How many times can a hearing date be changed?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How many times can a hearing date be changed?

How many time some one can change the lawyer and a hearing date? I have a hearing on 11/15/10 and the opposite party keeps delaying the hearing and now they changed lawyers and are asking for a new hearing date. Just trying to gain some more time. Is mediation mandatory for any case or you can skip that and have final hearing?

Asked on September 20, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Florida

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

It is within the judge's discretion to determine how many times the hearing date can be changed.  The opposing party must have a valid reason for requesting a continuance.  The judge will not allow this to continue indefinitely.  Changing attorneys would probably be sufficient grounds for a continuance in order to allow the new attorney to become familiar with the case and prepare for the hearing.

Whether or not mediation is mandatory varies from state to state.  The court papers filed with the lawsuit may include a statement about mediation being mandatory and the requisite procedures.  Mediation is a form of alternate dispute resolution which may result in the case being settled without protracted litigation.  Even if mediation is not required, it may be a good idea to request it during litigation prior to trial.  If the case can be settled, it will be considerably less expensive than proceeding with a trial.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption