Section 30.216 - How do I obtain permission to take depositions?(a) You may take the sworn testimony of any person by deposition on oral examination for the purpose of discovery or for use as evidence at a hearing: (1) On stipulation of the parties; or(2) By order of the judge.(b) To obtain an order from the judge for the taking of a deposition, you must file a motion that sets forth:(1) The name and address of the proposed witness;(2) The reasons why the deposition should be taken;(3) The name and address of the person qualified under § 30.217(a) to take depositions; and(4) The proposed time and place of the examination, which must be at least 20 days after the date of the filing of the motion.(c) An order for the taking of a deposition must be served upon all interested parties and must state:(1) The name of the witness;(2) The time and place of the examination, which must be at least 15 days after the date of the order; and(3) The name and address of the officer before whom the examination is to be made.(d) The officer and the time and place specified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this section need not be the same as those requested in the motion under paragraph (b) of this section.(e) You may request that the judge issue a subpoena for the witness to be deposed under § 30.224 .