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Rule 31 – Depositions Upon Written Questions

May 14, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Washington

(a) Serving Questions; Notice. After the summons and a copy of the complaint are served, or the complaint is filed, whichever shall first occur, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon written questions. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoena as provided in rule 45. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.

A party desiring to take a deposition upon written questions shall serve them upon every other party with a notice stating;

(1) the name and address of the person who is to answer them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs; and
(2) the name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. A deposition upon written questions may be taken of a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency in accordance with the provisions of rule 30(b)(6).

Within 15 days after the notice and written questions are served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with redirect questions, a party may serve recross questions upon all other parties. The court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.

(b) Officer To Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the notice and copies of all questions served shall be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by rule 30(c), (e), and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and serve the deposition transcript, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the questions received by the officer, on the party taking the deposition, unless the court orders otherwise.
(c) Notice of Service. When the deposition has been served, the officer shall promptly give notice of its service to all other parties and file such notice with the clerk of the court.

Wash. Sup. Ct. Civ. R. 31

Amended effective July 1, 1972; September 1, 1988; April 28, 2015.