Preparing for a Deposition in California: What You Need to Know
When involved in a civil lawsuit in California, whether as a plaintiff, defendant, witness, or expert, you may be required to give sworn testimony before the trial through a process known as a deposition. Governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure, depositions are a critical component of the pretrial discovery process in the California civil court system.
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have more than two decades of experience preparing clients for depositions throughout California. If you have received a deposition notice or anticipate being called to testify, understanding the process can protect your rights and improve your case outcome.
What Is a Deposition and Why Does It Matter?
A deposition is a formal legal proceeding in which a party or witness provides testimony under oath, outside of the courtroom. It may take place in person or remotely, and everything said is recorded by a court reporter and sometimes a videographer. The testimony becomes part of the court record and can be used during trial to support arguments or challenge inconsistent statements.
Depositions allow attorneys to:
- Evaluate witness credibility
- Clarify the sequence of facts
- Uncover strengths and weaknesses in the case
- Lock in testimony to be referenced later in court
How to Prepare for a Deposition in California
If you are scheduled to be deposed, some best practices include:
- Focus on the question asked. Providing concise and relevant answers to each question will go a long way to make the process as smooth and timely as possible. You can answer yes, no, or I don’t know, but make sure that you understand the questions posed.
- Stay calm and composed. Opposing counsel may ask emotionally charged questions.
- Be as accurate as possible. Given that time most likely has elapsed from the events that gave rise to the lawsuit, a deponent may experience some confusion or memory lapse. It would be useful to review certain documents prior to the deposition to be prepared to give specific answers.
- Ask for clarification. It is appropriate to ask the attorney to rephrase a confusing question.
Common Questions Covered in a California Deposition
Common questions that you may expect during a deposition may include:
- Your name, address, and identifying information
- Education and work history
- Medical conditions or history related to the claim
- Past involvement in lawsuits or criminal matters
- A chronological account of the incident in question
- Any verbal statements you made or heard
- Identification of potential witnesses and their contact information
You may also be asked to bring specific documents. It is important to read the notice of deposition carefully and coordinate with your attorney to prepare. Deposition rules and objections are less strict than trial, so there are very limited circumstances wherein you can refuse to answer a questions.
Understand the Stakes and Protect Your Claim
Depositions are not casual conversations—they are strategic legal tools. Opposing counsel may try to undermine your claim using what you say under oath. In some cases, deposition testimony can lead to a favorable pre-trial settlement, while in others, it may be used to challenge your credibility during trial.
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have helped individuals and corporations across California navigate the civil litigation process with confidence—conducting and defending hundreds of depositions across our practice.
Ready for Your Deposition? Contact a Trusted California Law Firm
If you have received a notice of deposition or you are facing civil litigation in California, let The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour help you prepare. Our team offers personalized support, strategic preparation, and decades of litigation experience.
Schedule your consultation today.