First steps
Read the subpoena or order carefully. Identify the issuing court, the parties, and the specific records sought.
Consult a lawyer. Civil, criminal, and family matters each have different procedures.
Do not ignore the document. Non-compliance can result in contempt of court.
Privacy objections
Courts have discretion to narrow or quash overbroad requests for personal information.
Consider seeking a protective order that limits use of the records to the proceeding.
Solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege may apply.
Health records, financial records, and third-party personal information often require special procedures (e.g., O'Connor applications in criminal cases involving third-party records).
For organizations
Organizations receiving subpoenas for customer records should notify affected individuals where permitted by the order and by privacy law, so that the individual can object or seek a protective order.