Court Reporting and Depositions in Guam

As a U.S. territory, taking a deposition in Guam is the same as taking a deposition in the United States — and with a little tropical landscape!  As such, attorneys sometimes opt to depose Japanese witnesses in Guam, since there are no deposition visa requirements. Depositions may be taken without government involvement and are straightforward using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Guam:

1. Determine whether the witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition
2. Determine the Planet Depos services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter (stenographer)
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Interpreter (specify language)
   • Local exhibit printing, delivery and shredding
   • Conference room
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist)
   • Do you need a location in Guam?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite or do you need a location in the U.S.?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
4. Select your deposition date, starting time and ending time (Remember to note time zone!)
5. Make travel arrangements
6. Send protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
7. Fill out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form to ensure we fulfill all your needs
8. Send Notice of Deposition to all counsel, the witness and Planet Depos
9. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s preparation:
   • Notice of deposition
   • Answer to Complaint
   • Previous transcript(s)
   • Word index
10. Provide contact information for counsel who will be attending, such as hotel or cell phone number

Travel safely to Guam and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Entry Requirements for Guam

The entry requirements for Guam are the same for any U.S. destination for U.S. citizens. However, in some special circumstances, proof of citizenship may be required.For more information, Planet Depos recommends the following websites:

The Official Portal for the Island of Guam

The Official Site of the Guam Visitors Bureau

Travel in Guam

The following are the airports in Guam which accept flights from North America.

• Won Pat Guam International Airport (GUM)

Money Matters

The currency used in Guam is the U.S. Dollar. U.S. credit cards such like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at most of the hotels, restaurants, and retail shops in Guam. However, smaller establishments may not accept them, which is why it’s also a good idea to carry a bit of cash.

Weather

Guam’s climate is pleasantly warm year-round. The mean annual temperature is 81 degrees.  Generally, the range is from the low 70s to the middle 80s. The coolest and least humid months, marked by prevailing westerly tradewinds, are December through February. Although the warmest months are from March through August, the refreshing trade winds blow steadily. The annual rainfall totals 80 to 110 inches. There are two seasons, the dry and the rainy. The dry season, “fanumnangan,” begins in December through June. The rainy season, “fanuchanan,” falls within the remaining months.