Interrogatories
From LegalLanding
Interrogatories are part of the pre-trial discovery process, either party to a lawsuit may send a set of written questions to the other party. These interrogatories must be answered in writing under oath or under penalty of perjury within a specified time, generally 30 days but varies by state.
In federal court, interrogatories are governed by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 33. The responding party must serve its answers and any objections within 30 days after being served with the interrogatories. A shorter or longer time may be stipulated to under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 29 or be ordered by the court.
Several states ask basic "form" interrogatories on a printed form, with an allowance for "supplemental" interrogatories specifically relevant to the lawsuit. Normal practice is for the lawyers to prepare the questions and for the answering party to have help from his/her attorney in understanding the meaning of the questions and to avoid wording in answers which could be interpreted against the party answering.
Objections as to relevancy or clarity may be raised either at the time the interrogatories are answered or when they are used in trial. Most states limit the number of interrogatories that may be asked without the court's permission to keep the questions from being a means of oppression rather than just a source of information. While useful in getting basic information, they are much easier to ask than answer and are often intentionally burdensome. In addition the parties may request depositions or send request for admissions.