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Discovery is the process by which parties gather critical case relevant information and evidence from the opposing party. In a divorce or other domestic relations proceeding, discovery is conducted according to Georgia’s Civil Practice Act. The Georgia Civil Practice Act governs all civil proceedings in Georgia. In Georgia, there are several methods of discovery. These methods include: Interrogatories, Request for Production, Requests to Admit, Depositions, and various forms of informal discovery.
Informal Discovery
Often times, it is necessary to investigate matters and issues concerning a divorce action prior to the initiation of the action or shortly thereafter. It may be necessary to conduct such investigation in order to substantiate allegations of adultery or some other ground for divorce in Georgia or to prove the assets of a spouse (for example for equitable division, child support or alimony). In this case, there may be less expensive and more informal methods of obtaining this information as opposed to conducting formal discovery.
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Discovery Begins with the Filing of an Answer
The first question that enters the mind of an individual who has been served with a complaint and summons in a divorce action is: “What should I do now?” The answer to this question is rather simple: upon being served, an individual must file an answer to the complaint. The answer is the defensive pleading in a divorce action. Essentially, the answer is the defendant’s response to the plaintiff’s complaint or petition for divorce. The purpose of the answer is to respond to the plaintiff’s allegations and to assert any defenses or counterclaims the defendant may have against the plaintiff. The answer may either be prepared and filed by the defendant or prepared and filed by the defendant’s attorney.