§ 3229.Stipulations Regarding Discovery Procedure

Chapter 41: Discovery Code · Last amended November 1, 1996 · Last verified August 3, 2026

In one sentenceLets parties agree by written stipulation to take depositions before any person, at any time or place, and in any manner, and to modify most discovery procedures, except that stipulations extending certain response deadlines that would interfere with the discovery schedule need court approval.

Full Text of § 3229

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Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties may by written stipulation:

1. Provide that depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner and when so taken may be used like other depositions; and

2. Modify other procedures governing or limitations placed upon discovery, except that stipulations extending the time provided in Sections 3226, 3233, 3234 and 3236 of this title for responses to discovery may, if they would interfere with any time set for completion of discovery, be made only with the approval of the court. A person designated by the stipulation has the power by virtue of his designation to administer any necessary oath.

Amendment History

Added by Laws 1982, HB 1912, c. 198, §6; Amended by Laws 1989, HB 1154, c. 129, § 5, eff. 11/1/1989; Renumbered from 12 O.S. § 3206 by Laws 1989, HB 1154, c. 129, §14, eff. 11/1/1989; Amended by Laws 1996, HB 2122, c. 61, §4, eff. 11/1/1996.

Plain-English Summary

Section 3229 gives parties room to streamline discovery by agreement. Absent a court order to the contrary, a written stipulation can let depositions be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner -- and a deposition taken that way can be used like any other. Parties may likewise modify most other discovery procedures and limits by stipulation.

The one carve-out: a stipulation extending the response times set in Sections 3226, 3233, 3234, or 3236 needs the court's approval if it would interfere with a deadline already set for completing discovery. A person the stipulation designates to take a deposition gets the power to administer any necessary oath by virtue of that designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can parties change discovery deadlines without asking the court?

Generally yes, but a stipulation extending the response time under Sections 3226, 3233, 3234, or 3236 needs court approval if it would interfere with a deadline already set for completing discovery.

Can parties agree to let someone other than a certified reporter take a deposition?

Yes. A written stipulation may provide for depositions before any person, at any time or place, and in any manner, and the resulting deposition can be used like any other.

Does the person named in the stipulation get special authority?

Yes -- the statute gives that person the power to administer any necessary oath by virtue of the stipulation's designation.

What kinds of discovery limits can parties modify by stipulation?

Most procedures and limitations placed on discovery, subject only to the carve-out for response-deadline extensions that interfere with the discovery schedule.

Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature. Last verified August 3, 2026. · Official source

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