The short answer
What Illinois families should know.
Refusing to sign a deposition does not erase the testimony. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 207, an appropriately certified transcript can generally be used despite a missing signature. Review addresses reporting or transcription errors; it is not an opportunity to rewrite answers after seeing how they affect the case.
Understand what transcript review permits
Unless signature is waived, the deposition officer must explain the opportunity to review transcribed testimony without charge for that review. Rule 207 limits corrections to errors in reporting or transcription. It does not allow a witness to otherwise change the form or substance of answers. If you remember additional information or realize a sworn answer was inaccurate, tell your lawyer promptly. A separate correction or disclosure issue should be handled honestly rather than disguised as a reporter error.
Watch the review process and timing
The witness supplies an electronic or physical address for notice that the transcript is available. The rule permits appropriate in-person or remote review arrangements. Its 28-day provisions address failure to appear or arrange review after notice, refusal to sign after examination, and an arranged transcript that remains unsigned. These are not reasons to ignore the notice. Keep copies of the notice, review arrangements, proposed corrections, and reasons for each correction. Identify the exact page and line rather than sending an informal statement that the transcript is generally wrong.
The officer records why a signature is missing
When the conditions in Rule 207 are met, the officer certifies the reason for the missing signature, including a reason the witness gave for refusing to sign. The deposition can then be used as fully as though signed unless the court grants appropriate relief under Rule 211(d). Whether particular testimony is admissible for a particular purpose remains a separate question. Discovery and evidence depositions do not have identical uses, and a missing signature differs from relevance, hearsay, or authentication objections. Review those questions before trial rather than assuming a signature dispute resolves them.
Prepare
Useful next steps
- Provide a reliable address and monitor notices from the deposition officer.
- Identify page and line numbers for actual transcription errors.
- Discuss substantive factual corrections with counsel immediately.
Avoid
Common missteps
- Refusing to sign as a suppression strategy.
- Using an errata sheet to substitute a new account of events.
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This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws, court rules, local procedures, and individual facts can change the analysis. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.