Helpful Information You Should Know About the Divorce Discovery Process

A lot can happen during the discovery process of a divorce case that many people are not aware of. Knowing what can happen and why certain things can happen will not only help you prepare for what to expect but might help you prepare better for your defense. Rather than being thrown in blind, you can look at the different types of discoveries and reasons for discovery. Working with an experienced Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer can also help you build a stronger defense to obtain the outcomes you want. 

Common Reasons for Discovery

There are several reasons a divorce case could lead to the discovery process. Since these reasons often depend on context and can become really specific, it helps to know the two broad reasons for a discovery. One of the reasons for conducting discovery is to gather information on what arguments and evidence your spouse will use during the divorce trial. The second broad reason is to catch your spouse in a contradiction or lie. 

If you know what your spouse said or revealed during the discovery process and your spouse contradicts this information during the divorce trial, then you can use this against them. This simple tactic can give you leverage and help you win your case to achieve the outcomes you desire. A divorce lawyer can help you with finding contradictions and building strong arguments in your defense.

Looking at what discovery can be used for can also be helpful. A discovery can be used to settle common divorce issues like division of property or debt, child support, and how much visitation time your spouse has with your children. Each issue comes with different types of discoveries that can be used to obtain specific information to use against your spouse if need be. 

Main Types of Court Discoveries

There are four main types of formal discoveries in the family court. Differentiating between what these types of discoveries do and when you can use them is vital for your case.

Interrogatories are written questions you can send to your spouse to obtain information. The unique thing about interrogatories compared to asking in-person, through text, or with a letter is that interrogatories are bound under penalty of perjury. This means your spouse is legally required to respond with honest answers.

Subpoenas require your spouse to come to court to answer questions and may or may not be required to bring documents. Depositions mandate your spouse to come into an office where they will be asked questions and their answers will be recorded. Your spouse may be asked questions about evidence. 

A request for admission involves asking your spouse to admit or deny certain facts, whereas a request for production of documents or things mandates your spouse to present certain documents. 

Family Lawyer in Oklahoma

Figuring what your options are during the discovery process is important for your case. Talk to an Oklahoma Family Attorney if you have any questions or concerns about this. Contact the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.