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Small claims - attorneys not permitted to represent either plaintiffs or defendants (attorneys are allowed in Small Claims appeals), cases for damages of $10,000 or less (as printed); the first step a verbal or written request for payment, a verbal demand followed up with a letter; jurisdiction where the action occurred in Mariposa County, or where the defendant's principal place of business or residence is in Mariposa County; the maximum claim $10,000, a plaintiff limited to two small claims filings over $2,500 per year; the fees - $30 for a claim of $1,500 or less, $50 for more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, $75 for more than $5,000 but less than or equal to $10,000 (claim by natural persons only), $100 for a person who has filed more than 12 small claims in California within the previous 12 months; the original and at least 2 copies of the small claims filing, a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents filed by mail, all documents assembled and stapled in the upper left hand corner; service by personal delivery by anyone who is not a party and is at least 18 years old, by substituted service (not complete until 10 days after the copy is mailed) or by certified mail by the Clerk of the Court for a fee of $15.00 per defendant, checking back with the court prior to the hearing to see if the receipt for certified mail was returned; the person who completes service completes the Proof of Service form, Judicial Council Form SC-104, filed with the Court five (5) days prior to the hearing date - with no proof of service on file the matter may be continued or will be automatically dropped from the Court’s calendar, and the Plaintiff must then request the matter be reset; papers never served by the plaintiff - a non-party, a professional process server or the sheriff's department for a fee; service at least 15 days before the trial date if the defendant lives in the county and at least 20 days if the defendant lives outside the county, 10 additional days for substituted service or certified mail, the trial continued if service is not completed in time; the small claims advisor at (209) 742-5322, located at 5092 Jones Street, Mariposa, CA 95338; extra copies of documents for the other side and the judge, shown to the opposing side before they are presented to the court; a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum issued by the court clerk; many cases scheduled for the same time, each given limited time; the forms completed online for free at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.html.
Small claims for money for actual damages only, lawyers not allowed in court, parties at least 18 years old, United States citizenship not required, the page's limits $5,000 or $7,500 for a natural person (as printed) and certain claimants limited to two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year; small claims processed on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse, (209) 533-5555; a claim filed where the dispute or injury occurred in Tuolumne County, or where the person sued lives or the firm sued does business; a filing fee for each claim, or a fee waiver; the original claim and one copy filed with the clerk's office, two copies made for each named defendant and one kept; service by a law enforcement officer or sheriff's office representative, a private process server, personal or substitute service by anyone over 18 not involved in the case, or certified mail by the court at $10.00 for each defendant (the court contacted two weeks prior to the hearing date to learn whether that service succeeded); an unserved defendant requires rescheduling the hearing date; the proof of service filed at least five (5) days before the hearing date; a defendant's claim filed before the hearing; subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum; interpreters requested in advance; free mediation offered when the commissioner calls the matter - a mediator at court on the day of the hearing, a private room, and on return a complete settlement and dismissal, the compromise terms on the record, an agreement with conditions, or a hearing that same day; one written request by either party to reschedule the hearing, at least 10 days prior to the court date, with a fee; a plaintiff's failure to appear may bring dismissal, a defendant's a default judgment; an appeal only by a defendant (by the plaintiff only on a defendant's claim) within 30 days after the court's denial of the motion to vacate judgment was mailed (as printed), with a filing fee; collection by writ of execution, abstract of judgment or judgment debtor hearing, each with a fee, the suggested copies - writs original plus 4, order of examination original plus 3, abstract original plus 1; on the day of trial, seated in the courtroom until roll is taken and the oath administered, a representative of another party giving their name at roll, exhibits shown to the opposing party before the judge sees them, cases not necessarily called in the posted order, no food, drinks or gum; original exhibits picked up from the civil division after the judgment becomes final; a matter taken under submission decided within up to 90 days and the ruling mailed - the court not to be called.
Attorneys not permitted to represent plaintiffs or defendants (allowed in small claims appeals); the page's limits - damages of $10,000 or less, a plaintiff limited to two small claims filings over $2,500 per year; jurisdiction where the action occurred in Kings County or the defendant's principal place of business or residence is in Kings County; the filing fees - $30 for a claim of $1,500 or less, $50 for more than $1,500 up to $5,000, $75 for more than $5,000 up to $10,000 (natural persons only), $100 for a person who has filed more than 12 small claims in California within the previous 12 months; the original and at least 2 copies of a filing, a self-addressed stamped envelope for filings by mail, all documents assembled and stapled in the upper left hand corner; service by the clerk by certified mail at $15.00 per defendant, or personal or substituted service by a non-party at least 18 years old, never by the plaintiff; the proof of service (Judicial Council Form SC-104) filed five (5) days prior to the hearing date - without it the matter may be continued or automatically dropped from the calendar, and the plaintiff must request that it be reset; service at least 15 days before the trial date on a defendant in the county and 20 days outside it, 10 additional days for substituted service or certified mail; subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued by the clerk; the small claims advisor at (559) 852-4430.
Claims of less than $12,500 (or up to $6,250 for a business); forms on the California Courts Website, among them the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant, Form SC-100 and the Proof of Service Form, SC-104; the general procedure (filing, service by anyone over 18 years of age except the plaintiff or by mail through the court, the hearing and the judge's decision, which can be appealed); the Small Claims Department in the Civil Division at the Main Courthouse, window hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM and a drop box from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM; cases set on the calendar at 9:00 AM on Fridays at the Main Courthouse in Department 44 or Department 45.
Division 2, Chapters 1 to 6: notices of deposition not accepted for filing except by court order (2.1.1); a self-represented litigant's name, address and phone number at the top of all filed pleadings, non-attorney court document preparers complying with Business and Professions Code section 6408 and, in family law or probate cases, the Authorization for Non-Attorney Court Document Preparer (Local Form MAD-CIV-019) (2.1.2); the clerk authorized to reject civil, family law, probate, or small claims filings for the case number, the parties' names, the court name, or failing to sign a document (2.1.3); temporary orders presented to the Civil Clerk's office no later than 11:00 a.m. the day immediately preceding the day of the hearing, with specific facts, opposing counsel informed of the request (2.1.4); conformed copies of the stamped pages only, e-mailed copies at no charge (2.1.5); designations of record that set forth the date of each hearing and the date each paper was filed (2.2.1 and 2.2.2); jury instructions from BAJI, CACI, CALJIC and/or CALCRIM provided by counsel or self-represented party at the commencement of the trial (2.3.1 and 2.3.2); ex parte applications - summary denial for failure to follow the rules, any required filing fee paid, the original file of the action, the limitations on granting, the judge to whom an application is presented (civil writs, criminal, juvenile, family law, probate, mental health), the facts that applications for a guardian ad litem, a reduction of undertaking, shortening or extending time, counsel for military personnel, substitute service, money deposited and execution on installment judgments shall state, and a declaration regarding notice in compliance with rules 3.1203 and 3.1204 (2.4.0 to 2.4.6); ex parte applications heard Monday through Friday, beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the designated department (2.4.7); applications for temporary restraining orders without notice (Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment, Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse, Workplace Violence, and Gun Violence) reviewed by a judicial officer the same day or on the next judicial day, a judicial assistant notifying the applicant, the hearing calendared within the time required by law (2.4.9); unlawful detainer notices - a three-day notice to quit or pay rent at least three (3) days and a 30-day notice at least thirty (30) days before filing, their service and filing, service by the sheriff by posting and mailing on a declaration of efforts, and the clerk authorized to reject filings to set a case for trial that do not comply with Judicial Council Form UD-150 (2.5.1); and small claims appeals treated as short cause trials (2.6.1)
A secure portal for submitting electronic evidence in selected courtrooms - Family Law matters set in Department 11 only, small claims, probate, civil harassment, unlawful detainer and administrative appeal matters following the traditional evidence submission process for now; access with the case type, case number and hearing date (a desktop computer with the Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser recommended), an account activated by a 6-digit key sent to the e-mail or cell phone given, exhibits added to the case for the party or parties uploading, an Exhibit Receipt printed and brought to the hearing to reference each exhibit by its assigned number, and exhibits shared with the other parties through the Virtual Viewing Room, each receiving a link and an authentication pin.
From August 17, 2026, all ex parte hearing requests e-mailed to crc_civil@stanct.org with the department number and “Ex Parte Hearing Request” in the subject line and the case name, the case number and a contact phone number in the body of the email; the court at 300 Starr Avenue, Turlock, open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; parties bringing all witnesses, books, copies of receipts and other papers or items supporting their claim or defense to the hearing, the Clerk's Office not accepting evidence or exhibits; claims by businesses filed electronically, by mail or in person, a business filing more than two claims at the same time in person asked to drop them for later processing - with the clerk at the filing window or in the lobby drop box - and to return the next business day for its copies or provide a self-addressed stamped envelope; and a plaintiff doing business under a fictitious business name filing, with the claim, the declaration on form SC-103 (Code of Civil Procedure § 116.430(a)).
Rules 3.08 to 3.23: civil trial days Tuesday through Friday, the parties notifying the assigned civil department by 12:00 noon on the Friday before trial whether the case has settled or will be going to trial, on pain of the trial date being vacated, and stipulated new settlement conference or trial dates cleared in advance with the clerk of the department (3.08); in limine motions, exhibit and witness lists, jury instructions, proposed forms of verdict, stipulations, a statement of the case, trial briefs and proposed jury voir dire e-filed and served no later than noon on the Friday before trial (3.09); the attorney or party giving notice of a needed interpreter and arranging for and paying the interpreter (3.10); punctuality, and counsel with conflicting appearances notifying the bailiff of the waiting Court (3.11); in-person appearance at evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, bench or court trials and jury trials unless remote appearance is expressly authorized in writing, notice of remote appearance waived for case management conferences, law and motion and ex parte hearings, a request on forms RA-010 and RA-020 no later than ten (10) court days before the hearing, an opposition on form RA-015 five (5) court days before, and the judicial officer's power to terminate a remote appearance for good cause (3.11.1); staff court reporter fees in civil trials and proceedings - each side billed 50%, non-payment ending reporter services - the Supervising Court Reporter notified at the time of the request for hearing, no recording systems in unlimited civil matters when reporting is waived, $700.00 a day and $350.00 a half day (any matter longer than one (1) hour), daily transcripts requested at least one week before trial, a certified shorthand reporter arranged by a party when staff reporters are insufficient, an approved fee waiver covering the reporter but not the transcript, and a court-requested transcript paid by the parties in equal proportion (3.12(A)); pro tempore reporters compensated by the requesting party, remaining within ten (10) minutes of the courthouse during jury deliberations, and following the local format - 28 lines per page, 60 characters per line, a footer with the reporter's name and CSR number (3.12(B)); attorney fees on a default on a note or contract by schedule - 25% of the first $1,000 with a minimum fee of $100, 10% of the next $9,000, 5% of the next $40,000 and 2% of any amount over $50,000 - the trial Court setting fees in a contested case, and unlawful detainer default fees of $250.00 without appearance and $300 with appearance (3.13); complaints against mediators, neutral evaluators or arbitrators on the court's panels directed to the ADR administrator, reviewed within thirty (30) days and, where valid, investigated by a committee of judges, confidential until disciplinary action (3.14); prerogative writs - the noticed motion for a peremptory writ strongly preferred, with a trial setting conference, an alternative writ application served at least five days before its hearing, service on a board or commission, and stays of agency decisions (3.15); a small claims plaintiff attaching and serving local form SC-001, Notice to Small Claims Litigants, with form SC-100, service by certified mail through the Court Clerk, and a later hearing requested on form SC-150 at least two (2) days before the hearing (3.16); the original Proof of Service filed at least five (5) days before the hearing (3.17); a settlement reported in writing at least one (1) court day before the hearing on form CIV 100 (3.18); a claim dismissed or the trial held in a party's absence when the party does not appear (3.19); exhibits received into evidence not returned but destroyed after judgment, original documents not to be submitted (3.20); the Small Claims Advisor ((209) 530-3178, SmallClaims.Advisor@Stanct.org) (3.21); and continuances only for good legal cause and for a reasonable period of time (3.22).
A parking appeal filed after the issuing or processing agency's final decision on the Notice of Parking Appeal form with the Superior Court, Traffic Division, and the filing fees paid - the date, time and location of the hearing provided at that time; a copy of the Notice of Appeal served on the issuing agency with proof of service no later than 10 days prior to the hearing date; the case heard "de novo", the agency's file received into evidence, and the judicial officer's "Notice of Decision-Parking Appeal" given at the conclusion of the hearing or by mail; a small claims appeal filed within thirty days of the mailing of the Notice of Entry of Judgment, a change of the trial date requested in writing with a copy to the other parties; notices of appeal accepted at the Appeals Division (1415 Truxtun Avenue) or at the trial court where the case was heard - an unlawful detainer appeal with the Appeals Division - within the deadlines of the California Rules of Court; a Notice of Intent to File a Writ Petition and Request for Record within seven (7) days of an order setting a hearing under Welfare and Institutions Code 366.26, filed with the Appeals Division or the Juvenile Justice Division; and filing fees paid by money order or check payable to Kern County Superior Court at the time of filing.
Small claims cases up to $12,500.00 brought by a natural person, limited jurisdiction cases up to $35,000.00 and unlimited jurisdiction cases for more than $35,000, an unlimited civil complaint or petition filed at the Metropolitan Justice Courthouse; a small claim filed through an Electronic Filing Service Provider, in person at the courthouse where the claim is to be heard, or by mail with the original Plaintiff’s Claim and Order plus one (1) copy for each Defendant and the plaintiff and a self-addressed stamped envelope; Small Claims Night Court requested from the Small Claims Court Clerk when the case is filed, held at 3131 Arrow St at 5:15 PM for approximately 1 to 1½ hours, no payments made that night; the Small Claims Advisor at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis; copy requests submitted through the Document Requests link; all Civil Units open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM to noon on Fridays, a new small claims case filed no less than 30 minutes before closing; completed forms returned with the original, one copy for each plaintiff and defendant and a self-addressed stamped envelope or a note for will-call pickup; arrival at least 15 minutes before a hearing; and the civil harassment filing fee of $435.00, waived if the Temporary Restraining Order is granted, and the name change filing fee of $435.00.
Chapter II, Rules 2.1 to 2.8: small claims complaints filed at the Civil Counter, filings accepted Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Clerk providing the "Information for Plaintiff" form (2.1); service by certified mail performed by the Clerk of the Court, or personal service (2.2); a case with no proof of service filed at least three (3) calendar days before the scheduled court date removed from the calendar and dismissed (2.3); a single postponement of no longer than fifteen (15) days on a written request and payment of the fee at least five (5) court days before the scheduled trial (2.4); one extension of not greater than thirty (30) days for in-county claims and sixty (60) days for out-of-county claims for an unserved claim (2.5); documentary evidence with a copy for the judge and a copy for each party (2.6.1); dismissal on the plaintiff's failure to appear (2.6.2); the Notice of Entry of Judgment mailed to all parties by the Clerk (2.7.1); a motion to set aside a default judgment (2.7.2); the methods of enforcement (2.7.3); and the Small Claims Legal Advisor, (661) 610-6000 (2.8).
Claims for money for actual damages of no more than $6,250 for a business or public entity or $12,500 for a natural person, the parties at least 18 years old and no lawyer in court; a claim filed at any Fresno County Superior Court location if the dispute or injury occurred, or the defendant lives or does business, in Fresno County - the original claim and one copy, with two copies for each defendant; service by a law enforcement officer, personal or substitute service, or certified mail by the clerk ($15.00 for each defendant, the court to be contacted two weeks before the hearing), the proof of service at least 5 days before the trial date; one written request to reschedule by either party at least 10 days before the court date, with a fee; on the day of trial roll call and the oath, a temporary judge (an attorney of at least five years with small claims training) by stipulation, cases not necessarily called in the order listed, and a Dispute Settlement Center mediator at court; an appeal by the defendant only; rulings taken under advisement within ninety (90) days, by mail; and original exhibits picked up from the Small Claims Department of the B.F. Sisk Courthouse after the judgment becomes final.
Chapter 2, Rules 2.5 to 2.10 (Mandatory Settlement Conference, Trial Readiness, Ex Parte Applications, Miscellaneous Civil Rules, Unlawful Detainer Cases, and Small Claims Cases): a mandatory settlement conference for every civil case set for trial on the master calendar, except small claims, unlawful detainers, family law cases and short cause cases, or by stipulation or order (2.5.1); the parties to meet and confer before the settlement conference, face-to-face or in mediation, communication by writing not to suffice (2.5.2); all parties, the trial attorney and an insurance carrier employee with full authority to settle personally present (2.5.5); settlement conference statements to the ADR Department no later than five (5) court days before the conference (2.5.6); the attorneys to meet and confer at least five (5) days before trial and exchange in limine motions, jury instructions or trial briefs and exhibit lists, a trial readiness hearing on the Friday prior to the date set for trial, no party to appear remotely unless previously approved, and a mandatory settlement conference at the Trial Readiness Hearing (2.6.1 to 2.6.2); the party seeking an ex parte order to submit the application and supporting papers to the Clerk for filing not later than 2:00 p.m. on the day preceding a morning hearing and 9:00 a.m. on the date of an afternoon hearing (2.7.1); an ex parte application considered without a hearing in the following cases, among them a stipulation by the parties for an order, an order extending time to serve pleading, an application to serve by publication and a motion to continue trial (2.7.2); the nonrefundable jury fee under Code of Civil Procedure section 631 due on or before the date scheduled for the initial case management conference, failure to timely pay a waiver of trial by jury (2.8.1); interpreter services in civil or small claims matters in the priority order of case types listed (2.8.2); attorney's fees in default cases fixed in accordance with Appendix A1 (2.8.3); petitions to compromise the claims of minors or incompetent persons, an order to show cause hearing within ninety (90) days after an Order to Deposit Funds in Blocked Account (MC-355), off calendar if form MC-356 is filed at least ten (10) court days before (2.8.4); the parties' pro rata shares of the fee for official reporting services deposited for a trial or hearing of more than one (1) hour (2.8.5); the agency to file its default petition in a firearms forfeiture ten (10) court days preceding the hearing (2.8.6); all parties to a petition for approval of a transfer of structured settlement payments, including the payee and the payee's counsel, to appear (2.8.7); the court to endeavor to dispose of unlawful detainer cases 90% within thirty (30) days and 100% within forty-five (45) days after filing, the plaintiff to serve all named defendants within fifteen (15) days and file a Request to Set Case for Trial within twenty-five (25) days, the Clerk to issue a Notice of Dismissal Hearing, an undertaking for immediate possession of ten (10) times the monthly rental but not less than $500.00, and a stamped, legal-size envelope for each defendant and one to “All Occupants” for the Notice of Restricted Access (2.9 to 2.9.10); and the court to endeavor to dispose of small claims cases 90% within seventy (70) days and 100% within ninety (90) days after filing, and no notice of appeal from a small claims judgment accepted after the statutory period unless a writ of mandate has been issued (2.10 to 2.10.3).
A small claims case filed at 205 S. East Street, Alturas, a lawyer not allowed to represent a party in court (a lawyer may be consulted, and may represent a party in the appeal), the clerks unable to give legal advice; the plaintiff having no right of appeal except on a Claim of Defendant decided against the plaintiff, the defendant entitled to appeal; the limits the page prints - $10,000 for a natural person, no more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year, $5,000 for corporations and other entities; the party who filed the case causing the papers to be served - personal service at least 15 days before the court date if the defendant is in Modoc County or 20 days if outside, substituted service at least 25 days before (30 days outside the county) with a second copy mailed first class to the same address, service by the Sheriff, a private process server or anyone at least 18 years of age who is not a party, or by certified mail sent by the court for a fee, the completed proof of service returned to the court before the court date; the hearing date scheduled approximately 45 days out; the suing party required to appear in person unless excepted by Code of Civil Procedure §116.540; a defendant's own claim filed in the same action; the Self Help Facilitator at (530) 233-4444.
Chapter 5 (Rules 5.01 to 5.12): the Court, in its discretion, to determine reasonable compensation for research, general preparation, trial, or other services where law authorizes such fees (5.01); the attorney fees considered reasonable on an application for approval of a compromise under Code of Civil Procedure §372 or Probate Code §3500 - the fee schedule twenty-five percent (25%) for settlement without the commencement of a trial, thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) for recovery of judgment or obtaining settlement after trial has commenced, and “3. Settlement after filing appellant's opening brief on” / “4. : forty percent (40%).” - subject to variation in cases involving unusual circumstances (5.02); a compromise of a claim of a minor or incompetent person submitted on Judicial Council Form MC-350 with a proposed order on Form MC-351, an order to deposit funds on Form MC-355, the petitioner or counsel to deposit the funds within 48 hours of receipt and to file a receipt on Form MC-356 within 15 days thereafter, a petition for withdrawal of funds on Form MC-357, and the presence of the petitioner and the minor or incompetent person required at the hearing on a compromise in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) unless good cause for non-appearance is established in advance by a letter request (5.03); judgments that show the full names and legal capacities of the parties, full and complete, and a "Proposed Judgment" lodged with the original "Judgment" when Rule 3.1590 of the California Rules of Court requires (5.04); the Court to sign a judgment presented as part of a stipulation for judgment (5.05); civil cases set for settlement conference at the discretion of the Court or voluntarily submitted, all parties prepared to make a bona fide settlement offer with all principals or clients in attendance or available by telephone (requests for non-appearance may be made by letter), and the parties to lodge and serve a brief statement of the facts and the law of the case no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the conference (5.06); a violation of the rules a violation of a lawful court order under Code of Civil Procedure §177.5, the Court adopts and incorporates Rule 2.30 of the California Rules of Court, and any request for money sanctions made upon advance notice, in writing (5.07); default prove-ups presented in written form or by oral testimony on application to the Clerk for a hearing on the regular civil law and motion calendar (a special setting when more than fifteen (15) minutes will be required), proof by competent evidence of all essential elements (5.08); no judgment by default in any action to quiet title, the application set for hearing on the civil law and motion calendar (5.09); service by publication on ex parte approval, supported by declarations describing all efforts to locate the other party and all due diligence, the summons published once a week for four consecutive weeks, and an alternative manner of publication for an indigent plaintiff/petitioner granted a fee waiver (5.10); a goal of disposition of 100 percent (100%) of small claims cases within thirty-days (30) after filing when all defendants reside in Modoc County and sixty-days (60) when any defendant resides outside, the hearing continued for service if the plaintiff contacts the Court prior to the hearing date, and the Court to dismiss without prejudice a small claims action in which the plaintiff does not appear unless the plaintiff contacts the Clerk in advance, by telephone or in writing, to request a continuance (5.11); and the policy of the Court that a property manager or a rental agent may file an unlawful detainer complaint on behalf of the owner and represent the property owner in the proceeding (5.12).
Claims of $12,500 or less, attorneys not permitted to represent either party (allowed in small claims appeals), a plaintiff limited to two small claims filings over $2,500 per year; jurisdiction where the action occurred in Mono County or the defendant's principal place of business or residence is in Mono County; the filing fees ($30 for $1,500 or less, $50 to $5,000, $75 to $12,500 for natural persons, $100 for a filer of more than 12 small claims in California in the previous 12 months); a claim filed in person at the Mammoth Lakes courthouse, 100 Thompsons Way, or by mail to P.O. Box 1037 with all pages (1-5) of the SC-100 form, an original signature on page 3, a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope; notice to the defendant by the court by certified mail at $15.00 per defendant (the plaintiff following up to confirm service) or by a non-party's personal or substituted service, proof of service (SC-104) filed with the court prior to the hearing date (else the matter may be continued), the defendant served at least 15 days before the trial date (20 days if outside the county) with 10 additional days for substituted service or certified mail; all correspondence to the small claims court containing the case number and showing that a copy was sent to all parties; a later hearing date asked in writing for a good reason with a $10.00 fee, the request received by the court at least 10 calendar days before the hearing date (SC-150, SC-152); a new trial date when no defendant has been served asked in writing or at the small claims counter at least 3 court days before the trial date, without fee; a defendant's claim (SC-120) set for the same date as the original hearing; the small claims advisor for Mono County residents.
Chapter 4 (Rules 4.1 to 4.11.4): the chapter applies to all general civil cases, all civil cases except probate, guardianship, conservatorship, family law, juvenile court proceedings, small claims appeals and other civil petitions (4.1); "counsel" includes parties representing themselves and "defendant" includes cross-defendant (4.2); all cases transferred from another jurisdiction subject to the rule (4.3); the policy of the court to conclude 98% of all civil litigation cases within eighteen (18) months of the filing of the complaint and 100% within twenty-four (24) months, and a date once set not changed without a showing of good cause (4.4); the complaint served and a proof of service filed within sixty (60) days of the filing, the time to run from the file date of the amended complaint when a complaint is voluntarily amended for the first time before the defendant answers, an Order to Show Cause to issue upon a failure to serve, and responsive papers to the Order to Show Cause filed and served five (5) days in advance of the hearing (4.5); responsive pleadings filed and served within the time required by law, absent them the plaintiff required within sixty (60) days after the statutory time to request the entry of default, failing which an Order to Show Cause will issue, the court to set and notice the case for default judgment hearing (a declaration under Code of Civil Procedure Section 585 may be submitted in lieu of appearance), and a default set aside by a stipulation submitted with a proposed order, an answer or other pleading filed within ten (10) days of the filing of the order (4.6); case management conferences conducted pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 3.720 to 3.730, the plaintiff to receive from the clerk upon filing the notice and date of the case management conference set within one hundred eighty (180) days of the filing and a Notice of Filing Complaint and Dispute Resolution Packet, the responding party served with the notice, counsel for each appearing party to attend, familiar with the case and prepared to discuss all matters, and counsel and self-represented parties not to attend an initial case management conference in limited civil cases unless ordered (4.7); approximately fourteen (14) days prior to the trial date a pretrial conference held before the trial judge, motions in limine in writing filed and served at least three (3) court days before the conference and a pretrial conference statement filed five (5) court days prior to it (4.8); sanctions where a party has not proceeded with due diligence or has failed to comply with the rules (4.9); at the mandatory settlement conference each party personally present (remote or in-person) or immediately accessible by telephone, corporate parties and governmental entities represented by a responsible officer authorized to make all decisions regarding the case, the counsel who will actually try the case to attend the conference, and in a tort case the insurance company to have a representative present or immediately accessible by telephone (4.10.1); counsel for each party to file with the clerk and serve upon all other counsel, at least five (5) court days before the conference, a detailed settlement conference statement, retained by the settlement conference judge if a party designates it confidential, and counsel and parties to execute an Ex Parte Communication form (4.10.2); each attorney attending a mandatory settlement conference to be thoroughly familiar with the relevant evidence and prepared to discuss all aspects of the case (4.10.3); the failure of any person to appear at, prepare for or participate in good faith in a mandatory settlement conference, unless good cause is shown, an unlawful interference with the proceedings of the court that may result in sanctions as set forth in Chapter 3 (4.10.4); in uncontested proceedings an original and one copy of the proposed judgment, decree or order presented to the clerk (4.11.1); written orders signed by a judge filed forthwith, an endorsed copy served upon the parties and an endorsed copy bearing proof of service filed prior to the hearing (4.11.2); and a hearing date and time for ex parte applications made in advance by contacting the clerk's office, ex parte applications made pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1200 (4.11.3).
Documents in civil cases filed at the Clerk's Office in Room 104 of the Plumas Courthouse at 520 Main Street in Quincy - signed, dated, organized and stapled (the clerk cannot accept copies which are not organized and stapled), the original set organized, two-hole punched and stapled, with the appropriate number of copies and the proper filing fees from the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, or a Request to Waive Court Fees filed with the first documents; the page answers that the court does not accept filings by fax at this time; interpreters through the Language Access Representative at (530) 283-6305; copies from a case file through the Record Searches page; Zoom and CourtCall (telephonic) appearances permitted for certain circumstances in civil cases (the Remote Appearances page); under $12,500 a Small Claims case, $35,000 or less a Limited Jurisdiction Civil case, over $35,000 an Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil case; a name change petition filed in the county of residence, a legal notice published for four consecutive weeks, one day per week, before the hearing, and for a child's name change the other parent served personally at least 30 days before the hearing.
Claims of up to $12,500 for individuals and up to $6,250 for businesses, no more than two claims over $2,500 anywhere in California within a calendar year; no lawyer representing a party at the hearing; a filing fee from $30 to $100 or a fee waiver; the clerk scheduling the hearing approximately 45 days from the filing date; the defendant served by someone other than the plaintiff - personal service 15 days prior to the court date if the defendant resides in Plumas County, 20 days if outside it; substituted service 25 days before the court date (30 days outside the county) with a second copy mailed first-class to the same address; the Marshal or Sheriff of the defendant's county, a process server, or certified mail paid to the court, the proof of service returned to the court before the court date; parties arriving on time with photocopies of their evidence for each party and the judge, possibly exchanging documents in the hallway before the case is heard; proceedings not recorded by a court reporter; an interpreter requested in advance of the hearing; a motion to vacate (SC-135) within 30 days after the notice of entry of judgment was mailed, an appeal (SC-140) within 30 days; the Small Claims Advisor at (530) 283-6240.
No lawyer in court (a lawyer may advise before court; attorneys may represent either side on appeal or in enforcing a judgment); free advisory services through the self-help center at 547 Market Street, (530) 458-0598, self-help@colusa.courts.ca.gov; the most a person can ask for stated as $10,000 (businesses up to $5,000), no more than two claims anywhere in the State of California for over $2,500 in one calendar year and an unlimited number for $2,500 or less; filing fees in the Statewide Fee Schedule updated January 1, 2026; legible handwritten forms accepted; no fax filings in small claims; a plaintiff at least 18 years old (or a guardian appointed); the defendant served by service of process, never by the plaintiff, or by certified mail through the Clerk's Office for a fee; a continuance requested on the Request to Postpone Small Claims Hearing (form SC-150) with a processing fee if the defendant has been served and a copy mailed to the other parties - a request received within 5 days of the court date attached to the case for the judge at the time of trial, one received more than 5 days before decided and the decision mailed; at trial copies of all evidence for each party and the judge, both parties exchanging and reviewing their documents in the hallway before the case is heard, the proceedings not recorded by a court reporter; a Defendant's Claim and Order to Plaintiff (form SC-120); an Application and Order to Produce Statement of Assets and to Appear for Examination (form SC-134) with a filing fee, a Writ of Execution (form EJ-130) and an Abstract of Judgment (form EJ-001) recorded with the County Recorder; an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment (form EJ-100) filed on full or partial payment; a Motion to Vacate (form SC-135) within 30 days after the Notice of Entry of Judgment was mailed, a Small Claims Appeal (form SC-140) within 10 days after the notice of denial was mailed.
Section 5 (Rules 5.01 to 5.13): attorney fees on promissory notes and contracts considered under a schedule - in a default action twenty-five percent (25%) of the first $2,000, twenty percent (20%) of the next $4,000, fifteen percent (15%) of the next $4,000, ten percent (10%) of the next $10,000, five percent (5%) of the next $30,000 and two percent (2%) of amounts in excess of $50,000, increased in a contested action, the clerk including them in a clerk's judgment (5.01); attorney fees in residential unlawful detainer actions not over three hundred dollars ($300) by default or four hundred dollars ($400) uncontested at trial (5.02); attorney fees on a compromise for minors or incompetent persons twenty-five percent (25%) without a court trial, thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) after court trial has commenced and forty percent (40%) after the appellant's opening brief (5.03); petitions to compromise on Judicial Council Form MC-350 with Form MC-351, Form MC-355 and Form MC-356 for a blocked account, Form MC-357 and Form MC-358 for a withdrawal of funds, the petitioner and the minor or incompetent person present at the hearing unless good cause is shown by letter request seeking to excuse that person's attendance, a waived filing fee paid out of the settlement proceeds (5.04); in drafting forms of judgment, counsel to clearly show the full names of the parties and their capacities as they appear in the pleadings, and to leave a blank space for costs (5.05); a Notice of Appeal from the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code §98.2 filed with the complaint and answer, the order, decision or award and a declaration of proof of service on the Labor Commissioner, an employer filing an appeal to post an appeal bond, the notice the first paper for the filing fee (5.07); at the settlement conference the parties prepared to make a bona fide settlement offer, with all principals or clients in attendance, a settlement conference statement filed five (5) days before the conference (5.08); a violation of these Rules a violation of a lawful court order under Code of Civil Procedure Section 177.5, any request for money sanctions made upon advance notice in writing (5.09); small claims calendars established on a regularly scheduled basis (5.11); default prove-up applications and evidence presented in written form, competent evidence presented as to damages (5.12); and facsimile filing in civil, probate, and family law proceedings under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300 et seq. through a fax filing agency - no wills, codicils, bonds or undertakings, no document to be issued by the court, no direct transmission to a court fax machine, each document presented for filing at the filing window with the fees, the words “By fax” on the first page immediately below the title, a demand for the original physically signed document within fifteen (15) days after service (5.13).
Documents in civil cases filed at the Clerk's Office within the Hall of Justice at 2610 Riverside Drive in Susanville - signed, dated, organized and stapled (the clerk cannot accept copies which are not organized and stapled), the original set two-hole punched and stapled with the appropriate number of copies, with the proper filing fees from the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule or a Request to Waive Court Fees; fax filing of certain documents in civil cases (the Civil, Probate & Family Law Fax Filing page); the Civil Law and Motion calendar generally heard the 3rd Thursday of every month in Department 3; requests for continuances of law and motion matters made by written stipulation of the parties or counsel with the applicable filing fee, the stipulation, order and continuance fee received and signed by the court before the date and time of the hearing, the matter possibly ordered dropped from calendar; a settled matter reported to the court, followed by the mandatory Judicial Council form Notice of Settlement of Entire Case [form CM-200]; handwritten forms accepted if printed clearly and legibly in blue or black ink and otherwise compliant with California Rules of Court, rules 2.100-2.119; under $12,500 a Small Claims case, $35,000 or less a Limited Jurisdiction Civil case, over $35,000 an Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil case.
Hearings typically heard on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM in Department 2; claims of up to $12,500 (businesses up to $6,250), no more than two claims anywhere in the State of California for over $2,500 in one calendar year; a filing fee between $30-$100 or a fee waiver; handwritten forms accepted (California Rules of Court, rules 2.100-2.119); a continuance requested on a Request to Postpone Small Claims Hearing [form SC-150] with a processing fee (if the defendant has been served), a copy mailed to the other parties - a request received within 5 days of the court date attached to the court case for the judge at the time of the trial, one received more than 5 days prior decided by mail; no attorney for either side at trial; copies of the evidence for each party and the judge; the proceedings not recorded by a court reporter, the judgment possibly mailed; collection by an Application and Order to Produce Statement of Assets and to Appear for Examination [form SC-134], a Writ of Execution [form EJ-130] or an Abstract of Judgment [form EJ-001] recorded with the County Recorder; an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment [form SC-290] filed on payment ([form EJ-100] where liens were placed); a Notice of Motion to Vacate [form SC-135] within 30 days after the Notice of Entry of Judgment was mailed; a Notice of Appeal (Small Claims) [form SC-140] within 30 days.
The court’s notice to the public: electronic filing (e-Filing) made available in Civil and Small Claims cases effective September 14, 2026, encouraged but not mandatory at this time, paper filings accepted at the Court’s public counter, drop box and by mail, Fax Filing accepted through January 31, 2027 and replaced by e-Filing beginning February 1, 2027, and the e-Filing process, the Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs) and the Frequently Asked Questions posted on the Court’s website.
Electronic filing available beginning Monday, September 14, 2026 at 8:00am PST for attorneys, attorney service companies and self-represented parties, at any hour; at launch case initiation and subsequent filings accepted in Civil (Limited Jurisdiction), Civil (Unlimited Jurisdiction) and Small Claims, all other case types to be added in a future phase and announced on the page; all electronic filings submitted through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP), fees, features and customer support varying by provider, filers choosing any approved provider; the court's Frequently Asked Questions and its list of active vendors linked from the page.
Chapter 5 (Rules 5.01 to 5.16): the schedule of attorney fees on promissory notes and contracts - in a default action twenty-five percent (25%) of the first $2,000 with a minimum fee of $300.00, then 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% and 2% on the next amounts, the Court to fix fees for recoveries in excess of $150,000.00 - increased in a contested action by reasonable compensation, the clerk to include fees computed by the schedule in a clerk’s judgment, and fees in excess of the schedule on application with declarations (5.01); attorney fees in cases involving minors or persons with a disability under CRC 7.955 (5.02); the compromise of a claim of a minor or person with a disability on Judicial Council Form MC-350 with the order on MC-351, an order to deposit funds on MC-355, the deposit within 48 hours of receipt and the receipt on MC-356 within 15 days, and a petition for withdrawal on MC-357 (5.03); a formal judgment to show the full names and legal capacities of the parties as in the caption, a blank space for costs, judgments with exhibits discouraged, and a proposed judgment lodged with the original judgment when required by Rule 3.1590 (5.04); a judgment on stipulation presented as a separate document (5.05); an appeal of a Labor Commissioner decision under Labor Code §98.2 filed with the complaint and answer, the decision and a proof of service on the Labor Commissioner, set for a trial readiness conference in approximately 30 days, the notice of appeal treated as the first paper for the filing fee (5.06); settlement conferences for civil cases with an estimate for trial in excess of one full day, not earlier than ninety (90) days prior to trial, the parties prepared to make a bona fide settlement offer with principals in attendance or available by telephone, the parties to file and serve a brief statement of the facts and the law no later than five (5) calendar days prior, and the conference dropped only when settlement papers or a dismissal are filed (5.07); a violation of the rules a violation of a lawful court order under Code of Civil Procedure §177.5, the Court adopts and incorporates Rule 2.30 of the California Rules of Court, and any request for money sanctions made upon advance notice, in writing (5.08); arbitration on court order, stipulation or a plaintiff’s election where the award will not exceed $50,000, a disclosure notice within five (5) days of the notice of assignment, an arbitrator’s declination within fifteen (15) days, hearings no sooner than thirty-five (35) days and no later than ninety (90) days from the assignment, hearings that must not exceed three (3) hours without permission for a lengthy hearing, and the arbitrator’s fee of $150.00 (5.09); default prove-ups in written form or by oral testimony, proof by competent evidence of all essential elements (5.10); no judgment by default in an action to quiet title, the application set for hearing on the civil law and motion calendar with oral and documentary evidence of title (5.11); service by publication on ex parte application with declarations of all due diligence, the summons published once a week for four consecutive weeks (Code of Civil Procedure §415.50), and alternative service for an indigent plaintiff/petitioner granted a fee waiver (5.12); the disposition of small claims cases within thirty (30) days after filing when all defendants reside in Siskiyou County and sixty (60) days when any defendant resides outside, the hearing continued for service when the plaintiff contacts the Court, and dismissal without prejudice when the plaintiff does not appear (5.13); a property manager or rental agent who may not file an unlawful detainer action or appear on behalf of the owner, entities that must appear through an attorney, and a property owner of record or a bona fide lessee in his or her own name (5.14); summary dismissal without prejudice if the plaintiff does not file a Proof of Service of the Summons and Complaint within 60 days of the filing of an Unlawful Detainer action (Code of Civil Procedure section 1167.1) (5.15); and False Claims Act proceedings filed in the Yreka Branch with the Confidential Cover Sheet, JC Form MC-060 (5.16).
The Complaint, Summons, and Civil Case Cover Sheet required at the time of initial filing; motions heard - FAMILY LAW on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2 and LIMITED/UNLIMITED CIVIL on Friday at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2, unless the regular judge has been disqualified; Ex-Parte motions heard in Courtroom 1 Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. (Courtroom 3: contact the court for available dates); appearance by telephone for case management conferences, trial setting conferences and some civil and probate motions, and in person for settlement conferences, small claims, family law motions and trials; transcripts ordered from the court reporter by mail or phone at (209) 754-9810, costs and payment arranged with the reporter; publication in the Calaveras Enterprise (San Andreas) or the Daily News (Valley Springs).
No more than two claims anywhere in the State of California for over $2,500 in one calendar year; small claims matters filed in the Civil Division; the original Plaintiff's Claim (all six pages) submitted with up to 3 additional copies to be stamped, copies made by the court at 50 cents per page unless a fee waiver is approved; filing by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to Calaveras Superior Court (checks with an imprinted name and address), in person at the clerk's window or by electronic filing; the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant (SC-100) served at least 15 calendar days before the trial date (20 days if the defendant lives or does business outside the county); a new trial date when no defendant has been served, requested in writing or at the small claims counter at least 3 court days before the trial date, with no fee; once a defendant is served, a later hearing date requested in writing for a good reason with a $10.00 fee, a copy mailed or delivered to all other parties, received by the court at least 10 calendar days before the hearing date (SC-150, SC-152).
Timely arrival (a late party's case may be heard without them); photocopies of all evidence for each party and the judge, copies submitted the day of trial not returned; all witnesses brought; documents exchanged and reviewed before the case is heard; a stipulation to a pro-tem (temporary) judge, or a continuance to a date when a judge of the Superior Court is available - a temporary judge may be declined when the claim is filed; the plaintiff's testimony first, then the defendant's; the proceedings not recorded by a court reporter or any other recording; no interpreters provided - a party not fluent in English brings an interpreter; the decision (judgment) mailed; no appeal for the plaintiff on the Plaintiff's Claim, an appeal by the defendant heard again in full, and a plaintiff's appeal on a Claim of Defendant.
Small claim matters filed in the Civil Division; legible handwritten forms accepted; no fax filing in small claims; service of the claim by certified mail through the Clerk's Office for a fee; a continuance requested by filing a Request to Postpone Small Claims Hearing stating why, with a processing fee if the defendant has been served, and a copy mailed to the other parties - a request received within 5 days of the court date attached to the court case for the judge at trial, one received more than 5 days before the court date decided and notified by mail; prompt arrival (a late party's case may be heard without them), photocopies of all evidence for each party and the judge, all witnesses brought, and the parties' exchange of their documents in the hallway before the case is heard; no court reporter or other recording of the proceedings; no interpreters provided - a party not fluent in English brings an interpreter; the judgment mailed; a ruling on a case taken under submission within 90 days; a Motion to Vacate the judgment within 30 days after the Notice of Entry of Judgment was mailed, and a Small Claims Appeal within 10 days after a notice of denial was mailed; the Small Claims Advisor for Tehama County (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Chapter 4 (Rules 4.00 to 4.15): the Court utilizes the case evaluation factors of California Rules of Court, Rule 3.715 in differentiating cases to achieve the case management goals of Rule 3.714 (4.00.2); all actions deemed Plan 1 cases at the time they are filed, and upon good cause shown an order changing the designation of a case to Plan 2 or 3 or to exempt a general civil case from the case disposition time goals, on noticed motion or the Court's own motion (4.00.5); a case management conference approximately 120 days after the filing of the complaint, the notice set and filed by the court when the complaint is filed and served by the plaintiff with the case management information sheet, a blank copy of the case management statement and the alternate dispute resolution sheet, appearance in person or remotely, the calendar held remotely in Truckee where notice of an intent to appear in person is due two (2) court days in advance, a case management tentative ruling posted to the court website when an appearance is not necessary, the case at issue at the time of the conference, trial counsel to personally attend, trial counsel and backup trial counsel specified at the first case management conference, proofs of service of complaints and cross-complaints and each party's case management conference statement filed at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the conference, and jury fees paid on or before the date of the initial case management conference under Code of Civil Procedure Section 631 (4.00.8); a short cause case - a time estimated for trial of five (5) hours or less - called for case management conference in the same fashion as a long cause matter or set directly for trial on the short cause calendar, parties who stipulate to a short cause trial date to submit their stipulation to the clerk, and no at issue memoranda (4.00.9); a plaintiff's election to arbitrate filed with the case management conference statements at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the conference, a written stipulation to arbitrate without a limit as to the amount of the award unless it expressly states otherwise, the Court may order appropriate cases to judicial arbitration under California Rule of Court 3.811(a)(2)(3) and (5), mediation as an alternative to judicial arbitration under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1775.2, any limited civil case in which a jury trial is requested submitted to arbitration, and sanctions for the willful failure to meaningfully participate in arbitration or mediation, including non-appearance and a motion or request to continue less than ten (10) court days before (4.00.10); any long cause case, and any short cause case at the discretion of the Court, set for a judicially supervised mandatory settlement conference attended by the attorney who will conduct the trial, the unrepresented parties and persons with authority to negotiate in good faith and reach settlements, remote appearances by court order for good cause upon written request, and a dismissal, notice of settlement or stipulated judgment filed immediately on a settlement (4.02); the first page of each settlement conference statement to specify the date and time of the settlement conference and the trial date, the statement filed no later than ten (10) court days before the conference with a full and complete statement of the information to the extent known or contended, principals, decision makers and insurance carriers to attend in person unless excused by order in advance, and a party that files a request for telephonic appearance by any of them to submit it no less than ten (10) court days prior with the mandatory settlement conference statement (4.02.1); a pretrial conference within two weeks of the first day of trial, conducted by the assigned trial judge, the parties to serve and file at least five (5) court days before it the exhibit lists, witness lists, proposed jury instructions, proposed written voir dire, proposed special verdicts, stipulations and a joint non-argumentative statement of the case (two (2) paragraphs maximum), trial preparation motions under the time limits of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1005 heard on the day of the pretrial conference (Nevada City Branch) or on the law and motion calendar (Truckee Branch), and all motions in limine in one (1) document with consecutively numbered paragraphs (4.03); a request to continue a mandatory settlement conference, civil trial conference or trial under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1332, a trial conflict good cause only if it arose after the trial date was set and could not have been reasonably avoided, and unopposed motions to continue the trial date to include mutually acceptable future trial dates (4.04); a tentative ruling posted on the court website (www.nevada.courts.ca.gov) on the afternoon of the court day before each regularly scheduled law and motion calendar, the final ruling unless the Court has directed oral argument or notice of intent to appear is given to the clerk's office by 4:00 p.m. the court day preceding the hearing with confirmation that all other parties have been notified, limited argument not to exceed five (5) minutes per side, and the court's research attorney who may sit as a temporary judge on the stipulation of all parties, a party who does not wish to stipulate to notify the other parties and the clerk at (530) 362-4309 by 4:00 p.m. the day before the hearing (4.05.3); the court does not require copies of non-California authorities (4.05.5); attorney's fees on promissory notes, contracts providing for the payment of attorney's fees, and foreclosures - on default, twenty-five percent (25%) of the first $1,000 but not less than $150.00, twenty percent (20%) of the next $4,000, fifteen percent (15%) of the next $5,000, ten percent (10%) of the next $10,000, five percent (5%) of the next $30,000 and two percent (2%) of the amount over $50,000, reasonable attorney's fees in contested matters, and in unlawful detainer actions proceeding by default or as an uncontested matter no more than eight hundred dollars ($800) unless the prevailing party demonstrates good cause (4.07); sanctions when any counsel, party, person or entity fails to comply with these local rules - to strike out a pleading, dismiss the action, enter a default judgment or impose penalties of a lesser nature, with reasonable attorney's fees and costs (4.08); counsel or a self-represented party who utilizes large-sized exhibits at trial to submit an 8 ½ x 11-inch copy to the clerk, who will keep the copy for the record (4.10); a bench warrant or other appropriate relief when a properly served judgment debtor fails to appear at the debtor's examination (4.11); the order after hearing to recite the Court's order verbatim without the tentative ruling procedures, counsel preparing it to secure opposing counsel's approval of its form within ten (10) court days, the signed order served within five (5) days, and the court does not accept proposed orders in advance of hearings except for ex parte hearings, mandatory Judicial Council forms and evidentiary objections (4.12); applications for civil harassment, elder abuse, and workplace violence temporary restraining orders noticed to the opposing party or attorney by 10:00 a.m. the day before review unless accompanied by a declaration setting forth good cause, the pleadings and any opposition presented to the Civil Division Clerk's Office by 4:00 p.m. the court day prior, and review Monday through Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. by a judicial officer designated by the Presiding Judge, generally without oral argument and solely upon written application without a court hearing (4.13); small claims cases without a proof of service after two (2) continuances may be dismissed without prejudice (4.14); all civil cases filed in, pending in or transferred to the Nevada City Branch, excluding family law matters, assigned for all purposes to the judge whose regular assignment is in Department 6 (4.15).
The notice of appeal filed with the Appeals Unit (menacing dog, parking ticket and small claims appeals filed in the Civil Division Office); the clerk's transcript in limited civil and misdemeanor appeals is the original trial court file (Local Rule 17.01); in unlimited civil appeals each document designated by its title and filing date and the clerk's bill paid within 10 days; the reporter's transcript deposited on the reporter's written estimate from the Court Reporter's Office; checks payable to Shasta County Superior Court except the filing fee for the Court of Appeal; the appellate division's oral argument on the 3rd Tuesday morning of the month at 8:00 a.m., currently in Department 64 (the hearing notice names the courtroom), and submission on the briefs and the record by writing to the clerk.
Chapter 6 (Rules 6.00.00 to 6.00.01): the trial by declaration process of Vehicle Code section 40902, and a person who fails to appear at trial deemed under Vehicle Code section 40903 to have elected a trial by written declaration (6.00.01).
Remote appearances generally authorized under Code of Civil Procedure §§ 367.75, 367.76, and California Rules of Court (CRC) 3.670 and 3.672; judicial approval required for all remote appearances except Case Management Conferences and Law & Motion matters, preapproved pursuant to Local Rule 1.10(D)(1); a new CourtCall meeting link for each hearing; parties (those in the court's official record) and ad hoc participants (witnesses, interpreters, court reporters, victims, agencies); notice for every hearing unless given for the duration of a case or waived by stipulation (CRC, Rule 3.672(f)); a Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-010) filed and served at least five (5) court days before the hearing, or ten (10) court days before an evidentiary hearing or small claims trial; an Opposition to Remote Proceedings at Evidentiary Hearing or Trial (RA-015) at least five (5) court days before; a proposed Order Regarding Remote Appearance (RA-020) filed with the RA-010; parties scheduling themselves on CourtCall's Remote Court Scheduler (RCS) website after approval, ad hoc participants through the case-type division.
Chapter 20.00 (Rules 20.1 to 23.0, as numbered): civil case management under the Delay Reduction Act (Govt C§68600 et seq.) - the general civil cases subject to Rule 20.1 (20.1.1), classification within 12, 18, 24 and 36 months under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.714 (20.1.2), changes in classification (20.1.5), the first case management conference approximately one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days from the filing of the complaint, its notice served with the summons and complaint (20.1.7), the Case Management Statement (Judicial Council Form CM-110) filed and served no earlier than thirty (30) days but at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the first conference (20.1.8), judicial arbitration (20.1.9), settlement conferences for long cause trials and the settlement conference statement filed not later than ten (10) days before (20.1.10), civil trial conferences normally ten (10) days before trial (20.1.11), continuances of conferences and trials only on noticed motion or by ex parte application on the written stipulation of all parties, with mutually acceptable future trial dates (20.1.12), and sanctions (20.1.13); civil law and motion - hearing dates reserved before filing, and written notice of stipulation or non-stipulation to a Commissioner at least five (5) Court days before the hearing (20.2), the required conference before filing a motion or demurrer (20.2.1), dropping and continuing hearings, not within three (3) court days without the department's permission (20.2.2), tentative rulings on the court's website after 12:00 noon the court day before the hearing, oral argument requested by calling (916) 408-6481 (the Tahoe Division: (530) 584-3463) no later than 4:00 p.m., and the statement each notice of motion must include (20.2.3), orders after hearing submitted within five (5) days (20.2.5), and the matters Rule 20.2 governs (20.2.6); notice of settlements and the Notice of Settlement (Judicial Council Mandatory Form CM200) (20.3); motions in limine filed and served 10 days before trial, oppositions 5 days before (20.4); the schedule of attorney fees in default actions, 25% of the first $2,000 with a minimum of $150 (20.7); adult adoptions renumbered (20.10); a $35 charge to set up a payment plan (20.11); letters not filed in civil matters (20.12); unlawful detainer cases set for trial on Judicial Council form UD-150 (20.13); association of counsel (20.14); small claims - the clerk's service of the claim (Judicial Council form SC-100) with the copies and pre-addressed envelopes the plaintiff supplies (21.1), the Notice of Entry of Judgment (Judicial Council form SC-130) (21.2) and the return of documents (21.3); CEQA petitions (22.0); and vehicle forfeiture under Vehicle Code section 14607.6 (23.0).
Rules 9-100 (repealed) and 9-101: remote appearances in small claims actions, unlawful detainer cases, civil harassment restraining orders and other evidentiary hearings (Civil Code of Procedure section 367.75; California Rule of Court, rule 3.672) - in person unless the judicial officer who is to hear the matter authorizes a remote appearance in writing, a Notice of Remote Appearance Form RA-010 filed and served no later than 5 court days before, an Opposition to Remote Proceedings Form RA-015 no later than 3 court days before, copies delivered to the department, and the termination of a remote appearance for cause.
Chapter 12 (Rules 12.1 to 12.4): the goal of disposing of 100 percent (100%) of small claims cases within 95 days after filing (12.1); trials calendared no sooner than 20 days and no later than 70 days from the issuance of the Plaintiff's Claim and Order, and continuances for service under Civil Code of Procedure § 116.570 (12.2); requests for postponement in writing at least ten days before the court date, with a $10.00 fee and notice to the other party (12.3); and dismissal without prejudice when the plaintiff does not appear, unless a continuance was requested in writing (12.4).
Chapter 2 (Rules 2.1 to 2.16): joint case management conferences and orders to show cause - for failure to file a proof of service, set not later than 45 days after the filing of the complaint in unlawful detainer actions, 180 days in limited civil actions (California Rules of Court, Rule 3.740) and 75 days in unlimited civil actions; for failure to dismiss or file a default judgment, not later than 395 days in unlawful detainer and limited civil actions; a status conference not later than 120 days after the filing of the answer (limited civil) and a case management conference 120 days after the filing of the complaint (unlimited civil, Rules 3.722-3.730); local forms MCV-102 and MCV-101 filed with the complaint (2.1); continuances - one (1) time by stipulation, further continuances on a fully executed stipulation and proposed order, noticed motions otherwise, and five (5) business days' notice where an interpreter has been requested (2.2); the pretrial conference - a Joint Pretrial Statement no less than five (5) business days before, its contents, trial briefs, motions in limine, voir dire questions (rule 3.1549), jury instructions (rules 2.1055 and 2.1058) and verdict forms no less than five (5) business days before the conference (2.3); motions in limine, meet and confer before any motion, motions to compel entry of judgment under Code of Civil Procedure § 664.6, and no regular reporting of civil or probate law and motion (2.4); exhibits - meeting before the pretrial conference, depositions and administrative records on a USB flash drive, pre-marking, exhibit lists, copies, trial binders and post-trial return (2.5); tentative rulings issued no later than 3:00 p.m. the business day before, oral argument on notice by 4:00 p.m. the business day before and heard each Friday (2.6); mandatory settlement conferences - the statement under rule 3.1380(c), medical reports and special damages, offers and demands, liens, attendance of all persons whose consent is required (travel more than 150 miles), and the order to show cause after form CM-200 (2.7); electronic service by the court and the forms EFS-005-CV, EFS-007 and EFS-006 (2.8); prove-up hearings for default judgments (2.9); an attorney as witness (2.10); administrative records lodged on a USB flash drive (2.11); the attorney fee schedule in a default action on a note or contract - 25% of the first $5,000 with a minimum of $250, 10% of the amount over $5,000, and a prove up hearing where the request exceeds $7,500 (2.12); small claims service by certified mail on local form MMC-300, delay reduction and proof of service under CCP section 116.340(c) (2.13, 2.14); unlawful detainer trial setting and the jury demand no later than five (5) calendar days after notice of a trial date (2.15); and advance jury fees deposited at least five (5) calendar days before trial (Code of Civil Procedure section 631), with forms FW-002 and FW-003 (2.16).
Documents received after 3:30 p.m. stamped that day and processed the next court business day; naming defendants; amending or dismissing a claim; continuances requested in writing at least ten calendar days before the court date with the continuance fee (one continuance only for a missing proof of service); subpoenas; appeals within thirty days; small claims appeal continuances at least ten calendar days before the hearing by agreement, with a $20.00 processing fee and a confirmation letter (without agreement, a letter routed to the Supervising Civil Judge).
General provisions - citation (2.1) and application of the rules (2.2); administration of civil litigation - forms to be issued by the clerk upon filing of a complaint (2.3), case management conferences (2.4), service of summons and complaint (2.5) and the responsive pleading (2.6); law and motion matters - form and format of papers presented for filing (2.7), miscellaneous general provisions (2.8), hearings (2.9), tentative rulings (2.10), orders (2.11), applications for ex parte orders, provisional remedies and orders shortening time, the time for presenting applications in each department obtained online on the court's civil page (2.12), and the discovery facilitator program (2.13); settlement and issue conferences - the settlement conference (2.14) and the issue conference (2.15); rules for certain civil case types - approval of compromise of a minor's claim (2.16), unlawful detainers (2.17), uninsured motorist cases (2.18) and small claims, continuances requested in writing at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing date and exhibits (2.19); sanctions (2.20); documents not filed or admitted at hearing or trial (2.21); and procedures for handling mediator complaints (2.22).
Each civil department's weekly calendar - the judicial officer, courtroom, courthouse and judicial assistant, and the days and times of its trials, law and motion, case management, OSC, minor's compromise, default, change of name and collections calendars - with the ex parte review times (civil ex partes by e-file by 10:30 a.m. on the department's review day; unlawful detainer, civil harassment, workplace violence and elder protection ex partes by e-file or drop-off by 8:30 a.m. at 3055 Cleveland Avenue, gun violence restraining order TROs by 8:00 a.m., picked up at or after 2:30 p.m.); the small claims temporary judge calendars and trials de novo; the Appellate Calendar, and the Appellate Panel; each department's Zoom credentials; the page Local Rules 16.1 and 16.8 point to.
Small claims cases (2.1): identification of a business defendant's authorized agent for service when the clerk serves under Code of Civil Procedure §116.340(a)(1); law and motion; trial setting; submitting evidence where the Court has granted a remote appearance - evidence sent to all other parties and submitted to the court at least 10 days before the hearing with Local Form SC-10, exhibits of no more than 10 pages by e-mail to SCtrials@sonomacourt.org; exhibits after trial, destroyed sixty (60) calendar days after the final determination unless their return is requested with a self-addressed stamped envelope; and appeals. Unlawful detainer cases (2.2): trial setting by a request to set the time of the trial; an unlawful detainer that becomes an ordinary civil case; default and compromise; attorney's fees; and stipulations for entry of judgment.
Hearing calendars in person, Zoom on a hardship (the hardship, Zoom and in-person protocols); small claims notices of appeal e-filed as new case filings (SC-140 naming the existing case number).
Filing in Room A of the Hall of Justice; hearings in South San Francisco (Mondays 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays 8:30 a.m., Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. and Fridays 1:30 p.m.); night court in Redwood City the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Small claims hearings are in person; a party with a hardship who cannot appear in person may ask in writing, 30 days before the scheduled hearing, for a remote Zoom appearance (Attn: Small Claims Division-ROOM A, 400 County Center, Redwood City); a Judicial Officer decides, and a party with no notice from the Court appears in person; the notice is served on the Defendant with the Plaintiff's Claim.
Check the courtroom location with the Small Claims clerk two days before the hearing (option 6); bring all exhibits to the hearing and exchange documents and evidence with the other parties before entering the courtroom (no exhibits mailed in or submitted electronically); the Zoom Appearance Protocol applies when either party is approved to appear by Zoom.
A party pre-approved to appear by Zoom informs the opposing party, and both follow the Exhibit Exchange Protocol: exhibits on paper or on a USB flash drive (preferred), CD or DVD, presentable in PDF, JPEG or MP4 format; exchanged with the opposing party at least five business days before the hearing; a hard copy delivered to the court five business days before (no email of exhibits to the Court), in the Drop Box at, or mailed to, the South San Francisco Courthouse, 1050 Mission Road (Attention: Department 31, Small Claims Department); Zoom audio and video with the camera on during the entire proceedings.
Retained Small Claims exhibits may be released to the submitting parties (Code of Civil Procedure section 1952 and Local Rule 2.11); upon proper notice, exhibits not returned (CCP §1952.2) are destroyed 60 days after the issuance of judgment unless a written request to retain them for up to one year is filed (CCP §1952(b)) or an appeal is filed; exhibits not collected within a requested retention period are destroyed without additional notice at its conclusion.
Division XI: information forms for data processing (Rule 11.2); required action - action taken on all calendared cases and a future date always set (Rule 11.19); and pro tem judges - an attorney named as a plaintiff in a civil or small claims case may not sit as a judge pro-tem during the case or within six months following its resolution, nor one named as a defendant in two or more such cases (Rule 11.22). Rules 11.1, 11.3 to 11.5, 11.7 to 11.18, 11.20 and 11.21 are repealed, and Rule 11.6 (voluntary arbitration; see Local Rule 10.2) was repealed and renumbered.
Small claims hearings in person; remote appearances under CCP Section 367.75 with RA-010, oppositions on RA-015 and written approval only when opposed; Zoom for Department 50 (Richmond/Walnut Creek), Department 54 (Pittsburg) and Department 57 (Martinez); documents for remote hearings served and submitted 3 court days before (no electronic delivery); claim limits ($12,500; $6,250) and filing fees ($30, $50, $75; $100 after 12 cases).