Rule 29.Stipulations About Discovery Procedure

Rule 29 gives parties room to run discovery their own way when the court has not ordered otherwise. Under Rule 29(a), the parties may stipulate in writing that a deposition be taken before any person, at any time or place, and on any notice, or in whatever manner they specify — a deposition taken this way can be used exactly like any other deposition once it is complete. This lets parties, for example, agree to a more convenient deposition officer or a schedule that fits everyone's calendars without asking the court to sign off in advance.

Rule 29(b) extends that flexibility to discovery procedures generally: the parties may agree in writing to modify the procedures or limits that would otherwise govern or restrict discovery. The rule draws one firm line, though — a stipulation extending the time allowed for any form of discovery needs the court's approval if it would interfere with the time already set for completing discovery, hearing a motion, or holding trial. Parties can rearrange the details of discovery between themselves, but they cannot use a private stipulation to quietly move deadlines that affect the court's own schedule for the case.