(a) Upon its own motion or upon the request of a party, the court may limit discovery methods and specify its overall timing and sequence provided that each party shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to obtain information needed for the preparation of his or her case.
(b) Any party moving for a continuance on the ground that discovery is likely to delay a hearing set by the court shall promptly send written notice to the court stating the need for the discovery and the extent of the likely delay.