Today we have a blog post from Aubrey Staples, one of our dedicated family law attorneys at Law Elevated. She brilliantly guides clients through everything from complex divorces and custody matters to adoptions and surrogacy contracts. A graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Law, Aubrey brings thoughtful, personalized strategies to every case. During law school, she interned with Utah 3rd District Judge Holmberg and played a key role in shaping Utah’s Domestic Relations Special Master law.
If you’re preparing for a deposition, chances are this isn’t the easiest season of your life. And if you’ve never been deposed before, the word alone might sound intimidating. At Law Elevated, we get it. When the legal system feels heavy, you deserve to feel held—especially in moments like this.
Let’s take a moment to walk through what a deposition is, what it means for your case, and why you don’t have to go through it alone.
A deposition is a formal interview where the opposing attorney asks you questions under oath. It doesn’t happen in a courtroom, but it’s still a critical part of the legal process. The questions are designed to gather information, test the strength of your case, and identify potential areas of vulnerability that might come up at trial. The things you say during a deposition can be referenced later—and they often are.
It’s natural to feel pressure when you’re stepping into a space where your words will be recorded, possibly read back in court, and scrutinized by people who don’t know the full story. That pressure can make you want to overexplain or “prove” your side of things. But here’s what we want you to remember: you don’t need to do that. You’re not expected to convince anyone or win your case in that room.
What you can do is show up grounded. You can answer clearly, calmly, and truthfully. You can take a breath, ask for clarification, or pause when you need to. You can say “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” when that’s true—and that’s enough.
And yes, it might be a long day. Some depositions take several hours. But your attorney will be right there with you, objecting when needed, protecting privileged conversations, and making sure you’re supported through every question and every break.
Being deposed can feel like giving up control. But with the right preparation and a steady hand beside you, it can also be a moment where you reclaim some of it. You’re not stepping into that room alone—we’re going in with you.
Your partner in peace of mind,
Nonie
This material is intended for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice.
