A Motion for Summary Judgment is a legal document filed by a party in a civil case to request the court to rule in their favor without going to trial. It asserts that there are no genuine disputes regarding material facts, allowing the court to decide the case based on the law. This form differs from other motions, such as a Motion to Dismiss, which seeks to eliminate a case at an earlier stage based on legal deficiencies rather than the merits of the case.
This form should be used when a defendant believes that there is no evidence supporting the plaintiff's claims and wants to avoid a trial. It is typically filed after the discovery phase in civil litigation, when all relevant evidence has been obtained and reviewed. Situations may include personal injury cases, contract disputes, or cases involving debt collection when the defendant can clearly demonstrate no material facts in dispute.
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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

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Motions filed, the percent of cases with motions granted in whole or in part, and the percent of cases terminated by summary judgment. The percentage of cases with summary judgment motions, averaged across the six courts in the study, has increased from approximately 12% in 1975, to 17% in 1985, to 19% in 1988.
A motion for summary judgment filed by an opposing party claims that you cannot prevail in the case because there is no legal dispute or your claim is without merit or a defense. Failure to respond to a motion for summary judgment can result in your case being dismissed or a judgment being rendered against you.
Decision on motions for summary judgment: About 15 months after beginning of representation. The judge will make a decision on summary judgment about three months after s/he hears arguments from both sides.
If the motion is granted, the judgment on the issue or case is deemed to be a final judgment from which a party may seek an appeal. The court of appeal can reverse the grant of summary judgment and reinstate the claim in the lower court. However, this is rarely done and most summary judgments are upheld on appeal.