Can I eSign a motion?

Yes. Electronic signatures on filings are generally permitted provided the signer’s identity, intent to sign, and a reproducible record are preserved consistent with ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and local court rules; verify the court’s e‑filing rules.

Who may sign the motion?

An attorney of record typically signs; an authorized party may sign in pro se matters. Corporate filers should include authority documentation if the signature is not by counsel.

What if I miss the deadline?

Missing the applicable deadline (for example, FRCP 59(e) 28 days) can waive relief; in narrow circumstances, Rule 60(b) relief may still be possible but often requires prompt action and specific grounds.

Do I need a notary or affidavit?

Affidavits supporting new evidence may require notarization depending on jurisdiction. If notarization is needed, use an in‑person notary or RON where the state permits remote notarization.

How should I serve opposing counsel?

Serve per the court’s local rules—often via the e‑filing system, email where allowed, or conventional methods like certified mail; include a certificate of service with the filing.

Can I revise the motion after filing?

Courts allow amended filings by leave of court or by local rule; file a corrected or amended motion and a notice explaining the change and any impacts on the briefing schedule.

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Motion to Reconsider

Motion to Reconsider

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What a Motion to Reconsider Is and When It’s Used

A Motion to Reconsider asks a court to review and change an earlier ruling based on legal error, newly discovered evidence, or an intervening change in controlling law. It is typically filed by a party that disagrees with a judgment, order, or interlocutory decision and seeks correction without initiating a new appeal. Procedures and permissible grounds vary by jurisdiction and court level; federal civil practice often treats such motions under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 59(e) or 60(b), while state courts follow local rules. Timeliness and proper service are critical to preserve rights.

Why a Motion to Reconsider Matters

A Motion to Reconsider can correct clear legal error, admit significant new evidence, or address a change in law, restoring parties to positions they occupied before the challenged decision while avoiding the delay and expense of an appeal.

Who Prepares and Files This Motion

Choose the filer based on who controls the case strategy, who received the adverse ruling, and who is best positioned to meet filing and service requirements.

Plaintiff counsel preparing post-judgment motions to preserve appellate issues and correct errors.
Defense counsel seeking relief from adverse orders or clarification of ambiguous rulings.
Self-represented parties filing procedural or substantive reconsideration requests pro se.

Common Signatories and Filing Agents

Attorney — Lead Counsel

An attorney of record typically signs and files the motion, certifying good-faith grounds under applicable civil rules. Counsel prepares the legal argument, handles service on opposing parties, and ensures compliance with the court’s formatting, timing, and page-limit rules.

Party Representative

In pro se matters or where corporate authorization is required, an authorized party representative signs. That signer must be able to attest to factual assertions and, where required, produce a corporate resolution or power of attorney showing signing authority.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Motion to Reconsider

A clear, organized motion improves judicial review. Include standard court formatting and concise headings tied to the legal standard for reconsideration in that forum.

Caption

Case caption with court name, docket number, party names, and title identifying the filing as a Motion to Reconsider.

Introduction

Short statement of the relief sought and a one-paragraph summary of why reconsideration is appropriate.

Standard of Review

Citation to the controlling rule or standard (for example, FRCP 59(e) or 60(b) in federal court) and a brief explanation of its elements.

Argument

Organized legal analysis showing error, newly discovered evidence, or intervening law with supporting authorities and evidence citations.

Relief Requested

Specific order the movant requests (vacate, amend, clarification) and any proposed form of order for the judge to sign.

Signature Block

Signature line for counsel or the authorized party, contact information, date, and certificate of service attesting to proper notice.

Core Information Required in the Motion

Case Caption: Court, parties, docket number

Motion Title: Clear label: Motion to Reconsider

Grounds: Specific legal or factual grounds

Relief Sought: Exact remedial request

Supporting Evidence: Exhibits and declarations listed

Service Info: Method and date of service

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Filing the Motion

Follow these sequential actions to prepare a motion that meets court rules and preserves appellate rights.

01

1. Check Deadlines: Confirm the applicable filing period under local and federal rules before drafting.
02

2. Gather Evidence: Assemble declarations, exhibits, and any newly discovered materials.
03

3. Draft Briefing: Write a focused argument citing the rule and controlling authority.
04

4. Serve and File: Serve opposing counsel per rules and submit via the court’s e‑filing system.

Where to File and How the Filing Moves Through the Court

Filing location and routing depend on the court and whether the case is in federal or state court; follow the court’s local rules and electronic filing procedures.

Federal District Court: File via the court’s CM/ECF system under the existing docket number.
State Trial Court: Use the state or county electronic filing portal where available, or paper file per local rules.
Clerk Review: Clerk accepts and assigns the motion to the case docket for judicial review.
Judge’s Ruling: Judge may grant, deny, or set a hearing for the motion.

Digital Workflow Settings for eFiling and Service

Configure your digital workflow to match filing and service requirements before submitting the motion electronically.

Field	Configuration
Document Format	PDF/A; flattened exhibits where required
File Naming	Docket#_MotionToReconsider_Party.pdf
Service Method	Email via e‑filing portal or certified mail if required
Retention Setting	Keep signed copy and audit trail for retention period

Technical Requirements for eSigning and eFiling

Select a platform that preserves a timestamped audit trail and stores a reproducible record to meet ESIGN and local court requirements.

Document Types: PDF, PDF/A, DOCX supported
Authentication: Email link or stronger MFA as required
Integrations: Works with case management and cloud storage

Common Deadlines and Timing Rules to Watch

Timing rules determine the available procedural vehicle; federal courts differentiate between motions under Rule 59 and Rule 60, and state deadlines vary by jurisdiction.

FRCP 59(e) Deadline:

File within 28 days of entry for motion to alter or amend

FRCP 60(b) Deadline:

File within a reasonable time; for certain grounds within one year

Local Rule Limits:

Some courts impose shorter briefing or filing windows

Service Timing:

Serve opposing parties per local rules immediately on filing

Hearing Scheduling:

Court may set a hearing; allow lead time for calendar availability

Key Milestones from Draft to Judicial Decision

Track milestones so you meet filing, service, and response obligations that affect preservation of appellate rights.

01

Draft Complete

Finalized motion and exhibits ready for filing and service.

02

File and Serve

Submit to court and effectuate service on opposing parties.

03

Opposition Period

Opposing party files brief within the court’s response window.

04

Court Ruling

Judge issues an order granting, denying, or setting a hearing.

Consequences of Filing an Incorrect or Untimely Motion

Waiver of Rights: Missed deadlines can forfeit appellate arguments

Sanctions Risk: Frivolous motions may trigger fee-shifting or sanctions

Dismissal: Court may deny or dismiss on procedural grounds

Lost Evidence Opportunity: Untimely evidence may not be considered

Service Defects: Improper service can invalidate the filing

Administrative Rejection: Clerks may reject filings not meeting local format rules

Frequent Preparation Errors to Avoid

Missing the precise local or federal deadline, which can convert a meritorious motion into a waived claim.
Failing to attach or properly reference exhibits and declarations that support assertions of new evidence.
Using vague language instead of specifying the precise legal error, leading to summary denial by the court.
Incorrect service or docket number errors that prevent the motion from being properly entered on the case record.

Sample eSignature Vendor Comparison for Preparing and Signing a Motion to Reconsider

Compare basic pricing and key capabilities for commonly used eSignature vendors when choosing how to collect signatures and store audit trails for court filings.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Motions to Reconsider

Answers to common procedural and practical questions about drafting, signing, filing, and serving a Motion to Reconsider.

Need help? Contact support

Can I eSign a motion?
Yes. Electronic signatures on filings are generally permitted provided the signer’s identity, intent to sign, and a reproducible record are preserved consistent with ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and local court rules; verify the court’s e‑filing rules.
Who may sign the motion?
An attorney of record typically signs; an authorized party may sign in pro se matters. Corporate filers should include authority documentation if the signature is not by counsel.
What if I miss the deadline?
Missing the applicable deadline (for example, FRCP 59(e) 28 days) can waive relief; in narrow circumstances, Rule 60(b) relief may still be possible but often requires prompt action and specific grounds.
Do I need a notary or affidavit?
Affidavits supporting new evidence may require notarization depending on jurisdiction. If notarization is needed, use an in‑person notary or RON where the state permits remote notarization.
How should I serve opposing counsel?
Serve per the court’s local rules—often via the e‑filing system, email where allowed, or conventional methods like certified mail; include a certificate of service with the filing.
Can I revise the motion after filing?
Courts allow amended filings by leave of court or by local rule; file a corrected or amended motion and a notice explaining the change and any impacts on the briefing schedule.

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