Cynthia Nichols

Administrative Order No. 16/05: Enforcement of Local Rule 180 (July 18, 2016), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/notices-orders at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/adminorder_16_05.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Presiding Judge Charles Margines's order enforcing Local Rule 180 (media and public photographing, recording and broadcasting in court): a person who violates the rule must immediately cease and desist when a Sheriff's deputy provides a copy of the order and states the violation; under Code of Civil Procedure sections 177, 187 and 128 and the court's inherent authority, deputies may immediately bring a person who does not comply to Department C-1 of the Central Justice Center to determine whether media coverage should end, contempt proceedings begin or sanctions be imposed (rule 1.150(f)).

Administrative Order No. 18/04: Mental Health Diversion (Penal Code Section 1001.36) (August 23, 2018), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/notices-orders at https://www.occourts.org/general-public/notices/general/18_04AdminOrder(2).pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

After AB 1810 added Penal Code section 1001.36, mental health diversion motions must be submitted in writing: felony motions are filed in Department C5, and misdemeanor motions, with a proposed treatment plan, in the master calendar department at the assigned justice center.

Administrative Order No. 19/05: Waiving Limitations for Temporary Judges in Unlawful Detainer Cases (March 15, 2019), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/notices-orders at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/adminorder19_05.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Finding good cause, the court waives the limitation of California Rules of Court, rule 2.818(b)(3) so that a duly appointed temporary judge may hear an unlawful detainer case, until the Presiding Judge determines good cause no longer exists.

Administrative Order No. 19/07: General Order re Expressive Activity on Court Grounds (September 3, 2019), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/notices-orders at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/adminorder19_07.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The general order on expressive activity at the court's courthouses: courthouse interiors are nonpublic fora; definitions (prohibited activity, walkway, courtroom, courthouse, court property, curtilage); prohibitions (no prohibited activity on court property or within a courthouse's curtilage, and at the Lamoreaux Justice Center none in the walkway to, or within 80 feet of either side of or in front of, its doorway; no obstructing or harassing persons entering or leaving; no activity intended to interfere with proceedings; no amplification; no posting or distributing written material on court property); exclusions; severability; compliance with law enforcement; posting and service; and penalties.

Administrative Order No. 20/03: Name Change Notice of Related Cases (mandatory form; effective January 2, 2020), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/notices-orders at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin_order_20_03.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Effective January 2, 2020, a completed Name Change Notice of Related Cases form must be filed with each Judicial Council name change and gender recognition petition (NC-100, NC-200, NC-300, NC-500); at the direction of the Civil and Family Law Supervising Judges, name changes and name/gender changes involving minors or adults with a prior family law case, and gender changes involving minors, are filed at the Lamoreaux Justice Center; the clerk may reject filings without the mandatory local form.

Administrative Order No. 20/24: Procedure for Disclosure of Evidence Audit Records (October 15, 2020), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/news-events/criminal-traffic-covid-19-response at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/administrative_order_20_24_procedure_for_disclosure_of_evidence_audit_records.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The procedure for disclosure of Orange County Sheriff's Department evidence audit records, Remedy system printouts and associated reports in criminal proceedings: the court adopts the stipulation of the Sheriff's Department, County Counsel, the District Attorney and the defense offices (attached), under which, in place of a Pitchess motion, the District Attorney gives the Sheriff's Department notice of a case and the Department compiles the records for disclosure, with personal identifying information protected; the order is a standing order for all criminal proceedings.

Administrative Order No. 21/12: Order Prohibiting Photography, Broadcasting, and Filming in Court (August 20, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/media-relations at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/administrativeorder-21_12.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Photography, broadcasting, video, audio and electronic recording and filming are prohibited in or on the grounds of any court building except as expressly permitted (California Rules of Court, rule 1.150; Local Rule 180); court-sponsored community events are excepted; violations may bring sanctions of up to $1,500 per violation under Code of Civil Procedure section 177.5, contempt under section 1209(a)(5), prosecution under Penal Code section 166(a), or other sanctions provided by law.

Administrative Order No. 23/05: Statement of Compliance for Qualified Domestic Relations Order (Family Law) (February 27, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/news/administrative-order-no2305-statement-compliance-qualified-domestic-relations-order at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/administrativeorder23_05.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Because family law e-filing now accepts qualified domestic relations orders, a completed Statement of Compliance for Qualified Domestic Relations Order (Family Law) form must be submitted with every QDRO, effective immediately.

Administrative Order No. 23/06: Updated Remote Appearance Guidelines for Civil and Probate (November 13, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/civil-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/administrativeorder23_06_updatedremoteappearances.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Effective November 13, 2023, new guidelines for remote and partially remote civil and probate proceedings under Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75: participants must give a case number set for hearing before checking in to the virtual courtroom; remote participants must observe courtroom decorum, demeanor and attire; violations may lead to removal from the hearing, muting, disabling of the camera, contempt proceedings or monetary sanctions (Code of Civil Procedure sections 177.5 and 1205), blocking of the participant's IP address from future virtual hearings, and in severe cases referral to law enforcement.

Administrative Order re: Adoption of the Southern California Inter-County Transfer Protocol (Juvenile Courts of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial and Orange Counties; signed for Orange August 3, 2015), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/intercounty-transfers at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/adminorder_approvalofadoption.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile courts of six Southern California counties adopt, effective forthwith, the Southern California Inter-County Transfer Protocol for transfers of juvenile cases (best interests of the minor, confirming the parent's residence, services in the receiving county, expeditious transfer, transfer-in hearings, transfer of the court file, secure electronic transfer), binding on all who appear before those courts, with statute and rule controlling in any conflict. The protocol itself is a separate 44-page file, not carded here.

Amended Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 11/003-900: Assignment of Cases and Peremptory Challenges (December 3, 2019), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-11-003.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile court assigns juvenile justice, dependency and truancy cases on a direct calendar system, so a case assigned to a judge or commissioner stays with that officer for all purposes until jurisdiction ends unless otherwise ordered; a peremptory challenge must be made before any determination of contested issues of fact on the merits and within 15 days after notice of the assignment, and each party has one per case; the order also addresses cases accepted into the collaborative courts.

Appearance Procedure and Information: Appellate Division (update of September 24, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/appeals/appellate-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/appearance_procedure_and_information-appellate_division.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Appellate Division (infraction, misdemeanor and limited civil appeals and misdemeanor writ petitions): submitting filings; oral argument the fourth Thursday of each month by videoconference under Appellate Division Administrative Order 21/01 and rule 8.885(b)(1), without fee; and the division's remote procedure (appearances set by videoconference, privacy and security, the prohibition of photography and recording, technology problems, confidentiality and public access).

Appearance Procedure and Information: Civil Administrative Appeals and Labor Commissioner Appeals (update of September 17, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/civil-video-appearances at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/administrative_appeals_appearance_procedure_and_information.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Administrative appeals (civil fines and penalties, Labor Commissioner awards, dangerous or vicious dog determinations, disqualified person determinations) are heard in Department C65 at the Central Justice Center: how to file and ask questions; remote Zoom appearance for the initial status conference in Labor Commissioner appeals, with other initial hearings in person; technology problems; Local Rule 375.

Appearance Procedure and Information: Civil Restraining Orders (update of September 24, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/civil-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/restraining_order_appearance_procedure_and_information_09_24.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Civil restraining orders (civil harassment, gun violence, workplace violence, school site violence and transitional housing misconduct): filing, questions and self-help; law enforcement emergency gun violence restraining orders through the on-call EPO referee; in Departments C64 and C65, ex parte requests for temporary restraining orders ruled on the papers without hearing, remote Zoom appearance offered for the other non-evidentiary proceedings, and trials and evidentiary hearings in person; gun violence restraining order hearings in Department C61, where parties and witnesses may appear remotely under Penal Code section 18123(a); Local Rule 375.

Appearance Procedure and Information: Civil Small Claims (update of June 30, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/civil-video-appearances at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/appearanceprocedureandinformationsmallclaims.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Small claims: filing, questions and self-help; in Department C16 every small claims trial is first set for a remote evidentiary hearing to assess notice, opposition and trial readiness, with Zoom links on the court's Civil Appearance Procedure page and appearance by video encouraged; technology problems; Local Rule 375; small claims appeals are heard in person as noticed.

Appearance Procedure and Information: Civil Unlawful Detainers (Evictions) (update of September 23, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/civil-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/evictions_ud_appearance_procedure_and_information_09_2024.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Unlawful detainers: filings by represented parties through an approved e-filing service provider; questions and self-help; in Departments C17 and C61, remote Zoom appearance for law and motion, case management and status conferences, ex parte applications and other non-evidentiary proceedings, with trials in person; technology problems; Local Rule 375.

Appearance Procedure and Information: Civil Unlimited and Complex (update of September 17, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/civil-remote-hearings at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/civil_unlimited_and_complex_appearance_procedure_and_information.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Civil unlimited and complex cases: filings by represented parties through an approved e-filing service provider; remote appearance by Zoom through the court's online check-in for law and motion, case management and status conferences, ex parte applications and other non-evidentiary proceedings; trials and evidentiary hearings in person (a party may move for a remote evidentiary hearing); settlement conferences in person unless all parties stipulate; judgment debtor examinations in person; Local Rule 375.

Appearance Procedure: Probate and Mental Health, Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse (update of September 17, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/probate_mental_health_information_and_appearance_process_2024.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Probate and mental health appearances at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex: remote and in-person appearances under Local Rule 601.02, with free video appearance on the court's platform; the language parties must include in notices of hearing and publication in all probate cases; and, until further notice, electronic submission of signed letters and of bonds (the original bond retained and available to the court).

Appellate Division Administrative Order No. 21/01: Appellate Division Videoconferencing Order (December 30, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/appeals/appellate-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/administrativeorder21_01appellatedivisionvideoconferencingorder.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The presiding judge of the Appellate Division orders that all oral argument be conducted, and all parties appear, by Zoom videoconference (California Rules of Court, rule 8.885(b)); oral argument remains open to the public under the court's posted access procedures; the order continues until changed or superseded by local rule.

Appellate Division Administrative Order No. 26/01: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (August 6, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/appeals/appellate-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/appellate-division-administrative-order-no-2601-use-generative-artificial-intelligence.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

In the Appellate Division, counsel and self-represented parties are responsible for complete and accurate representations of the record, procedural history and authorities; generative AI is not prohibited, but its user must personally confirm the accuracy of research done with it and bears responsibility for every statement in a filing; users must comply with protective orders and ethical obligations; failure to verify citations may bring sanctions or State Bar discipline.

Civil Unlimited Electronic Evidence Protocol (revised July 1, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/electronic-evidence-portal at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/electronic-evidence-civil-unlimited-pilot-protocol.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The protocol for the Civil Unlimited courtrooms piloting the Electronic Evidence Portal for court and jury trials (Departments C15, C16, C24, C25 and C27; the trial judge may excuse its use for good cause): exhibit number ranges agreed at the Local Rule 317 issue conference; exhibits uploaded and shared through the portal's Virtual Viewing Room no later than 14 days before trial (impeachment exhibits may be uploaded as confidential); the final set by noon the Wednesday before trial; counsel display exhibits on court laptops; and each department's Electronic Evidence Order and Stipulation.

Civil: Reserve a Motion Date, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/civil-reserve-motion-date, fetched 2026-09-29.

The civil motion-date reservation rules: only available dates are shown; moving papers must be submitted within 24 hours or the reservation is cancelled automatically; pleadings must be timely served and filed; motions to designate a case complex are heard by the Supervising Judge of the Civil Panel; claim-of-exemption hearings are not eligible for reservation and take a date on the assigned judge's schedule.

Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web application at https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar, captured 2026-09-29.

The Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements (the court's Complex Civil Calendar web application): helpful resources and the remote appearance authorities, and for each complex department (CX101–CX105) its judge, hearing days and times for law and motion (reservations required) and ex parte applications, the ex parte notice deadlines, and links to the department's tentative rulings, policies and guidelines.

Court Child Support Unit Courtroom Schedule (last updated May 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law/family-law-calendar-information/court-child-support-unit-courtroom-schedule, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Court Child Support Unit's courtroom schedule (last updated May 2026): the weekly calendars of Department L51 (Commissioner Laurie Burns, cases ending 00–49) and Department L54 (Commissioner Jessica Paulson-Duffy, cases ending 50–99) — general family law matters, Department of Child Support Services matters (modifications, arrears, wage assignments, license denial, motions for judgment), and long cause trials with DCSS; telephonic requests for continuances are not permitted.

Court Designation List (effective June 30, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/appeals at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/court-designation-list.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Presiding Judge's designation of where cases are heard and tried: limited and unlimited civil, small claims, unlawful detainer and civil harassment at the Central Justice Center; complex civil at the Civil Complex Center; probate, mental health and elder and dependent adult abuse restraining orders at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex; juvenile, family law and domestic violence at the Lamoreaux Justice Center; and, city by city, the justice center designated for criminal and traffic cases.

Criminal Appellate Division: Information and Appearance Process (update of June 28, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/appeals/appellate-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/criminal_appellate_unit_information_and_appearance_process.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Criminal Appeals Unit (felony notices of appeal to the Court of Appeal and misdemeanor and infraction appeals to the Appellate Division): remote appearances continue for Appellate Division hearings unless ordered otherwise; felony appeal filings by the Central Justice Center drop box, by mail or in person; misdemeanor and infraction appeal filings by the drop box at the assigned justice center or by mail to the justice center addresses listed.

Department C10 (Hon. R. Shawn Nelson): General Policies and Procedures (rev. July 13, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/nelsonprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge R. Shawn Nelson's general policies and procedures for Department C10 (Central Justice Center): calendar (order to show cause hearings, case management conferences and review hearings Thursday 9:00 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m.; default prove-ups Thursday 10:00 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 1:30 p.m. by online reservation; trials Monday through Wednesday; ex parte applications Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by noon the day before); general procedures (the civil rules, civility, court reporters, the Local Rule 315 meet and confer, case management and settlement conferences, continuances); ex parte applications; law and motion; and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-trials rules and trial forms.

Department C11 (Hon. Jonathan S. Fish): General Policies and Procedures (rev. August 21, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/fishprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Jonathan Fish's policies for Department C11 (Central Justice Center): non-law-and-motion hearings Monday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups and settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Monday 1:30 p.m. by online reservation (one attorney per party argues unless permitted otherwise); jury and court trials Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. under the separate trial standing order; ex parte applications Tuesday through Friday 1:30 p.m. on telephonic reservation; electronic signatures; and remote appearance requirements.

Department C11 (Hon. Jonathan S. Fish): Trial Standing Order, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/fishtrialstandingorderwithattachments.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The trial standing order issued in every case assigned to Judge Jonathan Fish and set for jury trial (Department C11): civility and professionalism; continuances (disfavored; stipulations not effective until ordered); exhibits (a joint numbering system and list; exhibits moved into evidence once foundation is laid); objections at hearings and trials; the Local Rule 317 issue conference; in limine motions; jury instructions and special verdict forms; the jury selection method; witnesses and scheduling; and other issues.

Department C12 (Hon. Andre Manssourian): Policies and Procedures (issued March 28, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/manssourianprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Andre Manssourian's policies for Department C12 (Central Justice Center): trial call Friday 11:00 a.m. with trials Monday through Wednesday and full Local Rule 317 compliance to answer ready; law and motion Friday 9:30 a.m. by online reservation; non-law-and-motion hearings; mandatory settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m.; ex parte applications Monday through Thursday; in-person appearance for trials and trial call and Zoom appearances for other calendars; the department provides no court reporters or interpreters.

Department C13 (Hon. Nick A. Dourbetas): General Policies and Procedures (rev. October 28, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/dourbetasprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Department C13's policies (Central Justice Center): no courtesy copies and no physical copies for the department; trial readiness and non-law-and-motion hearings; settlement conferences the court conducts on the parties' stipulation; law and motion Friday 9:30 a.m. with papers filed within 24 hours of the online reservation (not for summary judgment motions); jury and court trials (exhibits brought on the first day of trial); ex parte applications Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m., usually ruled on in chambers by noon, on telephonic reservation by noon the day before, with oppositions by 8:30 a.m.

Department C15 (Hon. Yolanda V. Torres): General Policies and Procedures (rev. August 13, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/strickroth/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Yolanda V. Torres's general policies and procedures for Department C15 (Central Justice Center): remote versus in-person proceedings; calendar (order to show cause hearings, case management conferences, post-arbitration and review hearings Monday 8:45 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups Friday 10:00 a.m.; law and motion Monday 1:45 p.m.; trials Tuesday through Thursday; ex parte applications Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. on reservation by 10:00 a.m. the day before); general procedures; ex parte applications; law and motion; and trial procedures (issue conference and statement of compliance, motions in limine, jury selection, exhibits and demonstratives, depositions, witnesses, stipulations, jury instructions), with the department's conduct-in-trials rules and trial forms.

Department C16 (Hon. Carmen R. Luege): Policies and Procedures (updated August 17, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/luegeprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Carmen R. Luege's policies for Department C16 (Central Justice Center): continuances (no telephone continuances; one law-and-motion continuance by written stipulation; trial continuances under Code of Civil Procedure section 595.2); remote and in-person proceedings under Local Rule 375 (settlement conferences remote at 8:30 a.m., evidentiary proceedings in person) and media and public access; calendar (trials Monday through Wednesday; settlement conferences Thursday 8:30 a.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. conferences and prove-ups and 10:00 a.m. law and motion; ex parte applications Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:30 p.m.); ex parte procedures (reservation and notice by 10:00 a.m. the court day before; papers by noon; oppositions by 4:00 p.m.); law and motion and tentative rulings; and trial procedures.

Department C20 (Hon. Theodore R. Howard): General Information (rev. February 19, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/howardprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Theodore R. Howard's general information for Department C20 (Central Justice Center): trials Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (deliberations may continue Thursday and Friday); law and motion Thursday 1:30 p.m. with tentative rulings posted Wednesday; one remote mandatory settlement conference each Friday 8:30 a.m. before a temporary judge; case management, order to show cause, post-arbitration review, status conferences and default prove-ups on Fridays; ex parte applications Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. on reservation before noon the day before.

Department C23 (Hon. David J. Hesseltine): Policies and Procedures, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/hesseltine/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge David J. Hesseltine's policies for Department C23 (Central Justice Center): calendar (trial call Monday 9:00 a.m. with trials Tuesday through Thursday; law and motion Thursday 2:00 p.m.; ex parte Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m. in person; case management, order to show cause, ADR and status conferences Monday 9:30 a.m. remotely); general procedures (remote versus in-person proceedings and public access, court reporters, stipulations and orders in Word, case management and settlement conferences); and trial procedures (the joint exhibit list format, the seven-pack jury selection method, multiple counsel).

Department C24 (Hon. Lindsey E. Martínez): Policies and Pretrial Order (August 5, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/martinezprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Lindsey E. Martínez's policies for Department C24 (Central Justice Center), which encourages remote appearances: schedule (trials Tuesday through Thursday; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m.; motions Monday 1:30 p.m.; case management and order to show cause hearings Monday 8:45 a.m.; trial call Monday 9:30 a.m.); case management statements; motions and tentative rulings; ex parte reservations by 10:00 a.m. the court day before; stipulations; and the Department C24 Pretrial Order (exhibits for bench trials through the Electronic Evidence Portal; a pretrial checklist tied to Local Rule 317; exhibit notebooks, motions in limine, jury selection and instructions, special verdict forms and courtroom expectations), ordered August 5, 2026.

Department C25 (Hon. Gassia Apkarian): Policies and Procedures (rev. October 30, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/apkarianprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Gassia Apkarian's policies and procedures for Department C25 (Central Justice Center): ex parte matters Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on telephone reservation; law and motion Tuesday 10:00 a.m.; mandatory settlement conferences Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. before a temporary judge; trial call Monday 9:30 a.m. with trial days Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; case management, order to show cause and post-arbitration hearings Tuesday 9:30 a.m.; default prove-ups Tuesday 11:00 a.m.; issues conferences under Local Rule 317 (permitted by phone and fax); and trial procedures (electronic evidence portal, filing of trial documents, in limine motions, six-pack jury selection of 14 jurors, jury instructions and verdict forms), with the department's conduct-in-jury-trials rules.

Department C27 (Hon. Bradley S. Erdosi): General Policies and Procedures, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/erdosiprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Bradley S. Erdosi's general policies and procedures for Department C27 (Central Justice Center): calendar (trial call Monday 9:00 a.m. with trials Tuesday through Thursday; status, case management and order to show cause hearings Monday 10:00 a.m. in person; law and motion Monday 2:00 p.m. remotely; ex parte applications Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m.; settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m.; default prove-ups Friday 10:30 a.m.); remote versus in-person proceedings and public access; court reporters; the civil rules; civility; ex parte applications (reservation by 10:00 a.m. the day before); case management conferences; law and motion; and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-jury-trials rules and procedural stipulations.

Department C27 (Hon. Bradley S. Erdosi): Pretrial Order (April 14, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/erdosi_standing_order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Bradley Erdosi's pretrial order for all cases assigned to him (Department C27): the department's policies apply; expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (the Orange County Bar Association Civility Guidelines); pretrial documents filed at least five court days before trial and a joint trial notebook delivered three court days before trial; motions in limine exchanged by the Local Rule 317 issue conference; in-person trials; witnesses and interpreters; objections without speaking; and exhibits uploaded to the Electronic Evidence Portal within three days of the Rule 317 conference.

Department C28 (Hon. Thomas S. McConville): General Policies and Procedures (rev. December 11, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/McConville/mconvilleprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Thomas S. McConville's general policies and procedures for Department C28 (Central Justice Center): remote appearances and public access (remote for nonevidentiary hearings, including law and motion); calendar (order to show cause, case management and review hearings Monday 9:00 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m.; debtor examinations Friday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups and small claims appeals Friday 9:30 a.m.; law and motion Monday 2:00 p.m.; trials Tuesday through Thursday; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by noon the day before); general procedures (stipulations submitted as one Word document); ex parte applications; law and motion; and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-trials rules and trial forms.

Department C31 (Hon. Kimberly A. Knill): Policies, Pretrial Order and Standing Order re: Artificial Intelligence (rev. August 10, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/knill/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Kimberly A. Knill's policies for Department C31 (Central Justice Center): schedule (trials Monday through Wednesday; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m.; motions Friday 10:00 a.m.; case management conferences Thursday 1:30 p.m.; trial call Friday 11:30 a.m.); motions and tentative rulings; discovery motions (meet and confer first); ex parte applications (notice by 10:00 a.m. and filing by noon the court day before); stipulations; the Department C31 Pretrial Order (a pretrial checklist tied to Local Rule 317); and the department's Standing Order re: Artificial Intelligence of August 10, 2026: counsel and self-represented parties must personally confirm the accuracy of research done with generative AI, bear responsibility for all statements in their filings, and may be sanctioned or referred for failing to verify citations.

Department C32 (Hon. Lee L. Gabriel): Policies and Procedures, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/gabrielprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Lee L. Gabriel's policies for Department C32 (Central Justice Center): calendar (jury and court trials Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Tuesday 9:00 a.m.; order to show cause, case management, settlement conferences and trial call Friday 9:00 a.m.; post-arbitration and review hearings Friday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups Tuesday 1:30 p.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by 10:00 a.m. the day before); ex parte applications (written oppositions; ruled on by minute order); law and motion (reservations, tentative rulings by 3:00 p.m. the day before, taking motions off calendar); and trial procedures.

Department C33 (Hon. Sandy N. Leal): General Policies and Procedures, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/lealprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Sandy N. Leal's policies for Department C33 (Central Justice Center): non-law-and-motion order to show cause hearings Thursday 1:30 p.m. (California Rules of Court, rule 3.110 service); case management conferences Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups, judgment debtor examinations and post-arbitration and review hearings Friday 9:30 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 10:00 a.m. by online reservation; jury and court trials Monday 9:00 a.m. under the separate trial standing order; ex parte Monday through Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m. on reservation by noon the day before; electronic signatures; remote appearance requirements.

Department C33 (Hon. Sandy N. Leal): Trial Standing Order, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/lealstandingorder.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The trial standing order issued in every case assigned to Judge Sandy N. Leal and set for trial (Department C33): civility and professionalism; continuances (disfavored; stipulations are not effective until ordered); exhibits (a joint numbering system and exhibit list; advance notice of video, deposition video and projector use); objections (state the word and the legal basis, then await the ruling); the Local Rule 317 issue conference; in limine motions; jury instructions and special verdict forms; the jury selection method; witnesses and scheduling; and other issues (post-trial matters, jury fees and court reporters, multiple counsel, communication with the court, notice of the order).

Department C34 (Hon. H. Shaina Colover): Policies and Procedures (rev. November 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/coloverprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge H. Shaina Colover's policies for Department C34 (Central Justice Center): calendar (trials Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; case management and status conferences Thursday 9:00 a.m.; order to show cause and default prove-up hearings Thursday 10:30 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 1:30 p.m. by online reservation; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by 10:00 a.m. the day before; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m., in person unless stipulated two weeks ahead); general procedures (remote versus in-person proceedings, court reporters, the civil rules, civility, ex parte applications, case management conferences, continuances); and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-jury-trials rules.

Department C44 (Hon. Thomas James Lo): General Policies and Procedures (rev. July 31, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/larsh/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Thomas J. Lo's general policies and procedures for Department C44 (Central Justice Center): calendar (order to show cause, case management, post-arbitration, review and default prove-up hearings Friday 8:30 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 8:30 a.m.; trials Monday through Wednesday 8:30 a.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by 10:00 a.m. the day before), the Local Rule 315 meet and confer, case management and settlement conferences, continuances; ex parte applications (papers by noon the business day before; content under rules 3.1200–3.1207); law and motion; and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-trials rules and trial forms.

Department CM02 (Hon. Andre De La Cruz): Policies and Procedures (Discovery Matters) (rev. 2.0, April 6, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/delacruz/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Andre De La Cruz's policies for Department CM02 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex), the civil discovery department: law and motion (discovery matters) Thursday 9:00 a.m. by online reservation; informal discovery conferences Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on one joint letter brief; courtesy copies not needed; jury and court trials and ex parte applications remain before the inventory judge.

Department CM03 (Hon. Erin Rowe): Trial Expectations and Pretrial Orders (April 7, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/cm03_standing_order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Erin Rowe's trial expectations and pretrial orders for Department CM03 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (the Orange County Bar Association Civility Guidelines); pretrial documents filed five court days before trial under Local Rule 317, and joint exhibit, witness, stipulated-fact and controverted-issue lists delivered by the Monday before trial; motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; exhibits; transcripts; deposition transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.

Department CM05 (Hon. Ebrahim Baytieh): Pretrial Orders for Trial Setting Conferences and Trials (revised July 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/cm05_standing_order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Ebrahim Baytieh's revised pretrial orders for Department CM05 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (civility, with authorities); pretrial documents and deliveries to the clerk (a joint witness list with time estimates and the other joint lists); motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; interruptions and discussions during trial; exhibits; transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.

Department CM06 (Hon. Megan Wagner): Pretrial Orders for Trial Setting Conferences and Trials (June 16, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/cm06_standing_order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Megan Wagner's pretrial orders for Department CM06 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties; the trial schedule (Monday and Wednesday all day, Thursday and Friday mornings) and time estimates; motions in limine and oppositions; in-person trials; exhibits through the Electronic Evidence Portal; witnesses; objections; interruptions during trial; transcripts of recordings offered in evidence; deposition transcripts; consequences of noncompliance.

Department CM08 (Commissioner Sharon M. Anderson): Pretrial Orders for Trial Setting Conferences and Trials (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/cm08-standing-order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Commissioner Sharon M. Anderson's pretrial orders for Department CM08 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (the Orange County Bar Association Civility Guidelines); pretrial documents under Local Rule 317 and joint exhibit, witness, stipulated-fact and controverted-issue lists delivered to the clerk; motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; interruptions and discussions during trial; exhibits; transcripts; deposition transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.

Department CX101 (Hon. William D. Claster): Policies and Procedures (Complex Civil) (rev. September 12, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/cx101procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge William Claster's policies for Department CX101 (Civil Complex Center): the initial case management conference (the topics counsel must meet and confer on, among them parties, claims and defenses, ADR, preservation of evidence, discovery and staged discovery, liaison counsel, a case management order and confidentiality; and the contents of the joint case management conference report); law and motion procedures; informal discovery conferences; trial procedures; and courtroom demeanor, conduct and etiquette.

Department CX102 (Hon. Layne H. Melzer): Guidelines for Approval of Class Action and PAGA Settlements, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/guidelines-approval-class-action-settlements.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Layne H. Melzer's guidelines for approval of class action and PAGA settlements (Department CX102): motions for preliminary approval of class action settlements (the noticed motion under rule 3.769(c) and its supporting information — the litigation summary, settlement agreement, settlement amount, reversionary terms, financial terms, taxes, class definition, claims and investigation, release, PAGA component, allocation; class notice administration; class notice; proposed orders); motions for final approval; and motions for approval of PAGA settlements.

Department CX102 (Hon. Layne H. Melzer): Policies and Procedures (Complex Civil), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/melzer/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Layne H. Melzer's policies for Department CX102 (Civil Complex Center): calendar (jury and court trials Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. in person; initial case management conferences and status, order to show cause and review hearings Thursday 9:30 a.m. remotely, with statements five court days ahead; settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m. in person; default prove-ups Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 2:00 p.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by 10:00 a.m.); general procedures (remote versus in-person proceedings, court reporters, the civil rules, civility, ex parte applications); and trial procedures (scheduling and pretrial compliance, pretrial conference, exhibits and demonstratives, depositions, witnesses, stipulations, jury instructions), with the department's conduct-in-jury-trials rules.

Department CX102 (Hon. Layne H. Melzer): Standing Order for Complex Cases (rev. April 23, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/civilremotehearinrules.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Layne H. Melzer's standing order for all complex cases assigned to him (Department CX102), which the initiating party must serve: the department's posted policies apply; case management and status conferences (the meet-and-confer subjects and the contents of the Joint Initial Case Management Conference Report); discovery disputes and informal discovery conferences; class actions and PAGA representative actions (discovery, trial management plans, settlements and dismissals); and filing and lodging documents under seal.

Department CX103 (Hon. David A. Hoffer): Policies and Procedures (Complex Civil), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/hofferprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge David A. Hoffer's policies for Department CX103 (Civil Complex Center): hearing schedule (trials Tuesday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; law and motion Monday 1:30 p.m.; case management, status, order to show cause and default prove-up hearings Monday through Thursday, with status reports a week ahead; a transition note for the CX-103 inventory); trial procedures (full Local Rule 317 compliance; a remote readiness appearance on the trial date); law and motion (reservations online; tentative rulings at least 24 hours ahead); ex parte applications, usually decided on the papers; informal discovery conferences (six-page briefs three court days ahead); and courtroom demeanor under the State Bar's civility guidelines.

Department CX105 (Hon. Melissa R. McCormick): General Policies and Procedures (Complex Civil) (rev. June 3, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/cx105procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick's general policies and procedures for Department CX105 (Civil Complex Center): calendar (initial case management and status conferences Thursday 9:00 a.m., with statements and joint reports five court days ahead; settlement conferences Friday 8:30 a.m.; review and order to show cause hearings Thursday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups Thursday 10:00 a.m.; law and motion Thursday 2:00 p.m.; trials Monday through Wednesday; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by noon the business day before); general procedures; ex parte applications (notice and irreparable-harm declarations, points and authorities, a proposed order in Word); and trial procedures.

Department CX105 (Hon. Melissa R. McCormick): Guidelines for Approval of Class Action and PAGA Settlements (rev. September 3, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/complex-civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/cx105-motions-preliminary-approval-class-action-settlement-guidelines.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick's guidelines for approval of class action and PAGA settlements (Department CX105): motions for preliminary approval of class action settlements (the noticed motion under rule 3.769(c) and its supporting information; class notice administration; class notice; proposed orders); motions for final approval; and motions for approval of PAGA settlements.

Department L51: Mandatory Settlement Conference Rules, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law/remote-hearing-rules at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/l51mandatorysettlementconferencerules.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Department L51's mandatory settlement conference rules under Local Rule 707: the parties and DCSS meet and confer before the conference; settlement conference and trial statements (with guideline support calculations) served five calendar days before; a joint statement of issues remaining to be tried; mandatory attendance, with sanctions for failure to attend.

Department L54: Mandatory Settlement Conference Rules for Cases With a Time Estimate of One Hour or More, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law/remote-hearing-rules at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/l54mandatorysettlementconferencerules.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Department L54's mandatory settlement conference rules under Local Rule 707 for cases estimated at one hour or more: the parties and DCSS meet and confer before the conference; settlement conference and trial statements (with guideline support calculations) served five calendar days before; a joint statement of issues remaining to be tried; mandatory attendance, with sanctions for failure to attend.

Department N14 (Hon. Julianne Sartain Bancroft): Policies and Procedures (rev. 1.0, April 3, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/bancroftprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Julianne Sartain Bancroft's policies for Department N14 (North Justice Center): courtesy copies not needed; non-law-and-motion hearings Monday 1:30 p.m.; settlement conferences and judgment debtor examinations Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Monday 9:00 a.m. by online reservation; jury and court trials Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. under the separate trial standing order; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on telephonic reservation by noon the day before; electronic signatures.

Department N14 (Hon. Julianne Sartain Bancroft): Trial Standing Order (version 1.1, April 3, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/bancroft_standing_order.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The trial standing order issued in every case assigned to Judge Julianne S. Bancroft and set for trial (Department N14): civility and professionalism; continuances (disfavored; stipulations not effective until ordered); exhibits; objections; the Local Rule 317 issue conference; in limine motions; jury instructions and special verdict forms; the jury selection method and limits on attorney voir dire; witnesses and scheduling; and other issues (post-trial matters, jury fees and court reporters, multiple counsel, communication with the court, notice of the order), with the statement of compliance, procedural stipulations, joint witness and exhibit lists and exhibit tags attached.

Department N15 (Hon. Nathan Nhan Vu): Policies (Interim) (rev. March 17, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/vu/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Nathan Nhan Vu's interim policies for Department N15 (North Justice Center): case management, order to show cause, review and status conferences Thursday 8:30 a.m.; settlement conferences Thursday 9:00 a.m.; default prove-ups and small claims appeals Thursday 1:30 p.m.; law and motion Monday 8:30 a.m. on reservation (papers within 24 hours except summary judgment motions; tentative rulings by 5:00 p.m. the Sunday before); jury and court trials Monday afternoon and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; ex parte Tuesday through Friday 1:30 p.m. on reservation by noon the day before. The policies state they shall be replaced.

Department N16 (Hon. Donald F. Gaffney): General Policies and Procedures, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/gaffney/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Donald F. Gaffney's general policies and procedures for Department N16 (North Justice Center): modifications and remote appearances; calendar (order to show cause, case management and review hearings Tuesday 9:00 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m., set on request; default prove-ups Wednesday 10:30 a.m.; law and motion Wednesday 9:00 a.m.; trials Monday, Thursday and Friday 9:00 a.m. and Tuesday 10:00 a.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. with notice by 10:00 a.m. the court day before); general procedures; ex parte applications; law and motion; and trial procedures, with the department's conduct-in-trials rules and trial forms, including a deposition designation form.

Department N17 (Hon. Craig L. Griffin): General and Trial Procedures (rev. March 12, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Department N17 page (https://www.occourts.org/n17_procedures), which the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar) links as the department's General Policies and Procedures, at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/griffinprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Craig L. Griffin's general and trial procedures for Department N17 (North Justice Center): pandemic-era modifications and remote versus in-person proceedings; calendar (trial call Monday 9:00 a.m. with trials Tuesday through Thursday — counsel bring their own court reporters; law and motion Monday 2:00 p.m.; case management, order to show cause, post-arbitration, review and default prove-up hearings Friday 9:30 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; ex parte Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.; judgment debtor hearings Friday 11:00 a.m.); general procedures (stipulations in Word; case management and settlement conference statements; post-arbitration continuances; tentative rulings; priority requests); trial procedures (six-pack jury selection); and the department's ex parte and law-and-motion information sheets.

Department N18 (Hon. Scott A. Steiner): Policies and Procedures (rev. July 11, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/system/files?file=civil/steinerprocedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Scott A. Steiner's policies for Department N18 (North Justice Center): ex parte procedures (Monday through Friday 1:30 p.m., no reservation, decided on the papers unless argument is invited); calendar (trial call Monday 9:00 a.m. with trials Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; jury fees posted before the case management conference; counsel bring their own court reporters; law and motion Wednesday 10:00 a.m.; case management, order to show cause and default prove-up hearings Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m. with e-filed statements; informal discovery conferences Friday 10:00 a.m.); continuances; appearances in evidentiary and non-evidentiary proceedings; and trial procedures (exhibits, voir dire, witnesses, courtroom decorum).

Department W15 (Hon. Richard Y. Lee): Policies and Procedures (rev. May 19, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/lee/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Richard Y. Lee's policies for Department W15 (West Justice Center): remote video hearings for law-and-motion and non-law-and-motion matters when appropriate; non-law-and-motion hearings Thursday 1:30 p.m.; law and motion Thursday 1:30 p.m. by online reservation; jury and court trials Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. under the separate standing order on trials; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. on telephonic reservation by noon the court day before; electronic signatures by all parties.

Department W15 (Hon. Richard Y. Lee): Standing Trial Procedures (Jury and Non-Jury) (September 7, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/lee/StandingOrder.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Richard Y. Lee's standing trial procedures for jury and non-jury trials (Department W15): nothing is delivered to the courtroom before trial; a joint trial binder (pleadings, joint statement of the case, joint witness and exhibit lists, controverted issues, stipulations, trial briefs, motions in limine); a joint exhibit binder; certified deposition transcripts; witnesses and scheduling; court reporters; jury instructions and special verdict forms; the court's jury selection method; jury fees; multiple counsel; and pandemic-era protocols.

Department W8 (Hon. Sheila O. Recio): Policies and Procedures (rev. September 21, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/recio/procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Sheila O. Recio's policies for Department W8 (West Justice Center): calendars (trial call Monday 8:45 a.m. with trials Tuesday through Thursday; order to show cause, review, default and debtor examinations Monday 9:00 a.m.; small claims appeals Monday 1:30 p.m.; ex parte Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m.; settlement conferences Friday 9:00 a.m.; law and motion Friday 9:30 a.m.); civil court reporters; evidentiary proceedings in person; non-evidentiary proceedings (trial call by online check-in, remote appearances encouraged); ex parte applications (reservation by noon the court day before; highly disfavored); law and motion and tentative rulings; signatures; and public access.

Department W8 (Hon. Sheila O. Recio): Standing Trial Order and Trial Procedures for Jury Trial (February 26, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar), at https://www.occourts.org/directory/civil/limited-unlimited-civil/calendars/civil/genpolicy/recio/standingOrder.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Judge Sheila O. Recio's standing trial order and trial procedures for jury trials (Department W8): the Local Rule 317 issue conference; a tabbed joint trial notebook brought on the trial date (jury instructions and verdict forms, motions in limine with oppositions and replies); two sets of joint exhibit notebooks; certified deposition transcripts; witnesses, scheduling and interpreters; jury fees and court reporters; multiple counsel; and pandemic-era protocols.

Dependency Remote Appearance Information (effective January 1, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/news-events/juvenile-court-covid-19-response at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/dependencyremoteappearanceinformation.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Juvenile dependency hearings are set for in-person appearance, and parties discuss remote options with their attorneys (rule 3.672(i)); when a remote appearance is approved, the link comes by email; the applications used (Microsoft Teams by default, WebEx from the Orange County jail, Zoom in special circumstances); the proceedings are confidential and may not be recorded; the court may end a remote appearance or require personal appearance.

Electronic Evidence Portal: Participating Courtrooms and Requirements, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/electronic-evidence-portal, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's Electronic Evidence Portal: the Civil Unlimited pilot in Departments C15, C16, C24, C25 and C27 (exhibits uploaded in place of trial notebooks under the Civil Unlimited protocol; the signed Electronic Evidence Order and Stipulation filed by noon the Wednesday before trial and served by the plaintiff); small claims in C18 (all evidence through the portal); probate in CM03, CM05, CM06 and CM08 and civil harassment, unlawful detainer and administrative appeal matters in C61, C64, C65 and C66 (the portal may be required); family law since January 1, 2025 under Local Rule 714 (all trial and specially set hearing exhibits, including impeachment and rebuttal); and access instructions, with the court's privacy policy and Administrative Order 21/06.

Electronic Filing in Juvenile Cases (Local Rule 908), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/efiling/efiling-juvenile, fetched 2026-09-29.

Electronic filing in juvenile proceedings, authorized under Welfare and Institutions Code section 212.5, Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 5.522(b), and Local Rule 908: documents e-filed before midnight on a court day are filed that day, but initiating petitions must be filed by 3:00 p.m. the day before when a hearing is required the next day; delinquency petitions and disqualifications may not be e-filed; eFile CA.

Family Law Courtroom Schedule & Requirements (revised September 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law/family-law-calendar-information/family-law-courtroom-schedule-requirements, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Family Law Division's courtroom schedule and requirements (revised September 2026): for each family law department — Supervising Judge Eric J. Wersching in L611, the Lamoreaux Justice Center departments L11, L52, L53, L60–L69 and L71–L73, and Departments C14 and C17 — the judicial officer and the weekly schedule of hearings by day and time, with each department's requirements; a legend of hearing types and a link to court reporter availability.

Family Law Courtroom: Public Access and Appearance, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/fl-publicaccessandappearance.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Media and public access to family law proceedings is in person in the courtroom where the hearing is set (with remote access when a proceeding is entirely remote); the courtroom email addresses and telephone numbers for assistance, which are not for ex parte communication or to bypass e-filing or other court procedures.

Family Law: Family Centered Case Resolution Protocol (updated May 20, 2016), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/self-help/self-help-family-law at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/centeredcaseprotocol.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The family law court's protocol for family centered case resolution (Family Code section 2450; California Rules of Court, rule 5.83): cases that miss milestones receive a Case Review Notification at 180 days, are set for a status conference at 330 days, face further steps at 500 days, and at 547 days the court is relieved of case management obligations; appearance requirements and the effect of entry of a judgment or dismissal.

Family Law: How to Request or Oppose a Remote or In-Person Appearance, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/fl-referenceguideonhowtorequestoropposeremoteappearance.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

A family law guide to the Judicial Council forms: to appear remotely at an in-person evidentiary hearing or trial (RA-010 Notice of Remote Appearance, served on all parties, and RA-020); to oppose a remote evidentiary hearing or trial (RA-015, rule 3.672(h)(3), and RA-020); to appear in person at a remote non-evidentiary hearing; and how to submit the forms, including by e-filing as one PDF.

First Amended Administrative Order No. 21/06: Electronic Evidence Protocols (November 23, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/electronic-evidence-portal at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/adminorder21_06.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's electronic evidence protocols for courtrooms using the electronic evidence portal: participating courtrooms require evidence to be submitted electronically; the portal is used only to upload evidence for a specific case and for legitimate litigation purposes; confidential or sealed material must be identified; uploaded evidence is lodged, not part of the record; who may upload; the prohibition on sexual depictions of minors; limits on access to confidential evidence and on reproduction and dissemination; and disposition of electronic evidence.

Guidelines for Remote Appearances (rev. September 7, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/civil-appearance-procedure-and-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/guidelinesforremoteproceedings9-7-22.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's guidelines for remote proceedings, which are official court proceedings and do not supersede department policies: preparing (courtroom attire, a private quiet location, camera position, background, headphones, testing, no appearances from a moving vehicle, no recording); checking in (5–10 minutes ahead, separately for each case and each attorney, under the firm's or attorney's name for unlimited civil, and by name and role for complex); and conduct during the hearing (audio and video on when called; the chat feature).

Guidelines: All Complex Civil Departments, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/civil-calendar-information at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/department-guidelines.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The guidelines of all the court's complex civil departments, which the plaintiff (and a cross-complainant) must serve with the summons and complaint: courtroom demeanor under the State Bar civility guidelines; general matters (case management orders govern, e-filing, service of the guidelines, telephone appearances); the initial case management conference; case management and status conference statements; case management orders; law and motion (meet and confer, tentative rulings, off-calendar matters and continuances); ex parte applications; mandatory settlement conferences; pre-trial conferences; use of the court's evidence presentation systems; motions in limine at trial; and the attorney civility pledge (rev. May 4, 2010).

Hearing Schedule: Limited Civil, Unlawful Detainers and Civil Protective Orders (Actions $35,000 and Less), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements web application (https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar) as Department CX104's General Policies and Procedures, at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/limitedcivilcourtroomscheduleandrequirements.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's hearing schedule for limited civil cases, unlawful detainers and civil protective orders (actions of $35,000 and less): unlawful detainer departments C66 and C61 (court and jury trials, law and motion, ex parte applications, claims of right to possession and claims of exemption, with each department's evidence and remote-appearance rules); civil harassment restraining order departments C65 and C64 (ex parte temporary restraining orders, law and motion, hearings, bench warrant appearances, gun violence restraining orders); and limited civil Department CX104 (court and jury trials, default prove-ups, status conferences, orders to show cause re dismissal and sanctions, ex parte applications under rules 3.1200–3.1207, law and motion).

Juvenile Court Administrative Order A-100-1-2021: Procedure for Disclosure of Evidence Audit Records (April 21, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-100-1-2021.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile court incorporates Administrative Order No. 20/24 and its stipulation on the disclosure of evidence audit records, Remedy printouts and reports into juvenile proceedings (criminal proceedings read as juvenile cases), subject to the confidentiality of juvenile information under the Welfare and Institutions Code; the order is a standing order for all juvenile proceedings.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order A-100-2-2013: Media and Public Access; Confidentiality; Photography/Audio/Video Recording (January 21, 2014), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-100-2-2013.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile court's order on admission to juvenile proceedings (Welfare and Institutions Code sections 346, 676 and 676.5; rule 5.530), media coverage (rule 1.150; Local Rules 180 and 906; only the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court may admit media or authorize coverage), the prohibition on publishing or disseminating information about juvenile proceedings (section 827(a)(4); Local Rule 903.3), and photography and recording; it supersedes the earlier juvenile orders on public and media access.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order A-300-1-2014: Delinquency Compliance Review and Wardship Status Review Hearings (November 18, 2014), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/notice_of_intent_to_issue_a-300-1-2014_dlcompliance_review.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

After a minor is declared a ward, non-appearance Compliance Review hearings (commitments to Juvenile Hall or conditional orders) or Wardship Status Review hearings (no such commitments) are set at the judicial officer's discretion, no later than two years after the wardship declaration or from the last hearing date, on Probation reports; a Recommendation to Terminate Wardship may be submitted earlier.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order A-400-1-2014: Criminal Identification and Information (CII) Report Font Size Reduction in SSA Court Reports (November 18, 2014), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/notice_of_intent_to_issue_a-400-1-2014_cci_font_size_reduction.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

For good cause, the Social Services Agency may reproduce CII criminal history information in its court reports in 8.5-point type rather than the 12-point minimum of rule 2.104, to shorten the reports.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 11/002: After-Hour and Holiday Emergency Medical Consent Requests, Probable Cause Declarations, and Dependency Warrants (November 22, 2011), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-11-002.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The procedure for emergency non-business-hour requests in juvenile court: medical consents (the supervising social worker contacts the judicial officer by telephone), probable cause declarations reviewed by the weekend and holiday duty judge, dependency warrants requested by County Counsel from the duty judicial officer, and delinquency search and arrest warrants issued by the court's duty magistrate.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 11/004: Petitions and Motions for Sealing Records (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 781) (October 18, 2011), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-11-004.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Requests to seal juvenile records under Welfare and Institutions Code section 781 and rule 5.830 go first to the Probation Department, which prepares the petition, investigates, files it, sets the hearing and gives notice, for a reasonable fee; clerks reject sealing requests not first submitted to Probation; hearings are set in the courtroom where the petitioner's cases were last assigned (before the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court when no wardship petition was filed), with provisions for requests made by counsel.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 12/002: Juvenile Drug Court — Order and Protocol re Communications with Judicial Officers (February 29, 2012), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-12-002.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Based on the ethics rules against ex parte communication, members of the Juvenile Drug Court team (attorneys, probation officers, therapists, mentors, volunteers) may not communicate orally, by email or in writing with a judicial officer about a substantive issue concerning a participant unless at least the district attorney and the minor's attorney are present or included; the order also addresses non-judicial and non-substantive communications.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 12/006-902: 730 Panel of Evaluators (March 23, 2012), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-12-006.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Evidence Code section 730 evaluations in juvenile court are ordered by a juvenile court judicial officer and conducted by members of the court's 730 panel: ex parte communications with evaluators are prohibited; an advisory committee assists the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court; removal of an evaluator on noticed motion; minimum standards for psychiatrists, psychologists and evaluators of minors in certain sex offense matters; appointment, reports, testimony and the process and fee schedule.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 12/008-905: Appointed Attorneys Representing Parties in Juvenile Court (March 23, 2012), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-12-008-905.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Minimum standards of competence for attorneys appearing in juvenile dependency proceedings: the general competency requirement; screening and certification of competency by the presiding judge of the juvenile court; minimum standards of education and training; standards of representation; procedures for reviewing and resolving complaints about appointed counsel; and procedures for informing the court of a dependent child's other interests.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 12/009: Protective Custody Warrant Submission Cut-Off and Request for Night Service (effective June 22, 2012), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-12-009.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

For Social Services Agency warrant applications (investigatory school interviews, protective custody and related warrants), the cut-off for same-day execution is 3:30 p.m.; protective custody warrants for immediate execution may be submitted later only as requests for night service, stated prominently on the first page and supported by a separately delineated statement of good cause.

Juvenile Court Administrative Order No. 19/01: Competency Protocol (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 709) (December 24, 2019), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/admin-order-19-01.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile court's revised Competency Protocol under Welfare and Institutions Code section 709 and rule 5.645, adopted by the order and binding on all parties, attorneys, agencies and organizations: informal resolution; the formal declaration of doubt and the substantial-evidence determination; evaluation of the youth by an appointed expert; the competency determination hearing; the course when competency or incompetency is determined; the attainment-of-competency hearing; jurisdiction; and confinement of the youth.

Juvenile Court Judge Assignments and Courtroom Schedule, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-courtroom-information, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Juvenile Court's judge assignments and courtroom schedule (Lamoreaux Justice Center): each department's judicial officer, assignment and schedule — the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in L21, the dependency and juvenile justice departments and the collaborative courts — with the court's public notices (dated January 26, 2022 through January 7, 2026); cases are assigned on a direct calendar system and proceedings are confidential and closed to the public, with few exceptions.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-1: Rescind Miscellaneous Orders (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-1.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Every Miscellaneous Juvenile Court Policy Order executed before May 20, 2026 is rescinded; notwithstanding Local Rule 900.1.3, this order does not expire absent further order.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-10: Medical/Nursing Assessments and Emergency Medical Services for Minors in Temporary Custody (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-10.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Orange County Health Care Agency is authorized to perform non-invasive, non-investigatory medical and nursing assessments of minors taken into temporary custody by the Social Services Agency or the Probation Department, to determine emergency medical needs including contagious diseases (a comprehensive health assessment, laboratory tests, prophylactic immunizations, mental health and dental assessments) and to provide emergency medical, mental health and dental treatment those assessments show to be necessary.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-2: Representation of the Orange County Social Services Agency in Juvenile Dependency Proceedings (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-2.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Under Welfare and Institutions Code section 318.5, the court requests County Counsel to appear and participate in dependency proceedings on behalf of the Social Services Agency, without compelling representation where County Counsel declares a conflict or cannot act; the order does not expire absent further order.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-22: Court-Appointed Counsel and SharePoint Access (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-22.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

For the Orange County Public Defender's Office, the Law Offices of Harold LaFlamme, Juvenile Defenders and the Law Office of Linh Redhead: to identify conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity, including before initial detention hearings, their attorneys may access the Social Services Agency reports on the juvenile division's SharePoint site; once appointed without a conflict, counsel may retrieve the case documents there; the reports are confidential (Welfare and Institutions Code section 827; Local Rule 903.1) and may not be disclosed, except the existence of a conflict, without further order.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-4: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-4.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The order governing the Orange County CASA program, superseding all prior CASA orders: CASA personnel and appointed advocates may inspect juvenile case files (section 827(a)(1)(Q)) with copies kept in the clerk's office; CASA family connections work for dependents in foster care; Probation must give CASA access to information on and visitation with youth for whom CASA is appointed; limits on disclosing a child's dependent, ward or foster care status; and notice to CASA.

Juvenile Court Miscellaneous Order M-2026-9: Release of Names and Locations of Minors to Public Defender Attorneys and Admittance to Juvenile Hall (May 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/m-2026-9.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

On request of an attorney of the Orange County Public Defender's Office, the Probation Department must release the names and locations of the minors specified, and Public Defender attorneys must be admitted to Juvenile Hall and the other Probation institutions to meet with and interview those minors in an unmonitored booth without further order; the order does not expire absent further order.

Juvenile Court Protocol for Appointment of Outside Counsel (approved August 12, 2011), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/executed-appointment-outside-counsel.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The assigned judicial officer may appoint outside counsel for a party in a juvenile dependency or delinquency matter on a Petition for Appointment of Outside Counsel, which must state the expertise required, the issue, the status of the outside proceeding and the petitioning counsel's due diligence toward informal resolution; the officer may grant the petition, request more information, set a hearing or deny it.

Juvenile Court Protocol re Dependency Mandatory Settlement Conferences (approved July 13, 2011), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/executed-dependency-mandatory-settlement-conf.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The juvenile court's dependency mandatory settlement conference practice (in the spirit of rule 5.518's informal resolution): definitions; the assigned judge may order a settlement conference with a completion date; selection of the settlement officer; who must attend and who may be ordered to attend; the Social Services Agency report; and setting and conducting the conference.

Juvenile Justice Remote Appearance Information (effective January 1, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/news-events/juvenile-court-covid-19-response at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/juvenilejusticeremoteappearanceinformation.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Juvenile justice hearings are set for in-person appearance, and parties discuss remote options with their attorneys (rule 3.672); the court does not broadcast juvenile proceedings; when a remote appearance is approved, the link comes by email; the applications used (Microsoft Teams when the party is not in custody, WebEx from the Orange County jail, Zoom in special circumstances); no recording; the court may end a remote appearance or require personal appearance.

Juvenile Traffic Remote Appearance Information (effective January 1, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/news-events/juvenile-court-covid-19-response at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/juveniletrafficremoteappearanceinformation.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Juvenile traffic and minor offense arraignments are set as remote hearings with the option to appear in person, and court trials are heard in person; remote hearing instructions come with the Notice to Appear; the Zoom meeting details; the person appearing must have a working device, may not record, must identify themselves and may wait in the eLobby; the court may end a remote appearance or require personal appearance.

Mandatory Electronic Filing in Civil Cases (Local Rule 352), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/efiling/efiling-civil, fetched 2026-09-29.

Mandatory electronic filing in civil cases under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 2.253, and Local Rule 352: documents filed by represented parties must be e-filed; originals that may not be e-filed (bench warrants, subpoenaed documents, Labor Commissioner cash or check deposits, bonds and undertakings); and the court-approved electronic filing service providers.

Mandatory Electronic Filing in Family Law (Local Rule 700.7; exceptions effective December 15, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/efiling/efiling-family, fetched 2026-09-29.

Mandatory electronic filing in family law under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), and Local Rule 700.7: attorneys must e-file every document not on the exceptions list; self-represented parties are exempt but encouraged to e-file; parties with fee waivers are exempt from e-filing fees; the originals that may not be e-filed as of December 15, 2025 (adoption memos to set, applications for publication or posting, bonds, judgments, out-of-state registrations, special immigrant juvenile findings with an FL-935 guardian ad litem application, subpoenaed documents, surrogacy filings, trial exhibits not ordered through the portal, writs and abstracts); eFile CA; and self-help Guide and File.

Mandatory Electronic Filing in Probate (Local Rule 601.01), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/efiling/efiling-probate-mental-health, fetched 2026-09-29.

Mandatory electronic filing in the Probate Division under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 2.253, and Local Rule 601.01: every document except the originals the court lists must be e-filed, originals by the close of business on a court day; self-represented parties are exempt but encouraged to e-file; e-filing in mental health cases is encouraged but not required; originals that may not be e-filed (affidavits re real property of small value, private professional conservators' financial documents, subpoenaed documents, undertakings, original wills and codicils); the pandemic-era allowance for electronic submission of signed bonds and letters; and the court-approved electronic filing service providers.

Notice of Availability of Official Court Reporting Services (California Rules of Court, rule 2.956(b); revised August 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/court-reporter-services at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/court-reporter-availability.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's notice under rule 2.956(b): a party with a fee waiver in an unlimited civil case may request an official reporter at least 10 calendar days before trial or an evidentiary hearing (form L-0790); and, justice center by justice center (Central, Central Jail, Civil Complex Center, Community Court, Costa Mesa, Harbor, Lamoreaux, North and West), each department's calendar assignment, hearing type and whether an official reporter is provided.

Notice Regarding Electronic Filing of Probate Proposed Orders After Hearing (effective January 1, 2018), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/news-events/archive-notices at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/2017-12-01_noticeprobateproposedordersafterhearing.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Effective January 1, 2018, probate proposed orders after hearing are submitted by e-filing after the ruling on a petition or motion (ex parte matters excepted), and originals on the court's e-filing exceptions list, such as bonds and letters, must follow to the Probate clerk's office.

Orange County Juvenile Court Protocol for Welfare and Institutions Code Section 241.1 Proceedings (executed August 2015), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/juvenile/juvenile-court-orders-and-protocols at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/revised_2411_protocol_probation_cfs.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The protocol of the Probation Department, the Social Services Agency and the court for children who appear to come within both dependency (section 300) and wardship (sections 601 and 602) jurisdiction, including dual status designation: referral, the joint assessment report and hearing, and disposition; the decision-making criteria; exchange of information; confidentiality; resolution of conflicts; modifications; tracking of dual status cases; and termination.

Policy: Availability and Unavailability of Official Court Reporters (revised September 4, 2018), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/court-reporter-services at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/09-04_availability_and_unavailability_of_official_court_reporters.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's policy on official court reporters: available in felony, juvenile and other proceedings where required by law; in unlimited civil cases on request by a party with a fee waiver (rule 2.956(b)(3)); in probate and mental health only for trials, evidentiary hearings and conservatorship and guardianship hearings; otherwise parties may privately retain a reporter from the court-approved list of official reporters pro tempore; reporters' notes are official records.

Policy: Privately-Retained Court Reporter (Civil Court Reporter Pooling; effective October 9, 2018), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/court-reporter-services at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/privately_retained_court_reporter_policy.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

For all unlimited civil courtrooms, including complex: when no official reporter is available a party may arrange a reporter at its own expense; the reporter must be appointed official reporter pro tempore before the hearing (form L-0860, stipulation required if not on the court-approved list); the reporter's undertakings (licensing, fees, rules, impartiality, archiving notes, read-back, realtime services); fees lodged before the policy took effect.

Policy: Temporary Judges and Settlement Officers (revised June 4, 2019), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/temporary-judge-program at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/temporaryjudgespolicy.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's uniform requirements for temporary judges and settlement officers: eligibility under rules 2.812–2.815; ethical requirements (canon 6(D)); disqualification, with the family law and unlawful detainer exemptions from rule 2.818(b)(3) under Administrative Orders 16/06 and 19/05; use of the title; administrative matters; post-hearing availability; notice to the court of criminal charges or discipline; and scope.

Probate Available Trials (PAT) (April 1, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/probate-available-trials-pat.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Starting April 1, 2025 the Probate Division sets trials through a master calendar: the Master Calendar Trial Statement (Probate) form L-3041 is required; existing trial dates are honored, or may move to the master calendar by agreement; a trial at issue is placed on the Probate Master Calendar for the next available opening.

Probate Courtroom Schedule & Requirements, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Probate and Mental Health courtroom schedule (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): each department's judicial officer and weekly calendar (CM01, CM03, CM04, CM05, CM06, CM07, CM08), links to the standing orders of Departments CM03, CM05, CM06 and CM08, the Statement on Continuances and the Trial/Hearing Guidelines, law and motion reservations, and the setting of mandatory settlement conferences and trials by the court.

Probate Department Hearing and Trial Guidelines (revised February 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/hearing_trial_guidelines_for_probate_dec2021.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Probate Department's hearing and trial guidelines: contested matters proceed through a trial setting conference, a mandatory settlement conference and trial; communication among counsel, cooperative discovery, written notice of hearings, liberal amendment of pleadings, no stipulated continuances without court approval, tentative rulings and settlements; the trial setting conference; the mandatory settlement conference (mediation, statements five court days before); the issue conference; the pretrial statement; and trial procedures and instructions (among them court reporter fees paid in advance and the probate courtroom email).

Probate Ex Parte General Procedures (revised February 20, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-ex-parte-procedures, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Probate Division's ex parte procedures (revised February 20, 2026): every ex parte application is a non-appearance matter decided on the papers, and the outcome is sent to the parties; the applicant must make an affirmative factual showing of irreparable harm under California Rules of Court, rules 3.1200 et seq., 7.55 and 7.454; filing, notice and service requirements (pleading paper, the “Probate – XP” department, the Declaration Re Ex Parte Application form L-3033 under Local Rule 601.13, e-filing and service by 10:00 a.m., consent before notice by email alone); and the applications that may be brought ex parte.

Probate Mediation Program Guidelines (October 2018), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-adr at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/probate_mediation_program_guidelines.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The guidelines of the court's voluntary Probate Mediation Program: description; eligible cases (decedents' estates, trusts and other probate matters); initiating the mediation; the mediator's authority; timelines, extensions and notice of mediation; ethics and standards of practice; conducting the session; the information mediators provide the court; maintaining panel status; compensation; case limits; panel lists; facilities; and resignation and removal of mediators.

Probate Notes: Text Message Program, Questions and Email Continuances, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-notes, fetched 2026-09-29.

Probate examiner notes: the text-message and email notice program for new notes, the remote Clear Your Notes workshop, the probate notes search, the matter types for which notes are prepared, how to ask questions about notes, and requests for continuances by email to ContinueProbate@occourts.org (the required subject line — hearing date, time, department, case number and caption — and message content; no attachments).

Probate: Reserve a Motion Date, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/online-services/probate-reserve-motion-date, fetched 2026-09-29.

The probate motion-date reservation rules: use of the motion reservation process is mandatory; only available dates are shown; moving papers must be submitted within 24 hours or the reservation is cancelled automatically; pleadings must be timely served and filed.

Probate's Statement on Continuances (February 2021), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/probate/probate-courtroom-schedule-requirements at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/statement_on_continuances.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The Probate bench's statement that repeated continuances to clear probate notes are interfering with the court's calendars: if notes are not cleared by the third continuance, depending on the matter, the petition may be dismissed without prejudice and the petitioner required to pay the filing fee to re-file, or an appointed personal representative, conservator or guardian may be suspended and an order to show cause re removal set; delays caused by the court's own backlog in approving orders and letters will be accommodated.

Procedural Guidelines for Mental Health Diversion (Penal Code Section 1001.36) (revised May 19, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/collaborative-courts at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/procedural_guidelines_mental_health_diversion_program.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's procedural guidelines for mental health diversion: the statutory criteria of Penal Code section 1001.36; motions with a proposed treatment plan, filed electronically by email to MentalHealthDiversion@occourts.org; eligibility hearings; companion cases; placement in treatment and monitoring, with progress review hearings Thursdays 8:30 a.m. in Department CCB1 and progress reports filed by the Monday before; unsatisfactory performance; and dismissal on satisfactory completion.

Procedural Guidelines: Military Diversion Program (Penal Code Section 1001.80) (revised May 19, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/collaborative-courts at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/criminal/guidelinesmilitarydiversion.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's procedural guidelines for military diversion under Penal Code section 1001.80 (felonies eligible since January 1, 2025, with the listed exclusions): motions filed by email to mdmotions@occourts.org; hearings on the second through fifth Tuesdays, presumed non-evidentiary; oppositions five and replies two court days before the hearing; companion cases; placement in the program and monitoring of performance; and, on successful completion, dismissal of the charges with the arrest deemed never to have occurred (subject to the peace-officer application exception), with local program contacts.

Public Notice: Electronic Service in Family Law Matters (effective July 1, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/news/electronic-service-family-law-matters-effective-july-1-2025 at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/public_notice_of_eservice_for_family_law_attorneys_final.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Effective July 1, 2025, the court electronically serves counsel for all represented parties in family law cases (Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6; California Rules of Court, rule 2.251; Local Rule 700.7): attorneys must accept electronic service and provide an email address (form MC-040); self-represented litigants may opt in (EFS-005-CV); the court's eService list, updating addresses, when service is complete, and secure notices from no-reply@occourts.org.

Remote Appearance Information by Case Type, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/general-information/remote-appearance-information, fetched 2026-09-29.

The court's remote appearance index: remote appearance is offered in various case types, and for each (the Appellate Division, civil administrative appeals, evictions and unlawful detainers, limited civil, name changes, and the other listed case types through probate and mental health and traffic) the page links the appearance procedure and remote hearing instructions; members of the public should also check the local rules and any department rules.

Remote Hearing Instructions: Name Change (updated September 4, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/civil-video-appearances at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civil/name_change_remote_instructions.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

All name change matters are set for remote hearing (parties who prefer may appear in person at window 20 in the Civil Department at the Central Justice Center); remote appearance by Zoom through the links on the court's Civil Appearance Procedure and Information page; interpreter requests on form INT-300; Local Rule 375.

Rescindment of Administrative Order No. 22/03: Mandatory Child Custody Modification Forms (October 2, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/news/rescindment-administrative-order-no-22_03 at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/rescindmentofadministrativeorder22_03.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Effective October 2, 2023, the court rescinds Administrative Order No. 22/03 (October 11, 2022): requests for custody orders may be made on a Request for Order (FL-300) in an existing child support/DCSS case, and requests to modify custody orders on an FL-300 in an open family law domestic violence case.

Rules for Court Child Support Unit / DCSS Remote Hearings in Departments L51 and L54, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; linked from the court's page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law/remote-hearing-rules at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/general/l51l54remotehearingrules.pdf, fetched 2026-09-29.

Commissioners Laurie Burns (L51) and Jessica Paulson-Duffy (L54): Income and Expense Declarations with attachments submitted to DCSS within 90 days and exchanged 72 hours before the hearing; hearings by Zoom beginning 8:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; who is admitted; participants on camera; no recording; timeliness and attire; conduct at the hearing; interpreters and ADA accommodations; and preparing, marking and maintaining electronic evidence and exhibits.

Scheduling an Ex Parte Hearing With the Filing of a Complaint, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/civil/scheduling-ex-parte-hearing-filing-complaint, fetched 2026-09-29.

How to schedule an ex parte hearing when filing a complaint: in unlimited civil, give notice to appear at the Central Justice Center at 1:30 p.m. and check the lobby monitors for the department, and e-file the complaint and application with fees paid by 1:15 p.m. the same day; in limited civil, give notice under the Limited Civil Calendar Schedule & Requirements and e-file the complaint and application with fees paid before the hearing.

Small Claims Calendar Schedule & Information, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web page https://www.occourts.org/divisions/small-claims/small-claims-calendar-schedule, fetched 2026-09-29.

The small claims hearing schedule: small claims matters are heard at the Central Justice Center only; trials 20 to 70 days from the clerk's order; SC-100 claims Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and SC-500 claims Friday 8:00 a.m., by Zoom in Department C16; judgment debtor examinations Friday 9:00 a.m. in Department C64; appeal hearings by random assignment; bench warrant appearances at the civil clerk's office; motions Monday and Wednesday 2:30 p.m. by Zoom in Department C16.

Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; the court's web application at https://voypubapps.occourts.org/civil-calendar, captured 2026-09-29.

The Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements (the court's Civil Calendar web application, actions over $35,000): helpful resources and the remote appearance authorities (Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75, California Rules of Court, rule 3.672, Local Rule 375); rescheduling hearings; judgment debtor examinations; and for each unlimited civil department at the Central, North and West Justice Centers its judge and telephone, the days and times it hears noticed motions and ex parte applications, and its deadlines for telephonic notice and for ex parte papers, with links to the department's procedures.

Division 1: Court Organization and Governance, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local_rule_180_d1d.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 1 of the court's local rules (Court Organization and Governance; issued 01/01/21; rules 100–190): citation and effect of the rules and the adoption of rules, policies, procedures and forms; the Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge (nomination and election, candidacy, the acting presiding judge, special elections) and temporary judges; the Executive Committee (term, composition, elections, meetings, approval by a majority of judges); media and public photographing, recording and broadcasting in court (Rule 180); and the availability of court reporter services (Rule 190).

Division 2: Superior Court Personnel, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/19div2.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 2 (Superior Court Personnel; issued 07/01/19; rules 200–256): the Executive Officer/Clerk of the Court, professional dues, and complaints and procedures concerning superior court commissioners, referees and temporary judges (Rule 244); the division's other rules are vacated or repealed, as the division records.

Division 3: Civil Rules, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/12div3.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 3 (Civil Rules; issued 7/1/25; rules 300–393 and Appendix A): civil cases over $35,000 (classification, all-purpose assignment, improper re-filing, special masters, collection cases, the Rule 315 meet and confer statement, mandatory settlement conferences, the Rule 317 pre-trial requirements, uninsured motorist, construction defect and toxic pollution cases, installment judgments); civil cases of $35,000 and under; small claims; and rules for all civil cases, among them electronic filing (Rule 352), delay reduction, alternative dispute resolution (Rule 360), filing locations, case management, compromise of claims, telephonic appearances, remote and in-person proceedings (Rule 375), sanctions, tentative rulings (Rule 382), default judgments, judgment debtor examinations and Labor Commissioner appeals. Appendix A lists the documents Rules 315–317 require.

Division 5: Appellate Rules, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/20div5.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 5 (Appellate Rules; issued 05/06/20; rules 500–510): briefs filed in the Appellate Division, the number of copies and electronic recording; and the Clerk's consent to electronic service of civil appellate briefs filed in the Court of Appeal, at EServiceDCAbriefs@occourts.org (Rule 510).

Division 6: Probate, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/div6.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 6 (Probate; issued 07/01/25 and 07/01/24; rules 600–613.09): general information (filing procedures, remote and in-person proceedings, lodging voluminous materials, approved matters and probate notes, continuances, consolidation, ex parte matters involving elder or dependent adult abuse, petitions for ex parte orders, probate and nunc pro tunc orders, bonds, letters, motions to be relieved as counsel, law and motion, guardians ad litem, master calendar trial dates); notice requirements; appointment of personal representatives; probate referees, inventories and appraisals; creditor's claims; sales; miscellaneous petitions; accounts, compensation and distributions; joint tenancies and life estates; guardianships; conservatorships; and blocked accounts.

Division 7: Family Law, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/local-rules/div7.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 7 (Family Law; issued 01/01/25 and 7/1/25; rules 700–721): the family law court's subject matter, attorneys and self-represented parties, electronic filing (Rule 700.7), assignment of cases and the family centered case resolution process, related cases, privately compensated temporary judges, financial issues, child custody mediation, investigations and evaluations, supervised visitation providers, ex parte matters, requests for order, mandatory and voluntary settlement conferences, uncontested trials and default prove-ups, contested trials, hearings and judgment procedures, summary dissolution, minor's counsel, qualified domestic relations orders, electronic evidence for trials and specially set hearings (Rule 714), petitions for freedom from parental custody and control, remote and in-person proceedings (Rule 719), parentage filings under a gestational surrogacy agreement, and the appointment of an elisor.

Division 8: Criminal, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/div8.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 8 (Criminal; issued 01/01/20; rules 800–866): felony cases (pretrial motions, motions in capital cases, subpoenas duces tecum) and misdemeanor cases (law and motion, acceptance of pleas, pretrial conferences, informal arraignments (Rule 856), traffic trials by declaration, transfers under Code of Civil Procedure section 170, motions to suppress evidence, and requests for returned documents by mail).

Division 9: Juvenile Court, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/forms-and-filings/division9.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

Division 9 (Juvenile Court; issued 06/09/23; rules 900–908): jurisdiction, assignment and distribution of cases, including the juvenile court's rules of practice and its adoption of administrative and miscellaneous orders (Rules 900.1–900.1.3); specialty collaborative courts; Evidence Code section 730 evaluations; confidential information; Court Appointed Special Advocates; attorneys representing parties in juvenile court; media and photographing, recording and broadcasting in court; mandatory settlement conferences in dependency proceedings; and electronic filing in juvenile cases.

Preface: Civility Guidelines, Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (current edition, effective July 1, 2025); posted on the court's Local Rules page (https://www.occourts.org/forms-filing/rules-court) at https://www.occourts.org/system/files/civility_guidelines_-_preface_to_local_rules.pdf, fetched 2026-09-28.

The preface to the local rules: the Orange County Bar Association adopted Civility Guidelines in 2016, and the court expects all attorneys who appear before it to abide by them. The guidelines the preface links follow (approved December 21, 2016): a preamble and three guidelines — civility to other counsel and self-represented litigants, civility during discovery, and civility to the courts.