Practical examples of request for continuance form filings

Real‑world examples of request for continuance form language

Most people don’t struggle with finding the form. They struggle with what to say on it. That’s where real examples of request for continuance form language make all the difference.

Below are several realistic scenarios—traffic, family, civil, and criminal—showing how people actually explain why they need more time. Think of these as templates you customize, not scripts you blindly copy.

Traffic court example of a request for continuance

You’re scheduled for a traffic hearing, but the date conflicts with a pre‑paid work trip. Here’s the kind of language that often works:

Reason for continuance:
I respectfully request a continuance of the hearing currently set for March 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. I am required to attend a mandatory work training out of state from March 17–21, 2025. The training dates were set by my employer after the court date was issued, and attendance is a condition of my employment. I am attaching a copy of my travel itinerary and employer notice confirming these dates. I am available any weekday after April 1, 2025.

Why this works:

• Dates are specific and verifiable.
• Reason is practical and not self‑inflicted.
• Documents are offered as proof.

This is one of the best examples of request for continuance form wording for minor cases: short, factual, and supported by paperwork.

Family court example of request for continuance (medical emergency)

Family courts see a lot of continuance requests, but judges are wary of delay tactics. Medical issues, when documented, are among the stronger reasons.

Reason for continuance:
I am requesting a continuance of the custody hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025. On April 28, 2025, I underwent an emergency appendectomy and was advised by my physician not to appear in court or travel for at least two weeks following surgery. I am attaching a letter from my doctor and hospital discharge paperwork. I understand the importance of this hearing and am prepared to proceed as soon as my physician clears me, which is expected by May 20, 2025.

What this example of a request for continuance does right:

• Ties the medical condition to the exact hearing date.
• Shows respect for the importance of the case.
• Offers a realistic new timeframe.

If you’re using health‑related reasons, make sure your documents match your story. Judges see a lot of vague “I was sick” excuses. Clear dates and a doctor’s note go a long way. For general guidance on medical documentation and privacy, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has helpful materials on HIPAA and medical records at hhs.gov.

Civil case example: you just hired an attorney

In 2024–2025, courts are pushing harder for cases to move quickly, but they also recognize the right to counsel. If you just retained a lawyer, that can justify a short delay.

Reason for continuance:
I recently retained counsel in this matter on January 3, 2025, less than two weeks before the current trial date of January 15, 2025. My attorney needs additional time to review the case file, conduct limited discovery, and prepare for trial. This is my first request for a continuance. I am not seeking delay for improper purposes, and I understand the court’s interest in moving this case forward. My attorney estimates that an additional 60 days will allow us to be fully prepared.

This is one of the more common examples of request for continuance form language in civil cases. It acknowledges:

• The late hire date.
• The court’s need to manage its calendar.
• A specific time estimate instead of “whenever.”

Many state courts publish guidance on continuances in their local rules. For instance, the U.S. Courts site has general information on civil procedure and scheduling at uscourts.gov.

Criminal case example of request for continuance (discovery issues)

Criminal courts are stricter, because defendants have speedy trial rights. But discovery problems are a classic ground for a continuance.

Reason for continuance:
Defense counsel respectfully requests a continuance of the pretrial conference currently set for June 10, 2025. On May 30, 2025, the State produced approximately 1,200 pages of discovery, including new witness statements and surveillance footage. Given the volume and timing of this material, defense counsel cannot adequately review the evidence, investigate new witnesses, and advise the defendant before the current hearing date. This is the first continuance request by the defense. We request a new date at least 45 days from the current setting to allow for effective preparation.

Among real examples of request for continuance form language in criminal cases, this type is common:

• It focuses on fairness and preparation, not convenience.
• It references specific discovery and dates.
• It explains why the delay is necessary, not optional.

For more on criminal procedure standards, the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School maintains a helpful overview at law.cornell.edu.

Example of continuance request for a remote or virtual hearing

Post‑2020, remote hearings are standard in many courts. In 2024–2025, one growing category of examples of request for continuance form language involves technology problems or access issues.

Reason for continuance:
The hearing in this matter is currently set as a remote appearance via video conference on February 12, 2025. I live in a rural area with limited internet access and do not have a private space suitable for a court appearance. During the test connection on February 3, 2025, the video platform repeatedly disconnected. I have contacted the court’s IT help desk, and they confirmed that my connection may not be stable enough for a full hearing. I am requesting a continuance so that I can arrange to appear from a public law library or other suitable location, and I ask that the court reset the hearing after March 1, 2025.

This reflects a very current issue: courts want remote access, but not at the expense of fairness or confidentiality. Many state courts and law libraries now publish guides on accessing remote hearings; a good starting point is the general resources section at usa.gov, which links to local legal aid and court information.

Work‑related example: mandatory shift change or deployment

Work conflicts are weaker than medical emergencies, but some are still persuasive—especially when the conflict is mandatory and documented.

Reason for continuance:
I am requesting a continuance of the hearing set for August 8, 2025. I am an active‑duty service member and was notified on July 15, 2025, that I will be deployed out of state for training from August 1–20, 2025. I have no control over these orders, and failure to comply could affect my military status. I am attaching a copy of my deployment orders. I respectfully ask the court to reset the hearing for a date after August 25, 2025.

Among the best examples of request for continuance form justifications, military orders rank high because they are involuntary and documented. The same logic can apply to:

• Mandatory overtime with written employer notice.
• Scheduled surgery for a dependent child.
• Court‑ordered appearances in another case at the same time.

Again, the pattern you see across these examples of request for continuance form language is simple: specific dates, documents, and a realistic alternative.

Weak vs. strong examples of request for continuance form wording

Not all reasons are equal. Judges see the full spectrum, from genuinely unavoidable to obviously avoidable. Some real examples include:

Stronger reasons (often granted):

• Sudden hospitalization or serious medical procedure, with proof.
• Late discovery dump or new evidence in criminal or complex civil cases.
• Newly retained counsel needing reasonable prep time.
• Conflicting court dates in another case, verified by docket notices.
• Military orders or government‑mandated training.

Weaker reasons (often denied):

• “I forgot about the date” with no explanation.
• “I couldn’t get off work” without any documentation or prior effort.
• Vacations booked after the court date was set.
• Repeated, vague claims of illness without records.

When you study real examples of examples of request for continuance form filings, the pattern is clear: judges want to see that you did not create the conflict through neglect, and that you’re not trying to stall the case indefinitely.

How to structure your own request using these examples

You can adapt the best examples above into a simple structure:

Opening: Identify the hearing and date.

I respectfully request a continuance of the [type of hearing] currently set for [date] at [time].

Reason: Explain the conflict in one or two focused paragraphs.

On [date], I learned that [describe event]. This conflict prevents me from appearing or adequately preparing because [short explanation].

Proof: Mention what you’re attaching.

I am attaching [doctor’s letter, employer note, travel itinerary, court notice, military orders] in support of this request.

New date: Offer a realistic window.

I am available any time after [date], and I will be prepared to proceed.

If you compare this structure to the earlier examples of request for continuance form language, you’ll see the same beats over and over—because that’s what courts expect.

2024–2025 trends affecting continuance requests

Continuance practice is changing, and your form should reflect that reality.

More electronic filing and online forms

Many courts now require:

• E‑filing of motions and requests.
• Use of standardized online continuance forms.
• Email service to the other side.

Before you file, check your court’s website. Many U.S. courts maintain self‑help centers or downloadable forms. A good gateway to official court sites is the federal judiciary’s directory at uscourts.gov.

Remote appearance policies

In 2024–2025, some courts actually prefer remote appearances for routine matters. That means:

• A judge might deny a continuance but allow you to appear by video or phone instead.
• You may need to file a combined request: continuance or, in the alternative, permission to appear remotely.

When you look at updated examples of request for continuance form filings from attorneys, you’ll often see this dual request—because it gives the judge options.

Stricter views on repeated delays

Courts are under pressure to clear backlogs from the pandemic era. As a result:

• First continuance requests with good reasons are more likely to be granted.
• Second or third requests face much tougher scrutiny.

If your situation involves multiple prior continuances, your wording needs to be tighter and better documented. In those cases, it’s worth at least consulting a lawyer or legal aid organization; usa.gov’s legal aid page at usa.gov/legal-aid is a good place to start.

FAQ: Common questions about continuance examples

What are some common examples of acceptable reasons for a continuance?

Common acceptable reasons include documented medical emergencies, recent hospitalization, late‑produced evidence or discovery, newly hired counsel needing time to prepare, conflicting court dates, military orders, and serious family emergencies backed up by records. The best examples of request for continuance form language always tie the reason to specific dates and attach proof.

Can I use an online template as an example of a continuance request?

You can absolutely look at templates and real examples of request for continuance form wording for inspiration, but you should not copy them blindly. Courts care about your facts: your dates, your documents, and your availability. Use templates to understand structure, then customize heavily.

Do I need to notify the other party when I file a continuance request?

In most courts, yes. You typically must send a copy of your request to the other party or their attorney and state on the form how and when you did so. Some of the better real examples of request for continuance form filings even note whether the other side agrees, opposes, or takes no position on the request.

How far in advance should I submit my continuance form?

As early as possible. Many local rules set deadlines—often a set number of days before the hearing. Late, last‑minute filings without a genuine emergency are a fast way to get denied. If you look at strong examples of examples of request for continuance form filings, you’ll notice they’re usually submitted promptly after the conflict is discovered.

Will a continuance hurt my case?

Sometimes a short delay actually helps, especially if it allows you to get a lawyer or gather evidence. Judges are more concerned with patterns of delay than with a single, well‑supported request. If your reason looks like the stronger examples discussed above—specific, documented, and limited in time—it’s unlikely to be held against you.

The bottom line: if you study these examples of request for continuance form language, a consistent pattern emerges. Be specific, be honest, attach proof, and propose a realistic new date. Do that, and your request immediately looks more like the best examples judges see—and less like the vague, last‑minute excuses they deny.