John C. LaChance

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil/adr, fetched 2026-10-12.

All parties to the dispute voluntarily agreeing to take the matter to a mediator on a stipulation form (the forms section, under ADR), the parties choosing, contacting and hiring their own mediator; an initial Case Management Conference scheduled within 120 days of filing the Complaint, an original Case Management Conference Statement filed with the clerk no later than 15 days before it; if all parties check the "mediation" or "arbitration" box on the Case Management Statement at paragraph 10c, an order for ADR and a review date set for receipt of a signed ADR stipulation - the review date automatically vacated if the signed stipulation is received on or before it, otherwise appearance of all counsel and unrepresented parties mandatory at the review hearing; ADR services paid for by the parties pursuant to a separate ADR fee agreement.

At-Issue Memorandum and Certification (local form SIE-0001), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/documents/Sierra/AtIssueMemorandumandCertification.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's local form SIE-0001 (Rev. 7/2017), At-Issue Memorandum and Certification: the nature of the case (personal injury, property damage or wrongful death involving a motor vehicle, all other personal injury, family law, eminent domain or other civil), the pretrial conference, jury trial and reporter requested, the time estimated for trial and the case's preference, the attorneys and parties appearing in person, the discovery commenced, completed and remaining, and a certificate that all essential parties have been served or have appeared and the case is at issue as to all such parties, or an assertion that the case is not at issue with an explanation; any party not in agreement with the memorandum to serve and file its own at-issue memorandum within 10 days after its service; upon the filing of an at-issue memorandum the clerk to place the matter for trial readiness conference on the next law and motion calendar which is more than 20 days after receipt of the memo, counsel able to arrange acceptable trial dates through the court clerk before the conference, the pretrial, settlement conference and trial dates set at the trial readiness conference, a mandatory settlement conference set in every case, and the clerk to mail notice of trial pursuant to Rule 221, California Rules of Court, unless such notice has been waived; and a proof of service by mail.

CARE Court, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/self-help/care-court, fetched 2026-10-12.

CARE Court petitions accepted from December 1st, 2024, filed at the Downieville Courthouse, through mail or through eFiling, with no filing fee; CARE Act petitions, reports and proceedings confidential and not open to the public; each petition packet with Form CARE-100 and Form CARE-101 - or evidence that the respondent was detained for a minimum of two intensive treatments, the most recent one within the previous 60 days (WIC 5975(d)(2)) - and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for mailing out the determination; the CARE Court calendar heard at the Downieville Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square; questions to the Court Clerk at 530-289-3698 for an appointment with the Court's Self-Help Attorney / Family Law Facilitator; the eligibility criteria, the petitioners and the process under the CARE Act.

CCRC Orientation, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/online-services/ccrc-orientation, fetched 2026-10-12.

The Orientation program completed prior to attending Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) - 45 minutes, the video "Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommended Counseling" - and the Child Custody Recommending Counseling Questionnaire completed and returned to the clerk's office for processing prior to the CCRC session, by email to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org, by mail to PO Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936 or in person at 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936 (counter hours 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

Child Custody and Visitation, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law/child-custody-and-visitation, fetched 2026-10-12.

Parents who cannot reach an agreement first meeting with a Child Custody Recommending Counselor (CCRC); the online CCRC orientation required; the date and time for child custody recommending counseling set by the court, a questionnaire filled out and turned in prior to the CCRC appointment; a separate meeting requested at the Clerk's Office or from the Recommending Counselor; an agreement written up by the Recommending Counselor and signed by the judge at the court date, a report with recommendations if the parents do not agree; complaints under California Rules of Court 5.210 on the complaint form, a Meet and Confer Session on request; CCRC files kept for two years from the last CCRC session; separate sessions and a support person in cases involving domestic violence (Family Code Section 3181); children brought only by Court Order or at the counselor's request, the courthouse providing no childcare; attorneys in the session if both parents agree, an "Attorney Conference" at the request of counsel; telephonic counseling in some Court-ordered cases where geographical distance makes a party's appearance a hardship; a copy of the mediated agreement/court order given after the hearing to a party who waits in the hallway; no letters or phone calls to the counselor, questions answered with self-addressed stamped envelopes for both parents.

Criminal, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal, fetched 2026-10-12.

As of July 1, 2022, all misdemeanor and felony appearances accomplished in person, designated hearing appearances possibly permitted via Zoom - defendants, attorneys and/or witnesses intending to appear via Zoom requested to file Request for Remote Appearance: Criminal at least 10 days prior to the court date; payment by check or money order (do not send cash) with the case number, checks payable to 'Sierra Superior Court', mailed to P.O. Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936 or hand delivered to 100 Courthouse Square, or by credit card online; the court date on the citation, notice of hearing, signed promise to appear or notice to appear, questions to the Criminal Division at (530) 289-3698 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; public defender, drug court and probation fees collected by the Sierra County Treasurer / Tax Collector, P.O. Box 376, (530) 289-3286.

Excuse & Deferral, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/excuse-deferral, fetched 2026-10-12.

The Jury Questionnaire completed online or sent by mail to the Jury Commissioner's Office, P.O. Box 476, by hand delivery to 100 Courthouse Square or by fax to (530) 289-0205; the excuses, deferrals and accommodations the Jury Commissioner has authority to grant - a peace officer with statewide authority, service on a grand or trial jury within the preceding 12 months, a serious physical or mental condition (a physician's statement under 70 years of age; persons over 70 years of age may self-certify), a nursing mother's postponement for up to one year, a prepaid vacation with verification of dates of travel, a student's one-time postponement to the next school break by phone at (530) 289-2930, and a one-time request for deferral of service (CRC 2.1004(a)); any other hardship requested of the judge at trial with facts and documentation (Rule 2.1008(b)(4)); a doctor's note stating the permanent nature of the disability or the specific time period, delivered by mail, fax or hand delivery as soon as possible.

Executive Order No. 2022-01: Local Rules for Remote Appearances in Civil Proceedings (March 2, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Civil page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules-remote-appearance_civil.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

An executive order signed by Hon. Charles H. Ervin, Presiding Judge, dated March 2, 2022, In re: Local Rules for Remote Appearances in Civil Proceedings - the court's rules under California Rules of Court, rule 3.672, for proceedings in civil cases (any case defined in rule 1.6(3), all cases except criminal cases and petitions for habeas corpus): a party who intends to appear remotely, other than on an ex parte application, giving notice to the court and all parties or persons entitled to notice at least two (2) court days prior to the hearing - to the court by filing Judicial Council form RA-010, stating whether throughout the case or for a specific hearing and whether by videoconference or audio only, to the others in writing, electronically, or orally; no calls to the courtroom clerk or the business office to provide notice; a notice on form RA-010 for the duration of a case, served on any party who later appears; a stipulation of all parties to waive notice, orally or on form RA-010; leave to appear remotely without notice upon a finding of good cause, unforeseen circumstances, or that the remote appearance would promote access to justice; any party or witness free to appear in person without advance notice; for remote evidentiary hearings (and long-cause hearings) and trials, form RA-010 describing what aspects of the proceeding are to be conducted remotely and why, notice at least ten (10) court days prior to the hearing or trial and when possible before any trial setting or trial readiness conference, a witness's notice in writing at least ten (10) court days prior, the issue resolved at a Trial Setting Conference or other case management hearing, and a modification of orders already issued sought ex parte on form RA-010 with notice received twenty-four (24) hours prior; an opposition on Judicial Council form RA-015 filed and served no later than five (5) court days before the hearing, the matter possibly continued if the court sustains the objection, and a failure to oppose before the proceeding commences an agreement to proceed remotely; for ex parte hearings, the moving party's form RA-010 filed no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the court day before the hearing with the ex parte pleadings, notice to the other parties by 2:00 p.m. by personal service, facsimile or email of the moving ex parte pleadings, a non-moving party's form RA-010 filed and the moving party notified by 4:00 p.m. the day prior, and a party appearing remotely before a ruling at the risk of the hearing being trailed or continued; confidentiality requirements applying equally to remote proceedings; no party or witness required to appear remotely, a party who appears remotely without objection deemed to have agreed to do so; the court's website for further information and directions on technology or audibility issues; the order enforceable under Code of Civil Procedure sections 1209 (a)(5) and 177.5 (money sanctions not to exceed $1,500); any conflicting portion of a Sierra Superior Court Local Rule rescinded; and the order in effect immediately until ordered otherwise by the court, no litigant's substantive rights prejudiced until 20 days after it is posted on the court's website and distributed.

If you can't afford to pay, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/if-you-cant-afford-pay, fetched 2026-10-12.

A fine reduction requested with proof of not having the financial means to pay, at any point in the process, the court answering only after a plea of guilty or no contest; the court's MyCitations online request tool (recommended) to enter a plea and make an ability to pay request on eligible infractions without going to court - a reduction, a payment plan, more time to pay or community service in lieu of paying fines and fees, also for a case currently in collections; payment plans approved for no more than $25 per month on an approved ability to pay request.

Information Sheet on Personalized List of Rights (local form SIE-0038-INFO), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/sie-0038-info-information-sheet-personalized-list-rights.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's local form SIE-0038-INFO (Rev. 2/14/2024), Information Sheet on Personalized List of Rights, for Sierra County Local Form SIE-0038, Personalized List of Rights: Probate Code §1835.5 requiring conservatees to be provided with a list of their rights, and any rights that were withheld by the court; the form completed by the conservator and filed when a petition is filed that requests an order that will change the rights of the proposed conservatee or conservatee, within 30 days after an order is made that changes those rights (if a correct form was not already filed) and within 30 days after the court enters an Order Appointing Court Investigator (if correct form was not already filed); the orders that change those rights - an Order Appointing Probate Conservator (form GC-340), an Order Authorizing Conservator to Give Medical Consent for Medical Treatment (form GC-385), and orders under Elections Code 2208 and Probate Code 1873, 1901, 2350, 2450, 2351(a), 2357 and 2601; and separate instructions for a conservatorship and a limited conservatorship on completing the form's Personal Rights, Estate Rights, and Other Rights from the boxes checked on form GC-340 and on Attachments 31, 32, and 33 (form SIE-0038), with tables of the boxes to check.

Interpreters & Language Services, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/general-information/interpreters-language-services, fetched 2026-10-12.

An interpreter asked of the clerk at the counter or the clerk in the courtroom in a Criminal, Traffic, Juvenile, or Family Court hearing - the case possibly continued until an interpreter can be assigned; in a civil or small claims hearing an interpreter provided if one is available; parties and counsel required to give the Court notice of any need for interpreting - the Request for Court Interpreter Form returned in person at 100 Courthouse Square, by mail to P.O. Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936 or by e-mail to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org, or a clerk at the counter or a courtroom clerk informed; a noncertified or nonregistered interpreter, such as a friend or relative, reading the information sheet INT-200; a sign language interpreter for any court hearing, including small claims hearings and jury duty; language access complaints on the fillable form, reviewed by the Language Access Representative; counter and phone hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., (530) 289-3698.

Jury Duty - An Honored Service, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service, fetched 2026-10-12.

A summoned juror updating the jury questionnaire online with the juror badge and group number shown on the summons; the upcoming jury trials the page lists (September 28-29, 2026 and March 15-19, 2027); the Deputy Jury Commissioner at 100 Courthouse Square, (530) 289-2902, jury@sierracourt.org, and the recorded jury status message at (530) 289-2931; a juror who is sick calling the Jury Commissioner's Office and not reporting for jury service; jury service conducted live, not by remote appearance such as Zoom; face coverings optional; jury deliberations in the courtroom; no dining hall at the courthouse.

Public Records, Media, and Research Requests, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/general-information/public-records-media-and-research-requests, fetched 2026-10-12.

Requests for judicial administrative records under rule 10.500 made in writing to the Court Executive Officer, 100 Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor, Post Office Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936 (fax (530) 289-0205); media coverage permitted only on written order of the Judicial Officer, forms MC-500 and MC-510 emailed to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org 5 court days prior to the hearing unless the Judicial Officer finds good cause to shorten the deadline; name searches and records requests performed by court staff (no online search engine), mailed to PO Box 476 - the full legal name and aliases, date of birth and case number (or the years to search), a search back 10 years for Criminal and/or Civil records, a $15.00 Search Fee per Name/Alias without a case or docket number and a $0.50 per page Copy Fee, the search paid before it is conducted, a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the results; no records requests or results by email, phone answers only with a known case number; results for known misdemeanor or felony cases (infractions excluded unless requested), the search completed within 10 days from receipt; no civil fees for government agencies under Government Code §70633(c), identity verified on the agency's letterhead.

Remote Zoom Hearings, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/general-information/court-calendars-schedule/remote-zoom-hearings, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's recurring Zoom invitation (the page posts its meeting ID, password and call-in numbers), joined at the time the specific court case is set to begin, by computer (the preferred method) or by phone, with the full first and last name; the Zoom waiting room until the Judge calls the case, the microphone muted until the court unmutes it; courtroom etiquette, appropriate dress, a quiet, private area, no children unless ordered by the Judge for the hearing; no recording in any manner (audio or visual) without a written court order, criminal penalties possible; a disconnected participant reconnecting through Zoom, then contacting the Court clerk at (530) 289-2926; exhibits filed with the Court no less than 3 days before the hearing by email to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org, each exhibit attached as an individual document, copies served on all parties no less than 3 days before the hearing with a proof of service submitted - exhibits filed later, or not provided to the opposing party, not accepted.

Request for Postponement of Traffic Court Trial (local form SIE-0033), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/sie-0033-request-postponement-traffic-court-trial.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's local form SIE-0033 (New 04/17/2020), Request for Postponement of Traffic Court Trial - its instructions: the request filed in the appropriate branch of the Superior Court at least 15 DAYS prior to the court trial hearing date, or it may be denied; a copy served on the Opposing Party, the Declaration of Service on the reverse of the form completed, or the request will be denied; the reason the requester is unable to appear at the scheduled Traffic Court Trial, with copies of supporting documents (plane ticket, doctor's note, etc.), no continuance granted without a showing of good cause; the dates unavailable and a waiver of time for trial; the Court to consider the ex-parte application at the expiration of seven days following service by mail, as unopposed in the absence of opposition; an objection to the postponement filed with the Court within 7 DAYS from the date of service, the Court otherwise deciding without the objecting party's input and notifying the parties of the new court date if a continuance is granted, and dates unavailable for trial in the next two months given to the Court by phone or in writing; the declaration of service by mail; and the Court's order granting the request - finding Good Cause to re-set the trial more than 45 days beyond the arraignment date - or denying it.

Request for Remote Appearance (Criminal), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) and the court's Criminal page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/request_remoteappearance_che_version3_0918223.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's request for remote appearance in a criminal case (the form the Forms & Filing list numbers SIE-0035, dated 9/18/2023, and the Criminal page links as “Request for Remote Appearance: Criminal”): the hearing set, the requester (the attorney or co-counsel for the defendant, the defendant or another), the hearing type - certain hearing types requiring judicial authorization and notice to the other side - with the reasons, or a pre-authorization by a judicial officer granted on the record, and the name, role, email address and phone number of each person requesting to appear by video; counsel's representation of the client's consent and authorization or the defendant's waiver of a personal appearance, and counsel's own means to communicate privately and confidentially with the client, the court providing none; and the terms and conditions accepted by signing - no assistance from anyone other than counsel of record, a court certified interpreter or an individual appointed and/or approved by the Court; courtroom civility and decorum, a remote appearance the equivalent of an in-person appearance; readiness at the calendar time and no other activity during the hearing; a failure of connection or a dropped call that the Court may consider a failure to appear, the court able to drop the hearing from the calendar, proceed, make rulings in the absence of an appearance or issue a bench warrant, with bail up to and including a no bail warrant; the remote appearance terminable for any disruption, noise, misconduct, communication or technical problem; the Court's discretion to require a personal appearance or continue the hearing, time for trial waived if the hearing is continued (misdemeanor 30 days in custody; 45 days out of custody; the 10-court day and 60-calendar day rules for a preliminary hearing; 60 days for felony trial), and fees and/or costs of a continuance; and no photographing, recording, or broadcasting except as provided in California Rules of Court, rule 1.150; the request pre-authorized by the clerk or granted or denied by a judicial officer.

Status and Case Resolution Conference Questionnaire (local form SIE-0025), Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; posted on the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/documents/Sierra/Status-and-Case-Resolution-Conference-Questionnaire.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

The court's local form SIE-0025 (Rev. 05/16/2018), Status and Case Resolution Conference Questionnaire, for Dissolution, Nullity, Parentage, Legal Separation and other family law cases: the issues on which the parties disagree or need orders, the discovery still to be done, the Declarations of Disclosure served (Dissolution, Legal Separation and Nullity cases only), settlement, agreements and a Mandatory Settlement Conference, a Case Resolution Conference requested for a complex matter, trial setting and the trial's estimate, and the Department of Child Support Services' involvement; and its instructions - the questionnaire completed by the party or the attorney, help for a self-represented party at the Family Law Facilitator's Office in the Sierra County Courthouse, the Clerk's office unable to provide legal advice; a copy served by mail and the original filed with the Court no later than 10 calendar days before the Status or Case Resolution Conference, the service by mail made by someone over the age of 18 who is not a party, who completes the Proof of Service by Mail (the party cannot serve the form); a self-represented party to appear in person or by CourtCall at the conference, with information from the Self-Help Center on the day of the conference; and a represented party's attorney able to appear in person or by CourtCall.

Traffic, Superior Court of California, County of Sierra; the court's web page https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic, fetched 2026-10-12.

A courtesy notice mailed to the address listed on the citation approximately 5-6 weeks from the date the citation was received - pay or appear on the court date shown on the courtesy notice, or contact the Traffic Division for a court appointment before the court date on the citation, a response required whether or not a courtesy notice arrives; payment online with the case number and amount due (the contest option selected when contesting; otherwise accepted as a bail forfeiture and reported to DMV) or by personal check or money order by mail (do not send cash); traffic school elected and Traffic School Bail posted on or before the appearance date or extended due date - by mail, in person, online or by phone, but only by mail or in person with the proof of correction when the citation has a correctable violation - and a DMV-approved traffic school completed within 90 days; proof of correction submitted by mail, by email at superiorcourt@sierracourt.org or in person with a $25.00 transaction fee per correction before the court date, proof of insurance valid when the citation was issued provided directly to the court; a failure to appear or pay possibly referred for collection, with a warrant; parking citations to the Treasure / Tax Collector at (530) 289-3286; fine reductions for ability to pay through MyCitations.

Appendix A: Appellate Division Local Rules, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Appendix A (sections A to L): the Appellate Division to convene at times and places designated by the Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division (A); the Presiding Judge of each participating court or their designee to act as the Appellate Division Presiding Judge, rotating every two years, commencing January 1, 2020, in the order Modoc, Sierra, Lassen, and Plumas, to oversee the processing of appeals, appoint the panel judge(s), designate the presiding judge of each panel and act upon routine matters (B); briefs bound on the top with covers in the colors of California Rules of Court, rule 8.40(a), no copies required because briefs are submitted to the appellate panel judges electronically, and briefs filed by fax filing or electronically filed not required to be bound or to have covers (C); all motions presented to the presiding judge of the Appellate Division, or to the presiding judge of the panel where a panel designation has been made (D); motions for augmentation and correction of the record, and for the addition of omitted portions, under rule 8.841, to set forth good cause and any previous motions, and to identify each paper, record, or exhibit requested (E); the sessions not reported by a court reporter unless a party so requests at least one week prior to the date set for the hearing (F); applications for a waiver of fees and costs made pursuant to rule 8.818 (G); appointed counsel for a Defendant appealing a misdemeanor conviction who was represented by appointed counsel at trial or otherwise met the criteria, applications under rule 8.851 decided by the presiding judge without a hearing, and appointments made from the list of attorneys maintained by the Appellate Division (H); electronic filings accepted during normal business hours, each document to contain the phrase “Electronically Submitted” immediately below its title, the original signed document in the filer's possession or control, its examination on a demand for production, a signature produced by electronic transmission an original, filings sent to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org with a cover sheet, and an order deeming documents received nunc pro tunc when a technical problem precludes filing (I); the presiding judge of the panel may permit appearances at oral argument by videoconference provided all the following conditions are met (J); an official electronic recording transmitted to the Appellate Division as the record of oral proceedings in a limited civil, misdemeanor or infraction case when the appellant elects a statement on appeal (K); and, except as modified, the California Rules of Court (commencing with rule 8.800 et seq.) to apply, applications presented to the designated presiding judge of the assigned panel or to the Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division (L).

Rule 1: General Rules, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 1 (Rules 1.1 to 1.5): the rules known as the Sierra County Superior Court Rules, cited as SCR, effective on January 1, 2009, except for those rules stated to have another effective or amended date (1.1(a)); the rules construed and applied so as not to conflict with the California Rules of Court, the Court may sua sponte or on motion change, dispense with, or waive any of these rules in the interest of justice (1.1(b)); the rules deemed to conform to any statute, rule or decision, the remaining rules in force and effect (1.1(c)); all counsel, litigants and witnesses required to be present in court at any evidentiary hearing, telephonic or remote video appearances at selected non-evidentiary hearings such as Case Management Conferences, permission for an evidentiary hearing or a selected non-evidentiary hearing first granted by the Court upon a finding of good cause on an ex parte application, the Request for Remote Appearance form on the Court's website, and the Zoom application to conduct remote proceedings (1.1(d)); any and all sanctions authorized by law, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, when a party or an attorney fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with these rules (1.2); rules of Courtroom Decorum in all Superior Court proceedings unless a judicial officer orders otherwise, each attorney to maintain the respect due to the courts under Business and Professions Code §6068(b), to be polite and considerate, familiar with the rules, and to advise clients and witnesses of them (1.3); dress consistent with the traditional dignity of the Superior Court - no persons in court without a shirt, barefoot or with a bare midriff, no shorts, tank tops, or clothing that displays inappropriate words or pictures, bailiffs to remove any person who violates the rule (1.4); and, the United States Postal Service does not deliver mail to any physical address within Sierra County, a mailing required by Code of Civil Procedure §415.20, §587 or any similar statute made to the party's last known Sierra County post office box with an affidavit of such mailing filed with the court, or an Affidavit of Due Diligence submitted if there is no last known post office box (1.5).

Rule 10: Miscellaneous, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 10 (Rules 10.1 to 10.7): the court to communicate and exchange information prior to issuing protective orders and child custody and visitation orders, to determine if any such orders have already been issued as to the same parties or children (10.1); the Court to order the appropriate level of guardianship investigation upon the filing of a Petition for guardianship, the Petitioner required to pay its actual cost (10.2); proceedings electronically recorded pursuant to Government Code section 69957 when a court reporter is not available, the court to post notice outside of a courtroom, a copy of an electronic recording that serves as the official record requested by contacting the clerk's office at 100 Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Downieville, for a fee under Government Code section 70631 (10.3); information on court-appointed professionals on the court's website (10.4); parties presenting digital evidence to comply with the court's Digital Evidence Policy on the court's website (10.5); photographing, recording, and broadcasting in court - the definitions of California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(b), no one to activate any camera, microphone, recorder or broadcasting device in court except under a judge's order under rule 1.150 or, outside a courtroom, in a designated media area or with prior written permission from the Presiding Judge, no obstruction of public access, media requests on Judicial Council Form MC-500 filed with the clerk's office in advance of a hearing with a proposed order on Form MC-510 lodged concurrently, the rule in no way impairs a judge's discretion, and a court reporter's audio software used as personal notes only (10.6); and the Judges to expect counsel to be familiar with and follow the California Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism (10.7).

Rule 2: Law and Motion Matters, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 2 (Rules 2.1 to 2.8): the rule applies to all civil Law and Motion proceedings (2.1); all documents presented for filing to comply with California Rules of Court rules 3.1110 - 3.1116 (2.2); a Proposed Order to accompany a Motion filed in a civil case, and a Proposed Order on behalf of the opposing party to accompany the Opposition Memorandum (2.3); civil Law and Motion matters heard in Department One generally on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 1:30 p.m., counsel to contact the Court to schedule a longer hearing when the matter will take more than 10 minutes (2.4); requests to continue noticed for the case management conference calendar, or, when there is insufficient time, counsel to contact the Court to specifically set the request, counsel may appear in person or telephonically, a stipulation by the parties to continue the hearing/trial date not sufficient (2.5); all applications for ex parte orders, including orders shortening time, supported by an affidavit or declaration showing good cause and, where applicable, to comply with California Rules of Court rules 3.1200 – 3.1207, and no application made ex parte unless supported by affidavit or declaration that the party or counsel informed the opposing party or counsel within a reasonable time before the application when and where it would be made, attempted in good faith to inform them, or for reasons specified should not be required to inform them (2.6); liberality in allowing discovery, conducted in the most expeditious and least expensive manner, motions for protective orders and monetary and other sanctions against evasive, uncooperative, and dilatory counsel, and the Court to expect counsel to attempt to resolve any differences prior to filing any motions and prior to the hearing (2.7); and attorney fees under promissory notes and contracts providing for fees - on a default action twenty-five percent (25%) of the first two thousand dollars ($2,000) awarded as damages with a minimum fee of three hundred dollars ($300), then 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% and 2% of the following amounts, fees for recoveries in excess of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) fixed by the Court in its discretion, on a contested action the same amount increased by reasonable compensation, reasonable compensation when the defendant is the prevailing party, the clerk to include fees computed under the fee schedule in an otherwise appropriate clerk's judgment, and an application supported by declarations for fees in excess of the schedule (2.8).

Rule 3: Case Management, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 3 (Rules 3.1 to 3.8): rules the Court adopts pursuant to the California Trial Court Delay Reduction Act (Government Code § 68600, et seq.), the Clerk to set a first case management conference on the case management calendar closest to, but not less than 135 days from the date of filing of a civil action or proceeding other than juvenile, probate, family law domestic violence, or civil harassment, and to issue a notice of case management conference with the summons, which the plaintiff shall serve with the summons and complaint (3.1); a request to exempt a case from the Delay Reduction Rules made by written motion supported by declaration showing good cause, a stipulation does not establish good cause (3.2); service of the complaint within 60 days of filing, of a responsive pleading within 30 days after service of the complaint, the first case management conference approximately 135 days after filing, all discovery other than depositions of expert witnesses completed by 240 days after filing, and stipulated extensions under Government Code § 68616 in writing and filed with the Clerk (3.3); all parties taking part in a case management conference to submit a completed Case Management Statement pursuant to California Rules of Court rules 3.720 – 3.730, on Judicial Council form CM-110 (3.4); Case Management Conferences heard on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 1:30 p.m., counsel for each party and each party not represented by counsel to attend, in person or via remote appearance (3.5); sanctions allowed by law upon any party or counsel who fails to participate or who otherwise impedes the Trial Delay Reduction Rules (3.6); the Court enthusiastically supports Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - counsel given the opportunity to select a private mediator of their choice, an ADR resource file of local mediators and arbitrators in the Clerk's office, and a follow- up Case Management Conference after the date scheduled for the mediation/arbitration, counsel not required to appear on the resolution of the dispute but to notify the Court (3.7); and a mandatory settlement conference for all cases, all parties and their agents with authority to settle to attend, sanctions for a failure to attend, telephone appearance allowed only with prior approval under extraordinary circumstances, and a settlement conference brief not to exceed five pages, the parties to submit it no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday the week before and to serve it upon the opposing counsel (3.8).

Rule 4: Civil Trials, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 4 (Rule 4.1): the trial date determined by the Court, with due consideration for the convenience of the parties (4.1).

Rule 5: Criminal Rules, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 5 (Rules 5.1 to 5.5): the Court incorporates by reference the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 4.111, on the making and timing of pretrial motions, a motion not timely filed for the assigned hearing date without good cause demonstrated that may be deemed waived, and a copy of any authority other than California cases, statutes, constitutional provisions or State or local rules - and of a California case cited before it is published in the Advance Sheets - attached and tabbed as exhibits (5.1); discovery in criminal actions reciprocal and governed by Penal Code §§ 1054 et seq., a standing order in each criminal action deemed made and communicated at the time of arraignment, an informal request of opposing counsel in writing in the manner required by Penal Code § 1054.5(b) before a party may seek Court enforcement, “Boilerplate” discovery motions disfavored, and counsel to meet and confer before the hearing of any discovery motion (5.2); motions to continue the trial of a criminal case disfavored and denied unless the moving party, pursuant to Penal Code § 1050, establishes that the interests of justice require a continuance (5.3); matters not added to the court's criminal calendars at the request of the District Attorney and/or Defense Counsel unless a stipulation or formal, properly-noticed motion is filed - a stipulation filed jointly on SIE-0043 Stipulation of District Attorney and Defense Counsel to Add Criminal Matter to Calendar, with a proposed date and time, misdemeanor matters heard on Tuesdays and felony matters on Thursdays preceding the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 9:00 a.m., filed at least five (5) days prior to the desired hearing date and signed by both the District Attorney and Defense Counsel (5.4); and ability-to-pay requests - a fine reduction, a payment plan on cases not in Collections status, a fine conversion to community service - added to the Criminal or Traffic calendar only on SIE-0044 Request: Add Matter to Criminal or Traffic Calendar for Addressing Ability-to-Pay, filed at least five (5) days before the desired hearing date, with all documentation (e.g. proof of income, current financial declaration, etc.) submitted at the time of the hearing (5.5).

Rule 6: Family Law, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 6 (Rules 6.1 to 6.20): the rules apply to all matters related to the Family Law Act, the Uniform Parentage Act, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (6.1); mediation with Family Court Services (FCS) referred to as Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), a process with FCS that is not confidential, good faith support of the FCS process mandated, and no ex parte communication with a court-appointed or court-connected evaluator or mediator except as permitted by Family Code § 216 (6.2); the Court to schedule a CCRC appointment on the filing of a Notice of Motion, Request for Order, or Request for Trial on a disagreement over child custody or visitation, the CCRC date and any requirement of CCRC orientation stated on the face of the pleadings or At Issue Memorandum, and telephonic CCRC upon a showing of good cause when either party resides outside of Sierra County (6.2.1); a party may request a different counselor by written request to FCS, stating the reason(s) (6.2.2); separate counseling sessions in domestic violence cases in accordance with Family Code § 3181, an agreement reduced to writing and submitted to the court, a written status report and recommendation in the absence of an agreement, and the status report and recommendation admitted into evidence, the author made available for cross-examination upon request (6.2.3); a custody evaluation the parties are ordered to pay for, and the Court may close the courtroom in certain custody and visitation proceedings (6.3); a request to change the child custody evaluator made within 10 calendar days of receiving the notice of assignment, and both parties referred to the County Treasurer's office to set up payment arrangements (6.4); a current Income and Expense Declaration filed within 30 days of the hearing or trial where support is at issue (6.5); copies of the last three state and federal income tax returns (6.6); every motion to modify support to set forth the date and the amount of the prior order (6.7); the Family Law Facilitator to provide the services in Family Code § 10004 (6.8); Law and Motion hearings, where parties are represented by counsel, on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m., the moving papers filed and served at least 21 days prior to the hearing (6.9); an order shortening time only with a supporting declaration under penalty of perjury (6.10); the Family Law Commissioner to hear all Title IV-D support cases on the second and fourth Thursday at 1:30 p.m. (6.11); responsive papers served and filed at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing (6.12); the matter removed from the calendar if the moving party fails to be present or to inform the Courtroom Clerk (6.13); notice of ex parte applications no later than 10:00 a.m. on the court day before, with a Declaration re: Notice of Ex Parte Application for Order filed (6.14); a written Order After Hearing submitted within 14 days following the hearing (6.15); default and uncontested judgments - an award of support or attorney's fees, or a division of community property, only on an attached written agreement or a completed declaration, and a factual Declaration mailed to the defaulting party where supervised visitation or a denial of visitation is requested (6.16); either party may present the signed written agreement to the Court (6.17); a settlement conference for all contested dissolutions, each party to prepare, file, and serve a Settlement Conference Statement at least 10 days before, or 15 days if service is by mail (6.18); the trial conducted as other civil trials (6.19); and remote appearances in domestic violence cases - parties and support persons at the first appearance on a petition without prior approval, thereafter at a judicial officer's discretion, a party to complete and file a Form SIE-0035, Request for Remote Appearance, with the court clerk at least two (2) court days prior to the hearing (6.20).

Rule 7: Juvenile Law, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 7 (Rules 7.1 to 7.13): the rule adopted to comply with Rule 5.660 of the California Rules of Court (7.1); all attorneys appearing in juvenile dependency proceedings to meet the minimum standards of competence, “Competent counsel” a state bar member in good standing trained in the juvenile dependency law, attorneys to meet regularly with clients and adhere to the timelines (7.2); eight hours of education and training in juvenile dependency law or previous experience in dependency proceedings, a Certificate of Competency completed and submitted to the Court within 20 days of the attorney's first appearance, the right to practice in dependency proceedings revoked if it is not submitted within 30 days of the notice, and a caseload that allows the duties of Welfare and Institutions Code § 317(e) (7.3); the Court to only appoint counsel certified by the Court, billing forwarded to the Court with documentation for approval (7.4); minimum standards of representation (7.5); a written complaint about an appointed attorney, the Court to give the attorney 15 days from the date of the notice to respond in writing, the Court's determination final (7.6); notice to the Court that a dependent child may have an interest or right to be protected or pursued in another forum, by Judicial Council form N-180 or by declaration (7.7); the discovery provisions of California Rules of Court rule 5.546 adopted, informal pre-hearing discovery, a noticed motion for formal discovery served at least 5 judicial days before the hearing, no civil discovery without approval of a Judge of the Juvenile Court, and the social worker's narratives and case records available at least 10 calendar days before a contested hearing (7.8); jurisdictional and/or dispositional reports due at least 48 hours before the hearing, status review reports at least 10 calendar days before, proposed modifications to the petition exchanged 48 hours prior, and the names and reports of experts provided at least 10 days before the hearing (7.9); a settlement conference prior to every contested hearing, the attorneys and all parties present unless excused, a representative of Children's Services with authority to settle present (7.10); the statutory timelines - detention hearings no later than the end of the next Court Day, a jurisdiction hearing within 30 calendar days or 15 Court days if the child is detained, a disposition hearing within 10 days if detained, the six-month, twelve-month and eighteen-month review, a Notice of Intent to file a writ petition within 7 days, a writ petition and a response within 10 days, a selection hearing within 120 days and a Notice of Appeal within 60 days after the rendition of the judgment (7.11); and juveniles issued citations for infractions ordered to appear in juvenile court, the offenses defined in Penal Code§§ 19.6 and 19.8, the Juvenile Court to require the appearance of the juvenile and at least one parent, either appearance may be excused for good cause shown (7.12 to 7.13).

Rule 8: Electronic Filing (eFiling) of Pleadings, Superior Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra (effective July 1, 2026); the court's Forms & Filing page (https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing) links the book (“Download Local Rules of Court”, under “Local Rules of Court”, “(Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/local_rules_eff_070126.pdf, fetched 2026-10-12.

Rule 8 (Rule 8.1): electronic filing (eFiling) permitted in all case types, subject to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6(b) and CRC Rule 2.250 et seq. - pleadings and documents sent by email to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org ONLY, a document received before 4:00 p.m. on any court day deemed filed, if accepted, on that court day and one received after 4:00 p.m. or on a non-court day filed, if accepted, on the next court day, documents in PDF (Portable Document Format), photos of documents by phone or otherwise rejected, documents a judicial officer orders filed in person or by mail filed in that manner, only one case per email, the case name and number and the type of case in the email Subject, each separate pleading or form number in a separate PDF, exhibits filed as part of the PDF containing the pleading, the only message in the email body “please file and return filed documents by email”, copies returned via the sending email address, and eFilings that do not conform rejected (8.1).