What is a deposition, and what should you expect if you’re going to be deposed?

There are many reasons to take a deposition. Perhaps you were a witness to a car accident or a personal injury case, or you have some other pertinent information that can be used in a lawsuit. Or, you might be one of the parties in a case.

In any event, here are seven tips and pointers to help you prepare for your deposition:

  • It’s a fact-finding mission, not an interrogation. A civil trial is divided into several
  • phases. The discovery phase of a civil trial is a fact-finding stage, and depositions are part of that. It’s a pre-trial phase when the attorneys from both sides are trying to
  • gather information to make their case.
  • Your statements will be recorded. There will be a court reporter recording the statements at the deposition. Audio or video recordings are also common, and you’ll likely be notified ahead of time if that’s happening in your case.
  • It can last a long time. This could be an all-day
  • affair, though there may be rules that can limit the length of depositions in certain situations. Be ready to spend a long time answering questions.
  • You can bring your attorney. Attorneys from both
  • sides of the lawsuit will be present, so you’ll have some form of legal
  • representation there. If you’re a witness to an accident or injury and not a
  • named party in the lawsuit, you can bring your own attorney, too.
  • Not being truthful could get you in trouble later on. Be truthful. If you lie,
  • you’re getting yourself into legal hot water. And if you’re a witness, your
  • testimony could be very important to the case. If you’re a named party, keep in
  • mind that the deposition isn’t a cross-examination, where the attorneys will be
  • out to prove a point. They’re just gathering information to make their case. You can answer even if your attorney objects. If
  • your attorney objects, you still answer the question. The objection will be dealt with later on when a judge rules on it, Inside Counsel reminds us.
  • Dress professionally. Actually, this one is your call, but remember: You are dealing
  • with legal professionals and your deposition might be videotaped. It’s usually a
  • good idea to dress a little professionally, if only to show that you’re taking your deposition seriously. But there really is no dress code
  • for a deposition.

Related Resources:

  • Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • Stages
  • of a Civil Case (FindLaw)Lawsuits:
  • A Practical Guide (FindLaw)
  • 3 Things You Should Never Do at a Deposition (FindLaw’s Greedy Associates)Lil
  • Wayne Deposition Videos Released in Quincy Jones III Lawsuit (FindLaw’s
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