How to win a motion to compel?

Asked by: Veda O'Connell  |  Last update: March 15, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (38 votes)

Some of the simple tactics to follow while filing a motion to compel:
  1. Act in good Faith.
  2. Thorough Knowledge of the Case.
  3. Limit citing voluminous authorities.
  4. Avoid Personal Attacks.

What are the grounds for motion to compel?

Grounds For Motion – A party may move to compel responses or additional responses if the responses to interrogatories are (1) incomplete, (2) evasive, or (3) an objection is made that is either too general or without merit. [CCP 2030.300(a)].

How to beat a motion to compel?

You need to give the court a reason to deny the other side's motion to compel. There are many different reasons you could give. Take out your Response to the discovery request. You should have identified reasons in your Response for why you weren't turning over certain information.

What is the burden of proof for motion to compel?

Generally, the proponent of a motion to compel discovery bears the initial burden of proving that the information sought is relevant.

Why would a judge deny a motion to compel?

Your attorney must either accept this decision or appeal it and continue pursuing the material through other legal channels. A judge might deny a motion to compel for several reasons, including: The requested information was not essential to the case. The opposing party already produced the requested material.

How to Win Motions to Compel.

41 related questions found

Is motion to compel good or bad?

Motions to compel are often necessary to set the tone in your case and acquire the documents and information you need to win your case. Grounds: When a party who has propounded discovery believes the responses are inadequate, the propounding party may move for a motion to compel a further response.

How to prepare for motion to compel hearing?

Related Step-by-Step Guides
  1. Meet and Confer.
  2. Reserve Your Hearing Date and Determine Deadlines for Filing and Serving.
  3. Prepare the Motion.
  4. Copy and Assemble Your Documents.
  5. Have the Motion Served and Attach the Proof of Service to Remaining Copies.
  6. File Your Motion in the Law and Motion Department.

What happens if someone ignores a motion to compel?

If a party or party's officer, director, or managing agent fails to obey a discovery order, the court may issue further orders. A court must also order a disobedient party, the advising attorney, or both to pay expenses resulting from the failure to reply.

What is a good faith letter before motion to compel?

a certification that the moving party has conferred (or attempted to confer) in good faith with the person or party failing to make a proper response to discovery.

What is burdensome discovery?

A discovery request can be unduly burdensome or oppressive if complying with the request would require too much time, energy, and expense for the responding party. This objection is most often used with document requests but can apply to other areas of discovery.

How do you oppose a motion to compel?

Oppositions to motions to compel must be filed no later than 9 days before the hearing. Replies must be filed no later than 5 days before the hearing. Service of oppositions and replies require receipt by the opposing party within 1 business day of the filing deadline.

How long does it take to respond to a motion to compel?

Notice of a motion to compel further responses must be made within 45 days of the service of the “verified response.” (See Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2030.300, subd. (c) [interrogatories], 2031.310, subd. (c) [requests for production], 2033.290, subd.

What is a motion to compel for dummies?

A motion to compel is a legal request made by one party to enforce the production of relevant information or evidence during the discovery process of a case. If one party fails or refuses to respond to discovery requests, the opposing party may file a motion to compel to seek court intervention and ensure compliance.

Does a motion to compel require a separate statement?

All discovery motions should include a notice of motion and motion. In addition, motions to compel further responses must include a separate statement and meet and confer declaration.

What is a motion to compel settlement?

One of the most common practices to enforce a settlement agreement is to file a motion to enforce settlement agreement in court. This motion calls on the court to enforce the agreed upon terms, and the judge has the final say. His or her role is to analyze evidence presented and listen to oral testimony by both sides.

What are the two ways that charges may be filed against a defendant?

The charge against the defendant may be brought in two ways. One way is by means of an indictment; the other is by an information. An indictment is a written accusation by a grand jury that charges the defendant with committing an offense against the law.

What is a golden rule letter?

A golden rule letter is a letter to the other side, in which you outline the discovery disputes that you have with them (not answering discovery requests, objections to discovery requests that you think are not well taken, etc.).

How do you write a compelling letter to a judge?

Crafting an Effective Leniency Letter to a Judge: Five Essential...
  1. Start with a Clear Introduction. ...
  2. Introduce Yourself and Establish Credibility. ...
  3. Provide Reasons for Leniency. ...
  4. Tell a Story or Give Specific Examples. ...
  5. Provide Your Contact Information. ...
  6. Not the Same as a Motion to Modify a Sentence.

How do you prove bad faith in family court?

Documentary Evidence and Communication Records

Documentary evidence, including contracts, emails, and other written communications, is often pivotal in proving bad faith. These documents can reveal dishonest or deceitful intentions and actions.

Can a judge refuse to hear a motion?

The judge, as the central figure, listens to the arguments, asks questions, and ultimately decides whether to grant or deny the motion.

Can I request discovery without a lawyer?

In certain cases, you might be able to write a letter to the other side and request the documents that you need. However, in more formal cases, you will likely have to draft more formal discovery demands. There are usually forms available for this in local law libraries, from the court clerk's office, or online.

What happens if someone refuses to speak in court?

Refusing to testify as a witness after being served with a subpoena in a criminal case can lead to serious consequences. The court may hold the individual in contempt of court, which can result in both imprisonment and a court-imposed fine.

How serious is a motion to compel?

A motion to compel asks the court to order either the opposing party or a third party to take some action. This sort of motion most commonly deals with discovery disputes, when a party who has propounded discovery to either the opposing party or a third party believes that the discovery responses are insufficient.

How many days is a motion to compel?

Notably, for a motion to compel further discovery responses, there is a strict 45-day deadline to serve notice of motion to compel further discovery responses; as well as a strict meet and confer requirement prior to filing of the motion.

What happens if someone doesn't respond to a motion to compel?

Courts enforce their orders by imposing sanctions on a party who fails to comply. Sanctions can be monetary, such as requiring one party to pay the other parties attorneys' fees and/or imposing a monetary fine, or they can hamper a party's ability to put on their case.