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ARTICLE · 06 AUGUST 2026

What To Do When You Receive A Civil Subpoena: A Practical Guide

Ward and Smith, P.A
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Take a breath—this is stressful, but it is manageable. First, an important reassurance: receiving a subpoena does not mean you have been sued, and it does not mean anyone is claiming you did something wrong or that you owe damages to anyone. It simply means that one or more parties to an existing lawsuit believe you may have information relevant to their dispute.

United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Isabelle M. Chammas
Isabelle M. Chammas
Michael J. Parrish
Michael J. Parrish

If you’re reading this, you or your business has likely just been served with a civil subpoena.

Take a breath—this is stressful, but it is manageable. First, an important reassurance: receiving a subpoena does not mean you have been sued, and it does not mean anyone is claiming you did something wrong or that you owe damages to anyone. It simply means that one or more parties to an existing lawsuit believe you may have information relevant to their dispute. Thousands of individuals and businesses respond to subpoenas every year, and with the right approach, you can handle this efficiently and protect your rights at the same time.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, from the moment you receive a subpoena through the completion of your obligations. It covers North Carolina state court subpoenas as well as key differences for federal subpoenas and out-of-state situations.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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