What is the purpose of interrogatories in a divorce case?

What is the purpose of interrogatories in a divorce case?

Interrogatories are part of the discovery process of divorce. They allow you and your soon-to-be/already ex spouse to ask questions that must be responded to in writing under oath. These answer are then used to determine facts in the case, as well as to question each side if/when the case goes to trial.

What are discovery questions in a divorce?

The type of discovery include: Interrogatorieswhich are written questions that must be answered under oath. Requests for production of documentsasking that certain documents be provided by you or your spouse. Requests for admissionsasking that certain facts be admitted or denied.

What is the difference between interrogatories and special interrogatories?

There are different form interrogatories that can be used in different cases. There are also form interrogatories for employment law cases that ask questions that arise in employment disputes. Special interrogatories are questions that are prepared by an attorney that ask specific questions about the case.

What are interrogatories in child custody?

Written Interrogatories Interrogatories are when you answer specific questions about the case to support your custody case, and you will sign your answers before a notary. You may have to review some of your documents in order to answer some of the questions.

Can you refuse to answer interrogatories?

If you are unable to answer an interrogatory because it is too vague, ambiguous, or somehow objectionable, you can state an objection and the reason for your objection. You must then answer to the extent the interrogatory is not objectionable.

What is the point of interrogatories?

In law, interrogatories (also known as requests for further information) are a formal set of written questions propounded by one litigant and required to be answered by an adversary in order to clarify matters of fact and help to determine in advance what facts will be presented at any trial in the case.

What happens if you don’t answer interrogatories?

Interrogatories – Interrogatories are written questions that are sent by one party to another. If the other party fails to respond on time, within 30 days, then the questions are deemed admitted.

What happens if plaintiff does not answer interrogatories?

If the plaintiff does not respond, you can file a motion for order compelling discovery. In the motion: Explain to the judge that you asked the plaintiff to give you documents and, Ask the judge to order the plaintiff to give you the documents you requested.

How many interrogatories can you ask?

Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, a party may serve on any other party no more than 25 written interrogatories, including all discrete subparts. Leave to serve additional interrogatories may be granted to the extent consistent with Rule 26(b)(1) and (2).

Are interrogatories admissible at trial?

Interrogatories may relate to any matter relevant to the claims and defenses asserted, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents or other tangible things, and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter. Answers to …

Can you ask for documents in an interrogatory?

The issues discussed above in connection with interrogatories are also the issues which you need to cover in your requests for production. However, because requests for production do not yield a written answer, you can ask both for specific documents and for general categories of documents.

Do interrogatories need to be verified?

Under Rule 33, answers to interrogatories must be verified and must be signed by the person answering the interrogatory, not only by the party’s attorney.

Are interrogatories public record?

Courts nationwide recognize a right to inspect and copy public records and documents, including judicial records and documents. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Seattle Times Co. Rhinehart that “pretrial depositions and interrogatories are not public components of a civil trial.

How long does a defendant have to answer interrogatories?

within 30 days

What happens if defendant does not respond to discovery?

Failing To Respond To Discovery Can Lead To A Dismissal Of Your Case With Prejudice. In sanctioning the Plaintiff, the trial court dismissed the Plaintiff’s complaint with prejudice and entered a default judgment in favor of the Defendant on his counterclaims.

What happens if you lie on interrogatories?

The most damaging thing that can happen if someone lies on interrogatories is that they can be punished by the judge at trial. If the party lies repeatedly or has been deliberately dishonest about material facts in the case, the judge may initiate a perjury charge.

How far back can discovery go?

Re: How far back can discovery go? They can go back as far as they want to, however, if you get a discovery request for bank statements from 20 years ago, you should be ok just saying you don’t have them and they are not readily available. Then they can try and subpoena the information if they really want it.

What are the three types of discovery?

That disclosure is accomplished through a methodical process called “discovery.” Discovery takes three basic forms: written discovery, document production and depositions.

How much does discovery cost in a divorce?

Ideally, if parties agree to settlement terms early on in the case the cost will be far less than if multiple hearings are required, discovery has to be initiated, and so forth. A rough estimate for an “easy” case will be around $2,500 to complete the case. The cost will go up from there.