A continuance is a postponement of a date of a trial, hearing or other court appearance. An order for a continuance may be requested from the court by one of the parties, or the parties may agree to stipulate to a continuance. A court is more likely to decline a continuance if there have been other previous continuances. A continuance may be requested for various reasons, such as unavailability of an attorney or interested party, necessity of extra time to prepare for the matter, and several other grounds.
Maryland Generic Motion for Continuance and Notice of Motion: Explained In Maryland, when parties involved in a legal case require a delay or adjournment of a scheduled court hearing or trial, they may file a Generic Motion for Continuance and serve a Notice of Motion to inform the court and the opposing party about their request. This legal document allows individuals to request additional time to adequately prepare for their case, gather evidence, or address unforeseen circumstances impeding their ability to proceed with the proceedings as scheduled. The Generic Motion for Continuance is a versatile legal tool that can be used in various civil and criminal cases, including divorces, child custody battles, personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, and criminal trials. This motion demonstrates the flexibility and wide applicability of this document across different legal contexts. When filing a Generic Motion for Continuance in Maryland, it is crucial to include the relevant information to ensure the court understands the grounds for the request. This may include the case number, parties involved, specific details about the upcoming hearing or trial, and the explanation for why a continuance is necessary. In the motion, the party requesting the continuance should explain any unforeseen conflicts, events, or issues that have arisen and provide valid reasons justifying the delay. The Notice of Motion is a necessary accompanying document that informs all parties involved in the case, including the opposing party and the court, about the filing of the Generic Motion for Continuance. It serves as a formal notice of the motion, alerting the recipients that a request for a continuance has been made and providing them with an opportunity to respond and present their arguments or objections, if any. It is essential to note that there may be different types of Generic Motions for Continuance and Notice of Motion in Maryland, depending on the specific legal matter at hand. Such motions may include: 1. Civil Case Continuance Motion: Used in civil disputes, such as family law cases (divorce, child custody), personal injury lawsuits, breach of contract claims, or property disputes. 2. Criminal Case Continuance Motion: Filed in criminal cases to request a delay in a trial, hearing, or other legal proceedings. Reasons for filing this motion may include the need for additional time for investigation, gathering evidence, or locating witnesses. 3. Probate Case Continuance Motion: Used in probate matters to request a delay in hearings related to wills, estates, or guardianship matters. 4. Minor Case Continuance Motion: This motion is applicable for minor offenses, traffic violations, or misdemeanor cases where the defendant requests a continuance to gather evidence or secure legal representation. It is important to consult with an attorney or review the specific rules and regulations of the Maryland court where the case is being heard to ensure that all necessary documents are properly filed, and guidelines are followed. Each court may have its own procedures and requirements for filing a Generic Motion for Continuance and serving a Notice of Motion effectively.
