MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE

(Superior Court of the District of Columbia – Civil Division)

[// GUIDANCE: Modify caption for other divisions (e.g., Family, Probate).]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Caption ............................................................................................................................ 2
2. Motion ............................................................................................................................. 3
3. Memorandum of Points and Authorities ....................................................................... 5
   3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5
   3.2 Procedural Background ..................................................................................... 6
   3.3 Legal Standard ................................................................................................... 7
   3.4 Argument ............................................................................................................ 8
   3.4.1 Good Cause Under SCR Civ. R. 40(b) ..................................................... 8
   3.4.2 Diligence and Prejudice ......................................................................... 9
   3.5 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 10
4. Declaration of [ATTORNEY NAME] ............................................................................... 11
5. [PROPOSED] ORDER ..................................................................................................... 13
6. Certificate of Service & Rule 12-I(a) Statement ........................................................ 15

1. CAPTION

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Civil Division

[PLAINTIFF NAME],
Plaintiff,

v. Civil Action No. [CASE NUMBER]

[DEFENDANT NAME],
Defendant.

Calendar No.: [CALENDAR]
Judge: [JUDGE NAME]

MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE OF [TRIAL/HEARING]

Current Date: [CURRENT DATE]
Requested New Date: [REQUESTED NEW DATE]

2. MOTION

[MOVING PARTY], by counsel, respectfully moves for a continuance of the [trial/hearing] presently set for [CURRENT DATE]. Pursuant to Superior Court Rule of Civil Procedure 40(b) and Rule 16(b), good cause exists to continue this matter to [REQUESTED NEW DATE] or a date convenient to the Court because [state specific grounds].

In accordance with SCR Civ. R. 12-I(a), undersigned counsel certifies that [he/she/they] conferred with counsel for [OPPOSING PARTY] on [DATE] regarding the relief sought, and [opposing counsel] [consents/objects].

This motion is supported by the accompanying Memorandum of Points and Authorities, the Declaration of [ATTORNEY NAME], and the [Proposed] Order submitted herewith.

DATED: [DATE]
[LAW FIRM NAME]

By: _______
[ATTORNEY NAME] (D.C. Bar No. [NUMBER])
Counsel for [PARTY]

3. MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES

3.1 Introduction

[// GUIDANCE: Provide a concise overview of the relief requested and the main factual reasons for the continuance.]

3.2 Procedural Background

[// GUIDANCE: Summarize procedural posture, including scheduling orders, discovery status, mediation efforts, and prior continuances.]

3.3 Legal Standard

Superior Court Rule of Civil Procedure 40(b) authorizes the Court to continue any hearing or trial for good cause. The Court exercises broad discretion and considers the diligence of the moving party, the reasons necessitating the continuance, any prior extensions, and potential prejudice to the opposing party and the Court’s docket. See Jones v. United States, 477 A.2d 231, 240 (D.C. 1984). Compliance with Rule 16(b) scheduling orders and standing orders is required.

3.4 Argument

3.4.1 Good Cause Under SCR Civ. R. 40(b)

[// GUIDANCE: Detail the facts that establish good cause, including scheduling conflicts, health issues, witness unavailability, or pending discovery. Attach supporting exhibits if available.]

3.4.2 Diligence and Prejudice

[// GUIDANCE: Demonstrate prompt action, efforts to mitigate delay, and explain why the requested continuance will not unduly prejudice opposing parties or disrupt the Court’s calendar.]

3.5 Conclusion

For these reasons, [MOVING PARTY] requests that the Court grant this motion and continue the [trial/hearing] to [REQUESTED NEW DATE] or another date the Court selects.

4. DECLARATION OF [ATTORNEY NAME]

I, [ATTORNEY NAME], declare:

1. I am counsel of record for [PARTY] in this matter.
2. The [trial/hearing] is currently scheduled for [CURRENT DATE].
3. Good cause exists for a continuance because [provide detailed factual explanation].
4. This request is made in good faith promptly upon discovery of the circumstances necessitating additional time.
5. I conferred with counsel for [OPPOSING PARTY] on [DATE], and [he/she/they] [consent/do not consent].
6. Granting the requested continuance will promote a fair resolution and will not unduly prejudice any party.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on [DATE] at Washington, District of Columbia.

[ATTORNEY NAME]

5. [PROPOSED] ORDER

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Civil Division

[PLAINTIFF NAME],
Plaintiff,

v. Civil Action No. [CASE NUMBER]

[DEFENDANT NAME],
Defendant.

Upon consideration of [MOVING PARTY]'s Motion for Continuance, any opposition, and the record herein, it is hereby ORDERED:

1. The [trial/hearing] scheduled for [CURRENT DATE] is continued to [NEW DATE] at [TIME].
2. All associated deadlines are adjusted as follows:
   a. Discovery cutoff: [DATE]
   b. Dispositive motions: [DATE]
   c. Pretrial statements: [DATE]
   d. Pretrial conference: [DATE]
3. Counsel shall promptly notify all witnesses and parties of the new dates.

SO ORDERED.

Date: __ __________
Judge [NAME]
Superior Court of the District of Columbia

6. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE & RULE 12-I(a) STATEMENT

I certify that on [DATE], I served the foregoing MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE via CaseFileXpress/eService upon:

[List recipients]

Pursuant to SCR Civ. R. 12-I(a), I further certify that counsel for [OPPOSING PARTY] was contacted on [DATE] regarding this motion and [states response].

[NAME OF DECLARANT]