what documents can i request from my lawyer

by Jazmyne Marquardt 9 min read

Generally speaking, your attorney is obligated to give you any and all documents and evidence that s/he possesses and that is related to your case. You can also go to the courthouse and ask for a copy of the docket and everything inside of it. You may have to pay for those copies.

Full Answer

What kind of documents can I request from the court?

Oct 24, 2011 · If your case is in Maricopa County, you can register for ECR (Electronic Court Record) to view/print copies of documents filed with the court in your case (pleadings and orders): https://ecr.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/Registration.aspx This would not include documents such as correspondence between the attorneys or documents exchanged as …

When to use a letter of request for legal documents?

You can request documents that are relevant to your court case that the other party has access to. You can also request physical items to look at (“inspect”). This can include: letters; emails; photographs; calendars or agendas; financial information, like W2s, bank statements, and tax returns; deeds or land contracts; and other relevant physical items, like weapons, cell phones, …

Can I request a copy of my file from my attorney?

Feb 19, 2013 · Generally speaking, your attorney is obligated to give you any and all documents and evidence that s/he possesses and that is related to your case. You can also go to the courthouse and ask for a copy of the docket and everything inside of it. You may have to pay for those copies. Lastly, your attorney may be telling you the truth; that the files you are requesting …

What are the most common documents used in a divorce?

Mar 06, 2012 · From: [Your Name, & Address here] To: [Recipient Name & address here] [Date here] Dear [name], Sub – [write Case no.] I would like to request copies of [document name] for my records. Thank you for your assistance regarding this matter.

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Can you request your files from your lawyer?

You can ask your lawyer to send the files directly to you or your new attorney, in which case the safest way to make the request is in writing, via letter or email.Apr 9, 2015

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What is the legal term for requesting documents?

A request for production is a legal request for documents, electronically stored information, or other tangible items made in the course of litigation.

What is a document request?

A request for documents is a legal way the plaintiff can get information from you about the case. If you get a paper from the Plaintiff that asks you to send documents, you must send these documents. It will say “Request for Documents” at the top. This is part of the discovery process.

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.Aug 19, 2020

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

How do you write a request for a document?

Consider the following steps for how to write an email requesting something:Organize your request. ... Write an approachable subject line. ... Begin with a formal salutation. ... Express your request. ... Include benefits for the recipient. ... Conclude with a call to action. ... Focus on the recipient. ... Include additional documents.More items...•Aug 19, 2021

How do you ask for documentation?

How to Ask Someone to Sign a DocumentKindly sign and return the attached document(s).Please sign the attached copy(ies).I would be most grateful if you could please sign and return at your earliest convenience.Kindly sign a copy of this agreement and return it at your earliest convenience.Please sign both copies.More items...•Aug 19, 2021

What is a discovery process?

This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they ll present at trial. Discovery enables the parties to know before the trial begins what evidence may be presented.Nov 28, 2021

What documents are included in discovery?

Discovery ProceduresDepositions. In a deposition, one party or that party's lawyer conducts face-to-face questioning of the other party or a witness to the dispute. ... Requests for production of evidence. ... Interrogatories. ... Requests for admission.

What is a request for production of documents and things?

What Is a Request for Production of Documents? A request for production is a discovery device used to gain access to documents, electronic data, and physical items held by an opposing party in a legal matter. The aim is to gain insight into any relevant evidence that the opposing party holds.

What types of items might be involved in document discovery?

This can include:letters;emails;photographs;calendars or agendas;financial information, like W2s, bank statements, and tax returns;deeds or land contracts; and.other relevant physical items, like weapons, cell phones, or damaged property.

What documents are needed for divorce?

The most common documents are judgment records from a court, transcripts from a court, a deposition, a docket record, a traffic record, or spousal documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or annulment papers.

What is a letter to request documents?

A Letter to Request Documents is just what it sounds like: a letter written by someone that wants to request documents (or records) from another source. Most often, this document is used to request legal documents or records from a court of law, but it does not have to be.

What is the right of a solicitor to hold property?

This is the ability of a solicitor to hold property belonging to the client (such as files) pending payment of their fees – it is long recognised right in common law but also embodied in the Solicitors Act 1974 (s73 (1)). If you are instructing replacement solicitors, then usually the new solicitors will offer to preserve ...

Can a solicitor request a copy of my documents?

It is not unusual once you have instructed a professional, such as a solicitor, to want a copy of your files, especially if you think something has gone wrong. However, you may not be aware of the limitations on what, when and how you can request a copy of your files.

Can an attorney hand over a court case?

Your attorney is required to hand-over your files at your request. This is very reasonable, and since you spent 5 months in jail, it sounds like a good idea to have someone look at it for a potential appeal or further legal action.#N#Additionally, You can always go to the court and ask for copies of the court's file. It...

Can a lawyer get a copy of a case?

You are entitled to your file, the lawyer you are having review your case can certainly get a copy. Worst case scenario you can get a copy of all filings from the court and all discovery from the DA.

Can an attorney give you a copy of the docket?

You can also go to the courthouse and ask for a copy of the docket and everything inside of it. You may have to pay for those copies. 0 found this answer helpful.

What are the four types of discovery tools that are frequently used in lawsuits?

Discovery Procedures. There are four types of formal discovery tools that are frequently used in lawsuits. They are: Depositions. In a de position, one party or that party's lawyer conducts face-to-face questioning of the other party or a witness to the dispute.

What is a request for production of evidence?

Requests for production of evidence. In a request for production of evidence, one party asks the other for physical evidence related to the dispute. Requests for production are usually used to gather pertinent documents, such as contracts, employment files, billing records, or documents related to real estate.

What is the right to privacy?

Roughly, the right to privacy protects a person from having to divulge information that is not obviously relevant to the lawsuit and is a matter that a person would not normally discuss or reveal to anyone outside of immediate family and intimate friends. This might include issues such as: health or body issues.

What is discovery in legal terms?

Learn about discovery -- the legal procedures used to gather evidence for a lawsuit. Once a lawsuit gets underway, parties to the lawsuit or their lawyers start gathering information related to the lawsuit. This investigative process is aptly named "discovery," because it often turns up facts and documents that were previously unknown -- to ...

What is a request for admission?

Requests for admission. In a request for admission, one party asks the other party to admit, under oath, that certain facts are true or certain documents are genuine. These requests are generally used to save time and to narrow the issues that have to be proved at trial.

What is a witness in a dispute?

anything a witness or party saw, heard, or did in connection with the dispute. anything anyone said at a particular time and place (for example, in a business meeting related to the dispute or after a car accident that turned into a lawsuit)

What is the rule of discovery?

The basic rule of discovery is that a party may obtain any information that pertains -- even slightly -- to any issue in the lawsuit, as long as the information is not "privileged" or otherwise legally protected (see "Discovery Limits," below). Here are some of the things lawyers often ask for in discovery:

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How Can You Get A Copy of Your file?

  • As a client, if not specifically reference in the terms and conditions, you are in any event entitled to request a copy of your file (subject to some of the limitations discussed below). If the firm fail to comply with your request for a copy of your files, then you could complain internally, externally to the Legal Ombudsman or refer the matter to...
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What Documents Are You entitled to from Your File

  • Unfortunately it is a misconception that many clients have that they are entitled to everything in their file. In January 2019 the Law Society updated guidanceon who owns the file.
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What About A Solicitor’s Lien?

  • This is the ability of a solicitor to hold property belonging to the client (such as files) pending payment of their fees – it is long recognised right in common law but also embodied in the Solicitors Act 1974 (s73(1)). If you are instructing replacement solicitors, then usually the new solicitors will offer to preserve the previous solicitor’s lien in exchange for the file of papers. A cli…
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Final Words

  • A client should bear in mind why they want a copy of their files – what it is in the files that they really want to get hold, so that they can assess the correct approach to obtaining this information bearing in mind the pitfalls identified above. A solicitor should not be obtrusive for the sake of it and comply with all reasonable and proportionate requests so that any issues can be identified …
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