4 Sample Letters to the Clerk of Court (Plus Tips)

Writing a formal letter to the clerk of court is a necessary step for many legal procedures. Whether you are submitting a sample letter requesting a court hearing or a court clearance request letter, clarity and professionalism are key.

These communications are official records. A well-drafted sample court letter for a continuance or other matters ensures your request is understood and properly filed. Using a template can help you include all necessary information correctly.

Sample Letter to Clerk of Court

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Date]

Clerk of Court

[Court Name, e.g., Anytown District Court]

[Court Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Re: Case Name: [Plaintiff Name] v. [Defendant Name]

Case Number: [Your Case Number]

Dear Honorable Clerk of Court,

I am writing to you regarding the above-referenced case. Please file the enclosed document, [Name of Document, e.g., “Defendant’s Answer”], with the court.

I have included the original document for filing and one copy to be returned to me in the self-addressed, stamped envelope I have provided.

Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter. Please let me know if any further information or fees are required.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Typed Name]

Sample Letter Requesting Court Hearing

Re: Case Name: [Plaintiff Name] v. [Defendant Name]

Case Number: [Your Case Number]

Dear Honorable Clerk of Court,

I am the [Plaintiff/Defendant] in the above-mentioned case. I am writing to respectfully request that a hearing be scheduled for [Briefly state the reason, e.g., “the pending Motion to Compel”].

I am available on [List several dates and times you are available]. Please inform me of the scheduled date and time for this hearing at your earliest convenience.

Court Clearance Request Letter Sample

Re: Request for Certificate of Disposition / Court Clearance

Case Number: [Your Case Number, if applicable]

Full Name: [Your Full Legal Name]

Date of Birth: [Your DOB]

Dear Honorable Clerk of Court,

I am writing to request a formal court clearance letter (also known as a Certificate of Disposition) under my name. This letter is required for [State the reason, e.g., immigration purposes, employment background check, etc.].

My personal details are provided above for your reference. Please let me know the process and any associated fees for obtaining this document.

Sample Court Letter for Continuance

Re: Motion for Continuance

Case Name: [Plaintiff Name] v. [Defendant Name]

Case Number: [Your Case Number]

Scheduled Hearing Date: [Date of the hearing you want to move]

Dear Honorable Clerk of Court,

I am the [Plaintiff/Defendant] in the above case, scheduled for a hearing on [Scheduled Hearing Date]. I am writing to respectfully request a continuance (postponement) of this hearing.

The reason for this request is [State a valid reason, e.g., a medical emergency, unavailability of a key witness, etc.]. I have contacted the opposing party, [Opposing Party’s Name or their Attorney’s Name], and they [do / do not] object to this request.

I would be grateful if the court could reschedule this matter to a later date.

Tips for Writing a Letter to the Court

  • Be Formal and Respectful: Always use a professional tone. Address the clerk as “Honorable Clerk of Court” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”
  • Include Case Information: Every letter must include the full case name and case number. This is how the clerk will find your file.
  • Be Clear and Concise: State the purpose of your letter in the first sentence. Avoid emotional language and stick to the facts.
  • Serve the Other Party: For many requests (like a continuance), you must also send a copy of your letter to the other party or their lawyer. This is called “service.”
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure your letter is free of typos and grammatical errors before sending it.
Sample Letter to Clerk of Court

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