Filing a Continuance

• 1). Conduct a preliminary search for lawyers. Filing a continuance is a way for you to extend your deadline. If you do some research on what lawyers to hire before filing for continuance, you will have to spend less time searching after your deadline is extended.
  
  
• 2). Search for a sample motion for continuance. Your local court house may have some sample templates available online. If there are not any sample templates available electronically, you can go to your local courthouse and request a motion for continuance template or a sample motion for continuance for you to create your own. In some cases, when an individual is filing a motion for continuance without an attorney, the court requires a questionnaire rather than a standard continuance. The reason for this is that the court wants to simplify the process for those people who do not have an attorney.
  
  
• 3). Submit the motion for continuance. You have to submit the motion for continuance at your local office of the clerk of court. The local clerk of court is usually located in the courthouse. Some courts allow people to submit either electronically or via fax. However, the safest way to submit anything for court is by going in and handing it in personally.
  
  
• 4). Look for an attorney as soon as you submit the motion for continuance if you skipped step 1 - this is imperative. Research at least a few attorneys before settling on one to handle your case. In the meantime, keep a lookout for the judge's response to your motion for continuance. It will be sent to you via mail and will state the new deadline for your hearing.