Giving Depositions in your family law case: An Overview and some tips
In its simplest form, a deposition is the giving of oral testimony under oath before trial. Depositions are conducted in front of a court reporter and will assist your attorney in the preparation for trial. The use of oral depositions is a standard procedure in family law cases for discovering relevant and material facts, determining the strategy of the case, and searching the concience of the person being deposed (called the deponent).
It is very important to take the deposition seriously. As a deponent, the attorney taking the deposition is searching for ways to discredit the deponent, obtain information, and obtain admissions. The defending attorney is seeking to avoid harmful admissions, present the facts in the best light possible, and to protect the deponent's creditability.
You should remember that the deposition is usually the first chance the opposing attorney has a chance to see you, so you must make a good impression, and treat the deposition as if you were appearing in court. You should do the following:
1. Be clean and wear neat, conservative clothing
2. Be respectful
3. Tell the truth to all questions asked
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