Be on time to your hearing! If you are late or absent, the case may be dismissed. A default judgment may also be granted, which means the other party automatically wins.

If you cannot make it to court on your trial date, you may request a continuance.  A continuance reschedules the trial to a future date.  The plaintiff or the defendant may request a continuance.  A continuance is not automatic.  If the judge does not grant the continuance in writing, the trial will proceed as originally scheduled. You must deliver the written request for a continuance to the court at least 7 days before the date of your trial. Requests made with less than 7 days before your trial will not be considered.

Your written request must include:

• The case number
• Names of the parties
• The date and time of your currently scheduled trial
• Reasons for the request
• Other dates you will be available for trial

Mail your completed request to:

Clerk of Court
Garfield Heights Municipal Court
5555 Turney Road
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125

You may fax your request to 216-475-3087. 

If you do not file your request 7 days before the trial date, you must go to court on the trial date and make your request to the Court.  Generally, on the day of trial, the Court will grant a request to reschedule a case only in exceptional circumstances.