I was served a subpoena to give a deposition in a case involving a former employer; now I stay home and have no child care? Help

A subpoena is a legal document obligating you to go. Somewhere on that form, often at the very bottom, is the name and contact information for the attorney who subpoenaed you. I suggest you call the attorney and explain your situation and see if something can be worked out. I wish you the best. If you find my answer helpful, please click the ‘thumbs-up’ tab below. Thank you. This answer is provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided in an office consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction, with experience in the area of law in which your concern lies.

In Michigan, there is a statutory fee that must be paid to the witness which includes mileage for your travel. It's not intended to be much ($15 plus mileage), but any such fee should help with the costs of your sitter. THE RESPONSE ABOVE IS BASED ON THE FACTS AND REPRESENTATIONS MADE IN THE QUESTION TO WHICH IT IS DIRECTED. THE ABOVE IS ONLY MY EDUCATED OPINION ON THE SUBJECT MATTER, AS A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. IT IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS SUCH. NOTHING IN THIS RESPONSE FORMS ANY TYPE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON WHAT IS STATED ABOVE IN TAKING OR FOREGOING ANY ACTION.

If its in your county, you are required to attend. I would call the attorney who has issued the subpoena and first share with him what information you have or don't have. He may conclude that he may not require your deposition. Second you can ask him if he can send a notary to your home to swear you in and then do the deposition over the phone. Third, you can ask him to move it somewhere closer to your home to make it more convenient. Fourth, you may just ask him to reschedule to a better date in time. Generally, attorneys will and should accomodate witnesses. They are required to pay you a nominal witness fee but not for child care. The above is not intended as legal advice.