Cargile-Schrage v. Schrage

A spouse appeals a final judgment of dissolution of marriage, complaining that the trial court’s denial of her motion for a continuance effectively prevented her from presenting her case at trial. We find no abuse of discretion.

Within nine months from the initiation of the dissolution proceeding, two attorneys had withdrawn from representing the wife. She conditionally hired a third attorney who, because of a conflict, would represent her only if the judge continued the trial. After a hearing, the trial court denied her motion. Consequently, she represented herself at trial.

“The decision to…