What is a motion (and when you need one)?

A motion is a formal, written request asking the court to make a specific order. That's really all it is. People use motions to ask the court to, for example, set a temporary parenting schedule, change an existing support amount, enforce an order the other side is ignoring, or reschedule a hearing.

What a motion contains

• A caption (the court, the county, the parties, the case number)
• A clear statement of what you're asking for (the "relief")
• The facts and reasons that support your request, usually numbered
• A notice of hearing, if your court sets one
• A certificate of service showing you sent a copy to the other party

How CaseForward helps

CaseForward's motion drafter takes your own words and formats them into a proper motion, and — on paid plans — uses AI to tighten the wording and flag anything courts usually expect that you may have left out. It never invents facts or tells you what to argue; you stay in control of every choice.

Many courts have their own motion forms too — always check your state's forms page first.