Depositions are important statements made under oath before a lawsuit goes to court. Proper preparation involves talking to your attorney, reviewing case details, practicing answering questions, and dressing conservatively.
For many people, lawsuits are stressful situations for both plaintiff and defendant. An important part of the overall legal process is deposition, and it can be scary and intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. Depositions are statements made under oath that happen before a lawsuit goes to court. They are an opportunity for both sides to evaluate the opponent and decide whether there will be a settlement or a trial. There are several ways to prepare for a deposition to make the best possible impression, and they start by talking to your attorney.
To properly prepare for a deposition, talk to your attorney ahead of time to get an idea of the kinds of questions you will be asked when you testify. Your attorney may also be able to provide you with a description of opposing counsel, previous results of depositions like yours, and other information to ease your nerves. If you have specific questions about what to say and what not to say, ask your attorney before deposition. For example, if you’ve received a misdemeanor in the past and aren’t sure if it’s still on your criminal record or if you’ll be asked, talk to your attorney about it.
When preparing for a deposition, think about and try to remember any details about the case, including dates, times, and people involved. Typically, depositions occur many months or years after the accident, and some details may be confusing. Review all documents relating to the lawsuit and accident, including accident reports, insurance claims, and questionnaires previously sent to opposing counsel. Remembering the incident and the details, as well as reading your past words, will help you prepare for testifying.
Practice answering questions out loud when preparing for a deposition. Wait until the question is asked and the attorney has stopped talking before answering. Remember that everything you say is recorded and can be used as evidence in a trial. Take the time to think about how to answer a question before you speak, as there is no time limit.
Planning what to wear can be part of deposition preparation for many people. You’ll want to choose something conservative, similar to what you would wear in front of a judge if the case went to court. Clothing should be neat and clean to show respect for the grave situation. Following these simple steps will help you prepare for a deposition and give a convincing testimony.
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