Divorce Discovery in Maryland & D.C.: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Right

When Dana received her first set of interrogatories in her Maryland divorce case, she nearly threw the packet in the trash. Forty pages of questions, requests for production of documents, and instructions filled with legal jargon felt impossible to understand. She told me, “I’m not a lawyer. How am I supposed to answer all this without ruining my case?”

This moment was the first real exposure to discovery. This is often when clients feel most overwhelmed. But discovery doesn’t have to be terrifying. It’s simply the process of exchanging information so that both sides can make their case fairly. In Maryland and Washington, D.C., family law cases, discovery usually includes interrogatories (written questions answered under oath), requests for production of documents, requests for admissions (where you confirm or deny facts), and subpoenas that allow records to be gathered from employers, banks, or even social media companies.

Dana’s first lesson was about the duty to preserve and produce evidence. Even if the information is embarrassing or uncomfortable, it cannot be hidden or destroyed. Courts in every jurisdiction take this duty seriously. In fact, deleting texts, emails, or financial records can hurt a case far more than the contents of the documents themselves. Dana had social media posts she thought would look bad. But by preserving them, we were able to provide context that actually supported her credibility.

Together, we created a plan to tackle discovery step by step. First, we gathered her paper records: recent federal and state tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements, and health insurance documents. Then we added her banking history. This including checking, savings, and credit card accounts. For many clients, this is the foundation of financial discovery.

Next, we turned to electronic evidence. Dana had hundreds of text messages and emails with her co-parent. Instead of trying to decide which ones mattered, we preserved all of them. With smartphones, this often means exporting entire conversations and backing up devices to iCloud, Google Drive, or another secure platform. For social media, we downloaded her account history, which included posts, photos, comments, and private messages. The rule of thumb: never delete, alter, or “clean up” your accounts during a case.

Dana also had prior court involvement. There was a protective order from years ago and a civil lawsuit related to a car accident. Those records mattered too, because courts look at the full picture. Self-employed clients have an added layer: contracts, receipts, business tax returns, and corporate records. Discovery doesn’t just cover what you earn at your job; it extends to every financial corner of your life.

Organization was where Dana really started to feel in control. We created digital folders by year and category. Each file was named clearly: “2022_FederalTaxReturn.pdf” or “January2024_PayStub.pdf.” Instead of one massive pile of documents, we built a clear, navigable system that made it easy for me to review quickly. This not only lowered her costs but also gave her confidence that nothing was slipping through the cracks.

We also talked about the ongoing obligation to supplement discovery. Discovery isn’t just a one-time event. Maryland Rules, the D.C. Superior Court Rules, and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure all require parties to update their responses when new information comes up. For Dana, this meant adding her new pay stubs as they came in and supplementing her financial disclosures when she opened a new bank account. Courts enforce this obligation based on precedent.

Finally, Dana kept copies of everything she provided to the court and the opposing party. This way, she had proof of what was turned over and could refer back to it if questions arose later. Accurate recordkeeping gave her peace of mind and eliminated unnecessary disputes.

By the time her case moved toward trial, Dana was no longer scared of discovery. She felt empowered. What started as a confusing, intimidating packet of papers became a structured process that told her story with honesty and clarity.

At the Law Office of Cherise L. Williams, we help clients navigate discovery in a way that protects both their rights and their peace of mind. From organizing sensitive financial records to preserving electronic evidence without fear of sanctions, our approach is practical, thorough, and compassionate.

If you’re facing discovery in a Maryland divorce, a D.C. custody case, we’re here to help. Contact the Law Office of Cherise L. Williams today, and let us guide you step by step through discovery so you can focus on your future.