A Simple Guide to Divorce Depositions

Divorce comes with plenty of complications, and a deposition is one more item on the list. While it might sound intimidating, it’s really just a formal Q&A session where an attorney asks you questions under oath, and a court reporter records your answers. No judge, no jury—just a fact-finding mission that helps both sides gather information. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

Why Bother with a Deposition in a Divorce Case?

The primary purposes of a deposition in a divorce include:

• Information gathering: Attorneys use depositions to uncover details about assets, income, and other relevant facts.
• Assessing credibility: This is an opportunity to evaluate how a party or witness might present themselves if the case goes to trial.
• Preserving testimony: Depositions lock in testimonies, which is useful if a witness can’t attend the trial or changes their story later.

What Kind of Questions Should I Expect?

While every case is unique, divorce deposition questions often focus on debts and lifestyles. Remember, the goal isn’t to trip you up but to clarify facts and gather necessary information.

Debt and Other Financial Matters

• How much credit card debt do you have?
• What are your monthly expenses?
• How much do you save every month?
• How much do you spend annually on clothing, jewelry, and electronics?
• How much do you spend annually on your children’s activities and expenses?

Lifestyle and Spending Habits

• How often do you travel for pleasure in a year?
• What trips have you taken in the past year?
• How much do you spend on vacation and travel in a typical year?
• What hobbies do you enjoy?
• How often do you go out for entertainment?
• How often do you dine out?
• What charitable organizations do you support, and how much do you donate annually?
• Do you have any volunteer activities?
• How often do you buy a new car?

How to Prepare for a Divorce Deposition

Follow these steps to prepare for and undergo your deposition for divorce:

• Review relevant documents: Familiarize yourself with your financial records, property deeds, and other pertinent paperwork.
• Practice with your attorney: Run through potential questions and answers to get comfortable with the process.
• Stay calm and collected: It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember to think before you speak. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
• Be professional: Opt for business attire and arrive early.
• Stick to the facts: Answer honestly and concisely. There’s no need to volunteer extra information.
• Take breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to request a short break.

Reliable Court Reporting for Your Legal Needs

At Talty Court Reporters, we utilize the latest technology to deliver the very best results in your legal case. Turn to us for top-quality court reporting and transcribing services, video and audio conferencing, remote depositions, and much more. For additional information about our services or to request a cost estimate, please contact us today.