Some hearings are held by telephone, and these frequently can be scheduled sooner than those which require the ALJ to travel to the hearing location. You must show good cause to change a hearing date. If you cannot attend on the date and time shown, you must contact the Clerk as soon as you know of the problem. To request a change of date, you must file a written request, called a Motion for Continuance , stating the reasons for the change. Make your request as far in advance of the hearing as possible.
Forms are available from the Clerk.
If a party fails to attend a hearing after having been given written notice, the ALJ may proceed with the hearing in the absence of the party. Unless you are excused by the ALJ for good cause, the ALJ may dismiss your case if you are more than 15 minutes late. If an emergency arises on your hearing date and you will be late for the hearing, telephone DAL and explain the problem to the ALJs' paralegal. However, you must have permission from the ALJ for a continuance. No person is allowed to talk to the ALJ about a case without the participation of all other parties to that case.