A continuance is a court-authorized postponement of a hearing, trial or other proceeding to a later date. Asking for one, filing a request or obtaining the other party’s agreement does not by itself change the scheduled date: confirm that the court has actually granted the change.

A useful request explains why the delay is necessary, why the problem could not reasonably be avoided and how much time is needed. The procedure and legal standard depend on the court, case type and event. A civil-trial rule is not automatically the rule for a motion hearing or a criminal case.

A motion for continuance is a formal request asking the court to postpone the proceeding. Some courts use a form or another authorized procedure instead; use the method required for your event.

What does good cause mean?

Good cause means a sufficient justification under the applicable rule, supported by the facts. It is not a magic phrase to put on a form. Explain what happened, when you learned about it, what you did to address it and why a shorter or different solution will not work.

For example, California Rule of Court 3.1332 treats civil-trial dates as firm and trial continuances as disfavored. It requires an affirmative showing of good cause and identifies both possible grounds and other factors. The following worksheet draws from that rule; it is a preparation aid rather than a nationwide entitlement test.

Potentially stronger and weaker requests

For preparation, prioritize a documented, unavoidable problem over an unsupported or avoidable one. Essential-participant illness and essential evidence missing despite diligence may support a stronger showing; new counsel and scheduling conflicts require particular explanation; a bare preference or preventable last-minute preparation problem is weaker. This is an editorial triage framework drawn from the California civil-trial factors, not a statistical ranking or a prediction for another court.

These paired scenarios illustrate the evidence that changes the assessment:

• Illness: a prompt request explaining why an essential participant cannot attend, with permitted confirmation of the attendance restriction and relevant dates, may be stronger than an unexplained assertion that someone is unavailable. Follow the court’s privacy and filing instructions rather than publishing unnecessary medical details.
• Missing evidence: dated requests, follow-ups and an explanation of why essential records remain unavailable, with a realistic completion date may be stronger than discovering routine preparation was left until the last moment.
• New counsel: documenting the substitution date, why it serves justice and what preparation remains may be stronger than assuming hiring a different lawyer automatically resets the trial date.
• Scheduling conflict: a specific conflict supported by the other court’s setting notice or relevant booking records, with an explanation of alternatives may be stronger than a vague preference for another date. Travel, work and another proceeding are not universally sufficient or insufficient reasons; the particular rules and circumstances matter.

Six steps for preparing a request

1. Identify the governing procedure. Check the court, case type, scheduled event, local rules and existing orders. Determine whether you need a motion, a particular form, a stipulation submitted for approval or another permitted process.
2. Act promptly. Find the applicable notice and filing requirements. If an emergency arises too late for ordinary notice, ask the clerk or self-help center about the permitted urgent procedure; do not assume an informal call changes the date.
3. Use the correct papers. Include the case identification, current date, requested change and any required proposed order. Check fees, supporting declarations and whether a separate hearing on the request is needed.
4. Explain and support the need. Give a dated factual account, essential evidence, efforts already made, alternatives considered and the amount of time requested. Address earlier delays and foreseeable prejudice.
5. Notify or serve as required. Follow the applicable rules for communicating with the other side and submitting proof of service. Their consent or opposition matters, but neither substitutes for the court’s decision.
6. Confirm the ruling and keep preparing. Obtain the order or official notice, verify the new date and read any conditions. Unless the court effectively changes the obligation or excuses attendance, follow the existing date. If you cannot physically attend, promptly seek the court’s instructions rather than simply staying away.

Asking the other side for consent

If the applicable procedure permits or requires it, ask the other side promptly whether they agree to the particular delay and proposed dates. State their position accurately in the request; do not describe silence as consent. Agreement can address practical concerns, but it does not establish entitlement. California Rule 3.1332 still requires the prescribed request even when the parties stipulate. If consent is refused, explain the need and address the objection through the court’s process; do not negotiate past a filing deadline.

If the other side objects

An objection does not automatically defeat the request. The court evaluates the applicable standard and evidence. The opposing party can identify concrete harm: an unavailable witness on a later date, added expense, repeated delay or a time-sensitive issue. A useful opposition addresses the proposed duration and offers any workable alternative instead of merely accusing the requester of stalling.

The requester should respond to those facts, explain diligence and consider a narrower delay or permitted conditions. California’s civil-trial rule expressly includes prejudice, alternatives and possible conditions among the relevant considerations. If the judge denies the request, the scheduled proceeding remains in place unless another effective order changes it.

The procedure changes with the case

California civil trial: Rule 3.1332 calls for a noticed motion or an ex parte application under the applicable rules, supported by declarations, as soon as reasonably practical after discovering the need. Even a stipulated request follows the rule. These are trial provisions, not a universal procedure for every hearing.

California small claims: the official court-date change guide explains the request, supporting proof, service, filing and decision process. It recommends asking at least 10 days before the date if possible and explaining a later request. It also says to attend the scheduled trial if no decision arrives. Those instructions are specific to that process, not a nationwide deadline.

California family hearings: the official rescheduling guide distinguishes a written agreement signed by a judge from a contested written request. It also distinguishes requests involving temporary emergency orders. The agreement form changes the hearing date without itself changing or extending the temporary order. Check local procedures and any separate relief required.

Federal criminal proceedings: 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7) imposes specific requirements for an ends-of-justice continuance to produce excluded speedy-trial time, including the judge’s on-record balancing and reasons. This provision does not permit such a continuance based on general calendar congestion or the government attorney’s lack of diligent preparation. A civil scheduling argument does not resolve criminal speedy-trial rights; obtain case-specific advice rather than calculating an exclusion from this glossary.

Continuance versus continuation

In court scheduling, continuance commonly means postponing the event. Continuation can describe carrying on or resuming a proceeding. Postponement emphasizes moving it later, while adjournment is also used for postponing a court session to another time or place. Courts use these words differently: read the actual order for the date, scope and attendance obligation rather than relying on the label.

Frequently asked questions

Is a continuance good or bad for my case?

It may allow necessary preparation, but it can also increase expense, delay relief or prejudice witnesses. Consider the reason, alternatives and specific harm. Granting a new date does not indicate who will win the case.

If both sides agree, is the date changed?

Do not assume so. The court may still need to approve the agreement and enter an order. Check the applicable procedure and confirm the effective ruling.

Can I skip court after filing the request?

Filing alone does not excuse attendance. Verify the ruling and any instruction excusing attendance; if nothing changes, the existing date remains controlling. For an immediate obstacle, contact the court promptly about the proper procedure.

Does a new hearing date extend every deadline or temporary order?

Not automatically. Read the order for discovery, filing and other deadlines, and separately check temporary orders and statutory time limits. Ask for any additional relief through the required procedure.

Primary court rules, official guidance and federal statute checked October 19, 2026. The federal Code page reflects the official temporary edition through Public Law 119-121, October 9, 2026. This is general U.S. information; the applicable rules and orders govern your proceeding.