Every contested motion for a continuance shall be tried summarily and contradictorily with the opposite party.
Art. 1605.Trial of Motion; Order
Book II. Ordinary Proceedings · Title V. Trial · Chapter 3. Continuance · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 1605 requires that every contested motion for a continuance be tried summarily and contradictorily with the opposing party, meaning it gets a prompt hearing with that party's participation rather than being decided on the papers alone.
Full Text of Art. 1605
Plain-English Summary
Article 1605 sets the procedure for deciding a continuance motion once someone objects to it. The motion has to be tried summarily, meaning promptly, and contradictorily, meaning the opposing party gets notice and a chance to be heard before the court rules.
This procedure applies only to contested motions. When nobody opposes a request for continuance, Article 1605 is not triggered; the article is aimed at situations where the parties disagree about whether the case should be postponed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Louisiana court handle a contested motion for continuance?
Summarily and contradictorily, meaning promptly and with the opposing party heard before the court rules.
Does an unopposed continuance motion need this kind of hearing?
No. Article 1605 applies specifically to contested motions for continuance.
What does trying a motion contradictorily mean?
It means the opposing party gets notice and an opportunity to be heard, rather than the court deciding based on one side's papers alone.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (legis.la.gov). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: contested continuance motion louisianasummary contradictory hearing continuancela code civil procedure article 1605how continuance motions are heard louisianatrial of continuance motion