecutors may use that silence against the suspect at the trial. …

Can you refuse to go in for questioning?

You Can Always Say ‘No’ to Police Questioning Even if you’re not the subject of a criminal investigation, you always have the right to decline to answer police questions. This applies whether an officer approaches you on the street, calls you to come into the station for questioning, or even after you’re arrested.

Should you ever waive your right to remain silent?

Knowing what your rights are is of great importance. But, simply knowing your rights is of no value if you don’t exercise your rights. You have the right to remain silent. If you choose to give up your right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law!!