A continuance changes the date of a court hearing or trial to a later date. If you just found out about a hearing, fill out a Motion for Continuance and Notice of Hearing form and bring it with you to the hearing.On a first application for a continuance, it shall not be necessary to show that the absent testimony cannot be procured from any other source. No application for a continuance shall be heard before the defendant files his defense, nor shall any continuance be granted except for sufficient cause. Best to file this in writing with the clerk of the court AND send a copy to the other side. (d) The party seeking the continuance must file with the court an affidavit stating the grounds for the continuance. If a Continuance is Denied. Any other party in the case may, but need not, file a response to the motion. Any response must be filed before the motion is heard. If you need a continuance for your trial, you must put the request in writing and submit it to the court no later than 24 hours prior to your trial.