A Practice Note explaining how and when litigants can obtain a stay of an action under New York law. It addresses the court's authority to issue a stay, the legal bases for seeking a stay, and the factors courts consider when ruling on stay applications made under Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) 2201 and other statutes. This Note also discusses how to vacate a stay, the penalties for violating a stay, and the effect that a stay has on statutes of limitations.