Not only is a divorce a complex personal issue, but the legal process can be quite complicated as well. There are many steps to getting divorced, beyond filing for divorce in court. While some cases are more lengthy and complicated than others, there are many legal steps that are standard to most divorce matters. In a contested divorce (where the spouses cannot agree about getting divorced or about major issues like property division), a common part of the process is written discovery. Dealing with discovery can be challenging for many reasons. If you are facing a contested divorce matter, is it important to consult with a skilled attorney in your area right away.
What Is Discovery?
Discovery is a legal procedure used to gather information. Usually, the information gathered is from the opposing party in a case, though sometimes information is requested from third parties such as financial institutions. The term “discovery” is an umbrella term that covers many different types of information gathering. The most common type is written discovery, also known as interrogatories. These are questions asked by one party to the opposing party, and the opposing party is legally obligated to answer fully and honestly. In fact, the answering party must swear through an affirmation that their answers are indeed truthful.
Generally, the purpose of interrogatories is to find important information relevant to the divorce. State law specifies what topics interrogatories can focus on. Additionally, the law specifies how many interrogatories each party can serve on the other.
Why Is Written Discovery Important?
One reason divorces can be so complicated is because a divorce touches on every area of your life. Your finances, your children, your marital relationship, and other personal matters are all relevant to the divorce case. Written discovery helps attorneys sift through all the information and find what is important. With the information obtained during discovery, you and your lawyer can determine questions regarding property distribution, child support, alimony, and child custody.
Some example interrogatories may include:
- What is your current gross and net income?
- Do you own any real estate?
- Where do you currently work?
- If you have a pension, what is the value?
Written discovery can help uncover essential information that the opposing party otherwise would not share.
Contact an Experienced Schaumburg Divorce Firm
At our firm, we have over 50 years combined legal experience. Our divorce attorneys have handled a wide variety of divorce and family law matters, from simple to very complex issues. With that legal experience, we can help you through your divorce from beginning to end. Are you considering divorce? Have you or your spouse already filed for divorce? If so, contact the skilled Schaumburg, IL divorce lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson as soon as possible online or by calling 847.577.8700. You can schedule a free initial consultation, and discuss your questions and concerns with a lawyer today.