Can I be forced to give out my financial information prior to a trial?

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Can I be forced to give out my financial information prior to a trial?

I am being sued but have not gone to court. The Plaintiff’s attorney tried to get information on my current finances and plans. I declined to answer. Can they force me to give them my financial information prior to the trial. As of yet I have not been found guilty of anything.

Asked on November 18, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, California

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

During discovery, which is a pre-trial phase of litigation, each side tries to obtain information from the opposing party.  Various documents are filed to obtain this information such as request for production of documents, request for admissions, interrogatories, etc.  The attorney can also subpoena various items.  Each side has a set period of time to respond to discovery.  You can respond with legal objections to the material that has been requested and your objections should address why the requested items should not be provided.  The opposing party can file a motion to compel further responses and seek sanctions (court fines) for failure to respond to discovery. 


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