Rescheduling Nuptials: Changing Wedding-Day Court Dates Made Simple

If you're wondering whether you can change your wedding court date, the answer is yes, but it may not be a straightforward process. The procedure for changing a court date varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. For example, the rules for criminal court, probate court, and small claims court differ. If you have legal representation, you can ask your lawyer to apply for an adjournment on your behalf. They will need to confer with the court and the opposing party to secure a new date. If you are representing yourself, you may be able to change the date by calling the court, writing a letter, or filing a postponement request, depending on the jurisdiction. It's important to act quickly and provide a valid reason for the change, as the court will only grant a new date if there is a good cause. Some courts may also require you to appear in person to change the date.

Postponing a court date

Check Court Guidelines and Procedures

Each court has its own procedures, so it's essential to review the guidelines for your specific court. Check the court's website or contact the court clerk to understand the process for requesting a postponement. The rules may vary depending on the type of case, such as criminal court, probate court, or small claims court.

Act Promptly

Courts generally prefer receiving extension requests as early as possible. Make your request at the earliest opportunity or, at the very least, three working days before the hearing date. This gives the court enough time to reschedule your case without causing unnecessary delays.

Provide a Valid Reason

When requesting a postponement, you must provide a valid and reasonable explanation for your inability to attend the original court date. Common reasons accepted by courts include:

• Out-of-town obligations, such as work or a pre-planned vacation
• Prior work, school, or family commitments
• Need for additional time to prepare for the court proceeding
• Unavailability of a key witness for your case

Be as specific as possible when explaining your reason. For example, instead of stating "family obligations," mention that you have a wedding or a funeral that conflicts with your court date.

Contact Your Attorney

If you have legal representation, consult your lawyer, as they can apply for an adjournment on your behalf. They will communicate with the court and the opposing party to secure a new court date.

Make the Request

Depending on the court's procedures, you may need to call the court, write a letter, or file a formal postponement request. Some courts may require you to appear in person to change the date. If you are representing yourself, pay close attention to the court's instructions to ensure your request is submitted correctly and on time.

Be Mindful of Court Discretion

It's important to remember that the court is under no obligation to grant your request for a postponement. Judges have the discretion to approve or deny your request. Therefore, ensure you provide a valid reason and make your request in a timely and respectful manner.

Reasons for changing a court date

Changing a court date, also known as an adjournment, can be a simple process if you have legal representation. In this case, you can ask your lawyer to apply for an adjournment on your behalf. They will need to confer with the court and the opposing party to secure a new court date.

If you are representing yourself, the process may be more complex, and the specific steps may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. Here are some common reasons for requesting an adjournment:

Scheduling Conflict

If you cannot attend court on the scheduled date due to a scheduling conflict, you can request an adjournment. It is best to inform the court as soon as you become aware of the conflict, as courts are more likely to be lenient if they have more time to reschedule.

Illness or Hospitalization

If you are unwell or hospitalized and unable to attend court, you can provide a doctor's note as supporting documentation for your request to postpone the court date.

Travel or Incarceration

Being out of town or incarcerated can also be valid reasons for requesting a change of court date.

Need for Legal Representation

If you need more time to hire a lawyer, you can file a motion for a continuance. This requests additional time to prepare your case and secure legal representation.

Witness or Evidence Unavailability

If a vital witness or piece of evidence is unavailable for the scheduled court date, you can request a continuance. However, you may be required to sign an affidavit detailing your efforts to obtain the evidence or witness and the expected timeframe for their availability.

It is important to note that the decision to grant an adjournment ultimately lies with the judge, and you may need to provide supporting documentation or appear in court to present your request. Each state and court has its own rules and procedures for changing a court date, so be sure to review the specific guidelines for your location and type of case.

Methods to change a court date

Changing a court date can be a complicated process, and the procedure may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. Here are some methods that can help you change your wedding court date:

Consulting a Lawyer

If you have legal representation, the simplest way to change your court date is by asking your lawyer to apply for an adjournment on your behalf. They will need to confer with the court and the opposing party to secure a new date.

Calling the Court

If you do not have a lawyer, you are likely representing yourself in a small claims or traffic court case. In this case, you can start by looking at your summons, where you will find a phone number for the court. Call the court as soon as you realise you have a scheduling conflict. The court will be more lenient if they have more time to reschedule. If you are assigned to a specific judge, you can call their office directly. Some jurisdictions may require you to appear in person to change the date.

Writing a Letter to the Court

In some states, you can write a letter to the court explaining why you need to change your court date. This should be sent well in advance and include the name and number of the case, a timeframe for when you can appear in court, and the reason for the change. If there is another party involved, you will need to send a copy of the letter to them as well.

Filing a Postponement Request

Some states require you to formally file a postponement request with the court. For example, in California, small-claims litigants must file a specific form as soon as possible. Some jurisdictions allow you to mail in the form, while others require you to deliver it in person to the clerk's office. You will also need to serve the document on all other parties involved in the case.

Filing a Motion

To change a court date, you must get the judge's permission by filing a motion, also known as a motion to continue or motion for a continuance. This requests the judge to reschedule the court date. You will need to include a good reason for the change, such as the unavailability of important evidence or witnesses, or the need to hire an attorney. The judge has complete discretion over whether to grant the motion.

It is best to file your motion as soon as possible, as judges generally prefer to resolve cases quickly and may be reluctant to accept last-minute changes. If your court date is less than seven days away, you may still be able to file a motion, but there may not be enough time to get a hearing before the original date.

Checking Court Websites

Each state and court has different rules for changing court dates, so be sure to check the court's website or contact the court clerk for specific information.

Marriage license requirements

A marriage license is a legal document that allows you to marry anywhere in the country. It is required for those seeking a marriage-based visa or green card as proof of an official record of the marriage. The specifics of the requirements vary based on location, but here are some general guidelines:

• A valid form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, naturalization certificate, or passport.
• If either party has been previously divorced, a copy of the final dissolution, also known as divorce papers, is necessary.
• Payment for the marriage license, with prices varying depending on the location.
• Note that marriage licenses have an expiration date, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. Therefore, you must schedule your wedding before the license expires.
• Some states have a mandatory waiting period between receiving the license and the wedding, which can range from 24 hours to 6 days.
• Most locations will require at least one witness over the age of 18, and some may require two witnesses, one for each spouse-to-be.
• The attire for the ceremony can be formal, casual, or anything in between—it's your choice!
• Guest capacity will vary depending on the courthouse, with some allowing only a few guests and others accommodating more.
• Check with the courthouse to confirm if photography and videography are allowed during the ceremony.
• Remember to plan your celebration after the ceremony, whether it's a honeymoon, a quiet reception, or a larger party.

Quezon City Hall, Philippines:

• Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate of both applicants.
• Original copy and photocopies of PSA Birth Certificates, as the original may be required to be left with the city hall.
• Community Tax Certificates of both applicants, although a government-issued ID may be presented as an alternative.
• 2x2 coloured photos of the couple.
• PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage), with photocopies and the original copy for verification.
• Accomplished Marriage Application Form, which can be downloaded and printed beforehand or obtained and filled out on-site.
• If either applicant was previously married and is now widowed, a copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate is needed.
• For applicants with prior marriages that ended in divorce, a copy of the Court Decision and Absolute Decree of Finality from the Court is required.
• One of the applicants must be a resident of Quezon City or the city where the license is being applied for.
• Applicants 25 years and above must attend the Family Planning Seminar, while those below 25 need to attend both a Family Counseling seminar and the Family Planning seminar.
• The marriage license fee is Php 100.

Municipality of Los Baños, Philippines:

• CENOMAR- CERTIFICATE OF NO MARRIAGE (2 photocopies) and PSA copy.
• CEDULA/ RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE (2 photocopies).
• PSA Birth Certificate (2 photocopies).
• Family Planning Certificate- No Exemption (original and 2 photocopies).
• Marriage Counselling Certificate (2 photocopies).
• Parental Consent for applicants aged 18 to 24.
• Parental Advice for applicants aged 21 to 24.
• License Fee of P500.00.
• Personal appearance of the couple.
• Brgy. Residency (2 photocopies).
• If previously married and the marriage was annulled or terminated, submit the Judicial Decree of Nullity of Marriage or Judicial Decree of Annulment (2 certified photocopies).
• Passport (2 photocopies).
• For foreigners: Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage issued by their respective embassy or diplomatic or consular official (2 certified photocopies).

San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines:

• At least one of the applicants must be a resident of the municipality.
• Applicants must be 18 years old or above and must be male and female.
• Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) of the applicants – 1 original or Certified copy from the Philippine Statistics Authority or MCRO where the child was born.
• CENOMAR of the applicants – 1 original copy from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
• Valid ID of the applicants – 1 original copy, along with another government-issued ID.
• Parent's Consent for 18-21 years old and Parent's Advice for 22-25 years old.
• Certificate of Compliance and/or Certificate of Marriage Counseling.
• For widows/widowers, a Certificate of Death of the deceased spouse – 1 original or certified copy from the MCRO of the Place of Death or Philippine Statistics Authority.
• For annulled marriages: Court Decision with Finality and Annotated COM of the previous marriage from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
• For foreigners: Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry from a Diplomatic or Consular Office in the Philippines. If there is no embassy in the Philippines, execute an affidavit and secure certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
• For divorcees: Copy of the Final Decree or Absolute Divorce and confirmation from the Regional Trial Court.

Courthouse wedding planning

Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding. Also known as civil weddings or civil ceremonies, they are non-religious ceremonies that are presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk. Courthouse weddings are typically shorter, simpler, and more intimate than traditional weddings, but they still require some upfront planning. Here are some key steps to help you plan your courthouse wedding:

Choose Your Location:

You can get married almost anywhere in the United States, but the requirements will vary by state and county. Some couples choose to get married in the same town where they live for convenience, while others may opt for a location that holds special significance for them. Remember to research the local regulations, including any requirements for obtaining a marriage license, as some states mandate that you apply for the license in the same town where the wedding will take place.

Research Marriage License Requirements:

Understanding the requirements for obtaining a marriage license is crucial. The process and necessary documents can vary from city to city. Typically, you will need valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or naturalization certificate. If either partner has been previously married, you will need to provide a copy of the final dissolution or divorce papers. Additionally, some states may require proof of citizenship or residence and a Social Security number.

Apply for the Marriage License:

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and researched your chosen city's requirements, it's time to apply for the marriage license. Remember that marriage licenses have an expiration date, so plan your wedding date accordingly. Some states also have a waiting period between receiving the license and the wedding date, which can range from 24 hours to several days.

Set a Courthouse Wedding Date:

Courthouse weddings typically require an appointment with a judge, who will officiate the wedding and sign your marriage license. Most judges post their availability on the county website, and appointments usually need to be scheduled within standard business hours. Keep in mind that marriage licenses are only valid for a specific period, so ensure your wedding date falls within that timeframe.

Gather Your Essentials:

Before your wedding date, create a packet that contains all the necessary paperwork, including your marriage license, forms of identification for both partners, and payment for the marriage ceremony if it hasn't been made already. Also, ensure you have at least one witness over the age of 18, and some locations may require two witnesses.

Plan Your Attire and Guests:

Courthouse weddings allow you to be as formal or casual as you like with your attire. You can choose traditional wedding attire or opt for something more relaxed and personalized. Regarding guests, the capacity will vary depending on the courthouse, so confirm their regulations ahead of time. Typically, courthouse weddings are small and intimate, with only a handful of guests or immediate family members present.

Photography and Celebrations:

Check with the courthouse about their policies on photography and videography during the ceremony. After the ceremony, you may want to plan a post-wedding celebration, such as an intimate reception with loved ones or a larger party with family and friends. There is no "right" way to celebrate, so do what brings you and your partner the most joy!

Frequently asked questions