Va. R. Sup. Ct. 4:6

As amended through January 4, 2024
Rule 4:6 - Depositions Upon Written Questions
(a)Serving Questions; Notice. After commencement of the action, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon written questions. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoena. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.

A party desiring to take the deposition upon written questions must serve them upon every other party with a notice stating (1) the name and address of the person who is to answer them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs, and (2) the name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. A deposition upon written questions may be taken of a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4:5(b)(6).

Within 21 days after the notice and written questions are served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with redirect questions, a party may serve recross questions upon all other parties. The court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.

(b)Officer to Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the notice and copies of all questions served must be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who must proceed promptly, in the manner provided by Rule 4:5(c), (e), and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and file the electronic or digitally imaged deposition or lodge the deposition with the attorney for the party who initiated the taking of the deposition, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the questions received.
(c)Notice of Filing. When the deposition is filed, the party taking it must promptly give notice thereof to all other parties.

Va. Sup. Ct. 4:6

Amended by Order dated March 1, 2011; effective 5/2/2011; amended by order dated March 1, 2011, effective 5/2/2011; amended by order dated September 3, 2020, effective 9/3/2020; amended by order dated November 23, 2020, effective 3/1/2021.