What it is
A request to pause some or all activity in a case. A stay can pause discovery, briefing, enforcement, trial preparation, or the entire action while another event, appeal, arbitration, settlement process, or related case unfolds.
Pretrial / scheduling
Motion to Stay Proceedings
Asks to pause discovery, enforcement, briefing, trial preparation, or the entire case.
When it's used
Filed when proceeding immediately would waste resources, create inconsistent rulings, interfere with arbitration, duplicate a related case, or prejudice a party while a threshold issue is pending.
What the other side does
The opponent argues the stay would cause delay, evidence loss, tactical prejudice, or unfair pressure. Courts often weigh hardship, judicial economy, and the likelihood that the other proceeding will simplify issues.
Common outcomes
The court may stay the whole case, stay discovery only, deny the stay, or set status reports so the pause does not become indefinite.
Not legal advice. Motion practice varies by court,
judge, and case type. Local rules and standing orders frequently
modify the federal defaults shown here. If you're facing a motion
or considering filing one, talk to a lawyer about strategy and
timing for your specific case.