[MA] Can I file one motion to stay proceedings, compel discovery, and request sanctions?
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Understood! You’re not asking too much by combining these requests into one motion. In Massachusetts, it’s common to file a single motion with multiple discovery-related requests. The court will review each part separately, so it can approve some while denying others.
When the judge looks at your motion, they’ll consider each request on its own. If you ask to pause the case (a motion to stay proceedings), the judge will decide if stopping things temporarily is needed to keep discovery fair—often when the other side hasn’t provided important information yet (Mass. R. Civ. P. 62).
A motion to compel discovery asks the court to order the other party to share the information you requested (Mass. R. Civ. P. 34). The judge will grant this if the info is relevant and the other side is withholding or giving incomplete answers. In Massachusetts, evasive or incomplete responses are treated like no response at all.
Requesting sanctions means asking the court to penalize the other party for not cooperating. Judges only grant sanctions if there’s clear evidence of bad faith or intentional refusal to comply. If the other party’s actions were just careless or uncooperative but not serious, the court might deny sanctions.
Even if sanctions are denied, the court can still grant your other requests—like compelling discovery or staying proceedings—to keep things fair.
Make sure your motion follows Massachusetts court rules, including proper formatting, filing, and serving the other side. You’ll also need to show you tried to resolve the discovery dispute without court involvement, as many courts require a good faith effort before filing a motion to compel.
Finally, clearly explain the legal reasons and facts behind each request. For example, say exactly what info you asked for and how the other party failed to provide it. For sanctions, explain why their behavior was bad enough to deserve punishment.
In short, filing one combined motion is fine. The court will look at each request separately, and if you prepare your motion carefully and follow the rules, you have a strong chance of success.
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If I request to stay a proceeding, compel discovery, and ask for sanctions, will they shut it down because I’m asking for too much?
I understand your concern. Have you already filed a motion to stay the proceeding, compel discovery, and request sanctions?
No, not yet. I am planning on doing this September 9th.
Are there any specific rules or deadlines in your jurisdiction that you are concerned about regarding these requests?
Not at this time.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your legal strategy.
No, that’s all.
Hello and thank you for reaching out! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience, and I’m here to help. I understand legal matters can feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands. I’ll do my best to make things clear and guide you toward the right solution for your situation. First, what state is this case filed in?
Thanks Jon! We spoke earlier. Massachusetts.
Are you asking if filing all of that together is too much?
Yes, like if they don’t want to do the sanctions, for example. So they deny the whole motion.
Understood! You’re not asking too much by combining these requests into one motion. In Massachusetts, it’s common to file a single motion with multiple discovery-related requests. The court will review each part separately, so it can approve some while denying others.
When the judge looks at your motion, they’ll consider each request on its own. If you ask to pause the case (a motion to stay proceedings), the judge will decide if stopping things temporarily is needed to keep discovery fair—often when the other side hasn’t provided important information yet (Mass. R. Civ. P. 62).
A motion to compel discovery asks the court to order the other party to share the information you requested (Mass. R. Civ. P. 34). The judge will grant this if the info is relevant and the other side is withholding or giving incomplete answers. In Massachusetts, evasive or incomplete responses are treated like no response at all.
Requesting sanctions means asking the court to penalize the other party for not cooperating. Judges only grant sanctions if there’s clear evidence of bad faith or intentional refusal to comply. If the other party’s actions were just careless or uncooperative but not serious, the court might deny sanctions.
Even if sanctions are denied, the court can still grant your other requests—like compelling discovery or staying proceedings—to keep things fair.
Make sure your motion follows Massachusetts court rules, including proper formatting, filing, and serving the other side. You’ll also need to show you tried to resolve the discovery dispute without court involvement, as many courts require a good faith effort before filing a motion to compel.
Finally, clearly explain the legal reasons and facts behind each request. For example, say exactly what info you asked for and how the other party failed to provide it. For sanctions, explain why their behavior was bad enough to deserve punishment.
In short, filing one combined motion is fine. The court will look at each request separately, and if you prepare your motion carefully and follow the rules, you have a strong chance of success.
Okay, thank you, Jon.
Has this clarified your concerns about your question on the motions? If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
Yes, it has, thank you!
Great! I’m glad I could help. If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to assist. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!
