In Houston, Texas, the term "Motion To Retain Cause on Docket" refers to a legal action where one party requests the court to keep a particular case on the court's schedule or docket for further proceedings. This motion is typically filed when there is a likelihood that the case may be dismissed or removed from the court's calendar. The purpose of filing a Motion To Retain Cause on Docket is to retain the case's position in the court's schedule, ensuring that it continues to move forward towards a resolution. Generally, this motion is filed by the party who initiated the lawsuit, known as the plaintiff, to prevent a dismissal or delay of the case. There may be different types of Motions To Retain Cause on Docket in Houston, Texas, tailored to specific circumstances: 1. Motion To Retain Cause on Docket for more time: This type of motion is commonly used when a party needs additional time to serve legal documents, gather evidence, or complete necessary preparations for the trial or hearing. Filing this motion allows the court to extend the timelines and keep the case active on the docket. 2. Motion To Retain Cause on Docket to oppose dismissal: If there is a possibility of the opposing party seeking a dismissal of the case, this motion can be filed to present arguments and evidence as to why the case should continue, and why dismissal would be unjust or improper. It enables the party to refute any attempts to dismiss the case prematurely. 3. Motion To Retain Cause on Docket due to pending settlement negotiations: In situations where the parties involved are actively engaged in settlement discussions and require additional time to reach a resolution, this motion can be filed to maintain the case on the docket until the negotiation process concludes. It assures the court that the parties are actively pursuing an out-of-court settlement while keeping the option of trial open if necessary. 4. Motion To Retain Cause on Docket for case consolidation: When multiple related cases are pending before the court, a party may file this motion to combine or consolidate them into a single proceeding. This aids the efficient management of complex litigation and avoids duplicative proceedings. By retaining these causes on the docket, the court can proceed with streamlined proceedings. It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for filing a Motion To Retain Cause on Docket may vary depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the case. It is advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in Texas civil litigation to determine the appropriate motion to file and to ensure compliance with the local rules.