In Houston, Texas, a Motion to Dismiss refers to a legal document filed by a defendant in a civil lawsuit requesting the court to dismiss the case against them. This motion essentially asks the court to rule in favor of the defendant and end the litigation process without further proceedings or reaching a trial. There are various types of Motion to Dismiss that can be filed in Houston, Texas, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some common types include: 1. Rule 91a Motion to Dismiss: This type of motion is filed under Rule 91a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. It is typically used in cases where the plaintiff's claims have no basis in law or fact, or if they lack sufficient evidence to support their allegations. To succeed in a Rule 91a Motion to Dismiss, the defendant must demonstrate that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. 2. Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction: This motion is often filed when the defendant argues that the court does not have the authority or jurisdiction to hear the case. Lack of jurisdiction may arise due to various reasons, such as improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction over the defendant, or the subject of the lawsuit not falling within the court's jurisdictional limits. 3. Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim: This type of motion is based on the argument that the plaintiff's complaint fails to set forth a viable legal claim or cause of action. The defendant asserts that, even assuming all the allegations in the complaint are true, they do not amount to a valid legal claim or do not meet the required legal elements to proceed with the case. 4. Motion to Dismiss for Statute of Limitations: This motion is filed when the defendant argues that the plaintiff's legal claim is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets a time limit within which a plaintiff must file their claim after the alleged incident or injury occurred. If the plaintiff fails to file within the specified time, the defendant may seek a dismissal on this ground. 5. Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Join Indispensable Parties: This motion is filed when the defendant claims that the lawsuit cannot proceed without the involvement of other parties who are necessary for a complete resolution of the case. The defendant argues that the court cannot make a fair determination without the presence of these parties and asks for dismissal if they cannot be joined in the lawsuit. These are just a few examples of the different types of Motion to Dismiss in Houston, Texas. Each type serves a specific purpose and is employed based on the particular legal grounds and circumstances of the case. Legal counsel should be consulted to determine the most appropriate motion to file in a specific lawsuit.