Stanislaus County
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Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rules 1 and 2: General; Court Organization (Rules 1.00 to 2.06)
Rules 1.00 to 2.06: the Local Rules applying to the Superior Court of California, the County of Stanislaus (1.00); the rules construed so as not to conflict with the California Rules of Court, and sanctions after notice and an opportunity to be heard on any attorney, party represented by an attorney, or self-represented litigant who fails to comply with them (1.03); the policy against sexual harassment, a person who perceives or witnesses it in the courthouse notifying the Court Executive Officer (1.05); no unacceptable attire in the courtroom or by videoconference (1.06); court security by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department (1.07); exhibits posing a security, storage, safety or health risk - firearms included - received only as the judge allows, on written notice to the clerk and the judge and the judge's express advance permission, a firearm carrying a trigger and/or gun lock approved by the California Department of Justice and checked by the bailiff, a photographic record substituted for a returned exhibit, the information given the Clerk before toxic or hazardous materials are brought into the courtroom, controlled substances securely sealed, bodily fluids in protective containers, and such evidence kept by the person bringing it pending final determination of the action (1.08); the powers of the Superior Court Commissioners and their assignment by the Presiding Judge, including arraignments and bench warrants (1.09); photographing, recording and broadcasting in courtrooms subject to CRC 1.150 and prohibited at the Juvenile Court at 2215 Blue Gum Avenue, in the jury assembly and deliberation rooms, clerk offices, clerk windows, employee work areas and the Self-help Center, the media not to block corridors, courtroom access, stairwells or ramps, and photography through courtroom windows subject to the judge's prior approval (1.10); official court reporters in all criminal and juvenile matters, the chart of hearing types where the court provides one - civil law and motion and ex parte hearings in D21/D23 on Wednesday and Friday only and in D22/D24 on Tuesday and Thursday only, family law and motion sometimes - a private certified court reporter pro tempore arranged after contacting the Supervising Court Reporter (ctreport@stanct.org or (209)530-3105), and a fee waiver recipient's request made as soon as possible (1.11); solicitation by bail agents prohibited within courthouse buildings and on the courthouse property around their public entrances and exits (1.12); service animals admitted, and a comfort animal supporting a witness only on a written motion with declarations, the moving party designating a qualified handler carrying a filed copy of the order, reimbursing damages, indemnifying the court and naming it an additional insured where insurance is available (1.13); mandatory electronic filing in civil (limited, unlimited and complex), family, juvenile, probate and LPS conservatorship and CARE Act mental health cases through an approved e-filing service provider - self-represented parties not required to e-file, an exemption requested on forms EFS-007 and EFS-008, pleadings handed to the Courtroom Clerk during trial e-filed by the close of business the following court day, unsolicited courtesy copies rejected, electronic service and consent (EFS-005, EFS-010, EFS-006), fee waivers covering e-filing fees, redaction solely the responsibility of counsel and the parties, confidential documents lodged electronically with an e-filed cover sheet, the list of documents not eligible on the Court's website, text searchable documents bookmarked at each heading, subheading, component and exhibit on pain of striking, continuance or monetary sanctions, and a document received electronically between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59:59 p.m. on a court day deemed filed that day (1.14); electronic exhibits or evidence submitted only on a virus-free CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or Blu-Ray, never on a flash or thumb drive (1.14.1); no contact with the court's legal research staff about a pending matter without the approval of the assigned judge or the Presiding Judge (1.15); and a day of judicial vacation defined as time off for more than one-half day, approved education, conference and committee absences excepted (2.06).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 8: Probate, Guardianship, Conservatorships and Adoption Rules (Rules 8.42 to 8.105)
Rules 8.42 to 8.105: a reasonable family allowance paid without approval under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (8.42); an order for family allowance limited to six (6) months before the inventory and appraisal is filed and to one year after, renewable for good cause shown in writing (8.43); the application's contents (8.44); a petition for family allowance ex parte only before the inventory is filed and within six (6) months of qualification, a non-representative's petition needing the representative's consent or waiver of notice (8.45); retroactive payment beyond two (2) months discouraged and late applications noticed (8.46); specifically devised property sold or encumbered only on Court approval after ten (10) days' notice or with the devisee's consent (8.53); real property appraised within one (1) year of the sale (8.54); published notice of sale unless the Independent Administration of Estates Act or the will dispenses with it, and no offer accepted before the date in the notice (8.55); mailed notice of the confirmation hearing at least fifteen (15) days before it (8.56); the legal description and the common street address in notices and petitions (8.57); an order confirming sale not filed until any additional bond is filed (8.58); brokers' commissions of at most 6 percent (6%) for improved and ten percent (10%) for unimproved real property (8.59); deposits of ten percent (10%) with bids and a cashier's check of ten percent (10%) of the first overbid (8.60); conditional sales ordinarily not approved (8.63); sales where the buyer assumes an encumbrance ordinarily not confirmed (8.64); every account opening with the Summary of Account, with the schedules of Prob. Code §1062 and the petition's required disclosures (8.65); allocation of trust receipts and disbursements under Prob. Code §1063 (8.66); debts paid on verified claims, or approved without one only on a verified petition or testimony (8.67); reserves on final distribution - under $5,000 discharged on form DE-295, $5,000 to under $20,000 with a supplemental declaration, $20,000 or more with a supplemental accounting set for hearing (8.68); distribution without an account only in a solvent estate, the report's required contents, and notarized waivers of account (8.69); accounts personally signed by each fiduciary (8.70); vouchers not filed unless ordered (8.71); wrongful death damages held for the statutory beneficiaries, injury and property damages inventoried (8.72); a petition for final distribution or a verified report of status within one (1) year of letters, or eighteen (18) months where an estate tax return is required, and a status review hearing six (6) months after the inventory review (8.82); the report of administration's allegations and schedules - creditors' claims, taxes, the required notices, the computation of fees and commissions, costs, an all-inclusive caption, assets on hand and the proposed distribution (8.83); the documents required before distribution to minors - letters of guardianship, form MC-355 for a blocked account, a custodian's acceptance, a parent's written assurance (8.84); no distribution care-of an attorney without the heir's written consent (8.86.1); distribution by agreement on a notarized written agreement (8.87); disclaimers on file before the hearing (8.88); petitions to dispense with guardianship or conservatorship accounts submitted ex parte on the suggested form PR-002 (8.91); a discharge review hearing, or an account review hearing for retains of $20,000 or more, six (6) months after the order of final distribution (8.92); verified petitions to establish the fact of death, and orders obtained ex parte with a death certificate, the deed and the proposed order (8.93 to 8.95); no attorneys' fees for joint tenancy proceedings in an estate fee petition (8.96); petitions to set aside heard with any petition for letters (8.97); spousal property petitions with separate schedules, the listed allegations and a deed demonstrating current title (8.98); petitions to succeed to a personal residence with a proof of subscribing witness and a deed (8.99); notice of a petition under the Independent Administration of Estates Act, and the Notice of Proposed Action filed with its affidavit of mailing (8.100); and notice of a Special Needs Trust accounting to the State Department of Health Care Services, the State Department of State Hospitals, and the State Department of Developmental Services (8.101.1).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 8: Probate, Guardianship, Conservatorships and Adoption Rules (Rules 8.106 to 8.149)
Rules 8.106 to 8.149: guardianship matters - consolidation with adoption, temporary and general guardians, notice, investigation fees, documents to the Court Investigator and mediation - referred to Family Law Rule 7.27 (8.106 to 8.113); a temporary conservatorship petition filed with or after the general petition, notice under Prob. Code § 2250(e), review by the Court Investigator and the Probate Examiner before the ex parte hearing, and an ex parte application ordinarily entertained only with some urgency (8.114); general conservatorship petitions heard at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and set at least forty-five (45) days after filing, and a subpoena of the Court Investigator for a long cause matter personally served 30 days before the hearing with $275.00 (8.115); the conservatorship investigation fee paid to the clerk, waivable for hardship (8.116); each proposed conservator, temporary ones included, purchasing the Conservator's Handbook from the Probate Division before the petition is considered, the Public Guardian and corporate fiduciaries exempt (8.117); proposed transactions under Probate Code § 3100 with a medical declaration of a spouse's lack of capacity (8.118); substituted judgment petitions informing the Court of all relevant circumstances, and annual accountings of a resulting trust (8.119); independent powers granted only as necessary, set forth in the order and the letters, sales still confirmed by the Court (8.120); the inventory and appraisal filed within ninety (90) days after the appointment (8.123); accounts with the required information, explained market values, a separate accounting for each ward, bank statements for the period's ending date, and separate final accounts before and after the date of death (8.125); the Court Investigator's report on each accounting (8.126); accounts dispensed with under Prob. Code § 2628, ex parte on optional Local Form PR-002, final guardianship accounts ordinarily waived only for funds in a blocked account and never where a bond has not been posted (8.127); counsel for CARE Act respondents - a qualified legal services project first, then the Stanislaus County Public Defender, who reports a conflict within two (2) Court days, then the Stanislaus County Alternate Defender (8.137); notice of pendency of adoption actions sent by the clerk, petitioners furnishing the investigating agency with the papers and fees (8.141); finalization only after the birth parents' consents or termination of their rights, the agency's report and the Court Report of Adoption, and the petitioners' unsigned consent, proposed decree and request for hearing (8.142); file-marked petitions forwarded within thirty (30) days to the State Department of Social Services for independent adoptions, to the placing agency for agency adoptions and to the Community Services Agency for step-parent adoptions, whose investigation fee is paid within one (1) year, petitions not finalized within eighteen (18) months subject to dismissal (8.143 to 8.145); private mediation of kinship adoption agreements (8.146); petitions to terminate parental rights or free a minor forwarded with contact information to the investigating agency within ten (10) days (8.147); the investigation report under Family Code § 7663 and due diligence to find alleged fathers before notice is dispensed with (8.148); and freedom from parental custody - the $380 investigation fee at filing, the petition to the Family Court Investigator within ten (10) days, personal service of the citation at least ten (10) days before the hearing, and service by publication on a declaration of due diligence, the hearing then set approximately seventy-five (75) days from filing (8.149).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 8: Probate, Guardianship, Conservatorships and Adoption Rules (Rules 8.00 to 8.41)
Rules 8.00 to 8.41: decedent's estate and trust matters heard Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 a.m., conservatorship and guardianship matters Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and LPS conservatorship matters Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., calendared upon filing by the Civil Unit or the Family Court Services Unit, early settings only for good cause, and the Clerk of the Probate Court at 801 10th Street, Fourth Floor (mail: P.O. Box 3488) (8.00); the rules' application to estates, guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships and trusts (8.01); papers necessary for a hearing filed at least five (5) court days before it, a late filing fee of $25 per document possible (8.02); papers conforming to CRCs 2.100 and 3.1110, and electronically filed Letters bearing the appointee's electronic signature (8.03); the Probate Examiner's notes on the Court's website and questions e-mailed to Probate.Examiner@stanct.org (8.04); the hearing date below the case number on every document filed in a matter set for hearing (8.05); probate law and motion heard Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. on a date reserved with the probate clerks at (209) 530-2010, moving documents filed within five (5) court days of the reservation, tentative rulings after 1:30 p.m. the court day before, and hearings requested by phone or by e-mail to civil.tentatives@stanct.org before 4:00 p.m. with notice to the opposing party (8.06); a guardian ad litem considered where an heir is a minor or an unborn person or an adult alleged to lack capacity - the petition's contents and what a guardian ad litem may not do without prior court approval (8.07); hybrid probate and civil pleadings, and quiet title actions filed in the Civil Court (8.08); a noticed probate matter not advanced (8.11); notice of a petition to administer an estate published under Prob. Code § 8120 and CRC 7.54, defects requiring republication (8.12); the notice requirements confirmed for every petition (8.13); the persons entitled to notice - heirs, beneficiaries, trustees, non-petitioning executors and the California Attorney General - a declaration of search efforts for an unknown address, and counsel doing the mailing the Probate Code assigns to the clerk (8.14); notice to foreign consuls (8.16); notice to the Director of Health Services, a proof of service or declaration filed in all decedent's estate matters (8.17); a named executor's written declination filed (8.18); wills proven by declaration filed at least five (5) Court days before the hearing, and self-proving wills (8.23); typewritten copies of holographic wills and certified translations (8.24); petitions naming all persons in the will and codicils, trustees and beneficiaries, contingent beneficiaries, revoked devisees and the personal representative's street address (8.26); a minimum bond of $20,000 (8.33); ex parte requests - those handled without appearance, others reviewed by the Probate Examiner with a ruling or hearing date within 72 hours, law and motion ex parte matters approved and scheduled by the assigned judge through the courtroom clerk before filing, five (5) days' notice on ex parte conservatorship or guardianship petitions assigned a hearing date, a Declaration of Due Diligence to waive or shorten notice, papers submitted by 2:00 p.m. the afternoon before the hearing, verified petitions and separate complete orders (8.35); no oral testimony on a verified petition (8.36); contested matters - a face-to-face meeting before the hearing, matters submitted on the pleadings heard at the end of the calendar, long-cause hearings of two (2) hours or less on a date certain (8.37); and orders prepared by counsel, delivered to the Probate Unit at least five (5) Court days before the hearing, complete in themselves, filed immediately after signing on pain of being null and void, and an inventory review hearing six (6) months after the appointment of a personal representative (8.41).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 7: Family Law (Rules 7.26 to 7.27)
Rules 7.26 to 7.27: the duties of the Family Law Facilitator under Family Code Section 10004 (7.26(A)); interpreters provided by the Court in domestic violence proceedings and in mediation, guardianship, economic and other short cause matters on advance notice, counsel at trial notifying the Court no later than 30 days before trial, the Court providing an interpreter to the extent one is available (7.26(B)); an official court reporter requested by email to familylawreporters@stanct.org or by phone at (209) 530-3105 at least 30 days in advance for a trial or long cause hearing and at least 10 days for other proceedings, a $30 reporter fee for any hearing under an hour, an approved fee waiver covering the reporter but not the transcript, a reporter pro tem arranged and paid by the party and following the local format, staff reporter fees billed 50% to each side, $700.00 a day and $350.00 a half day, daily transcripts requested at least one week before trial, and a court-requested transcript paid by the parties in equal proportion (7.26(C)); documents limited to an original plus two (2) copies, at most two conformed (7.26(D)); the Domestic Violence Protocol (7.26(E)); no first appearance fee for a Qualified Domestic Relations Order bearing the respondent's signature after a default judgment (7.26(F)); minor's counsel - applications for the panel on form FL-322 to the Family Law Clerk's Office, approval by the Supervising Family Law Judge, appointment on form FL-323, a default rate of $125 per hour where fees are paid as a public charge, and complaints in writing to the Supervising Family Law Judge (7.26(G)); and guardianships - consolidation with a pending adoption, a temporary guardianship petition filed with or after the general petition with notice under Probate Code section 2250, a temporary guardianship granted ex parte set for hearing no more than thirty (30) days later by the Clerk's Office at Family Court Services, Room 221, hearings Monday through Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Family Court, documents served on the Court Investigator (P.O. Box 3488) or delivered to Room 221 no less than forty-five (45) days before the hearing, a confidential statement of facts, notice to the Court Investigators' Office for relative guardianships and to Child Protective Services-Intake for non-relative guardianships set at least twenty (20) days after filing, the investigation fee from the clerk at Family Court Services with a hardship waiver, the documents for the Court Investigator including the Relative Guardianship Questionnaire, and mediation of a parent's objection by the Court Investigators' Office (7.27).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 7: Family Law (Rules 7.13 to 7.25)
Rules 7.13 to 7.25: ex parte orders presented to the clerk for delivery to a family law judge, domestic violence requests in a pending dissolution or paternity action filed on form DV-100 under the existing case number, other emergency applications under rule 5.151, and the declarations required for orders excluding a party from the dwelling, changing custody of a minor or granting exclusive use of a vehicle (7.13); modified orders conformed by the applicant, requests to set aside ex parte orders noticed under rule 5.151, stipulations modifying existing orders signed by both parties and their attorneys, child support stipulations held ten (10) days and returned unprocessed without Child Support Case Registry forms (FL-191), and stipulations by the Department of Child Support Services with an obligor where support rights are assigned (7.14); orders signed in Court filed within one (1) business day, and proposed orders submitted within 15 or 30 days and held five (5) days for objection (7.15); a mandatory Joint Settlement Conference no sooner than ninety (90) days and no later than thirty (30) days before the settlement conference, a Settlement Conference Statement on Local Form FL-008 filed at least ten (10) Court days before the settlement conference, held within approximately fifteen (15) days of trial, and persons with settlement authority present (7.16); a child custody recommending counselor or evaluator subpoenaed at least 30 days before the hearing, and documentary evidence exchanged and identified by the Clerk before trial (7.17); attorney's fees at trial - the factors to be proved, an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150), a separate attorney's declaration for requests over $1,000.00, and bifurcation of fees and costs (7.18); post-trial motions and the duty to prepare the judgment (7.19); the Court's judgment rules and the state's Completing Divorce or Separation instructions (7.20); the six (6) month waiting period, retention of jurisdiction, nunc pro tunc and status only judgments (7.21); the requirements for judgments - mandatory forms, the Child Support Case Registry form, an Income and Expense Declaration for support or fees, ten (10) calendar days' notice by mail to the Department of Child Support Services for support by default where TANF or CalWorks is received, reservation of child support, attached orders, the default custody statement, the division of assets and debts with legal descriptions and valuation records, spousal support, attorney's fees declarations and CLETS restraining order forms (7.22); the clerk vacating the case management conference, the notice of entry of judgment with two (2) stamped envelopes, and the judge's signature following the Court's orders (7.23); default and uncontested judgments - their prerequisites, a stamped envelope for the defaulted spouse, judgment by declaration under Family Code section 2336, form FL-170 with Local Form FL-019 or FL-002, the approvals, counsel and notarization of marital settlement agreements submitted three (3) court days before any hearing, hearings only on request or order, documents filed at least ten (10) Court days before, and the supporting declarations on property, obligations, custody, support, restoration of name, waivers and nullity stipulations (7.24); and contempt - one continuance for the citee to retain counsel, counsel appointed for an indigent citee, the order of proof, a prima facie case on the original affidavit, the order prepared by the moving party, and stays of execution and continued sentencing (7.25).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 7: Family Law (Rules 7.08 to 7.12)
Rules 7.08 to 7.12: an elisor - the Clerk of the Court or Clerk's Designee - appointed on a Request for Order (FL-300) with a proposed order identifying the documents to be signed (7.08(A)); grandparent joinder for visitation during pending custody proceedings through the Tentative Ruling process, post-judgment joinder and the request for order filed together for the same hearing, and other visitation petitions under Family Code section 3102 (7.08(B)); requests to modify custody or visitation including the name of any prior Mediator, and modifications within three (3) months of a support order viewed with disfavor (7.08(C)); mediation in all contested custody and visitation cases, the on-line Mediation Orientation Program completed before the hearing, detailed child sharing plans, mediation and Family Court Services evaluations not confidential, complaints to the Family Court Services supervisor, the rules for evaluations under rule 5.220 - a standard evaluation limited to three (3) hours and no more than ten (10) pages of the listed records - ex parte communication with the Mediator/Evaluator only during the evaluation, separate sessions where domestic violence is alleged, only CLETS restraining orders, the written custody order prepared the same morning with parties remaining in the courtroom to review it, and therapeutic treatment records released on Local Form FL022 (7.08(D)); child support by the DissoMaster or another program authorized by the Judicial Council, the Confidential Declaration of Parties in Family Law Case filed with any petition or response, guideline calculations in support declarations, service on the Department of Child Support Services at least ten (10) Court days before the hearing where public assistance is received, two calendar dates for mediation and economic issues, Child Support Case Registry forms (FL-191) with support stipulations, modifications not more than one time per year absent a significant change, timeshare by days and half-days, adoption allowances, a minor's earned income over $300 per month allocated to the custodial parent, spousal support reserved in long-term marriages and temporary spousal support by the Alameda County Guideline, orders signed in court filed within one (1) business day and proposed orders submitted within 15 or 30 days, support judgments on form FL-630 with a declaration of the arrearage, and writs of execution on form EJ-130 with a supporting affidavit (7.08(E)); papers filed and served under Code of Civil Procedure sections 1005, 1011 and 1013, a matter without timely proof of service dropped or tentatively denied, and reissuance of a domestic violence restraining order requested no later than the day of the hearing (7.09); a continuance placed on calendar, or a stipulation and order submitted with the reason and the next available date, no less than five (5) court days before the event with the filing fee (7.10); parties meeting and conferring before every hearing except domestic violence matters, documents provided before the hearing, and a settlement reported to the judge's bailiff (7.11); and argument expected to exceed 15 minutes reported to the clerk, counsel advising the bailiff of their presence and stating a time estimate, calendar conflicts managed by counsel on pain of fees or sanctions, preparation, notice of juvenile court proceedings, and stipulated witness testimony favored (7.12).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 7: Family Law (Rules 7.00 to 7.07)
Rules 7.00 to 7.07: family law cases managed from the first Request for Order toward settlement at the earliest possible date (7.00); the matters assigned to the Family Law Department - Family Code matters including those in which the Department of Child Support Services appears, the Uniform Divorce Recognition Act, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the Uniform Parentage Act, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, UIFSA and child support actions, support of adult children or parents, post-dissolution omitted or reserved property, consolidated non-marital property actions, and conservatorships and guardianships under Division 4 of the Probate Code (7.01); family law cases assigned for all purposes including trial, related cases assigned to the same judge with a Notice of Related Case filed on pain of monetary sanctions, petitioners notifying respondents of the direct assignment and filing proof within five (5) days, the judge's name and department under the case number, and peremptory challenges within fifteen (15) days (7.02); the petition served and proof filed within sixty (60) days, one stipulated fifteen (15) day extension of the time to respond, an application to extend the time to serve filed before it elapses with a declaration of the efforts made, entry of default requested within 60 days with the disclosure documents attached, and a default judgment submitted within 60 days of entry, on pain of an Order to Show Cause (7.03); a case management conference about one hundred fifty (150) days after filing, the parties meeting and conferring no later than thirty (30) days before it, the Mandatory Case Management Statement, Local Form FL-005, filed fifteen (15) calendar days before, a case management order, and an Order to Show Cause for violations with responsive papers five (5) court days before the hearing (7.04); restraining order and custody or visitation mediation matters at 8:30 a.m. and economic matters at 9:00 a.m., separate hearing dates and filing fees for custody and economic issues, requests on form FL-300, notice of other proceedings involving the children, the next hearing date on every filing, a current Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) - executed within three (3) months and complete in every item - filed for any monetary relief, an additional declaration from an unemployed party or about other household income, and wage stubs for three (3) months and the most recent tax return exchanged at least five (5) days before a hearing on financial matters (7.05); tentative rulings for the motions listed, no notice of intent to appear required, posted by 3:30 p.m. on the court day before the hearing on the Court's website, in the Clerk's Office lobby and on the courtroom doors (7.06); and informal discovery conferences ordered by the Court or requested through a request for case management conference on form FL-174, scheduled at or after 1:30 p.m., represented parties appearing by counsel with their clients available (7.07).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 6: Appellate Division (Rules 6.00 to 6.10)
Rules 6.00 to 6.10: regular sessions of the appellate division on the second Wednesday of each calendar month at 4:00 p.m. (6.00); ten (10) minutes of oral argument for each party in limited civil and misdemeanor cases and five (5) minutes in infraction cases, the waiver procedure encouraged, and oral argument by videoconference - notice to the Court and all other parties within ten (10) days of the Court's notice, without fee (6.01); briefs under the California Rules of Court, briefs in paper form bound only once in the top left corner and not covered with tape (6.02); a fully briefed matter placed on calendar by the Court Clerk (6.03); law and motion matters decided without a formal hearing unless oral argument is ordered for the next regularly scheduled session (6.04); an electronic recording used as the record of oral proceedings in limited civil, misdemeanor and infraction appeals by stipulation or order (6.05); Wende briefs - the record reviewed in its entirety, counsel's brief summarizing the facts with citations to the record, the appellant advised of the right to file a brief with proof to the Court, briefing ordered on non-frivolous grounds, and no oral argument where no arguable issue is found (6.06); traffic infraction appeals heard by one (1) appellate division judge assigned on a rotating basis, on the same date and at the same time as other appellate division matters (6.07); a Notice of Appeal filed with an original and five (5) copies (6.08); the original trial court file used instead of a Clerk's Transcript (6.09); and the Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division selecting three-judge Appellate Panels, no peremptory challenges, and any challenge for cause served and filed as a motion no later than fifteen (15) days before the date initially set for Oral Argument, decided by the Presiding Judge, a designee or other judges of the Appellate Division (6.10).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 5: Juvenile Court (Rules 5.00 to 5.20)
Rules 5.00 to 5.20: attorneys in juvenile dependency proceedings compensated with public funds meeting the minimum standards of competence (5.00); a Certification of Competency submitted within ten (10) days of a first appearance in a dependency matter, the Court's review of counsel's conduct, and an out-of-county attorney's certification by the Juvenile Court of that county (5.01); at least eight (8) hours of training in juvenile dependency law or six (6) months of dependency experience before certification, eight hours of continuing training on the MCLE schedule, and decertification after twenty (20) days' notice (5.02); the minimum standards of representation - investigation, interviews of the client and of an out of home child's caretaker, vigorous and cooperative representation (5.03); statutory time lines kept, time waivers and continuances only on exceptional circumstances in dependency cases or good cause in justice cases (5.04); juvenile justice law and motion dates reserved with the courtroom clerk of the assigned department, parties meeting and conferring before pretrial hearings, contested matters taking more than ten minutes noticed for a contested calendar, motions filed in writing not less than two days before the hearing with a courtesy copy, and a fifteen (15) page limit (5.04.1); complaints about appointed counsel made orally or in writing and heard within ten (10) court days (5.05); notice that a dependent child may have an interest to protect in another forum, on form JV-180 or a declaration, and the Court's orders on it (5.06); attorneys certifying compliance with CRC 5.664 on form JV-700 before appointment in juvenile justice cases (5.07); the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and its child advocates - their functions, oath, duties, appointment and termination in juvenile justice and dependency cases, CASA's report submitted and distributed at least ten (10) days before the hearing (5.08 and 5.09); the advocate's access to records, mandated reporting and communication (5.10); timely notice to the advocate of any motion (5.11); calendar priority for matters in which advocates appear (5.12); advocate visits until permanent placement (5.13); the advocate's appointment continued in family law proceedings (5.14); the advocate's right to appear (5.15); juvenile court records not obtained by subpoena, access under Welfare and Institutions Code sections 827 - 830.1 by a Declaration in Support of Access (JV001) or a petition on forms JV569 and JV570, public inspection under section 676(d), petitions to prohibit disclosure, and juvenile police records under section 827.9 (5.16); juvenile dependency and juvenile justice documents e-filed, courtesy copies to the assigned judicial officer by the method each specifies (5.17); e-mail notice of proposed dependency filings to juv_dependency@stanct.org by secure email, and the Dependency Partners email group (5.18); juvenile justice cases assigned for all purposes at the arraignment/detention hearing, later petitions on the same case number (5.19); and the Simple Motion form for routine dependency matters, hearings reserved with the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office except for motions to quash protective custody warrants, at most three simple motions a day, two business days' notice to all counsel and CASA, travel within California up to 10 days without a motion, motions to continue filed two court days before the hearing and other motions set at least five court days out unless time is shortened (5.20).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 4: Criminal (Rules 4.24 to 4.32)
Rules 4.24 to 4.32: an appointment required for a traffic arraignment hearing - booked on or before the "appear/respond by" date and scheduled at least five court days out, online, by phone or in person - or arraignment and trial on the same date by posting bail under Vehicle Code 40519 with form TR-006 for a written not guilty plea, full bail paid as a bail forfeiture reported to the DMV as a conviction, traffic school completed within ninety (90) days of the bail forfeiture, timely proofs of correction, and hearings including trials in person or by remote technology on a written consent (4.24); the bail schedule of California Rules of Court rule 4.102 (4.25); infraction trials under Vehicle Code Section 40901, Penal Code section 19.8 offenses filed in the Traffic Division deemed infractions, and Welfare and Institutions Code section 603.5 adopted for minors (4.26); the Clerk's Office granting up to two (2) separate continuances of not more than thirty (30) days each of the appear/respond by date, of the due date to pay an unadjudicated fine and of the traffic school completion date, on requests made at least two Court days before the deadline (4.27); a trial by written declaration requested on form TR-205 by the respond by date, not available when a personal appearance is mandatory, the bail deposited, evidence in writing or on a CD (flash drives not accepted) (4.28); a failure to appear possibly treated as an election to proceed with trial by written declaration (4.29); motions in writing, decided without a separate hearing where possible (4.30); requests to reduce fines for financial hardship on form TR-320, through MyCitations or at an ability to pay hearing, a designated clerk reviewing online requests from recipients of public benefits, payment in full within sixty (60) days or an installment plan on form TR-300 and the Court's Payment Plan Enrollment Form, traffic school bail and fees due within ninety (90) days, community service on request completed within ninety (90) days with letters on letterhead as proof, and further proceeding hearings to review compliance (4.31); and the domestic violence protocol - the criminal court inquiring about children and other orders when issuing criminal protective orders, the Restrained Person Pamphlet, the Protected Person Pamphlet, modification on an Application for Modification of Criminal Protective Order signed by the appropriate Judge and personally served no less than ten (10) calendar days before the hearing, family, juvenile and probate orders for safe access to children not conflicting with a criminal protective order, and the sharing of orders between divisions and agencies (4.32).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 4: Criminal (Rules 4.00 to 4.23)
Rules 4.00 to 4.23: felony and misdemeanor cases directly assigned at arraignment to a criminal department judge for all purposes under the Executive Committee's assignment criteria, the case reassigned when the attorney appointed by the court is relieved due to conflict (4.00); criminal cases randomly assigned at arraignment on the complaint (4.01); a uniform countywide bail schedule approved annually by the judges assigned to the Criminal Division, the clerk not approving or accepting bail (4.02); discovery under Penal Code Section 1054 et seq. ordered in all criminal proceedings, privilege or good cause claims by noticed motion heard before the trial readiness conference, and sanctions (4.03); motion dates reserved with the courtroom clerk of the assigned department before filing, misdemeanor PC 1203.4 motions heard with the misdemeanor probation violation calendar, written motions with a courtesy copy to the courtroom, felony motions heard before the preliminary examination or at least fourteen (14) days before trial, misdemeanor motions at least three (3) Court days before trial, Penal Code section 995 motions heard by another judge, and a fifteen (15) page limit (4.04); motions under Penal Code section 1538.5 with an itemized list of the items to be suppressed, the specific legal and factual basis, the intended witnesses on the first page, copies of the search warrant, affidavit and inventory, and any unwillingness to stipulate to the preliminary examination transcript stated on the first page (4.05); motions in limine, complex trial motions and motions requiring live testimony filed and served no later than three (3) court days before the first trial assignment date (4.06); sanctions for failures under the criminal law and motion rules (4.07); jury instructions filed by 1:30 p.m. on the first day of trial (4.08); writ petitions on misdemeanor or infraction charges filed with the clerk's office of the Appellate Division, habeas corpus petitions with the Criminal Clerk's office (4.09); pleas to a felony transcribed only on the presiding judge's order (4.10); new in custody felony complaints filed by 11:00 a.m. on the date set for arraignment, in custody misdemeanor complaints by 2:00 p.m. the court day before, and out of custody complaints at least four (4) working days before (4.11); a written transcript of any audio or video recording provided before it is played, exchanged three (3) days before the hearing and filed three (3) days before trial (4.12); a hearing on a source of bail order under Penal Code Section 1275.1 requested with a declaration or offer of proof served on the District Attorney at least forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing, set no sooner than five (5) court days from the request (4.13); conflicting appearances reported in writing to the calendar clerk of each court within two court days, and sanctions under Penal Code section 1050.5 of up to $1,000 for unreported double settings (4.14); retained counsel relieved only on a written motion served on the defendant and the People stating the defendant's last known address (4.15); fees by a schedule kept by the Clerk of the Court (4.16); expert and investigator fee requests under the written policies on file with the Clerk of the Court (4.17); Keenan counsel requests under the written policies on file (4.18); search warrant requests on completed forms, after hours to the on-call judge (4.19); motions to continue disfavored, filed and served at least two (2) court days before the hearing on Local Form CR-003 with points and authorities and a declaration, and the rescheduled event held within 30 days where possible (4.20); contested misdemeanor matters electronically recorded, recordings preserved sixty (60) days after final judgment or thirty (30) days in other cases, and copies on written request at least two weeks ahead for a fee (4.21); the Drug Court and the FAIRS Mental Health Treatment Court - eligibility, the plea and waivers on entry, and dismissal or reduction on completion (4.22); and the Veteran's Treatment Court - eligibility under PC 1170.9, diversion under PC 1001.80, exclusions, termination, referral, phases and monthly graduation at 10:00 am (4.23).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 3: Civil Cases (Rules 3.08 to 3.23)
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).
Stanislaus County Superior Court Local Rules (effective July 1, 2026) — Rule 3: Civil Cases (Rules 3.00 to 3.07)
Rules 3.00 to 3.07: the civil rules applying to all civil cases, limited and unlimited, the Civil Clerk's Office at the City Towers Building conforming a maximum of two (2) copies (3.00); each civil case randomly assigned to a judicial officer for all purposes including trial, plaintiffs notifying all parties of the direct assignment and filing a proof of service within five (5) days, and peremptory challenges within fifteen (15) days (3.00.1); law and motion heard Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. on a date reserved by calling (209) 530-3162, the moving documents filed within five (5) court days or the reservation cancelled, tentative rulings after 1:30 p.m. the court day before the hearing, a hearing requested by calling the calendar line or e-mailing civil.tentatives@stanct.org before 4:00 p.m. with notice to the opposing party, and a staff court reporter requested by 4:00 p.m. the day before, hearings lasting more than an hour billed at $350 or, after the noon hour, $700 (3.01(A) to 3.01(E)); an ex parte hearing scheduled by the assigned department's bailiff or courtroom clerk, the request and supporting papers e-filed by 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing or the hearing dropped, and a staff reporter at a $30 reporter fee for any hearing under an hour (3.01(F) and 3.01(G)); an elisor - the Clerk of the Court or Clerk's Designee - appointed on an ex parte application, the documents to be signed attached to the proposed order (3.01.1); the Notice of Case Management Conference (CV-003) filed with a new case and the conference set about one hundred twenty (120) to one hundred fifty (150) days after filing, collection cases set for trial on the local Case Management Conference Waiver form, notice of a telephonic appearance two (2) court days before a case management conference or by 4:00 p.m. the court day before a law and motion hearing, and monetary sanctions (3.02); an unlawful detainer complaint filed with the Notice of Review re: Court's Motion to Dismiss (CV011), trial set on form UD-150, non-jury trials within twenty (20) days, and ex parte papers filed by 2:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing, requests to stay an eviction or set aside a default set by the clerk (3.03); responsive papers to an Order to Show Cause filed and served no less than five (5) court days before the hearing (3.04); mandatory settlement conferences about fifteen (15) days before trial, monetary sanctions, and a conditionally settled case dismissed under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 only on a signed writing or an oral agreement made in open Court (3.05); the Civil Action Mediation Program, the Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program and Judicial Arbitration, considered at the initial case management conference, eligible cases referred to an ADR option there (3.06); the Civil Action Mediation Program, effective January 1, 2024, for nonexempt unlimited civil actions up to $50,000 and nonexempt limited civil cases - mediators from the Court's panel, selected by the Court within thirty (30) days of the referral, $200 per side paid to the Court within ten (10) days of the mediation order, fees forfeited without five (5) days' notice of a settlement, a representative with full authority, confidentiality, completion no later than sixty (60) days before trial with the Mediator's Report within ten (10) days, the mediation complaint procedure and sanctions (3.06.01); the Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program, offered from August 12, 2024 - free, voluntary mediation by retired judges, requested on form CV-018 before or within 14 days after the initial Case Management Conference, sessions Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., completed at least thirty (30) days before any settlement conference (3.06.02); and judicial arbitration of unlimited civil cases up to $50,000 not mediated, without fees posted by the parties, arbitrators reimbursed at $150 per case (3.07).
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Forensic Evaluation Policy
The court's policy for court-ordered forensic evaluations, which evaluators who accept appointments agree to follow: the fee schedule - Pen. Code § 1368/1369/1370 competency and Welf. & Inst. Code § 709 minor's competency evaluations $675 (paid by the Court), not guilty by reason of insanity evaluations $1,350 (paid by the County), Pen. Code § 288.1 evaluations $960, Pen. Code § 457 arson pre-sentence reports $340, other psychological evaluations not to exceed $675, trial testimony $340/hour, trial preparation $230/hour (4 hours maximum), $230 when the evaluator cannot complete the evaluation, office standby $30/hour, extraordinary services $280/hour with prior approval, and mileage at the IRS rate; reports based on the standard examination material - police reports, the minute order, the CLETS printout, medical and psychiatric records and jail or juvenile hall medical records - an attorney providing other information only with court approval, on a written request to the Supervising Criminal Judge (criminal cases) or the judge assigned for all purposes (juvenile cases); extraordinary services requested of the Supervising Criminal Judge and compensated only with prior approval; compensation when an evaluation cannot be performed or a hearing is postponed; the report's contents, definitive conclusions on the legal questions and, for competence to stand trial, medication issues; and reports filed no later than five (5) weeks after the date of appointment unless the court orders otherwise, an extension of time requested with the reasons documented.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Deposit of Real Estate Equity — Property Bail Bonds (Local Form CR-20INFO)
The court's procedure for a property bail bond (Local Form CR-20INFO): the forms CR-20 (Application for Real Property Equity Bond and Declaration of Property Owner), CR-21 (Promissory Note), CR-22 (Deed of Trust), CR-23 (Order Approving Property Bond and Release of Defendant) and CR-24 (Full Reconveyance) from the Criminal Clerk's Office; forms CR-20 to CR-23 filed there with a Preliminary Title Report from a California title company dated within one week before the application and a certified copy of the current tax assessment or a recent written appraisal by a qualified appraiser, forwarded to the Judicial Officer assigned to the case; once CR-23 is signed, the Deed of Trust recorded with the Clerk Recorders Office, a copy delivered to the Criminal Clerk's Office and the original mailed to its Supervisor, the Clerk giving the attorney of record a copy of the order and of the yellow commitment form for the jail; on exoneration, the attorney of record (or parties) completing the Full Reconveyance, making an appointment for the Court Executive Officer to sign it before a Public Notary the party brings, recording it with the County Recorder's Office and filing a copy, the Clerk then mailing the Promissory Note, Full Reconveyance and original Deed of Trust by certified mail; and on forfeiture, the clerk's Order of Forfeiture and Summary Judgement signed by the Judge and mailed, County Counsel preparing the sale of the property.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Transfer Protocol Information
Juvenile Justice transfer-in matters heard at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday through Friday, and Dependency transfer-in matters at 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, in Department 18 at 2215 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto; transfer-in matters set for hearing by the transferring county; and the juvenile clerk's office at 800 11th St, Modesto, CA 95354 - the Juvenile Justice Team ((209) 548-6300, Juv_justice@stanct.org) and the Juvenile Dependency Team ((209) 548-6300, Juv_dependency@stanct.org).
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Traffic Infraction Appeals – Helpful Information to Know (Rev. 10/2026)
The court's information sheet on appeals in traffic infraction cases: the notice of appeal and every appeal-related document filed with the Superior Court Appeals Division Clerk's Office - at Window 9, inside the Family Law Clerk's Office at 1100 I Street, Modesto, or by mail to P.O. Box 1098, Modesto, CA 95353-1098 - and not with Traffic Court staff; the notice of appeal filed within 30 days after the rendition of the judgment or the making of the order appealed (CRC 8.902), a late notice not accepted; no service on the Respondent, the District Attorney's Office not taking part in traffic infraction appeals; the forms - CR-141-INFO read first, CR-142 to begin the appeal, CR-143 and CR-144 for a proposed statement on appeal where no recording exists, traffic court trials and motions being electronically recorded, CR-105 with the notice of appeal to receive the recording at public expense instead of paying the $15.00 fee, attorneys not appointed in traffic infraction appeals, and CR-145 to abandon the appeal; and Local Rule 6.00 through 6.10 and California Rules of Court rules 8.900 - 8.936 for the rules on infraction appeals.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Traffic FAQs
An appointment for an arraignment hearing scheduled at least three (3) court days before the hearing, online in advance, a person appearing without an appointment not going into a hearing; adult traffic court appointments Monday and Tuesday at 8:15, 9:15, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:15 p.m., adult failure to appear court appointments Wednesday at 8:15, 9:15, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and juvenile traffic court appointments Wednesday at 2:15 p.m., a juvenile appearing with a parent or legal guardian; the traffic arraignment video viewed before court; payments online, by mail or by drop box at 2260 Floyd Avenue - drop box payments after 4:00 p.m. credited the next business day, no cash, a juvenile's payment with a parent or legal guardian's signed permission and a copy of that driver's license, the citation or case number on the check; traffic school requested with the bail and the $52.00 non-refundable fee, signed up online only for case numbers beginning with "TR-", 90 days to sign up and complete the class; a trial by written declaration - not offered for an accident or camera citation - requested on forms TR-200 and TR-205 with a signed written plea of not guilty and the bail paid in full, or after a not guilty plea in court with the declaration filed and the total bail paid at least five (5) days before the scheduled date; bail refunded within six to eight weeks after a not guilty decision; a Request for New Trial (Trial de Novo) on form TR-220 no later than 20 days from the mailing date of the decision on a trial by declaration; and a one-time 30-day extension requested on or before the court date.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Traffic Division — Law and Motion Instructions (Motion and Declaration, form TRF-014)
The traffic court's law and motion procedure: motions heard on Thursdays in department 20 at 2260 Floyd Ave, Modesto, only completed Motion and Declaration forms (TRF-014) accepted, with the filer's current address and phone number; the Commissioner reviewing the motion and, if a hearing is necessary, notifying the filer of the hearing date, a filer unavailable on a specific Thursday saying so with the filing; a self-addressed stamped envelope with a filing by mail for the return of the filed form with the court date; the court notified on filing if a Spanish interpreter is needed; and the completed form filed by mail or in person at Superior Court Traffic Division, 2260 Floyd Ave, Modesto, CA 95355.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Traffic Division
Traffic Court arraignment hearings by appointment only - adult traffic cases Monday and Tuesday, juvenile traffic cases Wednesday afternoon with a parent or guardian (a juvenile who has turned 18 since the violation date continuing as a juvenile case with a parent or guardian, or appearing at the adult timeframe as an adult case), and Failure To Appear cases with a DMV hold on the driver's license Wednesday morning and afternoon; defendants arriving early to complete check-in and watching the arraignment video or reading the arraignment script before arraignment; a defendant unable to appear contacting the Modesto Traffic Division on or before the court date, a 30-day extension granted to an eligible defendant who asks on or before the "Appear By" date or at least three (3) days before the scheduled appointment; payments at the clerk's office, by Drop Box, by mail or online - no cash through the mail or the Drop Box, the case number on any check, two (2) days for an online payment to process; bail for a Trial By Written Declaration posted in advance by mail or in person, never through the website, and no online payment when requesting a Court Trial or Trial by Written Declaration; payment plans in monthly installments over a 12 month period, enrolled on the payment plan form; proof of correction fees of $25.00 for each violation, an additional $10.00 administrative fee possibly required, the sign-off on the back of the original citation; and the Traffic Court Reminder Notice sent once a citation is filed, the cited person responsible for checking for a filed case during the year after the violation date.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Traffic Court Trials
After a Not Guilty plea at arraignment a court trial set between 30 and 45 days away on Thursday or Friday according to the agency's assigned day, or 45-60 days away with a waiver of time, the officer subpoenaed; court trials on CHP tickets heard Fridays at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - attorneys via Zoom (no in person hearings) on the 1st and 3rd Friday and pro per defendants in person on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Friday - and other agencies' trials heard in person only at 8:30 a.m.; a defendant found guilty asking the Court at the trial about eligibility for traffic school; arraignment and trial without posting bail, and bail deposited for a trial by written declaration, a written not guilty plea or a bail payment without contest (California Rule of Court 4.105); and the online traffic trial video and script.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Small Claims Division
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)).
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Sign Up for Traffic School
Traffic school requested before the court date - signed up online, or by a visit to the Traffic Court Clerk's Office (2260 Floyd Avenue, Modesto) or a written request by mail or in the Court's drop box there - with the full bail, a $52.00 non-refundable fee to the Court and a self-addressed stamped envelope if made by mail, the school charging its own fee; a defendant with a scheduled Court Trial or Trial By Written Declaration not signing up until the trial has taken place and the court has issued an order, and a defendant ordered to pay a fine who then wishes traffic school filing a Law and Motion; once the full bail and $52.00 are received, the court date extended by 90 days to complete traffic school with a provider on the Department of Motor Vehicles list, the case number or citation number and the Court's Special Reporting Code (50450) given to the school; a defendant who has not completed traffic school contacting the Court before the due date; and a case complete only when paid in full, the $52.00 fee included, and the traffic school shown as completed in the Court's case management system.
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Restraining Orders
Requests for Restraining Orders submitted by 8:45 a.m. available for pick up the following court day from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1100 I Street, in the Family Law lobby, Window #1; filings submitted in person, by mail or by fax through the Automated Fax Filing System; forms and packets at the Court's Self-Help Center (800 11th Street, Room 220, Modesto; 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday, closed on Fridays), which also guides the filling out of the forms, at the Family Law Clerk's Office and at the Stanislaus County Law Library; the Request for Order form not used for a personal conduct stay-away order, which requires the Domestic Violence Restraining Order forms; a party seeking temporary orders giving the other party at least 24 hours' notice of the intent to seek them; and a Declaration re: Notice Upon Ex Parte Application for Orders always filed when requesting any ex parte order for a Request for Order with temporary orders.