Must I give a deposition for my parents divorce?

[Mr.deBlaque]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia.

My parents are getting divorced. I'm 18+. I've tried my hardest to be neutral and not let them pull me into it. Today my sister got a call from one of their attorneys and she thinks they're going to ask/tell her to give a deposition. I just want to know if I can refuse if they ask me. Or am I required by law?

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia.

My parents are getting divorced. I'm 18+. I've tried my hardest to be neutral and not let them pull me into it. Today my sister got a call from one of their attorneys and she thinks they're going to ask/tell her to give a deposition. I just want to know if I can refuse if they ask me. Or am I required by law?

The attorney can ask what they want - it's up to the adults who are asked, whether or not they feel like complying with such a request.

 

[Mr.deBlaque]

The attorney can ask what they want - it's up to the adults who are asked, whether or not they feel like complying with such a request.

Okay, and there wouldn't be any legal consequences for refusing?

 

[ecmst12]

Depends if you receive a subpeona or not. If you are subpeona'd, you need to appear. If you are merely asked, you can decline.

 

[Mr.deBlaque]

Depends if you receive a subpeona or not. If you are subpeona'd, you need to appear. If you are merely asked, you can decline.

Okay, so what would determine whether or not I receive a subpoena? What requirements or qualifications would the circumstances have to meet?

 

[tranquility]

Okay, and there wouldn't be any legal consequences for refusing?

Unless you have a legal reason, you cannot refuse. Not wanting to testify is not a legal reason. The penalty is contempt of court.

 

[tranquility]

Okay, so what would determine whether or not I receive a subpoena? What requirements or qualifications would the circumstances have to meet?

All they need is that your testimony is likely to lead to relevant evidence. If they want you, you will have to testify.

 

[Mr.deBlaque]

Okay, so in summary...

I'm not legally obligated to do a deposition unless I receive a subpoena. But there really is nothing preventing them from serving me with one.

Thanks for the information and time, everyone. Best of luck.