Caption
Use the court caption exactly as filed; list case number, court name, parties, and department to ensure the clerk links the motion to the correct docket.
Use a Non Hearing Motion for Continuance Declaration to avoid unnecessary in-person appearances, document compelling reasons for delay, and maintain compliance with scheduling orders. Properly drafted declarations reduce the risk of denial and preserve parties' ability to prepare or obtain counsel.
Typical filers include attorneys, self-represented litigants, and administrative agencies seeking scheduling relief in civil or administrative matters.
Use the court caption exactly as filed; list case number, court name, parties, and department to ensure the clerk links the motion to the correct docket.
State specific legal or factual grounds for the continuance, such as counsel conflict, illness, new evidence, or pending related motions, with concise explanation and dates.
A sworn declaration signed under penalty of perjury summarizing the facts and attaching exhibits; include declarant's name, title, contact information, and relationship to the case.
Confirm service to all parties per local rules and list the method and date of service to avoid procedural dismissal for lack of notice.
Provide one or more specific alternative dates or a date range and explain availability constraints so the court can pick a suitable rescheduled date.
Attach certified medical records, subpoena responses, travel itineraries, counsel declarations, or correspondence that substantiate the need for continuance, include dates, and explain how each item supports the request.
Use a secure e-filing or eSignature platform that meets court authentication and audit trail requirements.
File immediately and explain emergency facts in the declaration.
Local rules often require 5–14 calendar days' notice before hearing.
Provide physician statement, treatment dates, and expected unavailability.
Opposing party may have 1–5 business days to respond.
Clerk reviews filings; processing time varies by county and caseload.
A small civil litigation firm used a written continuance declaration when lead counsel became unexpectedly unavailable due to illness.
A county agency sought continuance after a key investigator was reassigned to an emergency disaster response, impacting scheduled administrative hearings.
Draft motion and supporting declaration.
File with clerk per local rules.
Serve proof of service to all parties.
Court rules on continuance after review.
| Criteria | Non Hearing Motion | In-person Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Presence | no appearance | appearance required |
| Processing Time | often quicker | depends on calendar |
| Evidence | written exhibits | oral testimony possible |
| Flexibility | high flexibility | lower flexibility |
| 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 | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document Template | Create template with caption and signature fields |
| Conditional Fields | Show proof fields when emergency selected |
| Authentication | Use email or SMS code verification |
| Service Tracking | Add proof-of-service upload and stamp field |
An attorney of record may sign motions and declarations on behalf of their client, certifying accuracy and service. Attorneys sign to attest to procedural compliance and usually file electronically using their bar number and contact details.
A declarant or affiant signs the sworn declaration under penalty of perjury. The declarant must be competent to testify to the facts stated and include their contact information and relationship to the case.