The legal procedure for obtaining that information is called discovery. Attorneys for both sides have the right to ask each of you very pointed, sometimes very personal questions about you, your marriage, your relationships, your children and your finances. The law requires honest responses to such questions, if they relate to the dissolution of the marriage, custody of your children, dissipation of marital assets, etc. If a party refuses to respond to such discovery attempts, the court may issue an order compelling you to do so, with the possibility of being held in contempt of court and also possible financial sanctions. Discovery can be a simple, speedy process or one consuming a great deal of time, energy and money.
Discovery takes place in several different forms.
A voluntary development of information by making photocopies. Interrogatories A list of questions known as interrogatories, requiring formal written answers to each question may be sent by one side to the other. The responding party has 30 days within which to respond to these questions. Requests for Production One party may obtain documents from the other by serving Requests for Production. In other words, we ask the other side to provide us with copies of important documents.