Requests for Production of Documents are a type of Discovery Request that is typically sent together with Interrogatories. The request is for the other party to provide documents related to the case to the requesting party. In a divorce or support case, documents that are commonly requested include those showing proof of income, such as paystubs, tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements. In cases involving child custody or visitation, the documents relate to what type of parent the opposing party is. These can include criminal and arrest records, and medical records.
This is a very useful portion of discovery because it does not require having to take the word of the opposing party. There is no limit to how many documents can be requested by either party.
Not every single Request for Production of Documents is appropriate and requires the party to fork over the document. Just as an attorney can object to questions asked in court, an attorney can note their objections to particular document requests as well. For example, if the document is equally available to both parties, then there is no reason why one party should have to do the work to provide it to the other party.