Discovery

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The Court generally permits 6-9 months of discovery in civil cases. With respect to discovery motions, the Court strictly adheres to the requirements of E.D. Mich. LR 37.1 concerning narrowing the areas of disagreement. In civil cases, discovery motions are often referred to a Magistrate Judge. A party who wishes to extend the discovery cutoff date must make a motion or submit a stipulation to the District Judge to request an extension of the cutoff date. The parties should not presume the motion/stipulation will be granted. With regard to discovery disputes arising in a deposition, it is generally the Court's policy to have the parties utilize the Magistrate Judge assigned to the case. A standard scheduling order is entered in each case. The Court's scheduling order requires witness lists to be exchanged by the parties prior to the close of discovery. The Court follows Fed.R.Civ.P. 26 with regard to the meeting of parties and formulation of a proposed discovery plan which is supposed to be filed with the Court. Counsel should commence the discovery process once the case is joined and not wait for receipt of a scheduling order.