Judge: Craig Griffin, Case: Lawrence v. Chang, Date: 2022-09-19 Tentative Ruling

Defendant/Cross-Complainant, Stephanie Chang’s (“Chang”) unopposed Motion to Compel Responses to Special Interrogatories, Set One, from Plaintiff/Cross-Defendant, Robert D. Lawrence (“Lawrence”) is GRANTED.

The moving papers demonstrate that on March 4, 2022, Chang propounded upon Lawrence Special Interrogatories, Set One, by email.  Responses were thus due on April 5, 2022.  (CCP § 2030.260(a); 1010.6(a)(4)(B).)  The moving papers further demonstrate that despite Chang granting Lawrence multiple extensions, Lawrence has failed to serve responses to the at issue discovery.  (See DelRosario Decl. at ¶ 2-10; Exhibit “A” thereto.)

As no responses were provided, all objections thereto have been waived, and verified responses may be compelled.  (Code Civ. Proc. §2030.290(a), (b).)

Accordingly, the motion is granted.

Lawrence is ordered to serve verified responses, without objections, to Chang’s Special Interrogatories, Set One, within 20 days of notice of this order.

The Court finds sanctions are warranted against Lawrence and his counsel.  Further, Lawrence failed to oppose the motion and thus failed to offer any substantial justification for his failure to provide responses.  The Court imposes a reduced sanction of $1,099.50 against Lawrence and his counsel of record, MBA Legal, P.C., payable to Chang within 30 days of notice of this order.  (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 2030.290(c).)

Moving party to give notice.