Instructions: Response to Requests for Admissions

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This packet provides general guidance responding to requests to admit that certain statements related to the case are true. This template provides guidance only. Using this template does not guarantee any result in your case.

WHEN TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR ADMISSIONS

Figure out the deadline to serve your responses. You have 33 days from the date the Requests for Admissions were mailed to you.

HOW TO COMPLETE THIS REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION TEMPLATE

  • Fill in the case information. Fill in all blanks on the first page.
  • Section A: Write your responses to the requests to admit facts or arguments. The proper responses are Deny, Admit, or I Don’t Know (due to insufficient information). You can explain your response, but it isn’t required by the rules.
  • Section B: Write your response to requests to admit the genuineness of documents. The proper responses are Deny, Admit, or I Don’t Know (due to insufficient information). You can explain your response, but it isn’t required by the rules.
  • Review, number the pages and sign. Read the entire document to make sure your responses are clear, focused on this case. Count the number of pages (not including documents you are attaching). On each page, write in the page number and the total. Sign and date.
  • Prepare the Certificate of Service. Each document that you file must be “served” on each other party, usually by sending it in the mail. Follow the instructions on the Certificate of Service.
  • Mark your calendar. The serving party has to file any objections or motions regarding your responses before the close of Discovery.

SERVING YOUR REQUESTS

  1. Make copies. Once the documents are complete, make one copy for each party to the case.
  2. Serve the Responses. Be sure the Requests and Certificate are served on each party. Do not send a copy to the Court.

STAY UP TO DATE

  1. Update your contact information. File a notice with the Clerk right away if your address, email, or phone number changes, or you may miss important deadlines, causing you to lose your case.
  2. Check your mail. Be sure to check regularly for documents from the Court and opposing side.
  3. A list of all of the documents that have been filed, and (usually) the documents themselves can be viewed online.

UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS AND RULES

There are other resources for understanding the laws and rules of the Court:

  1. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. These Rules explain the procedures from filing through trial for all civil cases in the federal courts across the country, and are available at http://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-civil-procedure.pdf.
  • Local Rules. The Local Rules follow the same numbering as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, but generally provide more detail. They apply in this District only, and are available at http://www.nvd.uscourts.gov/localrules/civil.