Checklist for U.S. Depositions in Honduras

Honduras is not a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, but does permit the taking of voluntary depositions of U.S. citizen willing witnesses. Voluntary depositions of non-U.S. citizens can only be taken pursuant to a letters rogatory requesting judicial assistance from Honduran courts, however. The requirements for taking depositions of U.S. citizens in Honduras are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Honduras depositions.

Allowing enough time (approximately 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions overseas is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes; however, Planet Depos is accustomed to handling last-minute coverage. Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

If the witness is unwilling and must be compelled to testify, a letter rogatory is required. For additional information regarding service of process, including steps for a letter rogatory, visit the International Judicial Assistance Website for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in Honduras?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist.)
   • Do you need a location in Honduras?
   • Will you need a location in the U.S.?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document production:
     • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • • Start time
     • End time
5. Visa restrictions:
   • There is no visa required for travel to Honduras for U.S. citizens.
6. Make travel arrangements
   • • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
     • Flight
     • Car rental
     • Hotel accommodations
7. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
     • Who should receive the rough ASCII and final transcript
     • The number of realtime laptops needed
     • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
8. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
9. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation
   • • Notice of deposition
     • Complaint
     • Subpoena
     • Previous transcript(s)
     • Word index
10. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
11. Provide emergency contact information for counsel
12. Travel safely to Honduras and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!