How do you answer an interrogatory you don't know the answer to?
Asked by: Mya Lemke | Last update: April 26, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
If you are unable to answer a specific question because you don't know or don't have access to the appropriate information, you must indicate the reasons. You may refer to a previous response when responding to an interrogatory providing the previous response sufficiently answers the later interrogatory.
How do you respond when you don t know the answer to a question?
When faced with a question you don't know the answer to, it's best to be honest. Simply say, ``I don't know,'' and show your willingness by adding, ``but I can find the answer.''
What if you don't answer interrogatories?
So what happens if you refuse, or simply fail, to respond to these discovery requests? If you don't respond within the time given, the opposing party may file a motion to compel your compliance with the court.
What is the strategy for answering interrogatories?
Read the question very carefully. Answer only the question that is asked, and avoid the temptation to over-explain your answer. If the question contains several parts, you may break your answer into parts as well. It is also possible that you might object to the question.
How do I get out of answering interrogatories?
However, you can object to interrogatories that call for legal conclusions. You can also object to questions if they are not at all related to the court case. To object, you need to write out the reasons for the objection instead of answering the question.
What Do I Have to Answer Interrogatory Questions?
How do you answer an interrogatory when you don't know the answer?
If you are unable to answer a specific question because you don't know or don't have access to the appropriate information, you must indicate the reasons. You may refer to a previous response when responding to an interrogatory providing the previous response sufficiently answers the later interrogatory.
What happens if you lie on interrogatories?
The Dangers of Lying on Interrogatories
When the truth is discovered, the judge may impose a fine, assign additional litigation costs, or dismiss the case entirely if it was brought by the party who provided false information.
What can you not ask in interrogatories?
Interrogatories are lists of questions sent to the other party that s/he must respond to in writing. You can use interrogatories to find out facts about a case but they cannot be used for questions that draw a legal conclusion.
What are common objections to interrogatories?
- The Interrogatory Is Vague, Overly Broad, and Unduly Burdensome. ...
- The Request Is Irrelevant or Not Pertinent to the Matter at Hand. ...
- The Information Is Public and Available to Everyone. ...
- The Interrogatory Forces a Conclusion. ...
- A Violation of Attorney–Client Privilege.
Who signs the answers to the interrogatories?
(2) The answers are to be signed by the person making them, and the objections signed by the attorney making them. (3) The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers, and objections if any, within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories.
What is an insufficient answer to interrogatories?
(a) Each answer in a response to interrogatories shall be as complete and straightforward as the information reasonably available to the responding party permits. (b) If an interrogatory cannot be answered completely, it shall be answered to the extent possible.
How do I deny interrogatories?
You need to be clear in your objections or risk waving them. Federal Rule 33(b)(4) emphasizes that the “grounds for objecting to an interrogatory must be stated with specificity. Any ground not stated in a timely objection is waived unless the court, for good cause, excuses the failure.”
What happens after interrogatories are answered?
What Happens Once You Receive an Interrogatory? All of the questions must be responded to in writing and it must be done under oath. Often, once you answer the questions, the other side will use the answers to gather more information.
How do I professionally say I don't know the answer?
- That's not my area, but here's what I can tell you…
- I don't have the complete answer to your question, but I do know that…
- I don't have all the details now, but I'll make sure to respond by…
- I don't know but I will find out…
How to reply when you don't know what to say?
- I am so sorry you are experiencing this.
- This is so hard.
- I am here for you in any way that I can be.
- My heart is with you.
- I am thinking about you and your family.
- I am at a loss for words but know that I care deeply for you.
What to do if I don't know how to answer a question in an interview on Reddit?
It's totally okay to say you don't know or want to confirm an answer, but then explain how you would find the answer and/or test your theory to confirm. You can't possibly know everything, it's just as important (maybe more) to demonstrate your ability to problem solve and learn.
What is the best way to answer interrogatories?
Read each question (interrogatory) very carefully. Answer only the question that is asked, and avoid the temptation to over-explain your answer. If the question contains several parts, you may break your answer into parts as well. It is also possible that you might object to the question.
What happens if interrogatories are not answered?
In California, you have 30 days to respond to an interrogatory. If you do not respond within this time, the opposing side can file a motion to compel with the court. The court may require them to first consult with you about your failure to respond before officially filing a motion to compel.
What type of information is most effectively obtained by interrogatories?
Interrogatories are often preferable to depositions for identi- fying such things as witnesses, documents, the dates and sub- stance of transactions and conversations,3 since a deponent may easily forget or overlook relevant information when an- swering such questions.
What is the rule 33 for interrogatories?
Interrogatories to Parties (a) In General. (1) Availability. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, a party may serve on any other party no more than 25 written interrogatories, including all discrete subparts.
Can interrogatories be used as evidence?
Interrogatories and depositions allow attorneys to gather information and question potential witnesses. They both result in documents that can be introduced as evidence and to impeach witnesses during trial.
What are the six basic questions to be answered in a report are called the interrogatories?
Final answer:
The six basic interrogatory or investigative questions are Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. They are the fundamental questions designed to gather complete information about a subject matter.
How to avoid answering interrogatories?
If you are unable to answer an interrogatory because it is too vague, ambiguous, or somehow objectionable, you can state an objection and the reason for your objection.
What is an improper interrogatory?
An interrogatory that asks for a professional opinion from a lay witness is improper, and you should object.
Are interrogatories hearsay?
Answering Each Interrogatory
They can be used at the summary judgment stage, in pretrial motions and hearings, and/or at trial. Answers to interrogatories are signed under oath, and are not considered hearsay, because they constitute a statement by the party opponent.