Interrogatories may, without leave of court, be served upon the plaintiff after filing of the complaint and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and complaint upon that party.
Definition: Written questions submitted to a party from his or her adversary to ascertain answers that are prepared in writing and signed under oath and that have relevance to the issues in a lawsuit.
In California, you have 30 days to respond to an interrogatory. If you do not respond within this time, the opposing side can file a motion to compel with the court. The court may require them to first consult with you about your failure to respond before officially filing a motion to compel.
You have to respond to interrogatories in writing to the best of your ability. If you do not answer an interrogatory question, and then the other side learns that you did in fact know the answer, it could have a negative impact on your case at trial.
Also, amended Rule 213(d) retains the requirement that “within 28 days after service of the interrogatories upon the party to whom they are directed, the party shall serve a sworn answer or an objection to each interrogatory, with proof of service upon all other parties entitled to notice.
If you don't respond within the time given, the opposing party may file a motion to compel your compliance with the court.
An answer to an interrogatory may be used to the extent allowed by the Federal Rules of Evidence.
You can use interrogatories to find out facts about a case but they cannot be used for questions that draw a legal conclusion.
If your case is a limited civil case ($35,000 or less) you can request up to a total of 35 combined request for admissions, form interrogatories , special interrogatories, and requests for production.
You can use interrogatories to find out facts about a case but they cannot be used for questions that draw a legal conclusion.