Home > Research Legal Advice > Family > I live in Arizona. I am trying to subpoena records from the Texas Dept o...
Get private, personalized proposals from top-rated lawyers ready to help you.
Asked 2 months ago - Phoenix, AZ
FlagMy ex had multiple investigations with the TX DFPS, and did not complete their directive to take alcohol and drug treatment. I need to obtain these records to show her constant neglect for the best interests of our child. The form I found for the Maricopa County Superior Court for subpoenas has a checklist. One of the items on the checklist states: "You must be able to serve the subpoena within the state of Arizona". How do I do the interstate subpoena?
As noted by the other author, Arizona does not have the authority to issue a subpoena for a foreign (out of state) entity. The process is complex and will involve an attorney both in Arizona and in Texas. First you need to get a formal order from the Court authorizing the Subpoena on the Texas DFPS, this will require a Motion. Once issued, the Subpoena will have to be "domesticated" in the foreign jurisdiction by filing and opening up a new case matter in Texas. The Texas Court will then approve of the Arizona Subpoena and allow it to be issued by the Texas court and served in Texas.
Your better, quicker, cheaper, route is to make a Public Records Request for the documents you seek. Since you are involved in the circumstances for which the reports were issued, you might be able to obtain those records even though they are typically protected from disclosure.
Don't speak legalese? We define thousands of terms in plain English.
Browse our legal dictionary
