(a) Discovery Methods. Instant access to fillable Microsoft Word or PDF forms.Minimize the risk of using outdated forms and eliminate rejected fillings. In many civil actions, before the case is resolved there takes place a process known as pretrial discovery. This summary describes this process. This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they ll present at trial. Discovery is a pre-trial procedure for obtaining information and evidence in a lawsuit. Virginia family law cases feature several forms of discovery. Upon a defendant's request, the government must disclose to the defendant, and make available for inspection, copying, or photographing, all of the following: CPLR 3120: Discovery and production of documents and things for inspection, testing, copying or photographing.