A Maryland Motion for Continuance to Complete Discovery or in the Alternative Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion is a legal request made by a party in a Maryland court case. This motion allows the requesting party to seek additional time to complete the discovery process or, alternatively, ask for a continuance of a summary judgment motion. Discovery is a crucial phase in the legal process where both parties exchange relevant information and evidence to build their case. It may involve various actions such as interrogatories, depositions, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions. The discovery process can be time-consuming and complex, requiring extensive investigation and analysis. A party may file a Motion for Continuance to Complete Discovery when they believe they need additional time to collect, review, or present crucial evidence. This motion allows them to request an extension of the discovery period to ensure all necessary information is obtained. The court will review the motion and consider factors such as the complexity of the case, the reason for the delay, and whether the other party will be unduly prejudiced by the requested continuance. Alternatively, a Maryland Motion for Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion can be filed when a party is not ready to proceed to summary judgment. Summary judgment is a request made to the court to decide a case without a trial, based on the evidence presented in the pleadings and discovery. It asserts that there is no genuine dispute of material facts, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. When a party needs additional time to gather evidence or believes there are still genuine disputes of material facts that should be resolved at trial, they can request a continuance of the summary judgment motion. The court will evaluate the circumstances and determine if a continuance is warranted, considering factors such as fairness, the interests of justice, and potential prejudice to the opposing party. Different types of Maryland Motions for Continuance to Complete Discovery or in the Alternative Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion may include: 1. Motion for Continuance to Complete Discovery: This motion specifically seeks additional time to complete the discovery process. The requesting party may argue that more time is required due to the complexity of the case, unavailability of witnesses, delays in document production, or other legitimate reasons. 2. Motion for Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion: This motion requests a continuance of a previously filed summary judgment motion. The party may argue that additional time is necessary to address unresolved genuine disputes of material facts, allowing the case to proceed to trial rather than being resolved through summary judgment. 3. Joint Motion for Continuance to Complete Discovery or in the Alternative Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion: In situations where both parties agree that more time is needed for discovery or that summary judgment should be postponed, they can file a joint motion. This motion reflects a mutual understanding and a shared desire for additional time to complete the necessary legal steps before moving forward. In conclusion, a Maryland Motion for Continuance to Complete Discovery or in the Alternative Continuance of Summary Judgment Motion is a legal request made by a party in a Maryland court case to seek additional time for discovery or to postpone a summary judgment motion. These motions aim to ensure a fair and comprehensive legal process, allowing parties to gather crucial evidence and resolve genuine disputes before proceeding further.