If the person who has the documents you want is a party to the lawsuit, you must follow Rules 34(a) and (b). Under Rule 34(a), any party can serve another party:
(2) a request for production of tangible things; or
(3) a request for inspection of property.
If you have been served with a request for production of documents, you must give a response within 30 days (unless you obtain an extension from the opposing party or the Court). If you object to a request, you must state the reason for the objection.
Rules 34(c) and 45 cover obtaining documents from persons not party to the lawsuit. Under Rule 34(c), you can ask the Court to compel a person who is not a party to the lawsuit to produce documents and items or submit to an inspection.
