Source: https://www.resolvingdiscoverydisputes.com/motions/inspection-demands-what-is-a-diligent-search/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 01:03:54+00:00

Document:
Yet you question the veracity of the verified response, because they have got to have documents. So what can you do?
What is a “Diligent Search”?
A representation of inability to comply with the particular demand for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling shall affirm that a diligent search and a reasonable inquiry has been made in an effort to comply with that demand . . .
Also the typical treatises, Weil and Brown, Cal Prac. Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trial (TRG 2011) and California Civil Discovery Practice (CEB 4th Ed. 2011) don’t go into detail as to what the obligation really is. So, here is what I expect a party to do in responding to a request for production of documents.
A party must make a good faith effort in obtaining documents responsive to the request. Regency Health Services, Inc. v. Superior Court(1998) 64 CA4th 1496 (pdf). To me, this means that the obligation is well beyond an attorney dictating a response off the top of his head and looking through his file. See Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, Inc. v. Pacific Healthcare Consultants(2007) 148 CA4th 390 (pdf) The Code recognizes that the response and production are labor intensive. That is why you have 30 days.
The case law is very clear when it comes to responses to interrogatories, requests for admissions and document requests – “A party cannot plead ignorance to information which can be obtained from sources under his control.” Deyo v. Kilbourne (1978) 84 CA 3d 771(pdf).
Affiliated Corporations Standard Ins., Co. v. Pittsburgh Electric Insulation, Inc. (1961, WD Pa) 29 FRD 185; Gerling Intern. Insur. Co. v. C.I.R. (1988, CA3) 839 F2d 121, 140,141.
Tax Records Reeves v. Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (1948, D Del) 80 F Supp 107, 109.
I also expect the diligent search to include any third party institution where you can sign an authorization and obtain the records such as health care providers, financial institutions etc.
The statute and the case law make it very clear that a party and the attorney must be proactive in obtaining the information and documents in response to a request. Take the time and do the response and production correctly, because this is the discovery device where issue, evidence and terminating sanctions are mostly granted.
For more detailed discussion on what defines “control” by a party over non-parties see Hogan and Weber California Civil Discovery Second Edition at §6.5.
NEXT: INSPECTION DEMANDS–What is a Reasonable Inquiry?

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