An Act Concerning The Filing Of Motions In Civil And Family Matters.
Impact
If enacted, HB 6455 will significantly impact how parties approach legal matters in civil and family courts. By limiting the number of motions that can be filed without additional fees, the bill is intended to promote more thoughtful and strategic litigation. This could lead to fewer frivolous motions being filed, thereby allowing judges and court staff to allocate resources more effectively. However, it may also pose challenges for parties who may require additional motions to address unforeseen complexities in their cases.
Summary
House Bill 6455 proposes amendments to the general statutes concerning the filing of motions in civil and family matters. The bill establishes a limitation that allows each party in such cases to file no more than twelve motions or requests without incurring additional fees. If a party wishes to file more than twelve motions, they are required to pay progressively increasing fees for each additional motion. This initiative aims to streamline judicial processes and reduce court congestion by encouraging more prudent use of motions in the legal system.
Contention
The bill may face pushback from litigants and attorneys who argue that limiting the number of free motions could hinder access to justice. Critics might contend that unforeseen legal issues often arise in complex cases, making strict limitations impractical. There are concerns that the financial burden of increased fees for additional motions could disproportionately affect those with limited resources, potentially leading to inequities in how justice is administered in civil and family matters.