Remote depositions are becoming the new normal for the legal profession amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One common concern from attorneys is can the witness be sworn in remotely. The Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(4) and similar state rules, such as O.C.G.A. § 9-11-30(4) authorize remote depositions by stipulation of the parties or court order.
Following Governor Brian Kemp’s declaration of a state health emergency in Georgia, Justice Melton issued a statewide judicial emergency limiting court functions and suspended or otherwise granted relief from a number of statutory judicial deadlines.
Currently the order will remain in effect until April 13, 2020. During this time, EGCR is waiving any web or videoconferencing fees as long as EGCR is not required to provide a location or equipment outside of EGCR’s facility. Standard deposition rates will apply.
Our team is working diligently to prepare our staff and our clients for the best experience possible. Below are some helpful links.
View the remote deposition checklist
We urge our clients if they run into a situation that is unique, to call or email our office so we can provide a solution.
We also have a comprehensive YouTube tutorial on web depositions, along with other tutorials.
We believe remote depositions will continue to be relevant in the future for situations relating to weather. Georgia can shut down for a week at a time due to weather. You no longer have to.
While, during this crisis, the EGCR and Ancillary teams are working remotely to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are still available to answer your questions or concerns.
