- 1). Determine what court you are schedule to appear in. The name of the court should be on any official paperwork that you received telling you that you need to appear. Once you know what court you are scheduled in, find a telephone number and address for them. Again, this information should be on your notice to appear. If not, call a general information number for your county government.
- 2). Check local procedural rules for the court you are scheduled in. These can usually be found on their website, through a county self-help center, at your local library or a a local law school library. Pay close attention to how far in advance the motion must be received and what manner of filing the court accepts. Most courts want at least seven days to review and rule on a motion to continue. Some courts will accept fax filings while some will not.
- 3). Prepare the motion to continue. The motion should have the names of the parties, the name of the court and the cause number at the top as well as a title for the motion. Include in the body of the motion a brief explanation of when you are schedule to appear in court (date and time) and why you cannot be there.
- 4). If you have any evidence of why you cannot attend, such as a previously scheduled medical procedure, school examination or other important event, attach documentation to the motion. Add a certificate of service to the motion stating that you have served the opposing party with the motion.
- 5). Prepare an order for the judge to sign granting or denying the motion. Make several copies of all your paperwork.
- 6). Hand-deliver, fax or mail your paperwork to the court. Also send a copy to the opposing party. If you are mailing the paperwork, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the court to return a copy of the order to you.
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