NYC Housing Court Glossary
Order to Show Cause
Plain EnglishAn emergency motion asking the court to act fast
Legal Definition
A legal document asking the court to do something urgently — like stop an eviction — before a full hearing can be scheduled. A judge must sign it first.
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Practical Tip
This is how you stop an eviction at the last minute. A judge has to sign it, but courts take emergencies seriously. Get to the courthouse early.
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