DocketXDocketX / Glossary / continuance
Continuance
A continuance is a court-ordered delay that moves a scheduled hearing or trial to a later date.
What it actually is
A continuance is a procedural request by either party or the court itself to postpone a scheduled court event, such as a hearing, pretrial conference, or trial. It appears throughout a case when a party needs more time to prepare, locate a witness, or resolve a conflict, and the judge grants or denies the motion based on the circumstances.
Why it matters in your case
For someone facing a court case, a continuance can provide extra time to gather evidence, hire an attorney, or negotiate a settlement, which may improve your position. However, it also delays the resolution of your case, prolonging stress and potentially increasing costs.
The common misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly think a continuance automatically resets all deadlines in the case, but it typically only postpones the specific event; other deadlines like discovery cutoffs may remain unchanged unless the court orders otherwise.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court, we hold court rules for 28 states and the federal courts word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state, procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.