Have you been presented with a notice for deposition? Are you wondering how it might affect you? There are bound to be several questions in your mind. Lawyers Gold Coast have the following words of advice for those facing a deposition.
A deposition refers to a formal and recorded question and answer session which takes place when an individual is under oath to tell the truth. The purpose of the deposition is to gather facts from the knowledge which a person has regarding a certain issue and using I as a testimonial when and if the need arises.
The person who asks the questions is known as the examiner. They may ask you a number of questions which aim to gather information which would help their client win the case. Even if you are not party to the law suit, it doesn’t matter. Any individual can be called upon for a deposition and it’s an obligation to attend that deposition.
Though it might feel over whelming being in the interrogation seat, the following tips from lawyers in Gold Coast would help make the procedure a bit more smooth sailing.
- If you are not party to the law suit, it’s wise to hire an attorney who could help you protect your rights during the interrogation. They would also help prepare you for the interrogation by asking questions which the examiner would ask.
- Your attorney would guide you with the proper etiquettes of attending the deposition. It is important to appear confident and maintain eye contact.
- Since you would be placed under oath it is necessary to speak the truth. If you aren’t too sure about a certain question be open about it instead of saying whatever comes to your mind.
- Make sure all your responses are oral. Avoid nodding of the head and the usual uh huhs. These are difficult for the court reporter to transcribe. You can take a long as you want to form a coherent reply. There should be no pressure.
- Only answer what has been asked of you. Avoid going into unnecessary details. If a question is unclear you can always ask the examiner to rephrase it.
- Only answer what you know. Your answers should be on what you saw heard ad observed. Do not make the mistake of falling into assumptions. Keep to the facts and you won’t go wrong. Avoid stating your opinion regarding the matter.
- If at some point you are unable to recall the specifics, make sure you say that. Tell the examiner that you can’t really recall the events which occurred. Do not feel defensive or apologetic to questions which you can’t answer. You are only required to speak the truth and nothing else.
- Make sure to check out a document on which you are being examined. It is your basic right and you should have some idea about what you are being asked. Refrain from answering questions about a document you have no knowledge of.
Keeping the above points in mind can help the deposition be a smooth process without any problems.
