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New York Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories

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PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

Name of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

Address of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

IN THE SUPREME COURT FOR

COUNTY, STATE OF NEW YORK

YOUR NAME,

Vs.

DEFENDANT'S NAME,

PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

CASE NO.

COMES NOW ("Plaintiff") and propounds the following interrogatories to ("Defendant") pursuant to New York Rules, and other applicable provisions of said Rules, and gives notice that each and every interrogatory or section thereof is to be answered separately, in writing, under oath of the aforesaid Defendant within the legal number of days of the date of service hereof, and further gives notice that these interrogatories and request for production of documents and things are deemed to be continuing, and, that if different or additional information is received by Defendant after answers hereto are submitted and filed, same is to be provided to this Plaintiff in writing. Production requests are also made pursuant to the rules of New York. Plaintiff requests that Production of documents be made on the same date as the date Answers to Interrogatories are due and shall be made to Plaintiff at the following address:

INTERROGATORY NO. 1

State your full name, social security number, date of birth, residence address, and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 2

Please attach to your answer to these interrogatories copies of your income tax returns and W-2 forms for the past three years.

INTERROGATORY NO. 4

State your total income to date since , and attach to your answers copies of your last five paycheck stubs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 5

List all assets presently owned by you. Give a complete and detailed listing. For each asset, give its nature, description, location, date of acquisition, present market value, and the name and address of any person that you hold same with jointly.

INTERROGATORY NO. 6

List the name, place of employment and telephone number of any person or persons who are presently residing at the address which you listed as your residence in your answer to Interrogatory No. 1.

INTERROGATORY NO. 7

If you rent the place in which you live, give the name of your landlord, his or her address and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 8

Outline in detail your monthly living expenses.

INTERROGATORY NO. 9

List all other income received by you other than from your employment, stating the source and the amount.

INTERROGATORY NO. 10

If you claim to have grounds for divorce against the Plaintiff, please state all circumstances, facts, and events, upon which you base such grounds.

INTERROGATORY NO. 11

What safety deposit boxes do you currently maintain whether alone or jointly held? For each box, state the name and address of the bank, the box number, the name in which said box is maintained, the name and address of each and every person having access thereto, the contents of each box, and the date each box was acquired.

INTERROGATORY NO. 12

What bank accounts, if any, do you presently maintain, whether alone or jointly held? For each account, state whether active, inactive or closed, the style of the account, the name of the bank or banks, the name and address of each and every person authorized to make withdrawals therefrom, the account number, and whether checking or savings.

INTERROGATORY NO. 13

Do third parties hold any property in trust for you or for your benefit? If so, give full and complete particulars, including the name and address of said persons and exact descriptions and locations of property.

INTERROGATORY NO. 14

Have you ever been arrested? If so, for each occasion, state the date of the arrest, the county and state in which the arrest occurred, and the reason for such arrest.

INTERROGATORY NO. 15

Have you ever received psychiatric treatment? If so, state the physician administering same, his address and telephone number, and the date or dates of the treatment.

INTERROGATORY NO. 16

Are you taking any drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 17

Do you use any type of drugs which are not prescribed by a physician (i.e., marijuana, heroin, cocaine)? If so, state the type of drug or drugs which you use, the place in which you exercise such use, when you began using said drug or drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 18

Do you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis? If so, state the type of alcoholic beverage which you consume, and the amount of money you spend each month on said alcoholic beverages.

INTERROGATORY NO. 19

Are you addicted to alcohol or drugs of any kind? If so, specify what it is you are addicted to and when you became addicted to same.

INTERROGATORY NO. 20

Have you ever had sexual relations with anyone other spouse during the course of your marriage? If so, name and address of each individual, and the time of each sexual encounter.

INTERROGATORY NO. 21

State whether or not you have provided any banks or other lending institutions with financial statements during the past 24 months. For each such occurrence, state the names and addresses of the banks or lending institutions, and the date said financial statement was provided.

INTERROGATORY NO. 22

For each person you shall call as a witness at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answer to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 23

For each person you allege to be an occurrence witness of any of the things and matters sought to be proved by you at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answers to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 24

For each person whom you expect to call as an expert witness at the trial, providing his name, address and telephone number, please state:

a. The subject matter in which identified is expected to testify.

b. The substance of the facts and which each expert is expected to testify.

c. Give a summary of the grounds for each person set out above.

d. State the educational background, educational training, and experience of each person above which qualifies him as an expert, and identify the field of such expertise.

INTERROGATORY NO. 25

For each document or other item you shall offer as an exhibit at the trial of this case, please state: the title or name of the document, date of the document and purpose for which it will be used as an exhibit.

INTERROGATORY NO. 26

State the names and addresses of all persons involved in the answering of these interrogatories.

INTERROGATORY NO. 27

Have you, as the Defendant in this case, read the answers to each and every one of the above interrogatories and requests for production of documents and things, and do you state that the answers thereto are true, complete, responsive and correct?

INTERROGATORY NO. 28

If, at any time between this date and the date of the trial of this cause, you come into possession of information which, if such information were known to you, would properly have to be disclosed in the answers to these interrogatories or requests for production of documents and things, or any of them, will you disclose such newly discovered information, if any, to Plaintiff within fifteen days after such information comes into your possession or prior to the trial, whichever is first?

Respectfully submitted,

NAME:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, the undersigned, , Plaintiff, do hereby certify that I have this day mailed, by United States mail, postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories to Defendant at:

Name of Defendant:

Address:

DATED, this the day of , 20____.

____________________________________

Signature of Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

TO: All Counsel of Record:

Notice is hereby given that Plaintiffs have this date served in the above entitled action:

PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

The undersigned retains the originals of the above papers as custodian thereof pursuant to Court Rules.

DATED:

Respectfully Submitted,

By:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, , Plaintiff in the above referenced civil action, do hereby certify that I have this day caused to be delivered, via United States Postal Service, first class postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing document to:

Defendants Name:

Address:

THIS the day of , 20____.

Signature

Enter text✕

What the New York Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories Is

The New York Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories is a formal discovery document used by a plaintiff to require a defendant to answer written questions under oath. It is part of the pretrial exchange of information in civil litigation, intended to narrow issues, identify witnesses, and obtain facts and documents relevant to claims and defenses before depositions or trial.

Why the Plaintiff's First Set Matters in New York Litigation

Issuing a clear, complete first set of interrogatories helps establish facts, preserve admissions, and limit surprise at trial. In New York practice, properly drafted interrogatories can speed case evaluation, inform settlement positions, and reduce the need for redundant discovery steps.

Why the Plaintiff's First Set Matters in New York Litigation

Who Prepares and Responds to These Interrogatories

Judges and court staff review discovery disputes; magistrates may resolve objections or order supplementation if parties cannot agree.

  • Plaintiff's Attorney or Firm — Prepares targeted questions and manages service and meet-and-confer obligations.
  • Paralegals and Litigation Coordinators — Assemble exhibits, paginate records, and check form completeness before service.
  • Defendant or Defense Counsel — Reviews, objects, amends, and submits verified answers in compliance with procedural rules.

Step-by-Step: Completing the First Set of Interrogatories

Use a clear sequential process: draft, attach exhibits, verify, serve, and preserve proof of service.

  • 01
    Draft Questions: Draft focused questions tied to claims and defenses.
  • 02
    Attach Exhibits: Attach referenced documents with exhibit tabs and Bates numbers.
  • 03
    Verify Accuracy: Confirm factual assertions and dates before signing.
  • 04
    Serve Properly: Serve by authorized method and retain proof of service.

Core Components to Include in the Plaintiff's First Set

A professional first set combines a clear caption, defined terms, focused interrogatories, document requests, instructions, and a verifiable signature block.

Caption

Full court caption and docket number must match the complaint and summons; this anchors the discovery to the correct matter and prevents clerical challenges.

Definitions

Precise definitions of terms and time frames limit disputes about scope and ensure parties answer consistently about the same topics and periods.

Interrogatories

Numbered, single-subject questions that request facts, identities of witnesses, or basis for defenses; avoid compound or ambiguous phrasing.

Document Requests

Specific requests tied to interrogatories with exhibit references and production formats to reduce meet-and-confer friction over production scope.

Instructions

Instructions on confidentiality, privilege, and duty to supplement; address form-of-production and business-records assertions to streamline responses.

Verification

A signed verification attesting to the truth of responses under oath by the responding party or an authorized representative.

Required Information Fields at a Glance

Court Caption: Full caption and docket
Party Names: Plaintiff and defendant names
Interrogatory Numbers: Sequential numbering
Definitions Section: Defined terms/time frames
Document References: Exhibits and Bates range
Verification: Signed oath/date

Configuring an Online Discovery Workflow

Set up a template-based workflow to place fields, attach exhibits, set signer roles, and track service and confirmations.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Place for attorney verification
Date Field MM/DD/YYYY format enforced
Attachment Field PDF exhibits, labeled and required
Access Controls Restrict downloads to counsel roles

Digital Signing and eSubmission Requirements

Ensure chosen tools comply with ESIGN and New York electronic records guidance and can produce tamper-evident copies for court filings or meet-and-confer exchanges.

  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, and action log
  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connectors for case management

Where to Send and How to File Discovery Documents

Interrogatories are typically served on opposing counsel and retained in the litigation file; some responses may be filed if required by court order or dispute resolution.

  • Serve Counsel: Email or mail to defense counsel per local rules
  • Proof of Service: Retain affidavit or certificate of service
  • File If Ordered: File with court only when required
  • Preserve Originals: Keep signed verified copies in the case file

Common Timelines and Response Deadlines

Deadlines vary by court and stipulation; always confirm local rules or court orders. Below are typical timing checkpoints to monitor.

Initial Response Window:

Typically 20–30 days unless court or CPLR sets otherwise

Meet-and-Confer Timing:

Begin within days of objection to avoid motion practice

Supplementation Duty:

Supplement promptly when new responsive information appears

Motion to Compel:

File after good-faith attempts to resolve disputes

Preservation Notice:

Issue immediately to relevant custodians and vendors

Key Case Milestones Involving Interrogatories

Track milestones from drafting to final supplementation; these stages help coordinate discovery with depositions and dispositive motion calendars.

01

Draft Issuance

Prepare and finalize interrogatories for service.

02

Service and Proof

Serve opposing counsel and file proof of service if required.

03

Response Review

Analyze answers and documents for completeness.

04

Supplementation

Provide additional information discovered later in litigation.

Common Drafting and Service Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbroad or compound questions that invite objections and increase motion risk; keep questions single-focused and fact-based.
  • Failing to attach or reference key exhibits, which forces follow-up requests and prolongs discovery timelines.
  • Not verifying party names, docket numbers, or service addresses, leading to misserved documents and delays in response obligations.
  • Neglecting to include instructions and definitions, resulting in inconsistent interpretations and increased meet-and-confer disputes.

Risks and Consequences of Defective Interrogatories or Responses

Sanctions: Court may impose monetary or evidentiary sanctions
Admissions: Failure to timely respond can lead to deemed admissions
Motion Costs: Costs for motions to compel may be shifted
Delay: Incomplete answers prolong case resolution
Privilege Waiver: Poor privilege logs can waive protections
Reputational Harm: Discovery misconduct can affect credibility

Real-World Examples of Plaintiff Interrogatories in Action

Selected scenarios illustrate practical uses of a well-constructed first set and how it shapes downstream discovery steps.

Employment Dispute

A plaintiff requests dates and witnesses related to termination to establish a timeline.

  • The interrogatory requests personnel records and performance reviews.
  • The defendant produced documents and identified witnesses, which focused deposition topics and avoided duplicative requests during the discovery phase.

Breach of Contract

A plaintiff seeks the basis for alleged nonperformance and contract communications.

  • Interrogatories asked for project timelines and communications.
  • Verified answers and attached emails clarified the dispute, narrowed issues for dispositive motions, and reduced trial scope.

eSignature Pricing Snapshot for Discovery Workflows

Vendor pricing and features differ by plan; signNow appears first to reflect the available verified plan and pricing data for common eSignature use in discovery workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

FAQs — Common Questions About the Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories

Answers to typical questions about drafting, service, electronic signatures, and correcting or supplementing responses during New York civil litigation.


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