Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) - Deadline Guide

Quick Reference

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern proceedings in federal district courts. This guide focuses on rules that establish deadlines or affect timing calculations.

Essential Timing Rules

Rule 4 - Service
Rule 6 - Computing Time
Rule 12 - Defenses & Objections
Rule 16 - Scheduling
Rule 26 - Discovery

Tools & Calculators

Rule 4: Service of Process

Rule 4 controls service method, waiver requests, and the 90-day service window in Rule 4(m).

Read Rule 4 Service Guide

Rule 6: Computing and Extending Time

Key Principles (Rule 6(a))

• Exclude triggering day: Don't count the day of the event
• Include last day: Unless it's a weekend or holiday
• Weekend/holiday extension: Extends to next business day
• Different rules for periods stated in hours

Additional Time (Rule 6(d))

• Mail service: Add 3 days
• Electronic service: Add 3 days
• Leaving with clerk: Add 3 days
• Personal service: No additional time

Non-Extendable Deadlines (Rule 6(b)(2))

These deadlines cannot be extended by the court:

• Rule 50(b) - Renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law
• Rule 52(b) - Motion to amend findings
• Rule 59 - Motion for new trial

• Rule 60(b) - Motion for relief from judgment
• Rule 6(b)(2) - Other specified exceptions

Rule 12: Defenses and Objections

Answer Deadlines (Rule 12(a)(1))

Standard Service

21 days after being served with summons and complaint

Service on US Government

60 days for United States or its agencies/officers

Waiver of Service

60 days from request date (90 days if outside US)

Motion Timing (Rule 12(b))

• Rule 12(b) motions: Must be filed before answering
• Specific defenses: May be raised by motion or in answer
• Waiver rules: Some defenses waived if not timely raised

Response to Motion (Rule 12)

• Local rules govern: Usually 14-21 days to respond
• Check local rules: Specific court requirements vary
• Extensions available: By stipulation or court order

Rule 26: General Provisions Governing Discovery

Discovery Conference (Rule 26(f))

Parties must confer at least 21 days before a scheduling conference is to be held or a scheduling order is due.

Calculate Rule 26(f) Conference Date ?

Initial Disclosures (Rule 26(a))

• Timing: Within 14 days of Rule 26(f) conference
• Content: Witnesses, documents, damages, insurance
• Exceptions: Certain case types exempt

Expert Disclosures (Rule 26(a)(2))

• Timing: At least 90 days before trial
• Rebuttal experts: 30 days after initial disclosure
• Content: Report with opinions and basis

Priority Rule Pages

Rule 8 Pleading

Short and plain statement basics

Rule 11 Sanctions

Safe harbor and filing risk controls

Rule 15 Amendments

Amendment timing and relation back

Rule 16 Scheduling

How scheduling orders control deadlines

Rule 23 Class Actions

Certification basics and timing issues

Rule 26 Discovery

Scope, disclosures, and proportionality

Rule 30 Depositions

Notice, limits, and planning mistakes

Batch 2 Rule Pages

Rule 17 Capacity

Real party and capacity basics

Rule 18 Joinder

Claim joinder strategy

Rule 19 Parties

Required party framework

Rule 20 Joinder

Permissive party joinder

Rule 21 Misjoinder

Add, drop, sever

Rule 22 Interpleader

Competing claimant actions

Rule 24 Intervention

Right vs permissive

Rule 27 Testimony

Preserve testimony early

Rule 28 Depositions

Authorized deposition officers

Rule 29 Stipulations

Discovery by agreement

Summary of Key FRCP Deadlines

Rule	Action	Deadline	Calculator
Rule 12(a)	Answer to Complaint	21 days (standard service)	Use Calculator
Rule 26(f)	Discovery Conference	21 days before scheduling conference	Use Calculator
Rule 26(a)(1)	Initial Disclosures	14 days after Rule 26(f) conference	Use Calculator
Rule 50(b)	Renewed JMOL Motion	28 days after judgment	Use Calculator
Rule 59	Motion for New Trial	28 days after judgment	Use Calculator
Rule 60(b)	Relief from Judgment	Reasonable time (max 1 year for some)	Use Calculator