WHAT ARE PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN DISCOVERY DISPUTES IN DIVORCE CASES?
A responding party to a discovery dispute may file a motion with the court asking for a protective order, which will then alleviate that party from having to respond to a discovery question or demand. This includes motions to bar the recipient of a subpoena from having to respond until the court makes an order. There may be significant benefits to filing such a protective motion, including:
- Discovery demands may be limited by the court;
- The pre-trial timeline may be sped up; and
- Discovery disputes between divorcing parties may be resolved quickly.
Many family law attorneys do not utilize this important defensive tool when discovery demands are overbearing, overreaching, oppressive, and not reasonably calculated to result in evidence that will be admissible in the case. Although not heavily used, a motion for protective order can be a wonderful way to dispose of unreasonable discovery demands and questions.
For additional information about discovery disputes and protective order motions, contact our offices today. You can give us a call at your convenience or send us a message by email.
Our firm serves all courts in Boston (Suffolk), Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Bristol Counties, including the New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton courthouses. We also serve all courts in Plymouth County including the Family and Probate Courthouses in Plymouth and Brockton. We have offices conveniently located in Needham, Boston, Hingham and New Bedford.