The answer, generally, is yes, you can force a deposition. You can take a deposition of anyone that might have information that could lead to the discovery of admissible evidence at the time of trial. It’s a very broad, open rule that allows us to take depositions.
We certainly can take a party’s deposition under any circumstance.
What about taking people’s depositions that live thousands of miles away? We may have to travel to where they are located. We may have to get permission from their court in their state to take their deposition. But, yes, we could force that, too.
Ultimately, your deposition can be taken in a lawsuit. You, also, will be able to take the depositions of the people who you believe are necessary for the protection of your case.
