There are four types of subpoenas in Illinois: subpoena for documents, deposition subpoenas, trial/hearing subpoenas, and Grand Jury subpoenas. The first three types are important tools an attorney should use in a divorce case. They are directed to third parties, that are those people (or companies) not named in the divorce action. An attorney can issue these subpoenas without permission of the court.
A subpoena for documents requires the recipient of the subpoena to produce documents or materials relevant to the divorce action. Typically, subpoenas for documents are issued to financial institutions and businesses in order to obtain information about a spouse’s assets, income, or business interests. Subpoenas are critical to uncovering hidden assets.
A subpoena for deposition requires an individual to appear to answer questions related to the divorce action. This usually occurs at an attorney’s office with a court reporter present transcribing the testimony. Any witness who has relevant information regarding the issues in a divorce case may be subpoenaed for a deposition.
A subpoena to appear at a trial or hearing requires a person to appear in court as a witness. This is similar to a deposition subpoena in that the person will answer questions, except the testimony will occur in court in front of a judge.
Subpoena power in a divorce action is extremely useful. Divorce attorneys should utilize this tool to conduct a thorough investigation of the issues and to present evidence in a divorce case should it proceed to trial.
The Botti Law Firm, P.C. has been practicing family law for nearly 50 years in DuPage and Cook County. Please contact one of our attorneys at (630)573-8585 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation.
The Botti Law Firm, P.C., conveniently located in Oak Brook and Wheaton, is a full service law firm that offers comprehensive legal representation to individuals, families, businesses and professionals from the Chicago area, including Cook, Kane, DuPage, Lake, Will and Kendall Counties, to the rest of the United States. Our experienced trial attorneys are dedicated to obtaining successful results for our clients, in both state and federal courts.
Contact the Botti Law Firm, P.C. to learn more about our different practice areas and how we can best address your legal concerns. Call (630) 573-8585 to speak with one of our attorneys.