Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) The Online Court Assistance Program is provided to assist court users who do not have an attorney to prepare court documents. Choose the interview for your document needs. Complete the interview to create your documents. Review your documents and make adjustments as needed.
Instead of answering, the defendant may file one of the motions described in Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 12. If the judge grants the motion, the judge's order will direct the parties what to do next. If the judge denies the motion, the defendant must file an answer within 14 days after the judge's order.
The court may grant a motion to dismiss if the plaintiff's complaint fails to allege all the elements of a claim adequately. Or the court may grant it if the complaint fails to allege a measurable injury.
Your court may have a specific form that needs to be filed for a motion, and you will usually also submit supporting documents like an affidavit in support of the motion, a memorandum of law (if necessary), and exhibits that would be admissible at a hearing.
Oral motion - You can make a motion verbally (orally) while in court. This can be at the initial appearance, at a status appearance, or during a hearing. Usually, you can use an oral motion when the request is not complicated, or if it is an urgent request that you are hoping the judge will grant that day.
At or after the hearing, the judge will make a decision on your motion. The judge might write an order on your motion herself. Or she might direct one of the parties to prepare the order for her signature.
- Sign your name. Be Respectful: Use polite language and show respect for the judge and the court. Stay Honest: Share your true feelings, but avoid exaggeration or negative comments about others. Keep It Clear and Concise: Try to keep the letter to one page and focus on your main points.
How to Write a Kick-Ass Motion Make an Outline. Keep Your Motion Simple. Maintain Credibility. Mind Your Citations. Focus on Facts. Keep Your Intro Short. Respect the Opposition. Write in English, Not Legalese.
If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
If you see a potential for a motion to dismiss, this is an opportunity to inform the client how much legal expertise is necessary for such a filing. In other words, they will be facing a daunting challenge trying to represent themselves and will likely need an attorney more than ever.