Usual Stipulations

Usual Stipulations

Usual Stipulations

Usual stipulations typically reserve all objections except as to form until trial, provide that the deponent may read and sign or waive that right, and address the reporter's certification. The specific content varies by jurisdiction and practice group.

The phrase itself has no fixed meaning.

Alternative Names:

Standard Stipulations, Usual Stips

Why it Matters?

Agreeing to usual stipulations without stating their content is a persistent hazard, since counsel from different jurisdictions understand the phrase differently and a dispute later turns on what was actually agreed. Stating the terms on the record takes thirty seconds and eliminates the problem. Where read and sign is waived by stipulation, the deponent loses the correction opportunity, which matters if the transcript contains errors.

Frequently asked questions

What do usual stipulations cover?

What do usual stipulations cover?

Typically reservation of objections except as to form, read and sign rights, and reporter certification, though content varies by jurisdiction.

Should the terms be stated on the record?

Should the terms be stated on the record?

Yes. The phrase means different things in different jurisdictions, and stating the terms prevents later disputes about what was agreed.