How to Reschedule a Small Claims Court Date in Nevada

You have a small claims hearing coming up in Nevada and you can't make it. Maybe you have a medical appointment, a work conflict, or you just found out about the case and need more time to prepare. You can ask for a postponement — but it requires a formal filing, not a phone call.

File a Motion to Continue

The way to reschedule a small claims hearing in Nevada is to file a Motion to Continue (sometimes called a Continuance Request or Request for Postponement). This is a written document filed with the court that explains why you need more time.

The judge reviews your request and either grants or denies it. Nothing is postponed until the judge signs an order — the original hearing date stays on the calendar until then.

Deadlines by Court

Each justice court sets its own filing deadline for continuance requests:

Las Vegas Justice Court: File at least 5 days before the trial date (LVJCLRP 5.8(e)). Use the Clark County Courts e-File portal.

Sparks Justice Court: File at least 72 hours before the scheduled setting. Paper or electronic filing through eFileNV.

Henderson Justice Court: File before the hearing date. Contact the clerk for the exact lead time.

Rural courts: Call the clerk's office for local deadlines and filing procedures.

What Doesn't Work

These approaches will not postpone your hearing:

• Calling the clerk. Court clerks can confirm dates and accept filings, but they can't reschedule your hearing. Only a judge can do that.
• Sending a letter. An informal letter to the court isn't a motion and won't be processed as one.
• Telling the plaintiff. Even if the plaintiff agrees to postpone, the court hasn't been notified. If neither party appears and no continuance is on file, the case may be dismissed or reset without input from either side.
• Private settlement negotiations. Working out a deal with the plaintiff doesn't suspend court deadlines. If you haven't filed a stipulation or dismissal, the hearing proceeds as scheduled.

What to Include in Your Motion

A strong motion to continue includes:

• Your name, the case number, and the current hearing date
• The specific reason you need a postponement — medical emergency, previously scheduled travel, need more time to gather evidence, just received the papers and don't have adequate preparation time
• A statement that you intend to appear and defend
• Proposed alternative dates if your court accepts them

Vague reasons ("I'm busy") are more likely to be denied. Specific, documented reasons (a doctor's note, proof of a business trip) carry more weight.

What Happens If the Motion Is Denied

If the judge denies your continuance, the hearing happens on the original date. If you don't show up, you get a default judgment. Even if your reason for needing a continuance is legitimate, a denied motion means the court expects you there.

If you absolutely cannot attend after a denial, consider whether anyone else can appear on your behalf. For individuals, this is limited — you generally need to be there yourself. For businesses, a director, officer, or employee can appear under NRS 73.012.

The Nevada Small Claims Response Guide includes motion templates and filing instructions for each major Nevada justice court.

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