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Rule 59 – New trials and rearguments

May 15, 2021 | Delaware, Family Law

(a) Grounds. A new trial may be granted to all or any of the parties and on all or part of the issues in an action in the interest of justice. On a motion for a new trial, the Court may open the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony and direct the entry of a new judgment.
(b) Time and procedure for motion. The motion for a new trial shall be served and filed not later than 15 days after the entry of judgment. The motion shall briefly and distinctly state the grounds therefor. If the motion is not accompanied by affidavits, the opposing party, within 10 days after service of such motion, may serve and file a short answer to each ground asserted in the motion, accompanied by a brief, if that party desires to file one.

If the motion is accompanied by affidavits, the opposing party has 10 days after such service within which to serve and file an answer and opposing affidavits and brief, if any; this period may be extended for an additional period not exceeding 10 days either by the Court for good cause shown or by the parties by written stipulation. Reply affidavits and brief may be served and filed within 10 days after service of the opposing affidavits and briefs; this period may be extended for an additional period not exceeding 10 days, either by the Court for good cause shown or by the parties by written stipulation. The Court shall determine from the motion, answer, affidavits and briefs, whether a new trial shall be granted or denied or whether there shall be oral argument on the motion. A copy of the motion, answer, affidavits and briefs shall be furnished forthwith by the respective parties serving them to the judicial officer involved.

(c) On initiative of Court. Not later than 15 days after entry of judgment the Court of its own initiative may order a new trial for any reason for which it might have granted a new trial on motion of a party. After giving the parties notice and an opportunity to be heard on the matter, the Court may grant a motion for a new trial, timely served, for a reason not stated in the motion. In either case, the Court shall specify in the order the grounds therefor.
(d) Motion to alter or amend a judgment. A motion to alter or amend the judgment shall be served and filed not later than 15 days after entry of the judgment.
(e) Rearguments. A motion for reargument shall be served and filed within 15 days after the filing of the Court’s opinion or decision. The motion shall briefly and distinctly state the grounds therefor. Within 10 days after service of such motion, the opposing party may serve and file a brief answer to each ground asserted in the motion. The Court will determine from the motion and answer whether reargument will be granted. A copy of the motion and answer shall be furnished forthwith by the respective parties serving them to the judicial officer involved.

Del. Fam. Ct. R. Civ. P. 59

Amended June 14, 2020, effective September 1, 2020.