In a divorce, what is the purpose of "discovery"?

The purpose of "discovery" in a divorce case is primarily to obtain information and evidence from the other party that is relevant to the case. This phase is crucial as it allows both parties to gather necessary facts about financial assets, liabilities, custody issues, and any other pertinent information that may affect the court's decisions regarding the divorce proceedings. Through tools such as interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions, discovery ensures that both parties have access to the information needed to adequately prepare for negotiations or court hearings.

In contrast, finalizing child custody arrangements, negotiating property settlement agreements, and seeking a legal separation represent different stages or elements of the divorce process that can be influenced by the information obtained during discovery, but they do not encapsulate the primary function of the discovery phase itself. Discovery lays the groundwork for these other proceedings, making it a critical step in the divorce process.