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Stipulation and Order Template – Free Download 2026
Download a professional stipulation agreement template. Customizable for all 50 states, available in PDF and DOCX formats. Attorney-verified and ready to use.
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When Do You Need a Stipulation Agreement?
Both parties in a lawsuit have agreed to modify a court-ordered deadline (response date, discovery cutoff, expert disclosure) and need to submit a written stipulation to the court for approval rather than filing contested motions.
The parties have reached an agreement on a discovery dispute and need to memorialize it in a court-approved stipulation and protective order — for example, governing the treatment of confidential documents.
The parties agree to dismiss the lawsuit or certain claims, and need a stipulation of dismissal under Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the FRCP to effectuate the dismissal without a court motion.
The parties have resolved their settlement and need a stipulated judgment or stipulated order to close out the case and enforce the settlement terms without a separate enforcement motion.
You need to extend a briefing schedule, continue a hearing date, or add a new party to the lawsuit, and have obtained opposing counsel's consent — a stipulation avoids the need for a motion for continuance and saves court time.
What Should a Stipulation Agreement Include?
Recitals
A brief statement of the background — the name of the case, the current procedural posture, and the reason the parties are entering into the stipulation. Explain what the parties have agreed on and why the agreement is appropriate.
Specific Terms
The exact agreed-upon terms in numbered paragraphs: the new deadline, the specific modification to the scheduling order, the terms of the protective order, the scope of the dismissal, or the specific discovery agreement. Be precise — ambiguity in stipulations causes future disputes.
Signatures of All Parties
The signature of every party's counsel (or the pro se party's signature). Stipulations are not effective if any party with an interest in the matter has not signed. Include each attorney's name, bar number, firm name, address, phone number, and email.
Proposed Order
A separate proposed order for the judge to sign, converting the stipulation into a court order. Include the exact order language — "IT IS SO ORDERED" with a signature block for the judge — making the agreement enforceable by contempt.
Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Stipulation Agreement
Review the standard legal provisions included in a professional stipulation agreement. Each section below contains clause language used in attorney-verified templates.
Recitals & Background
This Stipulation and Agreement ("Stipulation") is entered into as of [____________] by and between [Party A Name] ("[Party A]") and [Party B Name] ("[Party B]") (each, a "Party" and collectively, the "Parties"), in connection with the above-captioned proceeding. RECITALS: WHEREAS, [Party A] has [filed / is the plaintiff in / is the claimant in] the above-captioned action, asserting claims for [____________]; WHEREAS, [Party B] has [denied all liability / filed a counterclaim for / asserted affirmative defenses including]; WHEREAS, the Parties desire to resolve [the specific issue(s) described herein / all pending issues in this action] without further litigation and without any admission of liability by either Party; and WHEREAS, the Parties and their respective counsel have conferred and have agreed to the terms set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, by and through their respective counsel of record, hereby stipulate and agree as follows. Each Party represents that it has had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel, that it understands the terms and legal effect of this Stipulation, and that it enters into this Stipulation voluntarily and without coercion or duress.
Stipulated Terms
The Parties hereby stipulate as follows: [1. FACTUAL STIPULATIONS: The following facts are not in dispute and may be treated as established for all purposes in this action: (a) [____________]; (b) [____________]; (c) [____________]. / 2. PROCEDURAL STIPULATIONS: The Parties agree to the following procedural modifications: (a) the deadline for [____________] is extended to [____________]; (b) the hearing on [____________] currently scheduled for [____________] shall be continued to [____________]; (c) the page limits for [____________] are [increased / decreased] to [____] pages. / 3. DISCOVERY STIPULATIONS: The Parties agree that [____________] and that neither party shall be required to [____________].]
The Parties further stipulate that [any evidence obtained in violation of [____________] shall be inadmissible / the standard of review applicable to [____________] is [____________] / the parties shall not call [____________] as a witness at trial / each party waives the right to [____________] with respect to [____________]]. All stipulations set forth herein are made solely for purposes of [this litigation / these proceedings] and shall not constitute admissions of fact or law for any other purpose, including use in any other legal proceeding, administrative action, or regulatory inquiry, except as expressly stated herein.
Binding Effect
This Stipulation shall be binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns. By signing this Stipulation, counsel for each Party represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to bind the respective Party to the terms hereof. This Stipulation may be enforced by any Party by motion to the court in the above-captioned proceeding, and the court retains jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Stipulation. Any modification of this Stipulation must be in writing and signed by counsel for all Parties or approved by the court.
Proposed Order Language
PROPOSED ORDER: Having reviewed the foregoing Stipulation and Agreement of the Parties, and good cause appearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that: (a) the Stipulation is approved and the Parties are ordered to comply with all terms thereof; (b) [specific relief ordered — e.g., the deadline for ____________ is extended to ____________; the hearing is continued to ____________; the following facts are deemed established for purposes of this proceeding]; (c) [any additional orders consistent with the Stipulation]; and (d) the Parties shall bear their own attorneys' fees and costs in connection with this Stipulation, unless otherwise specified herein. This Order shall be effective as of the date of entry by the Court.
The Parties respectfully request that this Court enter the foregoing proposed order at its earliest convenience. Counsel for all Parties have reviewed and approved this Stipulation and the proposed order, and all Parties consent to entry of the order without a noticed hearing. If the Court requires any modification to the proposed order prior to entry, counsel for [____________] will be available to confer with the Court at the Court's earliest convenience. The executed original of this Stipulation shall be filed with the Court and served on all parties of record.
Signature Requirements
Signatures of All Parties or Their Attorneys Required
A stipulation must be signed by all parties or their attorneys of record. The court then signs the order portion. Both sides must sign before submission to the court.
Most courts accept e-signed stipulations, particularly for routine scheduling matters. Settlement stipulations and stipulations for dismissal with prejudice may have additional requirements under local rules. Some courts require the stipulation to be filed before the existing deadline has passed.
How to Fill Out a Stipulation Agreement
Confirm All Parties Are in Agreement
Contact opposing counsel and confirm the exact terms of the agreement in writing (by email) before drafting the stipulation. Disputes about the terms of a stipulation after filing are embarrassing and problematic.
Draft Precise Terms
Every term should be unambiguous. "The discovery cutoff is extended by 30 days" is ambiguous; "the fact discovery cutoff is extended from April 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026" is not. Specify dates, not durations.
Attach the Proposed Order
Draft the proposed order as a separate document or at the end of the stipulation in a format the judge can sign without modification. Many judges have form preferred orders — check the judge's standing orders and model forms.
Obtain All Signatures
Circulate the stipulation for signatures before filing. In federal court, electronic signatures (/s/ Attorney Name) are acceptable under Local Rules of most districts. Confirm opposing counsel's bar number and firm information is correct.
File and Follow Up
File the stipulation and proposed order with the court. Many courts approve stipulations administratively without a hearing. If the judge does not sign the order within a week, contact the clerk's office to confirm receipt and status.
Free Template vs Custom Stipulation Agreement
| Feature | Free Template | Custom (AI or Attorney) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic stipulation and proposed order template | ||
| Stipulation to extend scheduling order deadlines | ||
| Stipulated protective order (confidentiality agreement) | - | |
| Stipulation of dismissal (Rule 41) | - | |
| Attorney-drafted stipulation for complex procedural modifications | - | |
| AI-generated custom versionStarting at $9.99 | - |
Stipulation Agreement Template FAQ
What is a stipulation in a lawsuit?
Does a stipulation need to be signed by a judge?
What is the difference between a stipulation and a settlement agreement?
Can a stipulation be withdrawn?
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