What is an order of dismissal for want of prosecution?

Want of Prosecution means that the Plaintiff (or Petitioner in a family law case) did not do what. he or she was supposed to do, such as showing up for a hearing or trial setting, or failing to take. certain specified actions, such as filing a motion to retain the case on the docket after the court. read more

Dismissal for Want of Prosecution (DWOP) Dismissal for Want of Prosecution (DWOP) Law and Legal Definition A case may be dismissed for want of prosecution (DWOP)on failure of any party seeking affirmative relief to appear for any hearing or trial, or failing to take certain specified actions of which the party had notice. read more

In most cases, a dismissal for want of prosecution is generally granted “without prejudice.” That means that you can re-open the case, although you may have to pay additional court fees. One option, provided not too much time has elapsed since the dismissal (and this varies by state—in New Jersey, for example, it is within one year), is to file a motion to reinstate the case. read more

Want of Prosecution Definition: An application to a judge to dismiss a law suit alleging that the litigant has inexcusably delayed moving the litigation along and that under the circumstances, the litigation ought to be dismissed. read more