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+---
+stage: Data Stores
+group: Database
+info: To determine the technical writer assigned to the Stage/Group associated with this page, see https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/product/ux/technical-writing/#assignments
+---
+
+# Adding required stops
+
+Required stops should only be added when it is deemed absolutely necessary, due to their
+disruptive effect on customers. Before adding a required stop, consider if any
+alternative approaches exist to avoid a required stop. Sometimes a required
+stop is unavoidable. In those cases, follow the instructions below.
+
+## Before the required stop is released
+
+Before releasing a known required stop, complete these steps. If the required stop
+is identified after release, the following steps must still be completed:
+
+1. Update [upgrade paths](../../update/index.md#upgrade-paths) to include the new
+   required stop.
+1. Communicate the changes with the customer Support and Release management teams.
+1. File an issue with the Database group to squash migrations to that version in the
+   next release. Use this template for your issue:
+
+   ```markdown
+   Title: `Squash migrations to <Required stop version>`
+   As a result of the required stop added for <required stop version> we should squash
+   migrations up to that version, and update the minimum schema version.
+
+   Deliverables:
+   - [ ] Migrations are squashed up to <required stop version>
+   - [ ] `Gitlab::Database::MIN_SCHEMA_VERSION` matches init_schema version
+
+   /label ~"group::database" ~"section::enablement" ~"devops::data_stores" ~"Category:Database" ~"type::maintenance"
+   /cc @gitlab-org/database-team/triage
+   ```
+
+## In the release following the required stop
+
+1. Update `Gitlab::Database::MIN_SCHEMA_GITLAB_VERSION` in `lib/gitlab/database.rb` to the
+   new required stop versions. Do not change `Gitlab::Database::MIN_SCHEMA_VERSION`.