Between the time the Response is filed and the trial, both sides are allowed to conduct "Discovery." This is a procedure that allows the parties to obtain relevant information from each other or other persons. Any questions answered or information provided in discovery is done so under penalty of perjury.

The four most common types of discovery are interrogatories, depositions, notices to produce for photocopy and inspection and subpoenas. Interrogatories are written questions that have to be answered in writing within thirty days after receipt by the attorney. A deposition is a trial-like procedure in which the Petitioner, Respondent or other person is questioned by one of the attorneys before a certified shorthand reporter.

Either party can submit a Notice to Produce for Photocopy and Inspection that requires the other party to bring specified documents to the office of the other party's attorney, at which time these documents may be inspected and photocopied. It is usually mailed to the other attorney’s office. A subpoena is a court authorized form that requires the person served to produce specified documents or records at the office of the attorney who has prepared the subpoena. Unlike a notice to produce, a subpena must actually be served on the responding party.

There are two primary limits on discovery. First, documents and information can be “discovered” as long as the documents and information are relevant to the subject matter of the case or might lead to the discovery of relevant documents or information. For example, a party cannot conduct discovery regarding the reasons for the dissolution because marital fault is not relevant to the dissolution process in California.

Secondly, the discovery cannot request information or documents that, if disclosed, would violate an evidentiary privilege. For example, an attorney’s letters to his/her client are not discoverable because they come within the definition the “attorney-client privilege.”

If the responding party belies a discovery request has violated either of the above , the court can order that the discovery be “quashed” or otherwise terminated

^{-Glen L Rabenn, Certified Family Law Specialist}