Continuance
A postponement of a scheduled court hearing or trial to a later date.
A continuance is when a court hearing, trial, or other proceeding is rescheduled to a later date. Either party can request a continuance, or the judge may order one on their own. The court has discretion to grant or deny the request.
Common reasons for a continuance include needing more time to prepare, waiting for a witness to become available, ongoing settlement negotiations, or a scheduling conflict with another court appearance.
Why it matters: Continuances can delay the resolution of your case by weeks or months. If you need one, it is best to request it as early as possible and provide the court with a clear reason. Repeatedly asking for continuances without good cause can frustrate the judge and may be denied.
Example: Your trial is scheduled for next Monday, but your key witness is in the hospital. You file a motion asking the court to continue the trial to a later date so your witness can testify.
Any stage of a court case when a party or the court needs more time