A subpoena is a court-authorized command requiring a person to attend a hearing or to produce documents and records. In Arizona family law subpoenas are used to obtain records from third parties such as banks, employers, medical providers, schools, government agencies and to compel witness attendance at hearings and trial.

A subpoena duces tecum specifically requires the production of documents rather than personal attendance. A subpoena ad testificandum requires personal appearance to testify.

Use subpoenas strategically. Issue them far enough in advance to allow time for the documents to arrive before they are needed. Confirm receipt. Follow up if records do not arrive. Do not assume that a subpoena alone guarantees you will have the records you need at trial.