Can you ask for a continuance in divorce court?
Can you ask for a continuance in divorce court?
If you do not agree to the other party’s conditions or the new proposed hearing date, you must go to court to ask for a continuance. If you have time before the hearing and can make it to the courthouse, you should: File a declaration with the court asking for a continuance. It should say why you need the continuance.
Can a judge deny a continuance?
Judges generally do not grant continuances freely unless proceeding to trial would violate the defendant’s rights. They have discretion to deny a continuance unless the law in their state requires a continuance to be granted in a certain situation.
What is a good excuse to reschedule a court date?
The rule of reason applies to postponing a court date. If the justification is reasonable, related to trial preparation, your health or that of a family member, or a matter of some importance scheduled before the court date was set, the judge will likely have no problem with a request for postponement.
Can I get a continuance over the phone?
Typically a mere phone call will not be enough to change a court date, although it may be possible. You can look on the state’s website for rules and forms. Some courts have specific continuance request forms, while other courts have generic motion forms on which you can write your request for a continuance.
What if I can’t make it to a court hearing?
If you miss a court date and a lawyer or agent does not attend for you, the judge or justice of the peace will likely order a bench warrant for your arrest. With this type of warrant, the court adjourns your case without ordering a bench warrant for your arrest. They will set a new date for your case.
What happens if you cant make your court date?
If you don’t go to court, the magistrate can make a decision without you being there. The magistrate may adjourn (postpone) your case to another date, but you should not rely on this happening. If you are on bail and you miss court, you may be committing an offence and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
How do you write a letter to judge to postpone court date?
Greet the judge with a formal salutation such as “Dear Judge So-and-So” or “Your Honorable Judge So-and-So.” Identify yourself and your reason for writing to the judge in the first line of the letter’s body. For example, “My name is Jim Jimerson and I am writing to reschedule our evidentiary hearing.”
How do you ask a judge to postpone court date?
If your trial is in less than 10 days: Take your completed Form SC-150 or letter to the clerk’s office. Ask the clerk to attach it to your file. Or go to your trial and ask the judge for a postponement (or continuance). In your Form SC-150 or letter, give the judge a good reason why you are filing your request late.
Why would a court date be postponed?
Here are some reasons why you may want to delay your day in court: You need more time to prepare. You or a key witness will be out of town. You need to delay the time of your possible conviction in order to keep from accumulating too many “points” on your driving record over a specific period.
Why would a judge postpone a hearing?
A hearing may be postponed by the Judge on his own initiative or for good cause shown upon the motion of a party. A motion for postponement shall state the position of the other parties, either by a joint motion or by a representation of the moving party.
How do I request a continuance?
When writing a request for a continuance, include your name, the case name and number, what you are requesting and why. State the date of the currently scheduled court hearing and clearly request a new date. Give the reasons for your request.
Can I speak directly to the judge?
Can I ever communicate directly with the court? Yes. Certain ex parte communications to a judge or court personnel are allowed by law. For example, if you are contesting a citation (commonly called a “ticket”) for a traffic infraction, the law allows you to submit a written explanation directly to the court.
