Order to Show Cause

What is an Order to Show Cause (OSC)?

An Order to Show Cause (OSC) is a formal court order that requires a party to appear before a judge and explain (or “show cause”) why the court should or should not grant a specific request. It is a fast, urgent way to bring a matter before the court, often used in situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm, preserve rights, or stop a pending event like a foreclosure sale.

In simpler terms, it is a motion with built-in urgency, giving the judge the power to temporarily freeze things until a hearing is held.