Discovery is the process by which parties inform themselves of important information and documents, such as the other party’s financial statements. Discovery is used used to obtain information which can help a parent make a decision on custody terms. One of the discovery tools available to parties in a Chicago-area contested divorce or custody case is a deposition. At a deposition, a party’s attorney asks the other party questions in the presence of a court reporter and outside of court. Not only may the parties be deposed, but other individuals that may have relevant information may be deposed. For example, business partners of the wife may be deposed if the husband doubts that the wife has fully and accurately disclosed her income or financial information related to her business. A deposition typically takes place in one of the attorneys’ offices, and it usually occurs before the final trial in the case. The party who requested the deposition hires a court reporter to transcribe everything said by the attorneys and the party who is being deposed. Depositions can also be videotaped by the court reporter. Depositions do not occur in every case, but they can be very useful in certain cases. A good Chicago family law attorney can provide guidance on whether a deposition should take place in a divorce or custody case. A top Chicago family law attorney can help you craft a discovery plan for your Chicago divorce or custody case.
Order of Protection for Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...