Legal Definitions - substantive motion

A substantive motion is a written or oral request made during a court proceeding that seeks a specific ruling or order. It is a motion that directly relates to the merits of the case and is not just a procedural matter.

For example, a motion for summary judgment is a substantive motion because it asks the court to make a ruling on the merits of the case, while a motion to continue a court appearance is a calendar motion and not a substantive motion because it only relates to the timing of the proceeding.

Another example of a substantive motion is a motion to modify a court order, which asks the court to change a previous ruling on child support or visitation. This type of motion directly affects the outcome of the case and is not just a procedural matter.