Receiving discovery requests such as this is not uncommon. However, it would not be surprising if the subpoena was improperly issued or served. Even attorneys often fail to follow the letter of the law in serving them. The likelihood that a pro se party prepared and served it improperly is also high. In many states, subpoenas do not have to be issued by judges, but can be issued by attorneys are pro se parties after request from the clerk of courts.
Still, if you can answer the questions without breaking a confidence or your own moral convictions, you should do so. If you are concerned about the impact of your answers, you can take the subpoena to the clerk of courts and tell them you don't think it was proper and see if you can get them to confirm its legitimacy. If they can't or are unwilling to do so, you have two options:
1) err on the side of caution and answer the questions so as not to risk contempt;
2) seek legal counsel to determine the appropriateness of the subpoena.
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Attorney
Attorney and small business owner with 8 years experience in the general practice of law.