Stipulation Agreement
Stipulation Agreement Generator
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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.
Sample Stipulation Agreement Generated by Legal Tank
Stipulation Agreement
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.
What Is a Stipulation Agreement?
A stipulation agreement is a formal written agreement between parties in a legal proceeding in which they agree to certain facts, procedures, or terms without the need for further litigation on those issues. Stipulations streamline court proceedings by eliminating disputed matters that the parties can resolve by consent, allowing the court and the parties to focus on the genuinely contested issues. When approved by the court, stipulations become binding orders enforceable by contempt.
Stipulation agreements are used throughout the litigation process, from stipulating to facts in discovery to agreeing on procedural matters like filing deadlines, stipulated judgments, and settlement terms presented to the court. In family law, stipulations are particularly common for resolving custody schedules, property division, and support arrangements without a contested trial. In civil litigation, parties frequently stipulate to dismiss claims, extend deadlines, or admit evidence.
The enforceability of a stipulation agreement depends on whether it was made orally on the record, in writing signed by the parties, or approved by a court order. Written stipulations signed by both parties (or their attorneys) are generally enforceable as contracts. When a stipulation is incorporated into a court order, it carries the additional weight of judicial enforcement including the court's contempt power.
Legal Tank helps you draft clear, enforceable stipulation agreements that accurately reflect the parties' agreement and meet court requirements for form and content.
Why You Need a Stipulation Agreement
Stipulations significantly reduce litigation costs by resolving issues by agreement rather than through expensive discovery, motions, and trial proceedings
Courts strongly encourage stipulations and may penalize parties who refuse to agree on uncontested matters through cost-shifting or sanctions
Stipulated agreements give parties more control over outcomes compared to letting a judge or jury decide contested issues
In family law cases, stipulations allow parents to craft custody and support arrangements tailored to their family's specific needs
Key Sections in a Stipulation Agreement
Case Caption and Identification
Include the full case caption with court name, case number, parties, and the title of the stipulation. Proper identification ensures the stipulation is associated with the correct case and can be filed with the court.
Recitals and Background
Provide context for the stipulation, the nature of the case, the issues being resolved, and any prior proceedings or negotiations that led to the agreement. Recitals help the court understand the purpose and scope of the stipulation.
Stipulated Terms
State each agreed-upon term clearly and specifically. Whether stipulating to facts, procedures, or substantive outcomes, each term should be a separately numbered paragraph that is unambiguous and complete. Vague stipulations lead to enforcement disputes.
Reservation of Rights
Specify any rights or claims that are not being waived by entering the stipulation. If the parties are resolving some issues but preserving their right to litigate others, state this explicitly to prevent arguments about waiver.
Court Approval and Order Language
Include proposed order language for the court to sign, converting the stipulation into a court order. This typically includes "IT IS HEREBY ORDERED" language and a signature line for the judge, making the stipulation immediately enforceable.
Stipulation Agreement Legal Requirements
Stipulations must be voluntary, agreements obtained through fraud, duress, or undue influence are voidable
Written stipulations must be signed by all parties or their authorized attorneys to be enforceable
Court rules in many jurisdictions require stipulations affecting case management to be approved by the court
Stipulations involving the rights of minor children are subject to court review and must be found to be in the child's best interest
Stipulated dismissals with prejudice permanently bar the dismissed claims and cannot be unilaterally rescinded
Common Stipulation Agreement Mistakes to Avoid
Using vague or ambiguous language in the stipulated terms, which leads to enforcement disputes about what the parties actually agreed to
Failing to have all necessary parties sign the stipulation, all parties affected by the terms must consent
Not submitting the stipulation to the court for approval when a court order is needed for enforcement
Omitting reservation of rights language, which can be interpreted as a waiver of claims not addressed in the stipulation
Entering a stipulation without fully understanding the consequences, particularly regarding waiver of trial rights on stipulated issues
Not specifying what happens if one party breaches the stipulation, remedies, attorney's fees, and enforcement mechanisms
Frequently Asked Questions About Stipulation Agreements
What is a stipulation agreement?
When is a stipulation used in court?
What is the difference between a stipulation and a settlement agreement?
Does a stipulation need to be signed by both parties?
What is a stipulation of facts?
Can a stipulation be revoked?
How do I file a stipulation with the court?
Is a stipulation legally binding?
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