Rule 19. Continuances and adjournments

(a) Time for request. Continuances should be requested as soon as the requesting party/counsel recognizes that a conflict exists.

(b) Form of continuance or adjournment request. Parties are encouraged to submit continuance requests in writing. Continuance requests shall include the following information:

(1) The specific reason for the continuance;

(2) The position of opposing counsel or party on the requested continuance unless not possible to obtain;

(3) If the request is made because of an attorney's or party's appearance in another court, a copy of the other court's trial notice (or, if the notice is not available, the name of the case, the court, the date and time of appearance and the date the other case was scheduled).

(c) Granting of continuance or adjournment requests.

(1) Before trial. Continuance or adjournment requests made prior to the day of the trial shall be given in the discretion of the Court if the interest of justice shall appear to be better served thereby.

(2) On the day scheduled for trial or after the start of trial. Continuances or adjournments requested on the day scheduled for trial or after the commencement of the trial shall not be granted except in cases of extreme emergency. An exception to the requirement of subsection (b)(2) may be made in the event of such an emergency request.