Tuolumne County, CA
All 34 county-scoped rules
Every published instrument scoped to Tuolumne County, newest effective date first. 11 circuit-wide and 1,704 statewide instruments also apply here — search all three layers together. Procedural information only; not legal advice.
Published rules, newest effective date first
Showing 1–34 of 34
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 1.00.0 Division of Business and General Rules (Rules 1.01.0 to 1.18.0)
1.00.0 Division of Business and General Rules: rules supplementing the California Rules of Court, which take precedence in a conflict (1.01.0); the Court has five departments (1.02.0); checks returned for non-payment under Code of Civil Procedure sections 411.20 and 411.21 (1.03.0); colored paper accepted as exhibit dividers, notwithstanding rule 2.103, but not blue, goldenrod, green, pink or yellow (1.03.5); copies conformed at no charge when an original is filed (a self-addressed stamped envelope for return by mail), mailed copy requests with the fee and such an envelope, and one copy of each case document for litigants with a fee waiver (1.04.0); duplicate judgment revoked (1.05.0); orders disbursing Court trust funds stating the authority for release, the deposit date, the warrant amount and the payee’s current name and address (1.06.0); court reporting scheduled for preliminary hearings and other felony proceedings, all juvenile matters, in-chambers meetings with minor children, civil proceedings of fee waiver parties requesting it, and other proceedings the Court orders reported, not normally for civil trials or civil law-and-motion matters, and a reporter normally in Dept. 1 (felony and juvenile matters), Dept. 2 (Monday through Friday if a felony jury trial is being held, Tuesday afternoons for preliminary hearings and felony proceedings, and Fridays) and Dept. 4 (Wednesday afternoons for felony criminal proceedings), not normally in Dept. 3 or Dept. 5 (1.07.0(a)); civil court reporter requests filed under rule 2.956 on local form TUO-CS-150, a party granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 provided an official court reporter without the fee, its request filed as soon as practicable and for civil trials no later than 10 court days before trial, and the proceedings may be continued if the Court is unable to arrange the services (1.07.0(b)); for other parties, the Court may provide an official court reporter not required for the listed duties, at a fee for its reasonable cost calculated under Government Code section 68086, due each day before proceedings commence, the clerk notifying the parties if the reporters are not available, and no attendance fee charged when a party pays for a certified shorthand reporter because an official one is unavailable (1.07.0(b)); transcripts of Court-directed reporting available to a party only if it pays the reporter’s fees and transcription cost on request, the reporting fee not required of a party granted a fee waiver (1.07.0(c)); an accurate written transcript with any audio recording offered as evidence (1.08.0); return of exhibits and dangerous evidence revoked (1.09.0 and 1.10.0); criminal trial continuances under Penal Code section 1050, civil trial continuances discouraged and granted only on good cause, stipulated continuances requested in writing with a proposed order except in Delay Reduction Cases, which require a noticed motion with a declaration of necessity unless the Court waives it, and no motion to continue on the trial or hearing date except in the most extraordinary circumstances, in person before the judge (1.11.0); sanctions revoked (1.12.0); ex parte hearings scheduled with the clerk’s office from its list of available dates and times by department, moving papers filed in advance (1.13.0); a judge’s vacation day as an approved absence of one full business day, absence for a rule 10.603(c)(2)(H) purpose not considered one (1.14.0); local forms, mandatory and optional, listed in the appendix and available at www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov (1.15.0); photographic, recording and transmission equipment, laptops included, prohibited in the courthouse without a judge’s advance permission, courtroom devices regulated by each judicial officer, violators subject to contempt under rule 1.150 or having devices confiscated, media not blocking corridors, stairwells, courtrooms or courthouse ingress or egress, photography through courthouse windows or from the hallway requiring the judge’s prior approval, and no portable cameras copying court documents in the clerk’s offices (1.16.0); an individual with a disability, or a licensed or authorized trainer, has the right to be accompanied by a guide, signal or service dog on court premises under Civil Code section 54.1 et seq. (1.17.0); and the words “[PROPOSED] ORDER” in the title of a request that includes a proposed order and line for judicial signature (1.18.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 10.00.0 Court Communication Regarding Restraining Orders (Rules 10.01.0 to 10.04.0)
10.00.0 Court Communication Regarding Restraining Orders: until the Court has a case management system capable of automatically coordinating domestic violence-related orders, its criminal, family and juvenile departments to communicate with one another, to the best of their abilities, to identify families with existing orders (10.01.0); no department of the family or juvenile court to issue a protective order or custody order in conflict with an order of the criminal court, and the orders of the criminal court to control if such an order is issued inadvertently (10.02.0); upon notice of an existing criminal protective order, the family or juvenile court to refer the parties requesting custody and visitation orders to the criminal court, where the person restrained or protected by the order may request a hearing to modify it to expand or restrict contact between the restrained person and his or her children, and the Court, when it makes a custody and visitation order in a family law case after a criminal protective order has issued, explaining to the parties that the family law order cannot be enforced by law enforcement unless the criminal protective order is modified to include its terms (10.03.0); and a family or juvenile court order that may coexist with a criminal protective order, any order that permits contact between the restrained person and his or her children providing for the safe exchange of the children and containing no language, printed or handwritten, that violates a no-contact order issued by a criminal court, a criminal court issuing a protective order after having knowledge of existing child custody and visitation orders to indicate on the order that contact and visitation are pursuant to orders previously made by the family or juvenile court, the safety of all parties the Court’s paramount concern, and the family or juvenile court to specify the time(s), day(s), place(s) and manner of transfer of the child(ren) as provided in Family Code section 3100 (10.04.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 11.00.0 Traffic Rules (Rules 11.01.0 to 11.02.0)
11.00.0 Traffic Rules: any defendant who has received a written notice to appear for an infraction may, prior to the time he or she is required to appear, plead not guilty in writing in lieu of appearing in person, local form TUO-TRF-100, found in the appendix to these rules, used for the written not-guilty plea, and the defendant delivering the written plea to the Court complying with Vehicle Code section 40519 (11.01.0); and the Traffic Tickets/Infractions Amnesty Program (10/1/2015 - 3/31/2017), effective 1/01/16, revoked 7/01/17 (11.02.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 12.00.0 Writs and Appeals (Rules 12.01.0 to 12.04.0)
12.00.0 Writs and Appeals: writs of habeas corpus filed in the criminal division of this Court (12.01.0); petitions for writs in criminal proceedings other than habeas corpus filed, for writs of mandate or prohibition, in the appellate division of this Court in misdemeanor or infraction cases and in the California Court of Appeal for the Fifth District in felony cases, and for writs of error coram nobis in the criminal division of this Court (12.02.0); writs seeking judicial review of administrative proceedings filed in the civil division of this Court, and petitions for writs of mandate or prohibition in limited jurisdiction civil cases in the appellate division of this Court (12.03.0); appeals in misdemeanor, infraction, traffic and limited jurisdiction civil matters filed in the appellate division of this Court (12.04.0(a)); appeals in felony, family law, probate and unlimited jurisdiction civil matters filed in the appellate division of this Court (12.04.0(b)); and appeals in small claims cases filed in the civil division of this Court, and appellants complying with California Rules of Court, rule 8.50 et seq. (12.04.0(c) and 12.04.0(d))
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 2.00.0 Civil Rules (Rules 2.01.0 to 2.16.0)
2.00.0 Civil Rules: a “general civil case” as any civil case except probate, guardianship, conservatorship, family law, juvenile, small claims appeals and other civil petitions (2.01.0); the clerk’s Delay Reduction Program notice on the initial pleading setting the first case management conference approximately 120 days from filing, served by the filing party on all other parties and by cross-complainants on cross-defendants (2.02.0); cross-complaints revoked (2.03.0); proof of service of summons and complaint on all named defendants filed within sixty (60) days of filing, or an order to show cause re sanctions, which may include dismissal (2.03.5); a case management statement on the mandatory Judicial Council form filed and served at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the conference, attended by the trial attorney or one familiar with the case and each self-represented party, a hearing date change on a written application with good cause at least five (5) court days in advance, and a written response to an order to show cause at least ten (10) court days before its hearing (2.04.0); no Civil Discovery Act motion before the discovery cut-off until the Court acts on a Request for Informal Discovery Conference on local form TUO-CV-275 after a good-faith attempt to resolve it, any opposition filed on local form TUO-CV-300 within three (3) calendar days of receipt, no other pleadings except a privilege log, the Court’s action on local form TUO-CV-325, the conference held within thirty (30) calendar days of the granting, the Request deemed denied if not acted on within ten (10) calendar days of filing or not held within thirty (30) calendar days, the time to compel tolled until it is denied or deemed denied, and refusal to participate grounds for an adverse order (2.04.1); a mandatory settlement conference scheduled with each trial setting except short-cause matters, all persons whose consent is required for a binding settlement personally present unless excused on a request in writing at least five (5) calendar days before (2.05.0); 12-month, 18-month and 24-month case management plans under standard 2.2, assigned at the case management conference under rule 3.715, a case reassigned on good cause or exempted in the interest of justice with a three (3) year disposition goal (2.06.0); a jury demand deemed made by plaintiff, responsible for the jury deposit, in jury-entitled cases absent a waiver in writing or in open court, any other party may demand a jury if plaintiff waives, and a failure to timely deposit jury fees a waiver of jury trial (2.07.0); jury cases urged to settle by 1:00 p.m. the court day preceding trial, the parties assessed the jury panel’s cost, unless good cause is shown, if the department is not notified of a settlement by 4:00 p.m. that day (2.08.0); long-cause trials called on the trial date, counsel and pro per litigants calling the department two calendar days before on trial and settlement status (2.09.0); trial briefs, required in all civil cases, with the issues, significant evidentiary problems and all witnesses, submitted to the Court and opposing counsel no later than one court day before trial (2.10.0); jury trials set by the assigned department (unlawful detainers by at-issue memorandum), the $150 first day jury fee deposit received by the clerk’s office no later than twenty-five (25) days before trial, five (5) days in unlawful detainers (2.11.0); a court trial of three (3) hours or less set on the short-cause trial calendar, without a settlement conference unless all parties request one in writing or the Court orders it (2.12.0); two copies of proposed jury instructions, witness lists and voir dire questions submitted by each party to the trial judge not less than one (1) court day before trial, CACI number requests fully prepared under rule 2.1055 (2.13.0); in unlawful detainer actions, an order to show cause re sanctions if proof of service is not filed within sixty (60) days, and the action may be dismissed without prejudice (2.14.0); unlawful detainer cases 90 percent disposed of within 30 days and 100 percent within 45 days after filing, small claims cases 90 percent within 75 days and 100 percent within 95 days (2.15.0); and Social Security and financial account numbers excluded or redacted from civil filings under rule 1.201, unredacted documents filed under seal only on court order, and redacting the parties’ responsibility, not the clerks’ (2.16.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 3.00.0 Civil Law and Motion and Defaults (Rules 3.01.0 to 3.12.0)
3.00.0 Civil Law and Motion and Defaults: civil law and motion dates and times assigned by the court clerk, parties encouraged to reserve a hearing date in advance by calling the clerk’s office, a date assigned on filing if no date was reserved, and the clerk’s office may assign a different date if the papers reflect one not reserved and not available (3.01.0(a)); opposition filed with the clerk by 3:00 p.m. at least nine (9) court days, and reply papers at least five (5) court days, before the hearing (not counting the hearing day), not applying to orders shortening time, ex parte applications or summary judgment timing under Code of Civil Procedure section 437c (3.01.0(b)); if opposition is not timely filed, the Court may deem it a waiver and an admission that the motion is meritorious and grant it, further opposition requiring a motion for reconsideration, new trial or other appropriate motion (3.01.0(c)); a stipulated continuance requested in writing with a proposed order, the request stating the motion’s title, filing date and upcoming hearing date, and only one (1) continuance per side, after which a matter that does not proceed may be dropped from calendar (3.02.0); a noticed motion dropped from calendar by filing and serving on all parties a declaration or request stating the motion’s title, filing date and upcoming hearing date (3.02.1); a matter with late opposition papers decided on the papers timely filed unless the Court, for good cause, continues it (3.03.0); orders shortening time strongly disfavored, requests supported by a very substantial showing of need and complying with the ex parte rules commencing with rule 3.1200, a stipulation to shorten time without effect, and opposing papers served and filed by noon two (2) court days before the hearing, or presented in court on the hearing day if notice was shortened to two (2) days or less (3.04.0); argument in excess of an aggregate of fifteen (15) minutes per case ordinarily not adduced without the judicial officer’s advance permission, and oral testimony not allowed on the law and motion calendar, a request for it made under rule 3.1306 and the matter then specially set or heard on declarations (3.05.0); a matter at which counsel or a pro per party does not appear may be dropped from the calendar or ruled upon, with sanctions at the Court’s discretion (3.06.0); telephone appearances under rule 3.670 in civil actions and special proceedings such as unlawful detainer, at counsel’s option for non-evidentiary law and motion matters, case management conferences and non-evidentiary probate hearings, but not for settlement conferences, noticed oral testimony, ordered personal appearances or where the Court determines a personal appearance would materially assist (3.07.0); a substitution of counsel containing the name, mailing address and telephone number of the new attorney, a specific attorney and not a law firm, or of the party in pro per, served on all parties, and, if a trial date is set, counsel substituted out or withdrawn advising the Court in writing whether and how the client was notified of it (3.08.0); no default or uncontested matter set for hearing until the judgment and necessary documents are on file, written evidence required for every request for entry of judgment unless prohibited by law, including an evidentiary declaration from the plaintiff or plaintiff’s agent, prove-up affidavits and declarations complying with Code of Civil Procedure sections 585 and 585.5, all essential elements proved by competent evidence, conclusions insufficient, and punitive damages rejected without evidence of the defaulting defendant’s net worth, including liabilities (3.09.0); an attorney’s fee schedule for actions on promissory notes and contracts providing for attorney’s fees, considered in the Court’s discretion, of 25% of the first $1,000, 20% of the next $4,000, 15% of the next $5,000, 10% of the next $10,000, 5% of the next $30,000 and 2% of the amount over $50,000 (3.09.1); amicus briefs filed only by court order on a finding of good cause shown (3.10.0); tentative rulings under rule 3.1308, subdivision (a)(1), only for unlimited-jurisdiction civil law and motion matters, available at www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov and by telephone at (209) 533-6633 by 3:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the hearing (3.11.0); and tentative rulings for orders to show cause re dismissal or sanctions revoked (3.12.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 4.00.0 Family Law Rules (Rules 4.01.0 to 4.13.0)
4.00.0 Family Law Rules: the local civil rules applying to family law proceedings except as otherwise provided, and counsel to meet and confer in good faith, with clients physically present or immediately available, before matters are heard on the family law calendar (4.01.0); a waiver of spousal support ordinarily not approved if the waiving party is receiving cash public assistance such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (4.02.0); the Court’s policy not to change the children’s living situation during custody and visitation disputes, the Court to deny a parent’s access or change a child’s principal residence only under extraordinary circumstances, and an application to change the living situation before a full hearing to include the current order, the child-sharing schedule, residence changes in the past 180 days, a proposed time-sharing program and facts establishing that the child would be physically or emotionally harmed if custody were not changed (4.03.0); mandatory mediation of contested custody and visitation matters, private and confidential, communications to the mediator official information under Evidence Code section 1040 unless otherwise stipulated, child abuse allegations reported under Penal Code section 11166, an agreement reduced to writing and submitted to the judge for signature, a request for a custody evaluation on failure of mediation, and sanctions for failure to participate in good faith (4.04.0); child custody evaluations under California Rules of Court, rule 5.220, by the agency or professional the Court designates or the parties stipulate to, no peremptory challenges to evaluators, complaints made to the judge who ordered the evaluation, and further hearings on a Request for Order (form FL-300) (4.04.1); both parties, where child custody or visitation is at issue and either party requests a hearing, to attend the Court’s pre-mediation workshop and Cooperative Parenting Workshop under Family Code section 3160 et seq. (4.05.0); a marital settlement agreement approved or incorporated by reference in a judgment only if the petition refers to it, the agreement or a signed and filed stipulation provides that it may be presented for approval, or the parties and attorneys endorse approval on the Judicial Council form of stipulation for judgment, and only if signed by both attorneys when both parties are represented or, when only one is, by that attorney, with the other party’s statement, declaration or affidavit that the party was advised to consult an attorney but declined (4.06.0); in a contested dissolution assigned a trial date, current income and expense and property declarations filed and served at least fifteen (15) calendar days before trial, and a trial brief of issues, contentions and proposed disposition at least five (5) calendar days before (4.07.0(a)); the brief stating, for each item of property in the order of the Property Declaration, the date of acquisition, the facts on which it is claimed to be community or separate, encumbrances, how title is vested, record title data and current market value, with funds held by others, tracing, current obligations, support, custody and visitation contentions, and any appraisal (4.07.0(b)); settlement conferences set at the discretion of the bench officer hearing the matter (4.07.1); duties the Court may designate to the family law facilitator, including those of Family Code section 10005 (4.08.0); Family Law Required Attachments revoked (4.09.0); with a petition to free a minor from parental custody and control, a proposed order appointing county Child Welfare Services to conduct the investigation required by Family Code section 7850 (4.10.0); no filing fee for re-issuance of a request for order that includes a temporary emergency court order, and, for one that does not, the same filing fee as the original request (4.11.0); telephone appearances under California Rules of Court, rule 5.9 (rule 5.324 governing local child support agency actions), requested on form FL-679 filed at least seven (7) court days before the hearing and served for delivery by the close of business on the next court day, the FL-679-INFO timelines not applying, and responses filed and served at least three (3) court days before, for which form MC-030 may be used (4.12.0); and every request for order that includes a request for temporary emergency (ex parte) orders to include a completed, dated and signed form FL-303, or it is not processed (4.13.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 5.00.0 Probate Rules (Rules 5.01.0 to 5.25.0)
5.00.0 Probate Rules: the local general and civil law and motion rules applying, case numbers assigned when the case is filed, not reserved in advance (5.01.0 and 5.01.5); appearances required on sale confirmations and petitions with objections, incomplete or questionable cases continued one (1) to two (2) weeks or dropped if counsel does not appear (5.02.0); filed orders amended only by court order on noticed ex parte application (5.03.0); petitions filed at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the hearing, Probate Code section 17200 matters thirty (30) calendar days and minor’s compromise petitions seven (7) days before (5.04.0); papers requiring verification not considered without it (5.04.1); first hearing dates provided at filing, preferred dates reserved by calling the clerk’s office, review hearings not reserving a substantive hearing (5.04.5); notices prepared and submitted by the petitioner at filing, defective mailing continuing the hearing and defective publication requiring new notice (5.05.0); counsel to submit proposed orders by the third (3rd) court day before the hearing, except sale confirmations, contested matters and orders requiring agency information, complete without having to refer to the petition (5.06.0); blocked account orders stating no withdrawal shall be made without prior court order, the institution’s receipt filed within ten (10) days after deposit (5.07.0); special administration letters ordinarily on at least 24 hours’ notice to the surviving spouse and nominated executor (5.08.0); a nominated executor’s signed declination filed before the hearing, consents to serve by proposed representatives other than the petitioner, and removal citations to show cause (5.09.0 to 5.11.0); the original will lodged by the time the petition is filed, an expert’s translation if in a foreign language (5.12.0 and 5.12.1); persons and organizations named in the will or codicils listed in attachment 8 and noticed, declarations of efforts to locate heirs under rule 7.52 (5.13.0); a corrected Inventory and Appraisal (DE-160/GC-040) including all assets of the form corrected (5.14.0); creditors’ claims filed with the clerk’s office and mailed to the personal representative, dispositions reported on form DE-174 before distribution (5.15.0); on real property sales, notice to the proposed purchaser, an appearance, the sale contract attached, the bond set forth, a written posting request filed at least two court days before courthouse posting begins, and written overbids in open court (5.16.0); petitions for instructions only when no other procedure is provided by statute, proposed orders at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing (5.17.0); accounting petitions and reports affirmatively addressing each issue of Probate Code section 1064, subdivision (a), among them unusual items, compensation paid, family or affiliate relationships with agents hired and cash not invested (5.17.1); distribution petitions describing property in detail, not by reference to the will or inventory, names and present addresses of all persons entitled when the inventory value exceeds $400,000, Probate Code sections 9201 and 9202 notice allegations, interest under section 12003 on general pecuniary legacies not paid within one (1) year from death, the independent acts listed, each creditor’s claim and disposition, and other matters reported under a waiver of accounting (5.18.0); the final discharge order portion completed except for the date and judge’s name (5.19.0); court authorization for advance compensation, statutory compensation calculated in the petition, on a waived accounting from inventory values plus receipts plus or minus sale gains or losses, and attorney’s fees for an attorney representative in a law firm only on a declaration of no share in them (5.20.0); extraordinary compensation ordinarily not paid before the final accounting is approved, referenced in the caption, prayer and notice to distributees, detailed by declaration under penalty of perjury with an amount per item, no time sheets (5.21.0); and costs advanced separately stated and described, Filing Fee Refund revoked, supporting documents and a proposed order submitted to the clerk’s office at least ten (10) court days before the hearing for recommended-for-approval status, notes posted as “Probate Notes” on the Court’s website several days before the hearing, and a recommended matter ordinarily continued if an objector appears (5.22.0 to 5.25.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 6.00.0 Conservatorship and Guardianship Rules (Rules 6.00.5 to 6.18.0)
6.00.0 Conservatorship and Guardianship Rules: the generally applicable local probate rules (commencing with rule 5.01.0) apply except as otherwise provided (6.00.5); a temporary conservator or guardian appointed only after a hearing on facts establishing urgency, without notice only in emergencies, known potential objectors given at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice if a permanent conservatorship will be contested, ordinarily a bond or blocked account for the estate, and special powers specified in the petition, with a physician’s declaration for a medically related power (6.01.0); an investigation unless excused or waived, at least twenty-five (25) calendar days’ notice, the petitioner providing the form of order appointing the investigator and an additional petition copy, and legal authority and facts if it should be waived (6.02.0); appearances required at the hearing on all petitions for appointment (6.02.1); independent powers requested with the reasons they are needed, on forms GC-210 and GC-310 for a guardian or non-LPS conservator, only necessary and proper powers granted (6.03.0); a limited conservatorship petition and counsel mandatory for a person with a developmental disability (the Court may find a general conservatorship appropriate), and a public defender on facts establishing financial inability (6.04.0); a notice of residence filed with all accountings, unless a final accounting is for the death, and on any change in residence (6.05.0); a proposed conservatee who made a nomination or waived the bond to prove the capacity to understand it at the time, which may be by oral representation at the hearing but not by counsel’s statement that the conservatee is present and does not object (6.06.0); 6.07.0 revoked 7/01/17 and 6.08.0 revoked 1/01/20 (6.07.0 and 6.08.0); an inventory and appraisal filed in every conservatorship or guardianship of the estate, so indicating when there are no assets, each minor’s interests separately stated (6.09.0); 6.10.0 and 6.11.0 revoked 7/01/17 (6.10.0 and 6.11.0); a request to increase or reduce the bond presenting the bond calculation of personal property, probable annual gross income, probable annual gross payments and cost of recovery, with the total (6.11.5); a successor guardian petition on a Judicial Council initial guardianship petition form (6.12.0); posting of a notice of sale requested under local rule 5.16.0, subdivision (e), and an ex parte petition and order to notify the Court of an intention to sell a conservatee’s personal residence (6.13.0); the one (1) year accounting noticed for a hearing within sixty (60) days after the appointment’s anniversary date, prepared under local rule 5.17.1, stating whether the conservatee or ward has a spouse or domestic partner, is or has been a state hospital patient or has property entitling the Veterans Administration to notice, with separate schedules for each minor (6.14.0(a) to 6.14.0(d)); a professional fiduciary filing only the account statements described by subdivision (c)(2) and lodging the others (6.14.0(e)); waiver of accounting (Probate Code section 2628) on a petition, which may be heard ex parte, asserting that the conservatee or minor over the age of 14 was informed and agreed or did not respond (6.14.0(f)); 6.15.0 revoked 7/01/17 (6.15.0); removal of a conservator or guardian under rule 5.11.0 (6.16.0); a termination other than for death or majority set for hearing at least thirty (30) days in advance for an investigation, notice on settlement of the final account to the former conservatee or ward or a deceased one’s representative, heirs or devisees, and a guardian discharged by separate declaration with the former minor’s receipt, not until one (1) year after majority without a valid release (6.17.0); and fees set by the Court, court authorization for advance payment, no temporary conservatorship fees unless Probate Code section 2640 is satisfied, services evaluated as a whole, not as “ordinary” and “extraordinary,” the request referenced in the caption and notice of hearing, only court-appointed counsel’s fees in the order appointing a conservator, no attorney’s fees for an attorney fiduciary in a law firm without a declaration not to share them, and the Court may reduce fees for less than a full year, award a larger compensation to an attorney who performed bookkeeping for an individual fiduciary and deduct from commissions any sum paid from estate funds for the fiduciary’s duties (6.18.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 7.00.0 Criminal Rules (Rules 7.01.0 to 7.08.0)
7.00.0 Criminal Rules: upon a defendant’s not-guilty plea the Court to set a firm trial date or pretrial conference and, if a trial date was set, a trial readiness conference date one (1) to fourteen (14) days prior to the trial date (7.01.0); attendance at the trial readiness and/or pretrial conference mandatory for the defendant (except as provided by Penal Code section 977), counsel for defendant and a prosecuting attorney with full authority to dispose of the case, and before it the district attorney (or a deputy district attorney who will try the case and has full authority to dispose of it) and the defense counsel who will try the case to meet and confer and attempt in good faith to reach a disposition without need for a trial (7.02.0(a) and 7.02.0(b)); the Court’s policy to facilitate early disposition of cases, counsel to calendar any change of plea with the assigned department as soon as practicable, the defendant not permitted to plead guilty to less than the principal charges after the trial readiness conference except in unusual circumstances, and, if a prison term is alleged, a certified copy of the commitment from the prosecuting attorney at the conference (7.02.0(c) to 7.02.0(e)); a property bond accepted only after a hearing under Penal Code section 1298, set by a noticed motion with proof of service to the district attorney filed at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing date and submitted with the application for real property equity bond and declaration of property owner, a signed promissory note, a certified copy of the recorded deed of trust, a current lot book guarantee (preliminary title report) prepared by a recognized California title company, an appraisal by a certified appraiser and statements from all mortgage companies having liens against the property, any additional evidence the Court may require to ascertain the true equity, and all costs to process the bond borne by the applicant (7.03.0); personal surety bonds (Pen. Code, § 1278) not recommended and normally not allowed (7.04.0); motions in limine in writing, each limited to a single subject and consecutively numbered, and responses addressing the subject of the motion and numbered to correspond (7.05.0); no oral testimony at sentencing or law and motion hearings unless the party offering it notices the Court and the opposing party two (2) court days prior to the hearing (7.06.0); reports containing confidential personal information about any victim or witness, including police, arrest and investigative reports, submitted by a prosecutor in support of a criminal complaint, indictment or information or by a prosecutor or law enforcement officer in support of a search warrant or arrest warrant, maintained in the court file as confidential reports, a request to review one made in writing to the Court, confidential personal information as defined by Penal Code section 964, subdivision (b) redacted by the Court within five (5) court days of the written request, and the redacted report provided to the person who made the request if it is approved (7.07.0); all motions accompanied by a memorandum of supporting points and authorities with a description of the facts, a specification of the charged offenses and the authorities relied upon, references to the record supported by specific citations, the memorandum not exceeding fifteen (15) pages and an opposition ten (10) pages, the page limit not including exhibits, declarations, attachments, a table of contents, a table of authorities or the proof of service (7.08.0(a) and 7.08.0(b)); and an ex parte application, with written notice to the other parties at least twenty-four (24) hours before the memorandum is due, for permission to file a longer memorandum, stating reasons why the argument cannot be made within the stated limit, a table of contents and a table of authorities in a memorandum exceeding ten (10) pages and also an opening summary of the argument in one exceeding fifteen (15) pages, and multiple motions in the same case filed and heard at the same time to the extent practicable (7.08.0(c) to 7.08.0(e))
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 8.00.0 Juvenile Rules (Rules 8.01.0 to 8.07.0)
8.00.0 Juvenile Rules: juvenile matters may be assigned to any of the five departments of the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne (8.01.0); prehearing discovery reciprocal and informal under California Rules of Court, rule 5.546, in contested hearings lists of all witnesses to be called, if not in the social study report prepared by Child Welfare Services (CWS), exchanged at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, and all relevant material, except as protected by privilege, disclosed in a timely fashion to all parties (8.02.0(a)); formal discovery by petition only after all informal means have been exhausted, on a noticed motion stating the relevance and materiality of the information sought and why informal discovery was not adequate, served on all parties at least five (5) court days prior to the hearing, the hearing date obtained from the calendar coordinator, and any responsive papers served two (2) court days prior to the hearing (8.02.0(b)); the names of any experts and copies of any reports, if not part of the CWS social study report, provided to all parties at least five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing (8.02.0(c)); settlement discussion encouraged at any time prior to the hearing and the Court promptly advised of any proposed settlements, admissions or submissions of the entire hearing on reports (8.03.0); all counsel in a juvenile dependency proceeding meeting the minimum standards of representation of California Rules of Court, rule 5.660, and complying with their professional duties under statute, regulation and state and local rules, court-appointed counsel meeting minimum standards of competence, and each appointed counsel appearing in a dependency matter to have completed the minimum training and education requirements of rule 5.660, subdivision (d) (8.04.0 and 8.05.0); any party’s written complaint about the performance of his or her appointed counsel lodged with the Court under rule 5.660, subdivision (e), for counsel appointed to represent a minor one that may be lodged on the child’s behalf by a social worker, caretaker, relative or foster parent, lodged separately in the juvenile court file in a sealed envelope, counsel provided with a copy, and the Court reviewing it within ten (10) days of receipt and, if it determines that a prima facie case does not exist, lodging its decision in the file as a final decision (8.06.0(a) and 8.06.0(b)); on a prima facie case, an informal response from counsel or a hearing held as soon as practical, the complainant and counsel each given at least five (5) days’ notice, the hearing not open to the public or the parties, the presiding judge of the juvenile court may designate a commissioner, referee, judge pro tem or qualified member of the Bar to act as a hearing officer and may take appropriate action, and the complaints, responses, determinations and findings subject to the confidentiality requirements of Welfare & Institutions Code section 827 (8.06.0(c) and 8.06.0(d)); and counsel for the minor or any interested person notifying the Court by filing a declaration, as soon as reasonably possible, that a dependent minor may have an interest or right to be protected or pursued in another judicial or administrative forum, the declaration to set forth the nature of the interest or right, the name and address, if known, of the agency or forum and the nature of the proceedings there, and the Court responding as appropriate under rule 5.660, subdivision (g) (8.07.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court Local Rules of Court (Effective August 27, 2026) — 9.00.0 Adoption Rules (Rules 9.01.0 to 9.06.0)
9.00.0 Adoption Rules: on the filing of any adoption petition or adoption-related matter (including a petition for termination of parental rights and freedom from parental custody and control), the clerk sending notice of pendency of the action to the appropriate investigating agencies, and petitioners responsible for submitting all moving papers, fees and other required information to the investigating agency or agencies (9.01.0); no finalization hearing until the written consent of both birth parents, if living, has been filed or all birth parents’ rights have been terminated and the period for appeal has expired, termination of parental rights required prior to finalization in every case in which a living parent does not consent, even if the identity or location of the non-consenting parent is unknown, the adoption agency’s or investigating agency’s written report recommending granting or denying the petition filed and a completed and signed Court Report of Adoption form (California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records form VS 44) lodged, and an unsigned adoption agreement and the proposed adoption order submitted to the clerk (9.02.0); within thirty (30) days of filing, a file-stamped copy of the adoption petition forwarded in an independent adoption to the appropriate district office of the State Department of Social Services and in an agency adoption to the adoption agency that placed the child in the petitioner’s custody (9.03.0 and 9.04.0); in a stepparent adoption where the petitioner has not elected an investigator under Family Code section 9001, subdivision (b), a file-stamped copy of the petition forwarded within thirty (30) days of filing to the agency designated by the County of Tuolumne to perform stepparent adoption investigations, with all documentation the agency requires, and the petitioner to pay the agency fee within one (1) year of filing the petition (9.05.0(a)); the Court may dismiss, on its own motion or on the motion of the investigating agency, a petition the petitioner has failed to finalize within eighteen (18) months of the original filing date, unless the petitioner can demonstrate good cause for the delay (9.05.0(b)); and the Court’s policy that a petition for adoption should not be filed until a child is free to be adopted (9.06.0)
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Adoption
Adoption petitions filed at the family law division window on the 1st floor of the Justice Center Courthouse (the page's independent and stepparent sections send petitions to the probate clerk's office "in the Historic Courthouse on the second floor"); case-specific information not given over the telephone; the self-help center on the first floor, (209) 533-6565; adult adoption - the petition, the consent and agreement of the parties, the consents of the petitioners' spouses, the order and a request to set a hearing with a self addressed stamped envelope (the request may be submitted with the papers), both petitioners at the hearing, which is private, the adopting person at least 10 years older; an amended birth certificate form, from the probate division, filed on or before the final hearing date - mailed by the probate clerk's office to the State Registrar after the adoption, the amended certificate in about 9-12 months; independent adoption - after the adoption placement agreement, the petition filed with the filing fee and an endorsed-filed copy sent to the Department of Social Services, its Final Report at least six months after filing, then the request to set hearing with ADOPT-210, ADOPT-215 and ADOPT-230, the original and two copies to the clerk; at the hearing - 20 minutes early, checked in with the clerk or bailiff, the child brought, the Adoption Agreement, Adoption Expense form and Order of Adoption signed in a private hearing, certified copies of the order given at its conclusion; stepparent adoption - the Information Sheet and Questionnaire from the probate clerk's office, the consent of the parent giving up custody or a petition to end parental rights (abandonment or termination), a home visit by the Court Investigator, the Request for Hearing filed after the file-stamped Stepparent Adoption report is received, publication in an adjudicated newspaper for a presumed father who cannot be located, the stepparent, the custodial parent and the child at the hearing with the originals and two copies of ADOPT-215 and ADOPT-210 not already filed; adoption files confidential, copies only to the adopting parents.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Assembly Bill 1950
AB 1950, in effect in 2021, sets the maximum term of probation for most misdemeanors at one year (Penal Code section 1203(a)) and for most felonies at two years (section 1203.1), with excluded crimes; the petition and order forms the court developed with the probation department - felony, the probation department's ex parte petition/order recommending termination (TUO-CR-PT-975(b)), filed with a hearing date provided by the clerks' office a minimum of 25 days out and copied by probation to the District Attorney and the public defender or last known attorney: if the DA checks the concurs box, the petition and order go to a judge for signature, the hearing is removed from calendar and the clerk distributes signed and filed copies; if the DA objects, the matter remains on calendar; felony, the defendant's petition (TUO-CR-PT-975(a)) filed with proof of service on the DA and Probation and a hearing date a minimum of 25 days out: if both concur, signature and removal from calendar; if either objects or does not respond, the matter remains on calendar; misdemeanor, the defendant's petition (TUO-CR-PT-975(c)) with proof of service on the DA and a hearing date at least 25 days out: the DA's concurrence, objection or silence handled the same way.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Civil
Civil cases - limited and unlimited civil, name change, civil harassment and workplace violence - at the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, (209) 533-5555; in most civil cases the plaintiff must serve the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) information package on each defendant together with the Complaint, Summons, Civil Case Cover Sheet and the Local Delay Reduction Form, if applicable (California Rules of Court, rule 3.221), the package including the ADR Information Sheet; the court offers mediation, the page listing one Tuolumne Superior Court Approved Civil Mediator (an office in Sonora), ADR programs through the court at (209) 533-5555; CourtCall telephone appearances in certain non-evidentiary, pre-trial proceedings for a fixed fee paid in advance or a current fee waiver, voluntary, arranged no later than five (5) court days prior to the hearing; no fax filings, the court accepting fax filings at the counter or by mail presented by a legal services agency; tentative rulings only for certain civil law and motion matters in unlimited civil cases - not civil harassment petitions, any family law matters, or case management conferences - online or by telephone at (209) 533-6633 after 3:00pm the court day before the hearing (as printed); to appear for oral argument under CRC 3.1308, notice to the court and opposing counsel by 4:00 p.m. the court day before the hearing, at (209) 588-2382 for Department 2 or (209) 588-2316 for Department 1; absent a request for oral argument, the tentative ruling adopted as final at the time set for hearing; a civil hearing calendared by presenting the documents at the Clerks' window for processing - hearings no longer scheduled in advance - the Clerks' windows on the first floor, open 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; the FAQs - limited civil cases $25,000 or less and unlimited civil more than $25,000 (as printed), delay reduction cases usually resolved within one year, a separate motion fee for each motion; rules, statutes and other materials at the self-help center/law library on the first floor, (209) 533-6565, the clerks able only to direct to materials, not to answer legal questions.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Cooperative Parenting Workshop
The court's workshop for parents going through divorce, separation and custody issues - preventing and managing conflict, communicating with the other parent, the effects of separation on children, children's developmental stages, home responsibilities, economic issues, discipline, removing children from parental conflict, the Court's role and parents retaining control of the mediation process, with role-play; court personnel schedule parents for particular workshop sessions; a Certificate of Completion filed in the court's file for parents who complete the workshop, accepted by the judicial officer hearing the case; childcare not provided - children not to be brought; the page repeats the Family Law page's custody mediation paragraphs (pre-filing mediation by calling 209-533-6565 with both parties, one party by telephone where domestic violence is alleged, mediation within 60 days under Family Code section 3170(a), the orientation in person on the first Wednesday of each month, 1pm – 4pm, in the Jury Assembly Room or online with the Certificate of Attendance filed before the session, a review hearing after it).
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Court Reporter Transcripts
The Court Reporters, Certified Shorthand Reporters in the Court Support Division, CourtReporters@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov; court reporter fees - all parties deposit their pro rata share with the clerk at the beginning of the first and each succeeding day of court session, due from the beginning of the hearing or trial (the moment the matter is assigned and called), a half day fee for any matter lasting more than one hour and a full day fee for more than four hours unless the court orders otherwise, collectable in any civil case (all matters other than criminal and juvenile cases); fees deposited at the civil division, new courthouse, first floor, 12855 Justice Center Drive, or mailed to the Civil Division, with a completed Request for Court Reporter form, TUO-CS-150, for the estimated length prior to hearing or trial; each party's pro-rata share of $400.00 for a hearing estimated to last more than one hour and $800.00 for more than four hours, or a fee equal to the actual cost (Government Code section 68086(a)) - a mandated court reporter per diem fee; a side not required to post fees (fee waiver/governmental agency) leaves the other side(s) responsible for their pro rata share; any delay in payment or deviation referred immediately to the trial judge; transcripts ordered by email to CourtReporters@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov or on a Request for Preparation of Transcript, TUO-CS-125, by mail or hand delivery to the Court Support Division, with the name of the case, the exact date of the hearing, the judge who presided, and an address and/or telephone number for the reporter's time and cost estimate.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Criminal
Criminal cases, with DUI, fish & game, and dog/animal control citations processed in the criminal division; hearings calendared when the documents are presented for filing at the Clerk's Office windows; an ex-parte hearing scheduled by submitting an Application for Ex-Parte Hearing to the criminal/traffic division, in person or by a Certified Fax Filing Agency; an expungement begun with a "Petition for Dismissal", the District Attorney's Office and Probation receiving adequate notice before the hearing and Probation investigating eligibility; on a failure to appear the court may forfeit bail, issue a bench warrant, suspend the driver's license or impose an additional $100 civil assessment (PC 1214.1), and the District Attorney may file a failure to appear charge; on a bench warrant the clerk's office cannot schedule another appearance date - the defendant must surrender to the county jail; cash bail refunds processed automatically upon court order, approximately six to eight weeks, mailed to the depositor named on the cash bail receipt; appointed counsel referred to the Tuolumne County Office of Revenue Recovery to determine ability to pay attorney's fees, subject to court review on request; record searches in person at the Criminal Division window or by mail (the "Request for Criminal Record Search" form with the fee), $15.00 per name for searches taking longer than 10 minutes; copies by mail with a check payable to "Tuolumne Superior Court" marked "Not to exceed $25.00" and a self-addressed stamped envelope large enough for the documents (requests without one not filled), filled within 10 working days; a certified copy an extra $40.00 fee plus $0.50 per copy per page; an arraignment date may be advanced by the clerk but not postponed; the department found on the lobby wall calendar; the Criminal Division at 12855 Justice Center Drive, (209) 533-5563, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Domestic Violence Restraining Order online filing
Completed forms filed online by email to onlinefiling@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov, or in person, all orders, however filed, processed within normal business hours; only Domestic Violence Restraining Order forms and Gun Violence Order forms accepted through online/email submission, other documents received not reviewed, considered, or returned; the information sheets (DV-500-INFO, DV-505-INFO, DV-120-INFO, DV-520-INFO, DV-115-INFO, DV-400-INFO, DV-530-INFO, DV-700-INFO, DV-200-INFO, DV-800-INFO, some with audio) and the forms to ask for a restraining order - DV-100, DV-101, DV-105, DV-108, DV-109, DV-110, DV-120 (left blank and served on the restrained person), DV-112, DV-115, DV-116, DV-130, DV-140, DV-145, DV-150, DV-200, DV-250, CLETS-001, DV-570, FL-150, FL-155, FL-191, FL-343, MC-020 and MC-030/MC-031.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Emancipation
Emancipation matters processed at the Family Law window on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse; a judicial declaration of emancipation for a minor at least fourteen years old, living apart from the parents with their consent, managing their finances with a legal source of income, the judge finding emancipation in the minor's best interest (and wanting school attendance or a GED) - a dependent or ward of the Juvenile Court files in the Juvenile Court; the forms printed or typed, the petition signed and dated, with a statement of the living situation, the reasons and the means of support, the parents' whereabouts or the efforts to find them, notice of the hearing to parents who refuse to consent, or a request to waive notice stating all reasons; the hearing date obtained at the time the petition is filed; the original plus three copies and the attachments taken to the civil clerk's office, or submitted by mail with a self addressed stamped envelope for the conformed copies; a filing fee of $320.00 at the time of filing (as printed) or an application for a fee waiver; the court notifies the District Attorney's Office, which opposes the petition if the parents collect support for the minor; the petition may be granted before the hearing without an appearance (the probate notes give information on the case), the filed copies then mailed and the Declaration of Emancipation submitted for signature; at the hearing the judge may order court mediation, the case continued and the minor ordered to set a mediation date at the Civil Division; after a grant at a hearing the clerk files the original Declaration and returns the copies; the DMV notified on form MC-315 with a certified copy of the Declaration.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Family Law
The family law case types; the Self-Help Center on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse helping with custody, support and protection paperwork by appointment or classes, walk-ins permitted during the Court Clerk Assistance Hours posted on the home page; private and stepparent adoptions investigated at the parties' expense; family support through the Department of Child Support Services; custody and visitation mediation - parents not yet before the Court may schedule their own mediation with one of the Court's trained custody mediators by calling 209-533-6565, no appointment for just one party, both parties must participate, where domestic violence is alleged the clerk's office told when the appointment is made and one party instructed to appear by telephone, all mediations on the first floor of the Courthouse; a custody or visitation issue already before the Court has its mediation session scheduled beforehand (Family Code section 3170(a): within 60 days after the petition is filed and before a decision on the merits); parties ordered to child custody mediation complete an orientation before the session (Family Code section 3170(b), CRC 5.210) - in person, signing up with the Court, on the first Wednesday of each month, 1pm – 4pm, in the Jury Assembly Room on the first floor, or online at https://pas.familieschange.ca.gov/ (registration required) with the Certificate of Attendance filed before the mediation session; a review hearing set after the mediation session; elder abuse cases filed in the civil division, 209-533-5555, no filing fee, the person asking for protection 65 years of age or older (as printed), forms online or in a packet from the civil clerk's office; Family Law Facilitator appointments at 209-533-6565; supervised parenting time on a proper showing by a non-professional or a paid professional supervisor the Court appoints, the Court working to establish a list of credentialed professional supervisors; the family law contact (209) 533-5555.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Fax Filing
The Tuolumne County Superior Court does not accept fax filings directly from parties; a Fax Filing Agency may provide this service on a party's behalf; questions to the Civil Division at (209) 533-5555 or the Criminal/Traffic Division at (209) 533-5671.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Guidelines for Attorneys/Parties Use of Courtroom Audiovisual Equipment
The courtroom clerk has primary control of the AV system, with the bench officer having limited control; AV carts with evidence presentation equipment the court provides (Blu-ray DVD players and an overhead document/object projector camera) are in departments 1 through 4, and an AV cart for department 5 is requested by email to CourtClerks@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov at least one court day before the proceeding the AV cart will be used to present evidence; evidence is presented from the counsel tables (HDMI cable and VGA cable with audio jack) or from the lectern (HDMI cable only), the courtroom clerk activating the displays; attorneys/parties bring their own device (laptop, tablet or other digital device) for evidence presentation - the Court does not provide adapters, and court staff are not responsible for technical problems with attorneys/parties devices; attorneys/parties who have a matter on calendar may request a quick demonstration of the court AV system by email to CourtClerks@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov at least two court days before the proceeding at which they intend to present evidence, and are strongly encouraged to bring the device they intend to use; the microphones at the counsel table and the witness box show a red light when live, and the recommended resolution for a laptop on the HDMI cable is 1080.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Gun Violence Restraining Order online filing
The forms downloaded and completed - 1. Petition for Gun Violence Restraining Order (GV-100; item 10 checked for an order right away), 2. Confidential CLETS Information (CLETS-001; not used by the court and not given to the person to be restrained), 3. Notice of Court Hearing (GV-109; items 1 and 2 only) and 4. (optional) Temporary Restraining Order (GV-110; items 1 and 2 only) when protection is asked right away - emailed to onlinefiling@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov, or filed in person, all orders, however filed, processed within normal business hours; only Domestic Violence Restraining Order forms and Gun Violence Order forms accepted through online/email submission, other documents received not reviewed, considered, or returned.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — If you can't afford to pay
A reduction of the amount owed on a traffic ticket, more time to pay, a payment plan or a combination requested with proof of the lack of financial means, at any point in the process, but answered only after a plea of guilty or no contest; the MyCitations online tool (recommended) to enter a plea and make an ability-to-pay request on eligible infractions, with a payment plan and/or more time to pay, also for a case in collections; Tuolumne County Superior Court does not offer the option of community service; or form TR-320/CR320 - Can't Afford to Pay Fine: Traffic and Other Infractions, also the form for a fine reduction when applying for traffic school (the clerk's office for information); an additional fee of up to $100 if no action is taken by the date on the citation and reminder notice, a reduction available at any time while the fines remain unpaid; payment plans approved for no more than $25 per month on an approved ability-to-pay request; misdemeanor and felony fines and fees not eligible; the online tool not for contesting the citation, attending traffic school or a dismissal or reduction of charges with proof of correction.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Judicial Assignments
The bench - four Judges and one Commissioner; all hearing dates, times, and departments subject to change; every department at 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370; Department 1, First Floor (Laura L. Krieg, Presiding Judge and Presiding Juvenile Court Judge) - Monday AM: JUV 602, Adoptions, PM: Felony Arraignments, Sentencings, VOP; Tuesday AM: Administrative Duties, PM: Preliminary Hearings; Wednesday 1st/3rd Weeks: Contested Matters, 2nd/4th Weeks: Jury Trial - Day 1; Thursday 1st/3rd Weeks: Contested Matters, 2nd/4th Weeks: Jury Trial - Day 2; Friday 1st/3rd Weeks: Prop. 36 Treatment Mtg; Prop 36 Drug Court Treatment Mtg; Drug Court, 2nd/4th Weeks: Jury Trial - Day 3; the Tuesday after a Monday holiday, AM: Felony Arraignments, Sentencings, VOP, PM: Preliminary Hearings (Wednesday - Friday the same as above); Department 4, Second Floor (Hallie Gorman Campbell, Assistant Presiding Judge) - Monday AM: Misd. Jury Trial - Day 1, PM: Same; Tuesday AM: Misd. Jury Trial - Day 2, JV Adoptions, PM: Juvenile 300; Wednesday AM: Misd. Arraignments, PM: Video Arraignments, Misd. Law & Motion, Contest Juvenile 300; Thursday AM: Misd. PT/TRC - Pub. Def., PM: LPS Petitions, Video Arraignments, Misd. PT/TRC - Private; Friday AM: Misd. VOP, possible coverage of PX, PM: Video Arraignments, Care/Mental Health; Department 3, Second Floor (David C. Beyersdorf, Judge) - Monday AM: Felony Law & Motion/VOP/PX Confirmation, PM: Video Arraignments, TR Court Trials, TR arraignments, JV TR Arraignments; Tuesday AM: Felony TRC, PM: Video Arraignments, Contested Matters; Wednesday AM: Jury Trial - Day 1, PM: Same; Thursday AM: Jury Trial - Day 2, PM: Same; Friday AM: Jury Trial - Day 3, Preliminary Hearings, PM: Continuation of Morning Calendar; Department 2, Second Floor (Sarah J. Carrillo, Judge) - Monday AM: Small Claims, PM: CVL - Unlawful Detainers; Tuesday AM and PM: FL/CV Contested Matters; Wednesday AM: FL/CV Contested Matters, Video Arraignments, Misd., PM: LPS Petition; Thursday AM: FL/CV TRO, PM: FL Law & Motion; Friday 2nd & 4th Weeks AM: Civil Law & Motion, Civil CMC, PM: CV Settlement Conference; Department 5, Second Floor (Natasha R. Moiseyev, Commissioner) - Monday: DARK - Research Day; Tuesday: DARK - Research Day; Wednesday 1st & 3rd Weeks AM: Civil Law & Motion, Civil CMC/Status, PM: Long Cause Hearings or Settlement Conferences, 2nd & 4th Weeks AM: DCSS Uncontested, Short Cause Hearings, PM: Long Cause Hearings, 5th Week AM & PM: Long Cause Hearings; Thursday AM: Family Law & Motion, Short Cause Hearings, PM: Long Cause Hearings; Friday AM: Probate (Decedent Estates), PR: Guardianships/Conservatorships, PM: Long Cause/Civil Settlements; vacancies filled by appointment of the Governor or by the county's voters; no effective date printed.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Juvenile
Juvenile cases strictly confidential - no information given on the phone, parties wishing information must come to the courthouse and present identification establishing themselves as parties to the case; the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, the Juvenile Clerk at (209) 533-6975; Transfer-In Hearings - Transfer-Ins for Juvenile Dependency cases heard on Mondays at 1:30PM, Transfer-Ins for Juvenile Delinquency cases on Mondays at 8:30AM; juvenile dependency (Welfare and Institutions Code section 300) and delinquency (section 602); parents or guardians entitled to a copy of the delinquency petition; an attorney appointed for a child whose family cannot afford representation, representing the child only; the Juvenile Justice Commission.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Mediation
Family Mediation Services for litigants with a current case involving the custody and visitation of their minor children - an appointment made by calling 209-533-6565, with the case number and the mailing address of the other party at hand; no appointment for just one party, both parties must participate; where domestic violence restraining orders are involved, the clerk's office told when the appointment is made and one party instructed to call in at the appointment time so the order is not violated; the mediation services non-recommending - the mediator does not testify in court or write any recommendation to the court; civil mediation - general information on ADR (arbitration and mediation), ADR programs through the court at (209) 533-5555.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Minor's Compromised Claims
Petitions filed in the Clerk's office in the Civil Division on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse (the page's sections on no-action-pending and action-pending petitions say paperwork is filed only at the civil division clerk's office "on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse"); all matters set four weeks or more from the date of filing and heard in Department 2 on the second floor of the Justice Center Courthouse; forms MC-350, MC-351, MC-355 and MC-356 (the Local Forms page or the California Courts website); no action pending - the petitioner the parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem, siblings permitted under the same case number with a separate petition and order for each minor; action pending - the petitioner the guardian ad litem, the first page of the complaint, any amended complaint, any cross-complaint and any dismissals attached, with the entire order appointing the guardian ad litem and any awards of arbitrator with no trial de novo requested, a hearing date given on filing; no approval of attorney fees without an Attachment 14a with the attorney's declaration of all the facts and circumstances; a recent report of the examining or attending physician, in lieu of the physician's appearance, filed with the petition or at least 5 days before the hearing date; after approval, a conformed copy if a copy is provided, the original order for deposit signed and filed and the copies returned to counsel, the Receipt and Acknowledgment of Order (MC-356) delivered to the bank and returned by it to the clerk's office, and for a structured settlement/annuity a declaration under penalty of perjury attaching a copy of the annuity (or the annuity company's declaration that the copy is true and correct); an order to show cause re compliance set on approval - the MC-356 and/or the annuity declaration filed no later than four court days prior to the hearing date, the hearing then ordered off calendar if proper, and one continuance may be requested if they are not filed or are insufficient; blocked-account funds withdrawn only by court order, on MC-357 and MC-358 with documentation.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Remote Appearances
On connecting to Zoom, the name and case number entered in the meeting chat - only parties to the case and attorneys admitted, and a person not admitted for failing to do so counted as an absence or a failure to appear; working technology the participant's responsibility, technical difficulties not excusing the court date, in-person attendance urged where a disconnection is likely; the Zoom hearing etiquette - a reliable computer (laptop or desktop preferred) and a stable connection, a neutral background, a quiet private place, professional dress, patience in the virtual waiting room, the microphone muted when not speaking, the full name stated before speaking, the judge addressed as "Judge" or "Your Honor"; for Department 1 through Department 4, a remote appearance requested by email to legalprocessing@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov with the name, case number, department and date of the court appearance; Department 5 joined through the Zoom link or the telephone dial-in the page prints (its meeting ID and passcode not written here).
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Set a Hearing
Hearings not scheduled by phone or email - hearing dates assigned by clerks upon submission of documents at the Clerk's Office, 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora; sign language or foreign language interpreters requested at (209) 533-5563 for Criminal and Traffic case types or (209) 533-5555 for Civil and Family Law case types, as soon as possible.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Small Claims Help
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.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Telephonic Appearances
Telephonic appearances may be authorized in civil matters in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75 and California Rules of Court, rule 3.672; preapproval required for a CourtCall appearance - by submitting for filing form RA-010 with the order RA-020, or by contacting Legal Processing (legalprocessing@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov), the Civil and Family Law Clerks' Office at (209)533-5555 or the Criminal Clerks' Office at (209)533-5563; CourtCall - attorneys or self-represented persons appearing by telephone in certain non-evidentiary, pre-trial proceedings on the court's telephonic hearing calendar, for a fixed fee paid in advance (or a current fee waiver), voluntary and supplementing the regular calendar, arranged no later than five (5) court days prior to the hearing, the appearance pre-cleared with CourtCall (1-888-882-6878) at least five (5) court days prior, the court reachable by email at crimjuv@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov; the clerk calls the same dedicated number, the participants check in and the calendar proceeds case by case; the matters - Unlimited Civil: family law matters not requiring evidence beyond the moving or responding papers and law and motion matters not exceeding 15 minutes, never trials, pre-trials or settlement conferences, no evidence taken; Limited Civil: law and motion matters not requiring evidence and all case management conferences, never trials or settlement conferences, no evidence taken.
Tuolumne County Superior Court — Traffic
Infraction matters for adult and juvenile traffic violations and some local ordinances, DUI handled by the Criminal Division; a Courtesy Notice mailed to the address on the citation with the due date - address changes to (209) 533-5671, no second notice once one has been mailed to an incorrect address, its non-receipt no excuse - and action required on or before the due date; payments and documents by mail allowed 10 days for delivery and processing; the traffic division at (209) 533-5671 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays; arraignments scheduled by contacting the Clerk's Office at (209) 533-2380 - no “Walk-in-Court” - with all proof of correction brought for mechanical, registration, driver's license or insurance violations; a court trial requested on form TUO-TRF-100 Plea & Request for Court Trial, the citing officer required to appear, a defendant who does not appear possibly found guilty in absentia; an appeal within 30 days, only after a guilty finding at a court trial; one 30 day extension from the Courtesy Notice's due date, by phone or in person, longer extensions only by appearing before the judicial officer; one extension of a court-ordered fine's due date by clerical staff on a “Clerk's Modification of Sentence or Probation Conditions” form; on a failure to appear or resolve the citation the court proceeds under Vehicle Code section 40903, an unpaid fine bringing an additional $100.00 civil penalty and referral to the Office of Revenue Recovery (209-533-5920), contracted as the Collection Officer; the fees - copies .50 cents per page, certified copies $40.00 per document, proof of correction fee $25.00 per count, court security fee $40.00 per count, infraction conviction assessment $35.00 per count, traffic school administrative fee $79.00; juvenile traffic citations - a mandatory appearance with a parent or legal guardian, the court contacted if no Notice of Hearing arrives within 20 days of the citation; parking citations processed by the issuing agencies, an appeal from an administrative decision filed within 30 days of the decision with the Notice of Appeal – Administrative Parking Hearing, the original Notice of Parking Violation and a $25.00 filing fee (Vehicle Code section 40230(b)), set for trial de novo, proof of service on the issuing agency filed at least 10 days before the trial date; payment online, by phone at (209) 533-5671, in person or by mail at 12855 Justice Center Drive (checks or money orders payable to “Tuolumne County Superior Court” with the case number in the memo), a fine transferred to AllianceOne paid to AllianceOne; proof of correction - correctable violations dismissed on proof of correction and payment by the due date, submitted by mail or in person, signed off by any uniformed peace officer, or for driver's license and registration violations by the DMV or a clerk of the Superior Court; VC16028(a) insurance violations not signed off by an officer - with insurance not shown at the stop dismissible with proof of insurance and a $25.00 correction fee; traffic school requested on the courtesy notice's options/remittance portion with the amount due by the due date, by telephone or in person, 90 days to complete it from the date the court processes the request (the page also says the Certificate of Completion is due within 60 days), eligibility under California Rules of Court rule 4.104 (a valid driver's license; no traffic school in the last 18 months; not more than one point under Vehicle Code section 12810 or one and one-half points under 12810.5(b)(2); not alcohol or drug related; not more than 25 miles over a speed limit; not in a commercial vehicle); trial by declaration (Vehicle Code section 40902) requested on the courtesy notice's options/remittance portion by the due date or through the automated phone system, the bail deposited with the request, the declaration forms mailed by the court and returned by the due date on them, no monthly payment options; and a sold or inoperable cited car, or a ticket that is not one's own, requires a court date before a judicial officer.