Request for Production

A Request for Production is a written request for documents in the possession or control of another party to the case. (If you want documents from someone who is not a party to the case, you would need to send a Subpoena instead.) It also applies to electronically stored information or other tangible items.

When you are served with a Request for Production, you will need to provide the documents they are requesting unless you have a legal reason not to provide it. If you have such a reason, you will need to object in writing and explain why you do not believe you have to provide the requested document(s).

Some common objections include that they are seeking information that is privileged, or that their request is unduly burdensome. You should be careful when refusing to provide the requested documents, and you should not ignore these requests.

The other side could file a motion to compel you to provide them anyway, and the court might impose sanctions on you (such as requiring you to pay the other side's attorneys fees) if they do not believe your objections were justified. You will normally need to respond within 30 days, though you can ask the other side to agree to give you more time to respond.

You should review Rule 34 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure for more information about Requests for Production.