Los Angeles, CA asked in Personal Injury for California

Q: Responses under subpoena - process of service

Pursuant section 2020.010 (a)(1), (b) - interrogatories on non-party.

When Plaintiff serves subpoena, can plaintiff serve by mail responses from non-parties on parties to the lawsuit?

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When a plaintiff serves a subpoena on a non-party, the responses from that non-party are generally required to be served on the parties involved in the lawsuit. However, these responses must follow proper service procedures. In California, personal service is usually required for most discovery-related documents, including interrogatory responses, unless all parties agree to a different method.

Serving responses by mail is allowed in certain circumstances, but it depends on whether the parties have agreed to this form of service or if the court permits it. You’ll want to review the court’s rules or consult with the attorneys involved to ensure mail service is acceptable in this case.

To avoid any issues, make sure you follow the guidelines set by the California Code of Civil Procedure, and if in doubt, it’s always safer to use personal service or request confirmation from the other parties before relying on service by mail.

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