California · Family Code
FAM §7871: (a) A continuance may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
What this law says, in plain English
A judge may only postpone a court proceeding if the requesting party demonstrates a valid reason for the delay.
Read the full statutory text
(a) A continuance may be granted only upon a showing of good cause. Neither a stipulation between counsel nor the convenience of the parties is in and of itself a good cause. (b) Unless the court for good cause entertains an oral motion for continuance, written notice of a motion for a continuance of the hearing shall be filed within two court days of the date set for the hearing, together with affidavits or declarations detailing specific facts showing that a continuance is necessary. (c) A continuance shall be granted only for that period of time shown to be necessary by the evidence considered at the hearing on the motion. Whenever a continuance is granted, the facts proven which require the continuance shall be entered upon the minutes of the court.
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