Taking a Closer Look at Maryland Divorce Discovery Requests

Going through a divorce is likely putting a lot of stress on you and your family. Throughout the process you and your spouse have to gather a substantial amount of information about all of your assets, accounts, habits, and choices.  In Maryland family law cases, the process of gathering evidence is known as discovery and it is a crucial part of the pre-trial phase of any domestic proceeding. It is essential that you comply with each part of the Maryland divorce discovery process to the best of your ability. Failing to comply with Maryland discovery rules and guidelines may result in a negative impact on your ability to present evidence, produce witnesses, or support your requests for relief in your divorce. Below we will discuss a few of the common types of discovery tools you may have to address in your Maryland divorce. Remember, typically, you will also have the opportunity to propound discovery requests on your spouse in order to help strengthen your case during your divorce.

Maryland Divorce Discovery: Interrogatories

Interrogatories are a formal set of written questions that must be answered under oath. Interrogatories often cover anything and everything that the opposing lawyer believes they need to know to improve their case and will be used to establish your version of events. Any answer you give is equivalent to sworn testimony, therefore it is important that you answer the interrogatories correctly. Evasive responses may be perceived negatively by the court.

Maryland Divorce Discovery: Request for Document Production

Requests for document production is another discovery tool that is frequently used during the divorce discovery period. Requests for document production requires you to turn over specific non-privileged documents that are relevant to the case. Requests for document production often include credit card and bank account statements, text messages, emails, beneficiary statements, transaction histories, photos, and other items which corroborate or refute a particular point or establish a pattern of behavior.

 Maryland Divorce Discovery: Depositions

Depositions are sworn out of court statements taken in the presence of a court reporter.During the deposition, you may be asked a significant number of questions related to your answers to interrogatories and your produced documents. As anything you say in the deposition is sworn testimony, your statements may become part of the record in the case.

How do I ensure I comply Maryland divorce discovery practices?

Working with an experienced Maryland divorce lawyer, will help you maintain your compliance with your discovery obligations. Your attorney will guide you through what to produce, how to properly answer interrogatories, and responding appropriately during a deposition. Your attorney may also be able to help you to seek a discovery extension or help you to block your spouse’s efforts to seek information that they are not entitled to receive.

If You Are Wondering About Maryland Divorce Discovery Procedures, Contact an Experienced Montgomery County, Maryland or Prince George’s County, Maryland Divorce Attorney Today

 If you want to know more about the Maryland divorce discovery process, contact the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, LLC to discuss your options. If you need the assistance of an experienced Maryland divorce discovery attorney contact the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams at (301) 778 – 9950 or leave an online request for a consultation.

Our firm passionately represents clients across Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, College Park, Cheverly, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Largo, Bowie and surrounding communities.