What happens after a motion for reconsideration?

Asked by: Dr. Sibyl Padberg DDS  |  Last update: March 26, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (71 votes)

After a motion for reconsideration, the court reviews it, usually allowing the opposing party to respond, and the judge decides whether to grant (changing the original ruling) or deny (upholding it) the motion, often by mail, potentially leading to further steps like an appeal or enforcing the original order.

What's next after a motion for reconsideration?

Wait for the Court's Decision:

After considering your Motion for Reconsideration and any responses from the other parties, the court will issue a decision either granting or denying the motion. This decision will be based on the court's assessment of the legal and factual issues raised.

What is the success rate of motions for reconsideration?

Motion to reconsider success rates vary widely by jurisdiction and case type, generally being low (often under 20-30%) because they aim to correct clear errors, not reargue the case; however, success can jump significantly (e.g., up to 35% for some immigration motions) when clear overlooked evidence or misapplied law is presented, as it's sent back to the original decision-maker who can correct their own mistakes. Generic requests are rarely successful, requiring specific, compelling arguments showing manifest injustice or new facts/law.
 

What's the success rate of reconsideration?

The initial appeal, or Reconsideration, has a low SSDI appeal approval rate, typically around 13-15%. Most claimants must proceed to the next stage. Your chances of winning a disability appeal improve significantly if you get a hearing before a judge.

What does motion for reconsideration mean?

Motion for reconsideration

This motion requests the trial court to reconsider an order based on new facts, circumstances, or laws. You must file this motion within 10 days of being served with the written notice of entry of the order you want the court to reconsider.

Motion for reconsideration explained by Attorney Steve®

40 related questions found

What happens during a reconsideration?

A reconsideration involves a thorough, independent review of all evidence from the initial determination and any new evidence the claimant or another individual submits in connection with the request for reconsideration.

How to win a motion for reconsideration?

You just need to convince the court that new developments, accurate law or a correct view of the facts justify a new ruling. If you think your case has solid grounds that support a Motion for Reconsideration, go ahead – it may help you win the war.

How long does it take to be approved after reconsideration?

A Social Security disability reconsideration decision typically takes 3 to 9 months, though it can vary; it's the first appeal stage after an initial denial, involving a new examiner reviewing your case and new evidence, with longer times often due to delays in obtaining updated medical records or high caseloads. 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, complex evidence, or specific defenses like insanity, with sexual assault, crimes against children, and white-collar crimes frequently cited as challenging due to juror bias, weak physical evidence, or technical complexity. The insanity defense is notoriously difficult because it shifts the burden of proof and faces public skepticism. 

What will happen if the motion for reconsideration is denied?

Conclusion. When a motion for new trial or reconsideration under Rule 37 of the Rules of Court is denied, the standard, most straightforward remedy is to appeal the original judgment or final order within the reglementary period. Failure to appeal results in finality of the judgment.

Can a judge deny a motion for reconsideration?

A motion for reconsideration may be properly denied if based on unraised facts known to the movant prior to entry of judgment.

What percentage of civil lawsuits settle?

National Statistics

This means that only about 4-5% of civil lawsuits ultimately reach the trial phase. For personal injury cases specifically, the settlement rate is even higher, with some studies indicating that 97-98% resolve without trial.

Which members are eligible to offer the motion to reconsider?

Accordingly, a motion to reconsider may be made only by a member who voted in the majority on the original motion.

How often are motions for reconsideration granted?

Such requests for reconsideration are often filed, but rarely successful unless there clearly has been a change in the law or facts. As for filing an appeal, usually a party has to wait until the end of the case when court issues a final judgment before taking an appeal.

What are the four stages of appeal?

The "4 stages of appeal" often refer to the Social Security Administration's disability process: Reconsideration, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing, review by the Appeals Council, and finally, Federal Court review, though some general legal appeals have different steps like filing a notice, preparing the record, and oral arguments. For Social Security, the core stages involve asking for another look (reconsideration), arguing in front of a judge, having the Appeals Council review for errors, and then going to federal court if still denied. 

Which lawyer wins most cases?

There's no single lawyer universally crowned as having won the most cases, as records are hard to track, but American trial lawyer Gerry Spence is legendary for never losing a criminal case and not losing a civil case for decades, while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo famously achieved 245 successive murder-charge acquittals, a world record. Other highly successful figures include India's Harish Salve and figures like Joe Jamail, known for huge verdicts, but the definition of "winning" varies across legal fields. 

What is the hardest thing to prove in court?

The hardest things to prove in court involve intent, causation (especially in medical cases where multiple factors exist), proving insanity, and overcoming the lack of physical evidence or uncooperative victims, often seen in sexual assault or domestic violence cases. Proving another person's mental state or linking a specific harm directly to negligence, rather than underlying conditions, requires strong expert testimony and overcoming common doubts. 

What happens to 90% of court cases?

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."

How to win a reconsideration?

Table of Contents

  1. #1: File Your Appeal on Time.
  2. #2: Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied.
  3. #3 File the Proper Paperwork.
  4. #4: Submit Your Medical Records.
  5. #5: Write an Appeal Letter.
  6. #6: Hire a Lawyer.

What happens after reconsideration is denied?

Next Steps After a Reconsideration Denial

You must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving that notice. A hearing will allow you to present evidence, witnesses, and arguments to convince an administrative law judge that you qualify for disability benefits.

What is next after a motion for reconsideration?

Appeal Process

If the motion for reconsideration is denied and the party believes there are valid grounds for an appeal, they must file a notice of appeal within the prescribed period, usually 15 days from the notice of denial.

What makes you look better in court?

Dress Neatly and Make Sure Your Clothes Fit

The first rule of thumb for what to wear to court is to dress appropriately by choosing clothing that looks clean, neat, and fits you well. You do not have to buy a new outfit, just be sure that you are meeting those two criteria with what you choose.

What happens after a motion to reconsider?

A motion to reconsider is a formal request made to a court or decision-making body to review and change a previous ruling or decision. This type of motion is typically filed after a decision has been made and is often seen as a step before an appeal.