4:49-2. Motion to Alter or Amend a Judgment or Order

Except as otherwise provided by R. 1:13-1 (clerical errors) a motion for rehearing or reconsideration seeking to alter or amend a judgment or order shall be served not later than 20 days after service of the judgment or order upon all parties by the party obtaining it. The motion shall state with specificity the basis on which it is made, including a statement of the matters or controlling decisions which counsel believes the court has overlooked or as to which it has erred.

The court is required to make a finding of facts or conclusion of laws under Rule 1:7-4. Therefore, it is always important to read the courts written decision or to listen to the courts decision if their findings were placed on the record.

A motion for a rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with 20 days after service of the order upon all parties. The time period runs from the date of service of the order rather than the date when the judge signed the order.

It must be emphasized that it is very difficult to prevail on a motion for reconsideration. Many judges simply view motions for reconsideration as an opportunity for an unhappy litigant to air their positions and re-litigate issues that have already been decided. Moreover, many courts believe that motions for reconsideration are an unnecessary duplication of the court time and counsel fees to the client. In light of this view, it is important for a motion for reconsideration to be prepared very carefully and thoroughly. The motion should specifically include the controlling cases or legal errors that counsel believes that the court has overlooked or erred.

However, sixty days have passed since the court entered its order. My lawyer has advised me that I am now out of time to file a motion for reconsideration. Is there any other type of legal relief that I can now pursue?

You can file an appeal. However, bear in mind that the costs to file an appeal are outrageous. The filing fees are very high. Moreover, you have to purchase the transcripts. Finally, appeals require lawyers to write detailed briefs. The legal fees to pursue an appeal in many cases are just not cost effective and practical.

Alternatively, if a person loses a motion, and if he is out of time to file a motion for reconsideration, then he can file another type of motion called a motion to vacate an order or judgment. This motion is filed pursuant to Rule 4:50-1. A party may seek relief from a court order upon filing a motion to vacate it. The movant must demonstrate one or more of the following reasons to vacate the order: