Southern District amends rule for initial extensions of time

A rule amendment taking effect next month in the Southern District of Indiana changes filing and notice procedures for counsel seeking initial extensions of time.

Southern District Clerk Roger Sharpe announced amendments to Local Rule 6-1 in a notice issued Monday.  The amended rules are effective Dec. 1, 2020. Among other changes, the amendments:

• Require a notice of extension of time without a proposed order be filed rather than a motion in certain instances.
• Stipulate that initial extensions may not exceed 28 days.
• Clarify requirements for counsel in obtaining agreement from parties to the initial extension.
• Permit automatic initial extensions for pro se parties not in default.
• Require a motion for extension with explanations of good cause for requests not made in court or at a conference.