the last person you want to see when you open your front door is a process server. this post will address what to do when you receive this kind of subpoena. a discovery subpoena usually involves a deposition, where the attorneys for the parties will ask you questions under oath, and your answers will be recorded by a court reporter. if you have a conflict and cannot appear at that time, the first step to take is simply to contact the attorney issuing the subpoena and ask to change the date. similarly, if the subpoena asks you to travel a great distance from home, you should take the same approach and contact the attorney.