Clay County Justice of the Peace Court Filing Rules

A continuance request must be submitted in writing at least three business days before trial or hearing, unless its grounds arose later, and applicable notice and pleading requirements must be followed.

A party seeking a civil jury trial must file a written request no later than 14 days before the scheduled trial date.

Attorneys should follow ethical canons, including those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

A party has 10 days from notice of a mediation referral to file an objection motion.

Parties in Justice Court suits must provide enough copies of petitions and accompanying filed documents for all parties being served.

The court may charge a noncompliant party for necessary copies, including up to $1.00 for the first page of a titled document and $0.25 for each additional page.

Except in an emergency, a continuance motion must be submitted in writing.

When practicable, a party seeking a continuance should try to reach agreement with the opposing parties before filing the motion.