Depending on the complexity of the case, the Court will generally allow 3-6 months from the date of the answer for discovery. The Court strictly adheres to the requirements of E.D. Mich. LR7.1 concerning "narrowing areas of disagreement". Discovery motions are generally referred to the Magistrate Judge, and the Court does not use a blanket order regarding all discovery motions. If available, the Court will respond to telephone requests for the resolution of disputes arising during a deposition or will refer the disputes to a Magistrate Judge for immediate resolution. Discovery can be extended both before and after the discovery cutoff date by stipulation only if the extension of time does not affect the motion cutoff, final pretrials conference, or trials dates. The Court has a standard pretrial or scheduling order that is entered in each case. The scheduling order requires that witness lists be exchanged by the parties prior to the close of discovery.