What if the other side does not answer?

If a served party fails to respond within the applicable deadline, the requesting party may move to have the matters deemed admitted under the controlling rules; courts often require proof of proper service and will grant relief only where the failure is unjustified.

Can admissions be withdrawn later?

A party that has admitted a fact can seek relief to withdraw or amend under court rules by showing good cause and that withdrawal would not unfairly prejudice the requesting party; courts balance finality against fairness in the litigation.

Are electronic signatures valid?

Electronic signatures and records are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA as adopted by states, provided consent, attribution, intent, and retention requirements are met and local court rules permit e-service.

How specific must each request be?

Each request should assert a single, clear fact or the genuineness of a single document; compound or vague requests risk objection and may be stricken by the court for ambiguity.

What authentication is required for exhibits?

Attach or reference exhibits with identifying labels and descriptions; if authenticity is disputed, include foundational facts to support admissibility or preserve a record for later authentication.

How should service be documented?

Record the method, recipient, date, and time of service and retain delivery receipts or audit logs; courts rely on this evidence when ruling on motions related to untimely or defective responses.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Other
Request for Admission

Request for Admission

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REQUEST FOR ADMISSION

Name:

Address:

City, State. Zip:

Telephone:

State Bar Code:

Client:

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA
In and for the County of

CASE NO.

REQUEST FOR ADMISSION OF

VS.

MATTERS AND OF GENUINENESS

OF DOCUMENTS TO:

Plaintiff

Defendant

CV1DD

This party requests the admission of the matters and of the genuineness of documents separately set forth in the attached list. RCP 36. Copies of the applicable documents are served with the Request unless they have been or are otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and copying.

Each of the matters of which an admission is requested is admitted UNLESS, within 40 days after service of this Request, or, in the case of a Defendant, within 60 days after service of the Summons and Complaint upon that Defendant, or within such shorter or longer time as the Court may allow, the party to whom this Request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party or by his attorney. If objection is made, the reasons therefor shall be stated. The answer shall specifically deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. A denial shall fairly meet the substance of the requested admission, and when good faith requires that a party qualify his answer or deny only a part of the matter of which an admission is requested, he shall specify so much of it as is true and qualify or deny the remainder. An answering party may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failure to admit or deny unless he states that he has made reasonable inquiry and that the information known to or readily obtainable by him is in sufficient to enable him to admit or deny. A party who considers that a matter of which an admission has been requested presents a genuine issue for trial may not, on that ground alone, object to the Request.

The answers to these requests shall include knowledge of the parties to whom this Request is directed, their attorneys, all agents, servants, representatives, investigators and others who may have obtained information on behalf of those parties or their attorneys.

Each party to whom this Request is directed is required seasonably to supplement his response with respect to any question directly addressed to the identity and location of persons having knowledge of discoverable matters and the identity of each person expected to be called as an expert witness at the trial, the subject matter on which he is expected to testify and the substance of his testimony. The party to whom this Request is directed is required seasonably to amend a prior response if he obtains information on the basis of which he knows that the response was incorrect when made or he knows that the response, though correct when made, is

no longer true and the circumstances are such that a failure to amend a response is in substance a knowing concealment.

Where and individual Request calls for an answer which involves more than one part, each part of the answer should be clearly set out so that it is understandable. Where the terms "you", "plaintiff", "defendant" or and other designation for a party are used, they are meant to include every individual party, and separate answers should be given for each person named as a party, if requested.

The party to whom this Request is directed is notified that should he fail to admit without good reason any substantial item of which the propounding party hereafter proves the genuineness or truth in the hearing or trial of this matter, than the requesting party may apply to the Court for and Order requiring the answering party to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in making the proof thereof, including reasonable attorneys' fees. RCP 37.

COPIES MAILED pursuant to RCP 5 this date to these persons, in these capacities and at these addresses:

Dated:

Filing Party

What a Request for Admission Does in Civil Litigation

A Request for Admission is a written discovery device used in civil litigation to ask an opposing party to admit the truth of specific facts or the genuineness of documents. Governed federally by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 36, it narrows disputed issues and can convert uncontested statements into established facts for trial. Responses must be timely and specific; failure to admit or timely respond can result in the matter being deemed admitted and admissible at trial. Electronic service and signatures are generally permitted when consistent with ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state rules.

Why Use a Request for Admission to Focus the Case

A Request for Admission reduces trial complexity by securing admissions about discrete facts and records, limiting what must be proven at trial. It can speed resolution, reduce costs, and create binding evidence where objections or denials are not properly asserted.

Who Typically Prepares and Responds to Requests for Admission

Responses are usually prepared by the party served, with counsel certifying objections or admissions and preserving privilege where needed.

Plaintiffs and defense attorneys who draft targeted fact and document admission requests to streamline issues for trial.
In-house counsel and paralegals who assemble supporting exhibits, track service, and preserve proof of delivery and response.
Claims managers and corporate records custodians who verify or prepare documentary evidence referenced in admission requests.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Request for Admission

A complete Request for Admission is structured to be clear, numbered, and legally serviceable; each element supports enforceability and efficient response.

Caption

Case caption with court, docket number, and full party names so the request is linked unambiguously to the proceeding.

Instruction

Clear instructions on how to respond (admit, deny, explain) and the format for identifying documents or recordings.

Numbered Requests

Individually numbered statements or document authenticity questions, each limited to a single factual assertion for clarity.

Time to Respond

Reference the controlling deadline (usually 30 days under Rule 36) and state any local rule adjustments or agreed extensions.

Signature Block

Signature, printed name, firm, address, and date for the serving counsel or party, certifying service and authenticity.

Certificate of Service

Method and date of service stated explicitly to show how and when opposing counsel or party was served.

Required Case and Document Identifiers

Case Caption: Court name and docket

Docket Number: Assigned case number

Party Names: Full legal names

Request Numbers: Sequential identifiers

Service Date: Date of delivery

Signer Identity: Name and contact

Step-by-Step: Prepare and Serve a Request for Admission

Follow a clear sequence from drafting through service and preservation of proof to reduce risk of waiver or procedural defect.

01

Draft Precise Statements: Write short, single-issue admissions; avoid compound requests.
02

Attach Exhibits: Label and reference each document you ask the opposing party to admit.
03

Serve Properly: Send by authorized method under local rules and note the service date.
04

Track and Preserve: Log responses, objections, and all service receipts for the case file.

How to Configure an Online Request for Admission Workflow

Set up an electronic workflow that produces a clear, auditable record of drafting, service, response, and retention.

Field	Configuration
Upload Document	PDF preferred for stable pagination
Place Admission Fields	Numbered text areas for each request
Authentication	Email, SMS or KBA per local rules
Response Tracking	Automatic audit trail and timestamps

Where to Send and File a Request for Admission

Choose the correct recipient and filing path to ensure the request is effective and enforceable under applicable procedure rules.

Serve Opposing Counsel: Deliver by agreed or rule-authorized method and record service.
File with Court: File only if local rules require or when attaching to motions.
Send to Parties: Serve all parties represented or pro se to avoid jurisdictional gaps.
Retain Originals: Keep signed copies, service receipts, and audit logs for the record.

Digital Signing and Submission: Technical Considerations

Ensure your chosen provider supports required authentication and record retention policies to satisfy ESIGN and local court requirements.

Document Formats: PDF, DOCX accepted
Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA
Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, action log

Key Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Timing rules affect whether a request is answered, deemed admitted, or subject to motion; follow both federal and local rules closely.

Standard Response Period:

30 days from service under Federal Rule 36

Agreed Extensions:

Parties may stipulate a new date in writing

Motion to Deem Admitted:

File promptly after a missed or deficient response

Court Scheduling:

Local rules may shorten or lengthen timing

Preservation:

Retain service evidence until final disposition

Common Drafting and Service Mistakes to Avoid

Asking compound or ambiguous questions that invite evasive or partial answers and complicate motions to compel.
Failing to attach, label, or describe exhibits clearly, which can make documentary admissions impossible to verify.
Serving the request incorrectly under local rules or failing to document service, undermining later enforcement attempts.
Not accounting for electronic service rules or authentication requirements, which can render delivery ineffective in some jurisdictions.

Consequences of Failing to Respond or of Defective Responses

Deemed Admitted: Untimely requests may be treated as admissions

Sanctions Risk: Court may award fees or sanctions

Evidence Loss: Loss of ability to contest admitted facts

Perjury Exposure: False admissions can trigger perjury issues

Motion Practice: Increased cost for motions to compel

Strategic Harm: Admitted facts can narrow defenses

How eSignature Vendors Compare for Handling Legal Discovery Documents

Compare core pricing and compliance features for eSignature vendors used to prepare, serve, and retain Requests for Admission; signNow is listed first per table rules.

	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	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
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	Varies	Varies

Practical Examples: How Requests for Admission Narrow Disputes

Two concise scenarios illustrate typical drafting approaches and downstream effects on case strategy.

Breach of Contract Example

A plaintiff asks the defendant to admit the contract was signed on a specific date

The defendant admits the signature but disputes interpretation
The admission removes proof of execution from controversy, letting the case focus on contract meaning and damages.

Document Authenticity Example

A party requests admission that a recorded invoice is genuine

The recipient fails to respond within the deadline
Court treats the invoice as admitted, allowing it into evidence without foundation disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Requests for Admission

Answers address procedural problems and common uncertainties when preparing, serving, or responding to Requests for Admission.

Need help? Contact support

What if the other side does not answer?
If a served party fails to respond within the applicable deadline, the requesting party may move to have the matters deemed admitted under the controlling rules; courts often require proof of proper service and will grant relief only where the failure is unjustified.
Can admissions be withdrawn later?
A party that has admitted a fact can seek relief to withdraw or amend under court rules by showing good cause and that withdrawal would not unfairly prejudice the requesting party; courts balance finality against fairness in the litigation.
Are electronic signatures valid?
Electronic signatures and records are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA as adopted by states, provided consent, attribution, intent, and retention requirements are met and local court rules permit e-service.
How specific must each request be?
Each request should assert a single, clear fact or the genuineness of a single document; compound or vague requests risk objection and may be stricken by the court for ambiguity.
What authentication is required for exhibits?
Attach or reference exhibits with identifying labels and descriptions; if authenticity is disputed, include foundational facts to support admissibility or preserve a record for later authentication.
How should service be documented?
Record the method, recipient, date, and time of service and retain delivery receipts or audit logs; courts rely on this evidence when ruling on motions related to untimely or defective responses.

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