Understanding Requests for Admissions in Idaho: A Key Discovery Tool in Civil Litigation

When you’re involved in a civil dispute in Boise, the Treasure Valley, or anywhere in Idaho, Requests for Admissions are a powerful tool attorneys use during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. At Atkins Law Offices, we help clients navigate these procedural instruments to strengthen their cases and narrow issues before trial.

What Are Requests for Admissions?

A Request for Admissions is a formal written request one party serves on another during a lawsuit. Each request asks the other party to admit or deny the truth of certain statements—typically about facts, the application of law to fact, opinions, or the authenticity of documents. This process is governed in Idaho by Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 36.

In essence, they function like true/false questions about key aspects of a case, helping clarify what matters are undisputed going into trial.

Why Are They Important in Civil Litigation?

Requests for Admissions serve two primary purposes:

• Narrow the issues the court needs to decide at trial.

• Simplify proof at trial by establishing agreed facts ahead of time.

When a matter is admitted, the party who served the request doesn’t have to prove that fact later—saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

When Can They Be Served in Idaho?

In Idaho civil cases, Requests for Admissions may be served:

• On a plaintiff after the lawsuit is filed, and

• On any other party with or after service of the summons and complaint.

This means discovery can begin early in the litigation process, allowing parties to shape their strategy effectively.

How Must a Party Respond?

Once served, the responding party generally has 30 days to answer or object in writing. An answer to each request must either:

• Admit the matter,

• Deny the matter,

• Or explain in detail why the party cannot truthfully admit or deny it (if, after reasonable inquiry, the information is insufficient).

A party may also object to a request—but objections must state valid legal reasons and cannot be made solely because the matter presents a genuine issue for trial.

Failing to Respond: Admissions Are Deemed Admitted

One of the most critical aspects of Requests for Admissions is the automatic consequences of failing to respond:

If the responding party does not serve a written answer or objection within 30 days after the request is served, the matters in the request are deemed admitted.

This means the statements are treated as true for the purposes of the pending lawsuit, unless the court allows them to be withdrawn or amended. For litigants, this can have a major impact on the outcome of summary judgment motions or trial strategy.

Because of this consequence, it’s vital to take Requests for Admissions seriously and respond timely and accurately.

What Happens After an Admission Is Deemed or Made?

Once a matter is admitted under Rule 36:

• The admission is binding for that case and doesn’t need to be proven at trial.

• It can be conclusively established against the admitting party unless the court permits withdrawal or amendment for just cause.

This underscores why parties must both prepare Requests for Admissions carefully and craft thoughtful responses.

Need Help With Discovery or Civil Litigation in Idaho?

At Atkins Law Offices, we assist clients throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, and beyond. Civil litigation can be complex, and effective use of discovery tools like Requests for Admissions often makes the difference between winning and losing key issues.

If you’re facing a dispute or need help with discovery strategy, give us a call or contact us online. We’re here to help you navigate Idaho’s civil courts with confidence.