I. Drafting Requests for Admissions (RFAs)
A. Timing of RFAs
1. Service of RFAs may be limited in time based on assigned tier in the joint report and proposed scheduling order (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 16(b), (c); Ariz. R. Civ. P. 26(f))
2. Parties may stipulate to reduce or enlarge the time for service or responses to RFAs (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(4))
B. Formal Requirements
1. Each matter for which an admission is requested must be set forth separately (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a))
2. Requests for admissions should be clear, unambiguous, and never compound
3. Consider prefacing requests with a section defining terms specific to the litigation and abbreviations
C. Scope of RFAs
1. Requests for admissions may ask for the truth of any matters within the scope of Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(1)
2. Arizona does not permit many objections to RFAs and requires substantive responses (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(B))
II. Responding to RFAs
A. Timing of the Response
1. Response due within 30 days after service of the request, with exceptions for newly served defendants (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(4))
2. Parties may stipulate to a shorter or longer time period for responses, or the court may order a different time period
B. Serving the Response
1. Responses should be carefully served according to Ariz. R. Civ. P. 5
2. Consider limiting service of responses to means with confirmation of receipt and include a certificate of service (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 5(c)(3))
C. Requirements for the Substance of the Response
1. If a matter is not admitted, the response must specifically deny it or state in detail why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny it (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(A))
2. Denials must fairly respond to the substance of the matter and specify the part admitted and qualify or deny the rest (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(B))
3. If asserting lack of knowledge or information, state that a reasonable inquiry was made (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(C))
4. If objecting, state the grounds for the objection (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(6))
D. Objections, Denials, and Inability to Respond
1. Privilege: If the requested admission seeks information that is privileged, an objection may be raised (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 26(b)). For example, if the request seeks information protected by attorney-client privilege, an objection on this basis is appropriate.
2. Relevance: An objection may be lodged if the requested admission seeks information that is not relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(1)).
3. Undue Burden or Harassment: If the request imposes an undue burden or is intended to harass the responding party, an objection may be raised (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1)).
4. Vague or Ambiguous Request: An objection may be lodged if the request is vague or ambiguous, making it difficult for the responding party to provide a clear and specific response (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(A)).
5. Asking for Legal Conclusions: If the request seeks a legal conclusion rather than the admission of a fact or the genuineness of a document, an objection may be raised (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(5)(B)).
Impermissible Objections
6. Genuine Issue for Trial: A party may not object to a request for admission solely because the request presents a genuine issue for trial (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(6)). Instead, the party may deny the matter or set forth reasons for not being able to admit or deny (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)).
E. Sufficiency of Responses and Recovery of Expenses
1. A party may file a motion to determine the sufficiency of any answers or objections (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(7))
2. The court may order an answer be served, the matter admitted, or an amended answer served if the response is insufficient (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 36(a)(7))
3. The court must award expenses incurred by the requesting party if the response is insufficient, unless certain circumstances apply (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 37(e))