Rule 34 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides in part as follows:
A party may serve on any other party a request within the scope of Rule 26(b):
(1) to produce and permit the requesting party or its representative to inspect, copy, test, or sample the following items in the responding party's possession, custody, or control:
(A) any designated documents or electronically stored information - including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, sound recordings, images, and other data or data compilations - stored in any medium from which information can be obtained either directly or, if necessary, after translation by the responding party into a reasonably usable form; or
(B) any designated tangible things.
Rule 69 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides in part as follows:
In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or a successor in interest whose interest appears of record may obtain discovery from any person - including the judgment debtor - as provided in these rules or by the procedure of the state where the court is located.
In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or a successor in interest whose interest appears of record may obtain discovery from any person - including the judgment debtor - as provided in these rules or by the procedure of the state where the court is located.
Washington Requests for Production of Documents in Federal Court to Judgment Debtor in General: When a judgment debtor fails to satisfy a judgment, Washington state law allows judgment creditors to utilize several options to collect their outstanding debt. One such method is through the filing of Requests for Production of Documents in Federal Court to the judgment debtor. These requests aim to uncover relevant financial information and assets that can potentially be used to satisfy the outstanding judgment. In Washington, Requests for Production of Documents can be categorized into two main types: 1. General Requests for Production of Documents: Under this category, judgment creditors can request specific documents from the judgment debtor that may shed light on their financial situation. The purpose is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the individual's financial status, assets, income sources, and expenses. Some of the relevant documents that can be requested include bank statements, tax returns, paycheck stubs, investment records, business records, loan agreements, and any other documents that might reveal a debtor's financial capacity. These requests serve as crucial evidence in determining the appropriateness of various collection methods and the potential for satisfying the judgment. By examining the debtor's financial documents, the judgment creditor can assess the debtor's ability to pay the outstanding debt and decide on a feasible course of action. 2. Requests for Production of Documents Regarding Property Available to Satisfy Judgment: This specific category of Requests for Production of Documents focuses on identifying and investigating the availability of assets or property owned by the judgment debtor that can be used to satisfy the judgment. Judgment creditors have the right to gather information about any property owned by the debtor, including real estate, vehicles, valuable personal items, bank accounts, investments, and other assets. Through these requests, judgment creditors aim to obtain copies of property titles, deeds, mortgage documents, vehicle registrations, bank statements, brokerage account statements, and any other pertinent records that could reveal the existence of assets that could be utilized to satisfy the outstanding judgment. Ultimately, both types of Requests for Production of Documents aim to provide the judgment creditor with relevant financial information and a comprehensive understanding of the judgment debtor's assets and income sources. Armed with this information, the creditor can make informed decisions on how best to proceed with the collection process and potentially recover the amount owed. It is important to note that in Washington, the specific format and requirements for these requests may vary, and it is advisable for judgment creditors to consult with an attorney or legal expert to ensure compliance with federal court rules and regulations.
