Nicole S. Healy

Civil Division, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division, fetched 2026-10-08.

The after-hours drop box outside Room A of the Hall of Justice (documents placed in it before 4:00 p.m. deemed filed the same court day, after 4:00 p.m. the next court day; emptied at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.); civil judgments e-filed by attorneys under Local Rule 2.1.8 (paper judgment packets refused from August 11, 2025 unless submitted by a self-represented party); unlawful detainer ex partes in Department 30 Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.; the CMC packet.

Complaint Procedures in Civil Mediation Matters, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Civil ADR Program page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/appropriate-dispute-resolution-programs/civil-adr-program) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/complaint_procedure.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The court's Mediator Complaint Procedures under California Rule of Court 3.865: inquiries and complaints against a panel member submitted in writing to the Court's ADR Administrator, the complaint coordinator (CRC §3.867); the confidentiality of complaint procedures and proceedings; a confidential written acknowledgment and a preliminary review; written notice to the mediator and an opportunity to respond; an investigation and a written recommendation by a complaint committee appointed by the Presiding Judge; and the final decision by the Presiding Judge or a designee.

Court Judicial District and Geographical Areas, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/locations-contact-info/court-judicial-district-and-geographical-areas, fetched 2026-10-08.

The cities and agencies whose cases the Northern Branch (South San Francisco) and the Southern Branch (Hall of Justice, Redwood City) hear.

Court Policy for Use of Privately Retained Court Reporting in Civil and Probate Proceedings, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Privately Retained Court Reporting In Civil And Probate Proceedings Effective January 1, 2023 page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/court-reporters/privately-retained-court-reporting-civil-and-probate-proceedings-effective-january-1-2023) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general-information/courtpolicyprivatelyretained.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The court's policy for privately retained court reporting in civil and probate proceedings: its purpose (a party may arrange, at its own expense, for a court reporter when an official court reporter is not available; Government Code § 68086); availability; requesting an official court reporter (Local Court Form CV-69; fee waiver litigants); contracting a court reporter pro tempore; the pro tempore reporter's requirements (a valid, current California Certified Shorthand Reporter License; good standing with the Court Reporters Board of California); and transcripts.

Court Policy on the Use of Generative AI for Court Filings and Documents, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's News Archive, a list linked from its News & Events page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/news-events) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/news/court-policy-use-generative-ai-court-filings-and-documents.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The court's policy on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in court filings and documents: its introduction and scope (all individuals, represented by counsel or not, attorneys and entities submitting filings and documents who may be utilizing generative AI tools); accuracy and reliability (AI limitations; filings prepared with generative AI thoroughly reviewed and verified before submission, citations to cases independently verified; human oversight, every submission reviewed and signed by a self-represented litigant or an attorney of record); and confidentiality and security (submissions to AI platforms are not fully confidential; the court does not guarantee the security of data submitted to or processed by generative AI systems).

Department 11 (Judge David A. Silberman), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/department-info-judge-david-silberman, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 11 (Central Court): ex partes Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (e-filed under Local Rule 3.500) and the dates he is unavailable; communications and courtesy copies (documents over five pages in hard copy); complex law and motion Mondays at 3:00 p.m. (a date from the department, briefing complete three weeks before); informal discovery conferences (Local Rule 3.700); TSC/CMCs Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.; the pretrial orders and the standard motions in limine deemed filed and granted; pretrial conferences; trial days; proposed orders (California Rule of Court 3.1312); Zoom appearances and credentials.

Department 11 (Judge David A. Silberman) Case Management Order No. 1 for Complex Cases, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge David A. Silberman page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/department-info-judge-david-silberman) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/dept11_cmc_order_for_complex_cases.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 11's Case Management Order No. 1 for complex cases: general matters (familiarity with the Local Rules, the California Rules of Court (CRC) and the Deskbook on the Management of Complex Civil Litigation; the California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism; continuances discouraged; notice of settlement); filings and correspondence (e-filing and electronic service; copies to complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org; e-mail correspondence to the department); case management conferences, conducted by the Court rather than the Civil Commissioner, with an e-mail service list and a joint statement in place of Judicial Council Form CM-110; ex parte applications; discovery (meet and confer in person or by videoconference; informal discovery conferences); law and motion (briefing schedules, courtesy copies, proposed orders under rule 3.1312, motions to seal, discovery motions without the separate statement of rule 3.1345); settlement conferences and mediations; and miscellaneous provisions (recording prohibited; court reporters).

Department 11 (Judge David A. Silberman) Pretrial Order No. 1 - Court Trial, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge David A. Silberman page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/department-info-judge-david-silberman) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/dept11_pretrial_order-court_trials.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 11's pretrial order for court trials: serve (but not file) proposed motions in limine, witness lists and exhibit lists at least 42 days before the Pretrial Conference; meet and confer at least 35 days before; file and serve motions in limine and oppositions at least 21 days before; file the joint pretrial conference statement and one set of binders (witness and exhibit lists, the motions in limine and oppositions, deposition designations and objections) at least 14 days before; the Pretrial Conference at least 14 days before the Trial Date; and at least three (3) sets of trial exhibits in binders and on a thumb drive at least 14 days before the Trial Date; then motions in limine, witness lists, trial exhibits (numbered 1, 2, 3, without letters), the meet and confer, the pretrial conference statement and the Pretrial Conference.

Department 11 (Judge David A. Silberman) Pretrial Order No. 1 - Jury Trial, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge David A. Silberman page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/department-info-judge-david-silberman) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/dept11_pretrial_order-jury_trials.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 11's pretrial order for jury trials: serve (but not file) proposed motions in limine, jury instructions, verdict forms, witness lists and exhibit lists at least 42 days before the Pretrial Conference; meet and confer at least 35 days before; file and serve motions in limine and oppositions at least 21 days before; file the joint pretrial conference statement and one set of binders (jury instructions, verdict forms, voir dire and any juror questionnaire, the statement of the case, witness and exhibit lists, the motions in limine, deposition designations) at least 14 days before; the Pretrial Conference at least 14 days before the Trial Date; and at least three (3) sets of trial exhibits in binders and on a thumb drive at least 14 days before the Trial Date; then motions in limine, jury instructions, verdict forms, voir dire and any jury questionnaire, the proposed statement of the case, witness lists and the rest of the order's requirements.

Department 13 (Judge Lisa A. Novak), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/department-info-judge-lisa-novak, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 13 (the Probate Supervising Judge, Southern Court): remote hearings by Zoom and the credentials; the weekly calendar (probate, minor's compromise hearings, LPS at 11:00 a.m., assisted outpatient treatment at 11:15 a.m., probate trials); the department's rules and standard orders (linked documents).

Department 13 (Judge Lisa A. Novak) Probate Department Rules (as of January 1, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Lisa A. Novak page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/department-info-judge-lisa-novak) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/probate/probation-department-rules-dept-13.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 13's rules for the Probate Department (Judge Lisa A. Novak presiding as of January 1, 2026): the motion/petition calendar Monday-Friday at 9:00 a.m. (tentative rulings posted by 3 p.m. the day before; remote appearance allowed except on petitions for guardianship with a petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings; sanctions for a late status brief); the online submission of orders and requests (orders after hearing in person or e-filed; ex parte requests that require notice filed in person, never both; ex parte hours daily from 10:00 a.m-11:00 a.m.); and the pretrial deadlines - serve (but not file) proposed motions in limine, witness lists, deposition designations and exhibit lists at least 35 days before the Trial; meet and confer at least 25 days before; file and serve motions in limine and oppositions at least 15 days before; the joint Trial Brief with the witness and exhibit lists and binders at least 10 days before; trial exhibits in binders at least 7 days before the Trial Date - with motions in limine heard on the first day of Trial, witness lists, trial exhibits and the meet and confer.

Department 15 (Judge Don R. Franchi), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring/department-info-judge-don-r-franchi, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 15 (Southern Court): the weekly calendar (trials and short cause, RFOs, status and trial setting, DVPA/TRO) and its Zoom credentials.

Department 17 (Judge Vivian Wang), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring/department-info-judge-vivian-wang, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 17 (Southern Court): courtesy copies by e-mail; trials and short cause (exhibit lists, witness lists and trial briefs 5 court days before; five Bates-stamped sets of exhibits; remote appearance only by RA-010 and RA-020); the RFO, DVPA/TRO and fee waiver calendars; the remote appearance rules and the weekly calendar.

Department 2 (Judge Mark A. McCannon), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-mark-mccannon, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 2 (Northern Courthouse): communications and courtesy copies; the standard pretrial orders and the complex CMC order; non-complex law and motion Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. (tentative rulings under Local Rule 3.403, continuances under Local Rule 3.404(b), mandatory informal discovery conferences under Local Rule 3.700); TSC/CMCs; complex law and motion and CMCs; proposed orders; ex partes Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (e-filed under Local Rule 3.500(c)); mandatory settlement conferences in person; pretrial conferences in person; trial continuances within 90 days under rule 3.1332; Zoom by video only.

Department 2 (Judge Mark A. McCannon) Case Management Order No. 1 for Complex Cases, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Mark A. McCannon page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-mark-mccannon) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/cmc-order-complex-cases-department-2.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 2's Case Management Order No. 1 for complex cases: general matters; filings and correspondence; case management conferences on Wednesday afternoons; ex parte applications; discovery; law and motion; settlement conferences and mediations; and the pretrial deadlines - meet and confer 21 days before the PTC; serve, but not file, motions in limine, witness lists, exhibit lists, deposition designations, jury instructions and verdict forms 5 days before the PTC; file and deliver hard copies of the joint pretrial conference statement and the binders 3 court days before the PTC; the Pretrial Conference 14 days before Trial; three (3) sets of joint trial exhibit binders and thumb drives the day of Trial - with the meet and confer and exhibit requirements.

Department 2 (Judge Mark A. McCannon) Pretrial Order No. 1 - Non-Complex Court Trials, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Mark A. McCannon page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-mark-mccannon) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/pretrial-order-non-complex-court-trials-department-2.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 2's pretrial order for non-complex court trials (Courtroom K of the South San Francisco Courthouse, 1050 Mission Road): trial at 9:00 a.m. on trial days Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, all trial counsel in person; the Pretrial Conference with lead trial counsel in person; the Mandatory Settlement Conference; court reporters; the deadlines - meet and confer 21 days before the PTC; serve, but not file, motions in limine, witness lists, exhibit lists and deposition designations 5 days before the PTC; file and deliver hard copies of the joint pretrial conference statement, exhibit list, witness list, deposition designations and the motions in limine binder 3 court days before the PTC; the Pretrial Conference 14 days before Trial; three (3) sets of joint trial exhibit binders and thumb drives the day of Trial - and the meet and confer and exhibit list requirements.

Department 2 (Judge Mark A. McCannon) Pretrial Order No. 1 - Non-Complex Jury Trials, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Mark A. McCannon page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-mark-mccannon) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/pretrial-order-non-complex-jury-trials-department-2.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 2's pretrial order for non-complex jury trials: the trial, the Pretrial Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference; the deadlines - meet and confer 21 days before the PTC; serve, but not file, motions in limine, witness lists, exhibit lists, deposition designations, jury instructions and verdict forms 5 days before the PTC; file and deliver hard copies of the joint pretrial conference statement and one set of binders 3 court days before the PTC; the Pretrial Conference 14 days before Trial; three (3) sets of joint trial exhibit binders and thumb drives the day of Trial - and the meet and confer and exhibit list requirements.

Department 20 (Judge Michael L. Mau), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-michael-l-mau, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 20 (Northern Branch): dark dates; courtesy copies (documents over five pages in hard copy); ex partes Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.; informal discovery conferences; law and motion Fridays at 9:00 a.m. (complex Friday afternoons at 2:00 p.m.); special-set hearings unreported; mandatory settlement conferences in person, statements two court days before; motions in limine (meet and confer, the standard motions deemed granted, no more than five contested without leave); the pretrial orders; TSC/CMCs; Zoom with a functioning camera, no public Zoom observation.

Department 20 (Judge Michael L. Mau) Case Management Order No. 1 for Complex Cases, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Michael L. Mau page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-michael-l-mau) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/cmc-order-complex-cases-d-20.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 20's Case Management Order No. 1 for complex cases: general matters (familiarity with the Local Rules, the California Rules of Court (CRC) and the Deskbook on the Management of Complex Civil Litigation; the California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism; continuances discouraged; notice of settlement); filings and correspondence (e-filing and electronic service; copies to complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org; e-mail correspondence to the department); case management conferences, conducted by the Court rather than the Civil Commissioner, with an e-mail service list and a joint statement in place of Judicial Council Form CM-110; ex parte applications; discovery (meet and confer in person or by videoconference; informal discovery conferences); law and motion (briefing schedules, courtesy copies, proposed orders under rule 3.1312, motions to seal, discovery motions without the separate statement of rule 3.1345); settlement conferences and mediations; and miscellaneous provisions (recording prohibited; court reporters); the plaintiff serves the order on all parties not yet appeared.

Department 20 (Judge Michael L. Mau) Pre-Trial Order No. 1, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Judge Michael L. Mau page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-judge-michael-l-mau) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/dept-20-ptc-order.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 20's Pre-Trial Order No. 1 for court and jury trials: serve (but not file) proposed motions in limine, jury instructions, verdict forms, witness lists and exhibit lists at least 42 days before the Pretrial Conference; meet and confer at least 35 days before; file and serve motions in limine (oppositions due 7 days later) at least 21 days before; the trial brief, the joint pretrial conference statement and one binder at least 14 days before; the Pretrial Conference at least 14 days before the Trial Date; at least four (4) sets of trial exhibits in binders and on a thumb drive at least 7 days before the Trial Date; in all Unlawful Detainer cases the pre-trial requirements due at the joint pre-trial conference and trial date; then motions in limine, witness lists, trial exhibits and the meet and confer.

Department 21 (Judge Sarah P. Burdick), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring/department-info-judge-sarah-p-burdick, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 21 (Northern Court): courtesy copies; informal discovery conferences through the Family Law Commissioner; court trials and short-cause hearings in person absent RA-010 and RA-020; exhibit lists, witness lists and trial briefs 7 court days before; FL-23 and FL-12; four labeled, date-stamped sets of exhibits one week before; USB evidence; the RFO and DVPA/TRO calendars in person and by Zoom; the remote appearance rules and the weekly calendar.

Department 23 (Judge Jennifer M. Frost), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring/department-info-judge-jennifer-m-frost, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 23 (Southern Court): courtesy copies by e-mail; informal discovery conferences; trials and short cause (exhibit lists, witness lists and trial briefs seven days before; FL-23; five Bates-stamped sets of exhibits five court days before trial; remote appearance only by RA-010 and RA-020); the RFO and DVPA/TRO calendars in person and by Zoom; the remote appearance rules and the weekly calendar.

Department 30 (Commissioner Timothy E. Elliott), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-commissioner-timothy-e-elliott, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 30 (Central Court): the weekly calendar - unlawful detainer pretrial conferences, CMC/OSC and collections CMC/OSC calendars, unlawful detainer court trials and ex partes, orders of examination, informal discovery conferences - its Zoom credentials and the dates ex partes are not heard.

Department 30 (Commissioner Timothy E. Elliott) Unlawful Detainer Court Trial Hearings: Pre-Trial Requirements & Exhibit Exchange Protocol, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Unlawful Detainer Calendars and Hearing Information page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/unlawful-detainer-calendars-and-hearing-information) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/exhibitexchangeprotocolforzoomremotehearings-unlawfuldetainercourttrials.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Unlawful detainer court trials before the Civil Commissioner: all parties and counsel appear in person unless excused in advance for good cause; the mandatory exhibit exchange protocol (paper, or a USB flash drive (preferred), CD or DVD in PDF, JPEG or MP4 format; a photograph of a tangible object; exchange with the opposing party at least one business day before the hearing, by email copied to UDexhibits@sanmateocourt.org as the proof of service, or by hardcopy delivery; an original plus two (2) copies to the Court at least one business day before, pre-marked with numbers for the Plaintiff and letters for the Defendant; delivery to the San Mateo Central Courthouse, 800 North Humboldt Street, San Mateo, CA 94401, or its Drop Box); Zoom appearances with audio and video and screen sharing; a Mandatory Settlement Conference on the hearing date for parties who do not stipulate to a court trial before the Civil Commissioner; and a pre-trial conference in the department of the single assigned judge if the case does not settle.

Department 32 (Commissioner Brooke Murphy Kent), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring/department-info-commissioner-brooke-murphy-kent, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 32 (Southern Court): informal discovery conferences; exhibit lists, witness lists and trial briefs seven days before; FL-23; five Bates-stamped sets of exhibits five court days before trial; the weekly calendar (DVPA/TRO, firearm relinquishment, status conferences, mandatory settlement conferences, informal discovery) and each calendar's Zoom credentials.

Department 4 (Judge Nancy L. Fineman), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-nancy-l-fineman-civil-judge, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 4 (Southern Courthouse): ex partes Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (remote appearance under Local Rule 3.500(e)) and the dates she is unavailable; reply briefs e-mailed to the law and motion reply address; complex law and motion Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. (briefing complete three weeks before); informal discovery conferences; TSC/CMCs Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.; the pretrial order; mandatory settlement conferences (Local Rule 3.1100); pretrial conferences Mondays at 2:00 p.m.; trial days; proposed orders; Zoom appearances.

Department 4 (Judge Nancy L. Fineman) Pretrial Order, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Nancy L. Fineman, Civil Judge page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-nancy-l-fineman-civil-judge) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/dept4_orders.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 4's pretrial order for civil trials (the court switched to a direct calendar system for all civil cases on January 1, 2021): the summary table of deadlines - serve (but not file) proposed motions in limine, jury instructions, verdict forms, witness lists and exhibit lists at least 42 days before the Pretrial Conference; meet and confer at least 35 days before; file and serve motions in limine and oppositions at least 21 days before; file the joint pretrial conference statement (jury instructions, verdict forms, voir dire and any juror questionnaire, the statement of the case, witness and exhibit lists, the motions in limine binders, deposition designations) at least 14 days before; the Pretrial Conference at least 14 days before the Trial Date; trial exhibits in binders and on thumb drive at least 7 days before the Trial Date - then the order's rules for each item; the Pretrial Conference is deemed the commencement of trial for all purposes; court reporters.

Department 4 (Judge Nancy L. Fineman) Procedures for Remote Hearing on Zoom, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Nancy L. Fineman, Civil Judge page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-nancy-l-fineman-civil-judge) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general-information/procedure_for_zoom_appearances_for_trial.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The procedures the parties must follow for a Zoom hearing: maintaining the decorum of the court (the typical rules on attire and on food and drink); prehearing arrangements (Zoom, the Court's designated remote platform); the prohibition on recording; the use of screen-sharing for exhibits and demonstratives, witnesses and the presentation of testimony; and technological considerations.

Department 4: Judge Fineman's Suggestions for Cases Assigned to Her, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Department Info of Nancy L. Fineman, Civil Judge page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-department-judges/department-info-nancy-l-fineman-civil-judge) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/suggestions_fineman.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Judge Fineman's suggestions for cases assigned to her: an overview (efficient and practical case management; agreed procedures that differ from the rules when the law allows and the resources permit), law and motion, ex partes and trials.

Documents Required When Filing a Conservatorship, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/documents-required-when-filing-conservatorship, fetched 2026-10-08.

The initial petition documents (GC-310, GC-313, the confidential screening and supplemental forms, PR-1, GC-325, GC-335 and the HIPAA ex parte papers), four copies two-hole punched on initial filings and three on later filings; the documents on appointment and for accountings (PR-19); temporary petitions filed with all initial documents, ex parte petitions for temporary guardianship or conservatorship granted only in Redwood City after the Court Investigator's review between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Documents Required When Filing a Guardianship, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/documents-required-when-filing-guardianship, fetched 2026-10-08.

The initial petition documents (the consent, nomination and waiver form, PR-2, PR-18), three copies on initial filings of the person or person and estate; the documents on appointment (letters not issued until any bond is filed or the money is in a blocked account); later filings for estates and for the person (the annual confidential status report); temporary petitions as for conservatorships.

E-Filing, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing, fetched 2026-10-08.

Complex Civil documents may be filed electronically, and must be upon a judicial order (Section 1010.6(b) of the Code of Civil Procedure, Rule 2.253(a), Local Rule 2.1.5); mandatory e-filing for attorneys by case type and date (Family Law and Probate, January 21, 2020; Civil, Complex Civil and Small Claims, and subsequent documents in Criminal cases, June 1, 2020; Juvenile Dependency, Adoptions and Juvenile Justice, January 1, 2022); the documents still filed in hard copy; proposed orders (rule 3.1312(c)) and the Word versions for complex and probate matters; document standards, bookmarks and text-searchable PDFs; when an e-filed document is deemed filed; outages; fees; self-represented parties may, but need not, e-file.

e-Filing Confidential and/or Sealed Documents (Civil Unlimited), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing/e-filing-confidential-andor-sealed-documents-civil-unlimited-use, fetched 2026-10-08.

The filing codes for documents lodged conditionally under seal and for documents filed under seal after an order, the cover-page notations, and the confidential document types and their codes.

Ex-Parte Hearings, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/ex-parte-hearings, fetched 2026-10-08.

Civil ex partes before the assigned civil judge two days a week at 1:30 p.m. (Local Rule 3.500, e-filed under 3.500(c)); unlawful detainer ex partes in Department 30 Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.; the Presiding Judge's ex partes (Local Rule 3.2) and civil harassment and workplace violence TROs at 2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, papers to the courtroom clerk by 2:15 p.m.; paying ex parte fees at each courthouse; probate ex partes at 10 a.m. daily; family law ex partes; motion fees (Government Code section 70617).

Family Law Direct Calendaring, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division/family-law-direct-calendaring, fetched 2026-10-08.

Each case randomly assigned to a department on filing; the first RFO, OSC or motion set by the Family Law Clerk's Office on the department's OSC calendar, later hearings through trial set by the department; the DVPA/TRO calendar (remote or in person; the moving party's proposed order; the admonishments); the departments and the DCSS, DVPA, backup DVPA and firearm relinquishment calendars' Zoom credentials.

Family Law Remote Appearance Protocol, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/protocols-remote-appearances/family-law-remote-appearance-protocol, fetched 2026-10-08.

Zoom credentials; sign-in 15 minutes before, full names, counsel renamed for their party, video; recording prohibited (rule 1.150); interpreter requests two days before for the listed languages and seven for others; the protocols for family law status conferences and mandatory settlement conferences (remote mandatory), RFOs, DVPA/TRO hearings (the admonition), the DCSS and firearm relinquishment calendars and family law informal discovery conferences (remote mandatory).

Juvenile Division, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/juvenile-division, fetched 2026-10-08.

Transfer-in hearings (dependency and delinquency) at the Youth Services Center, Monday to Thursday at 2:00 p.m., set within 5 court days (in custody) or 10 court days (out of custody) of the transfer-out order; viewing juvenile case files (Welfare and Institutions Code section 827, rule 5.552) and police reports (JV-575).

Modification of Sentence, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal-division/modification-sentence, fetched 2026-10-08.

A court probationer is placed on calendar the same day by checking in at the criminal clerk's office by 9:00 a.m. (the Southern Branch, Monday to Friday; the Northern Branch, Monday to Thursday); felony court probation through the Private Defender; supervised probation through the probation officer.

Neutral Evaluation Process Guidelines (ADR-CV-4, Rev. May 2019), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Local Forms page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-forms) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/adr-cv-4_neutral_evaluation_guidelines.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Neutral Evaluation (NE) guidelines of the Multi Option ADR Project: a confidential session in which the parties and their counsel present summaries of their cases and receive a non-binding evaluation by an experienced neutral lawyer (only parties represented by counsel); referral by a Stipulation and Order to ADR; the evaluator's qualifications and compensation; the timing and scheduling of the NE session; the prohibition against ex parte communication; the telephone conference before the session; written NE statements; attendance; the components of the session; settlement discussions; and post-session evaluation forms submitted to the MAP offices within 10 days.

Notice Regarding Official Court Reporters (notice amended 12/19/22), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Court Reporter Transcripts page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/court-reporter-transcripts), the court's Request for Court Reporter Pursuant to Jameson V. Desta page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/court-reporters/request-court-reporter-pursuant-jameson-v-desta) and 1 other page at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general-information/notice_court_reporting.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The court calendars for which official court reporters will NOT be available: criminal (out-of-custody misdemeanor arraignments, misdemeanor court and jury trials and pre-trial conferences, domestic violence reviews and pre-trials, misdemeanor trial readiness calendars and special sets, Military Diversion & Personnel Court, Drug Court/Treatment Court, the PC 1370 Calendar and DUI Court); civil, unlawful detainer and small claims (case management and trial setting conferences, the case management/OSC and collections/CMC calendars, mandatory settlement conferences, unlawful detainer pre-trial conferences, informal discovery conferences, limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer court and jury trials, UD financial distress hearings, small claims and small claims appeals); probate (the LPS Calendar); traffic (arraignments, court trials and night court); and family law (status conferences and mandatory settlement conferences); criminal misdemeanor and limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer matters may be electronically recorded.

Petition Documents (Probate), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/petition-documents, fetched 2026-10-08.

Decedent's estates: the petition and notice; an original will lodged before the hearing; the Order for Probate and copies submitted at least 7 days before the hearing; publication within 30 days of filing (PR-13); the forms required before letters issue (PR-5, bond if ordered); other probate case types (PR-8).

Privately Retained Court Reporting in Civil and Probate Proceedings (effective January 1, 2023), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/court-reporters/privately-retained-court-reporting-civil-and-probate-proceedings-effective-january-1-2023, fetched 2026-10-08.

The calendars with an official court reporter, those that may have one and those without; requesting an official reporter (CV-69) and appointing a pro tempore reporter (CV-68).

Probate Division, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-division, fetched 2026-10-08.

The changes in probate practice effective December 12, 2022 (temporary guardianships and conservatorships on 5 days' noticed hearings under Probate Code sections 2250-2258; ex parte criteria strictly interpreted); the Probate Court Investigator's and probate ex parte e-mail addresses.

Procedures for Posting Equity in Real Property as Bond (rev. July 2014), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Criminal Division page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal-division) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/criminal/postingrealpropertybond.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Posting equity in real property as bond to secure the release of a defendant from custody (Penal Code section 1298): the review of the required documents by the Office of the County Counsel, San Mateo County, before they are submitted; the preparation of the required documents; submitting them; court review and filing; and the release of the individual.

Procedures for Reconveyance of Real Property Posted as Bail (rev. October 2019), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Criminal Division page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal-division) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/criminal/propertybondreconveyance.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Reconveyance of real property posted as bail once the court orders exoneration of bail: the entry in the Court Minutes and the court's notice of the exoneration with a certified copy of the Minute Order and the local forms (Order Withdrawing Lien on Real Property Posted as Bail, CR-102, and the Deed of Full Reconveyance); and the reconveyance of the property, depending on whether the Trustee in the Deed of Trust is the Court Executive Officer.

Remote Appearance Protocol: Presiding Judge's Master Calendar, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/protocols-remote-appearances/remote-appearance-protocol-presiding-judges-master, fetched 2026-10-08.

Monday to Friday at 9:00 a.m.; an ex parte hearing in person absent the Presiding Judge's prior approval; a case sent to another department joins that department's Zoom; the rules for audio and video attendees.

Small Claims Division, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division, fetched 2026-10-08.

Hearing calendars in person, Zoom on a hardship (the hardship, Zoom and in-person protocols); small claims notices of appeal e-filed as new case filings (SC-140 naming the existing case number).

Small Claims Hardship Protocol, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Small Claims Division page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/small-claims/hardship-protocol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Small claims hearings are in person; a party with a hardship who cannot appear in person may ask in writing, 30 days before the scheduled hearing, for a remote Zoom appearance (Attn: Small Claims Division-ROOM A, 400 County Center, Redwood City); a Judicial Officer decides, and a party with no notice from the Court appears in person; the notice is served on the Defendant with the Plaintiff's Claim.

Small Claims Hearing Schedules, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims/hearing-schedules, fetched 2026-10-08.

Filing in Room A of the Hall of Justice; hearings in South San Francisco (Mondays 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays 8:30 a.m., Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. and Fridays 1:30 p.m.); night court in Redwood City the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Small Claims Hearings: In Person Appearance Protocol, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Small Claims Division page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/small-claims/person-appearance-protocol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Check the courtroom location with the Small Claims clerk two days before the hearing (option 6); bring all exhibits to the hearing and exchange documents and evidence with the other parties before entering the courtroom (no exhibits mailed in or submitted electronically); the Zoom Appearance Protocol applies when either party is approved to appear by Zoom.

Small Claims Pre-Approved Zoom Appearance Protocol, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; posted on the court's Small Claims Division page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/small-claims/zoom-appearance-protocol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

A party pre-approved to appear by Zoom informs the opposing party, and both follow the Exhibit Exchange Protocol: exhibits on paper or on a USB flash drive (preferred), CD or DVD, presentable in PDF, JPEG or MP4 format; exchanged with the opposing party at least five business days before the hearing; a hard copy delivered to the court five business days before (no email of exhibits to the Court), in the Drop Box at, or mailed to, the South San Francisco Courthouse, 1050 Mission Road (Attention: Department 31, Small Claims Department); Zoom audio and video with the camera on during the entire proceedings.

Standing Order 01-48: Discovery for Attorneys Appointed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 326.5 to Represent a Child/Victim in a Delinquency Proceeding (August 9, 2001), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/01-48.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Any attorney appointed by the court through the Private Defender Program under Welfare and Institutions Code § 326.5 to represent a child/victim in a delinquency proceeding is entitled to full discovery, access to all records and materials available to the petitioner and defense counsel, and copies as requested.

Standing Order 01-52: Dismissal of Temporary Restraining Orders (Harassment) and Petitions for Name Changes Dropped from Calendar for Non-Appearance (filed August 27, 2001), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/01-52.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The Clerk's office enters a dismissal on all cases involving Temporary Restraining Orders (Harassment) and Petitions for Name Changes when such matters are dropped from the calendar due to a non-appearance by the petitioner or moving party.

Standing Order 04-69: Regulating Use of Remote Lap Top or Other Electronic Access Devices in the Courthouse (March 19, 2004), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's High-Speed, Wireless Internet Access page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/news-events/news-archive/high-speed-wireless-internet-access) and the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/04-69.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The use of laptops and electronic devices by counsel or any member of the public in a courtroom is regulated by each individual trial judge, and in no event may attorneys or the public use wireless Internet connections to record, photograph or transmit any court proceeding.

Standing Order 07-85: Compliance with Notice of Review, Probate Court Investigation Division (January 8, 2007), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/07-85.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

For the periodic reviews of conservatorships after the appointment of the conservator, the Clerk serves each conservator to be reviewed, by mail, a written notification approximately 120 days in advance of the review date; each conservator so notified promptly complies with the terms of the Notice of Review, and a conservator who fails to comply is subject to further enforcement proceedings, including contempt; the order takes effect immediately and supersedes Standing Order 05-74.

Standing Order 09-104: Access to Evidence or Exhibits That Have Been Admitted in Criminal Cases (September 1, 2009), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/09-104.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing September 1, 2009, evidence or exhibits in the possession of the Clerk's Office in all criminal cases are not available for viewing, inspection or copying unless the trial judge or the Presiding Judge has authorized access, or the trial judge or another judge assigned by the Presiding Judge has authorized it after a hearing on a noticed motion with actual notice to all parties.

Standing Order 11-114: Presiding Judge's Designee to Receive Notice and Designation of Hearing Departments for Probation Transfer Requests (California Rules of Court, Rule 4.530; March 4, 2011), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/11-114.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Motions for inter-county probation transfers under Penal Code § 1203.9 from San Mateo County (notice under California Rules of Court, Rule 4.530) are set for hearing through the Clerk's Office - felony cases on the Criminal Presiding Judge's Calendar, misdemeanor and infraction cases on the Preliminary Hearing calendar; the order supersedes any previous orders on the subject.

Standing Order 14-127: Suspending Compliance and Enforcement of the Annual Status Report Described in Probate Code § 1513.2 and Local Rule 4.77.13 (July 29, 2014), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/14-127.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The requirement that every guardian annually completes and returns to the court a status report (Probate Code §1513.2(a), CRC 7.1003 and Local Rule 4.77.13) is suspended pending further order of the court; nothing limits the court from ordering a guardian to appear or to file a status report at any time.

Standing Order 18-149: Assignment of Domestic Violence (DVPA) Matters in the Northern Department in Accordance with Local Rules 5.2 and 6.9 (filed December 5, 2018), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-filings/18-149.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Domestic Violence (DVPA) matters may be assigned to and calendared in the Northern Department (its DVPA calendars beginning January 11, 2019), and a party initiating a DVPA matter who resides within the Northern District (Local Rule 6.8) may file with the initial pleading a completed Declaration for Assignment to the Northern Department-Domestic Violence Action (FL-17) (Local Rules 5.2 and 6.9).

Standing Order 20-156: Small Claims Exhibits (January 30, 2020), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-filings/20-156.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Retained Small Claims exhibits may be released to the submitting parties (Code of Civil Procedure section 1952 and Local Rule 2.11); upon proper notice, exhibits not returned (CCP §1952.2) are destroyed 60 days after the issuance of judgment unless a written request to retain them for up to one year is filed (CCP §1952(b)) or an appeal is filed; exhibits not collected within a requested retention period are destroyed without additional notice at its conclusion.

Standing Order 2010-107: Ex Parte Applications Procedures and Format in Felony Cases (effective September 1, 2010), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/10-107.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Effective September 1, 2010, ex parte applications in felony cases are presented to the Criminal Presiding Judge in Department 2A at the Hall of Justice and Records on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 3:30 to 4:00 PM and on Thursday between 8:00 to 8:30 AM; each is in writing, with a memorandum of points and authorities, a declaration making the required factual showing and a proposed order (California Rule of Court (CRC) Rules 3.1201 and 3.1202), and written notice is provided to opposing counsel (CRC Rules 3.1203 and 3.1204); it supersedes Standing Order 10-106 dated July 1, 2010.

Standing Order 21-162: Branch Designation for City of San Mateo Cases Filed on or After July 1, 2021 (March 30, 2021), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-filings/21-162.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Under Rule 10.603 of the California Rules of Court, all City of San Mateo cases filed on or after July 1, 2021 are deemed to fall within the jurisdiction of the Southern Branch of the San Mateo County Superior Court (dated March 30, 2021).

Standing Order 24-180: Pro Per and Attorney Elevated Access to Court Electronic Records in the Family Law Case Type (commencing August 12, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/standing-order-24-180.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing August 12, 2024, a Family Law litigant acting in Pro Per (self-represented) may request elevated access to the Court's electronic records for a Family Law case in which they are a Petitioner or Respondent by completing, signing and adhering to the Court's User Agreement for Access to Court Electronic Records (the prescribed court form; a valid government issued ID presented in person at the Clerk's Office; an online appointment with the Records Division; access only while self-represented; no sharing of the account); a Family Law attorney registers on the Portal with the email address on file with the California State Bar and agrees to its terms; and the requirements for all users (restrictions on access, use of information, the disclaimer and termination).

Standing Order 25-181: Pro Per and Attorney Elevated Access to Court Electronic Records in the Civil Law Case Type (commencing March 3, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/25-181-standing-order-regarding-pro-and-attorney-elevated-access-civil-court-electronic-records.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing March 3, 2025, a Civil Law litigant acting in Pro Per (self-represented) may request elevated access to the Court's electronic records for a Civil Law case in which they are a Plaintiff or Defendant by completing, signing and adhering to the Court's User Agreement for Access to Court Electronic Records (the prescribed court form; a valid government issued ID presented in person at the Clerk's Office; an online appointment with the Records Division; access only while self-represented; no sharing of the account); a Civil Law attorney registers on the Portal with the email address on file with the California State Bar and agrees to its terms (use only for representing the attorney's clients; no commercial use); and the requirements for all users (restrictions on access, use of information, the disclaimer and termination).

Standing Order 26-188: Access for Court of Appeal Appointed Counsel to Evidence That Have Been Admitted in Criminal Cases (commencing July 13, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-filings/order-26-188-standing-order-access-evidence-or-exhibits.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing July 13, 2026, evidence or exhibits in the possession of the Clerk's Office in all criminal cases are available for viewing, inspection or copying for any attorney appointed by the Court of Appeal upon providing a copy of the Court of Appeal's appointment order.

Standing Order 97-1: Weapons Security (June 16, 1997), Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; listed in the court's Archive of Standing Orders Issued Between 1997 and 2025, a list linked from its Current and Past Standing Orders page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/current-and-past-standing-orders), at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/97-01.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

No person other than a regularly sworn peace officer may enter the Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City, the Court Annex building, the Courts' buildings in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Juvenile Hall or any other facility used by the court carrying a dangerous weapon, concealed or unconcealed (the order defines the term); no peace officer may enter a courtroom with a firearm, other than one the officer is wearing, that has not been secured or submitted to the bailiff for securing; a knowing violation is subject to the contempt process of the court and may be punishable by five days in jail and a fine of $500.00.

Traffic Hearing Schedules / Court Appearances, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/hearing-schedules-court-appearances, fetched 2026-10-08.

Appearances reserved in advance (no same-day walk-ins); no bail deposit for an arraignment or a court trial asked for at arraignment; arraignments Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. and court trials Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northern Branch; night court trials the first Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Courtroom 4A of the Southern Branch.

Unlawful Detainer Calendars and Hearing Information, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/unlawful-detainer-calendars-and-hearing-information, fetched 2026-10-08.

Reply briefs, oppositions and summary judgment motions e-mailed to the law and motion reply address; ex partes Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom H of the Central Branch (Local Rule 3.1202(a) and (f); in person except under rule 3.1207); stays of eviction; pretrials and court trials at the Central Courthouse; law and motion and jury trials before the assigned judge; the weekly schedule; settlements (rule 3.1385; CM-200 before a stipulated judgment).

Zoom Credentials to Appear Remotely for Court Hearings, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo; the court's web page https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/zoom-credentials-appear-remotely-court-hearings, fetched 2026-10-08.

Zoom is not authorized for every appearance (the Calendar Appearance Requirement Matrix); in-person appearance in all criminal matters since July 1, 2022 except Veteran’s Court and Military Diversion Court; no Zoom on the Presiding Judge's ex parte calendar absent prior approval; counsel appearing by Zoom by video; where each division's credentials are posted; recording prohibited (rule 1.150).

Division I: Rules on Appeal to the Appellate Department, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Appellate Department rules of Division I (Rules 1.0 to 1.10; former Rules 1.1 to 1.4 repealed): general provisions (the four judges the Chairperson of the Judicial Council assigns to the Appellate Division; regular sessions on the second Friday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 2M at the Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City) (Rule 1.0); the notice of appeal (Rule 1.1); stay orders (Rule 1.2); appointed counsel in misdemeanor appeals (Rule 1.3); the record on appeal (Rule 1.4); briefs (Rule 1.5); oral argument (Rule 1.6); the decision, within ninety days after submission (Rule 1.7); applications and motions (Rule 1.8); extensions and relief from default (Rule 1.9); and writs in limited civil, misdemeanor and infraction cases (Rule 1.10).

Division II, Chapter 1: Form and Service of Papers, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division II (Court Management), Chapter 1 (Rules 2.0 to 2.1.9): the transfer of the County Clerk's court-related functions to the Superior Court Executive Officer (Rule 2.0; Government Code section 69898); the form of papers presented for filing (Rule 2.1); California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) claims assigned to a designated judge (Rule 2.1.3); documents produced through a nonparty (Rule 2.1.4); permissive electronic filing (Rule 2.1.5); attaching photographs to filed documents (Rule 2.1.6); mandatory electronic filing for all parties except self-represented litigants in family law, probate, civil limited and unlimited, complex, small claims and unlawful detainer cases, criminal cases after the complaint, adoptions and juvenile cases (Rule 2.1.7); the documents that cannot be electronically filed, among them ex parte applications in all actions except probate ex parte filings that comply with Local Rule 4.7 (Rule 2.1.8); and lodging confidential discovery documents (Rule 2.1.9). Rules 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 are repealed.

Division II, Chapter 2: Civil Trial Court Management Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 2's civil trial court management rules are repealed: Part 1, Management Duties (Rule 2.2), Part 2, Caseflow Management (Rules 2.3, 2.3.1 and 2.4) and Part 3, Calendar Management (Rule 2.5), each repealed effective January 1, 2021; the refund of jury fees (Rule 2.6) was renumbered as Rule 2.7.6.

Division II, Chapter 4: Jury Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 4 (Rules 2.7 to 2.7.7): the length of jury service (Rule 2.7; CRC 2.1002); proposed jury instructions, their timing set by the Trial Department (Rule 2.7.1; California Rules of Court, Rules 2.1055 and 2.1050); counsel's duty to complete proposed instructions (Rule 2.7.2); their form (Rule 2.7.3); changing jury instructions (Rule 2.7.4); the jury instruction conference outside the presence of jurors (Rule 2.7.5); and juror questionnaires for all case types except death penalty cases (Rule 2.7.7). Rule 2.7.6 is repealed.

Division II, Chapter 5: General Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 5 (Rules 2.8 to 2.15): the family law rules in Division V (Rule 2.8); required action - no case off calendar without a future action date (Rule 2.9); interpreters and translators, the party desiring an interpreter giving notice (Rule 2.10); the return of exhibits in civil cases (2.11); court reporter availability in civil actions (2.12); the policy against bias (Rule 2.13); the generative artificial intelligence policy, the Court's expectations posted on its website (Rule 2.14); and the transfer out of non-criminal cases (Rule 2.15).

Division II, Chapter 6: Civil Trial Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 6 (Rules 2.20 to 2.22): on assignment to a trial department for a jury trial, each party files any in limine motions, trial briefs, a concise non-argumentative statement of the case and a list of possible witnesses (Rule 2.20); in limine motions served not less than five (5) days before trial (Rule 2.21); and the production of exhibits, an original and copies for all other parties and the court (Rule 2.22). Rule numbers 2.23 to 2.29 are reserved.

Division II, Chapter 7: Complex Cases, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 7: Rule 2.30, the determination of complex case designation, is repealed effective January 1, 2021; rule numbers 2.31 to 2.35 are reserved.

Division II, Chapter 8: Access to Court Records, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 8 (Rules 2.36 to 2.38): public access and privacy (Rule 2.36; California Rules of Court, Rule 1.201); public access to exhibits or attachments not marked as confidential or sealed (Rule 2.37; Rule 2.503); and electronic access to court records under the Court's Electronic Imaging program (Rule 2.38; Rules 2.500).

Division III: Direct Calendar Civil Departments — Assignment, Case Management, and Law and Motion, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division III: the law and motion rules (form of papers, points and authorities, declarations and judicial notice, Rules 3.3 to 3.6; hearings, Rules 3.7 to 3.12, including tentative rulings on the calendar of the Presiding Judge by telephone at (650) 261-5019 after 3:00 p.m. and notice of intent to appear by 4:00 p.m.; motions after trial, motions to reconsider and ex parte applications and orders, Rules 3.17 to 3.19, the Presiding Judge's ex partes at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday); the Direct Calendar Civil Departments rules (Rule 3.100): single assignment of civil cases (Rule 3.200); complex case designations (Rule 3.300); civil law and motion - matters not heard, scheduling, tentative rulings, off calendar and continuances (Rules 3.400 to 3.404); ex parte applications in general civil, two days per week at 1:30 p.m. before the assigned Civil Judge (Rule 3.500); correspondence with civil departments (Rule 3.600); informal discovery conferences (Rule 3.700); case management (Rules 3.800 to 3.805); appropriate dispute resolution (Rules 3.900 to 3.905); the post-ADR case management and trial setting conference (Rule 3.1000); mandatory settlement conferences (Rule 3.1100); unlawful detainer actions (Rules 3.1200 to 3.1205); collections cases (Rules 3.1300 to 3.1303); orders of examination (Rule 3.1400); and remote appearances (Rule 3.1500). Rules 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.9, 3.11 and 3.13 to 3.16 are repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 1: Organization and Administration, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division IV (Probate Department), Chapter 1 (Rules 4.1 to 4.7): general provisions - the Probate Department hears all matters arising under the Probate Code (Rule 4.1); hearings (Rule 4.2); the informal discovery conference (Rule 4.2.1); probate trials and contested matters (Rule 4.3); the length of hearing (Rule 4.4); non-appearance (Rule 4.5); appearance (Rule 4.6); and ex parte matters (Rule 4.7).

Division IV, Chapter 10: Distribution of Probate Estate, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 10 (Rules 4.55 to 4.68): the description of assets (Rule 4.55); asset distribution (Rule 4.56); allegations re character of assets (Rule 4.57); agreements for distribution and assignment of assets (Rules 4.58 and 4.59); the heirs of a predeceased spouse when the decedent dies intestate (Rule 4.60); distribution to persons under conservatorship or guardianship, to minors, to the representative of a deceased heir or beneficiary and to intestate heirs (Rules 4.61 to 4.64); interest on general pecuniary legacies (Rule 4.65); the additional requirements and tax procedures for final distribution (Rules 4.66 and 4.67); and preliminary distribution under Section 11621 (Rule 4.68).

Division IV, Chapter 11: Miscellaneous Petitions and Orders, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 11 (Rules 4.69 to 4.75): family allowance (Rule 4.69; Sections 6540-6545); borrowing money (Rule 4.70); operating a business (Rule 4.71); determining title to real or personal property (Rule 4.72; Section 850); the substitution or withdrawal of attorney (Rule 4.73); obtaining final discharge (Rule 4.74); and proceedings to establish the fact of death (Rule 4.75).

Division IV, Chapter 12: Guardianships and Conservatorships, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 12 (Rules 4.76 to 4.82): temporary conservatorships (Rule 4.76); guardianships (Rules 4.77.1 to 4.77.17: the petition, hearing dates, service and proof of service, personal appearance, multiple wards, the investigation and investigative reports, the alternative guardian, the order appointing the guardian, the guardian of the estate, current addresses, review, temporary guardianship in emergency situations only, accounts and reports, fees and discharge); the use of a minor's assets for support and the disposition of a minor's funds (Rules 4.78 and 4.79); the compromise of claims (Rule 4.80); conservatorships (Rules 4.81.1 to 4.81.22: the petition, notice, qualifications, appointment or termination, personal appearance, letters, changes of address, California licensed professional fiduciaries, waiver of bond, orders regarding a major neurocognitive disorder, visits, medical consent, inventory and appraisement, independent powers, accounts and reports, the confidential status report, fee disclosure, the death of the conservatee, compensation and final discharge); and substituted judgment (Rule 4.82). Rules 4.77, 4.81 and 4.81.5 are repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 13: Commissions and Fees, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 13 (Rules 4.83 to 4.88): statutory compensation in decedent's estates (Rule 4.83); compensation for extraordinary services in decedents' estates (Rule 4.84); compensation for conservators and their attorneys (Rule 4.85); the time for allowing compensation (Rule 4.86); court investigation assessments, including a fee of $500.00 for conservatorship investigations performed by the Aging and Adult Services (Rule 4.88); and Appendix A to Chapter 13, the rules for determining commissions on the sale of real property (the chart of brokers' commissions; Probate Code Section 10162-10165). Rule 4.87 is repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 14: Transactions Involving Incompetent Spouse, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 14: prior court approval is required for any action specified in Probate Code Section 3100, et seq. (Rule 4.89).

Division IV, Chapter 15: Trusts, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 15 (Rules 4.90 to 4.100): trustee's accounts (Rule 4.90); notice to beneficiaries (Rule 4.91); the compensation of trustees and attorneys for trustees (Rule 4.92); trusts established before distribution of a probate estate and trusts created pursuant to court order (Rules 4.93 and 4.94); fees for the Public Guardian and County Counsel (Rule 4.95); and independent counsel (Rule 4.100).

Division IV, Chapter 2: Pleadings, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 2 (Rules 4.8 to 4.12): the caption (Rule 4.8); the petition for instructions (Rule 4.9); Judicial Council forms (Rule 4.10); and verification (Rule 4.12). Rule 4.11 (accounts) is repealed; refer to Rule 4.49.

Division IV, Chapter 3: Spousal Property Petition, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 3 (Rules 4.13 to 4.16): allegations in support of a showing of community property (Rule 4.14); a spousal property petition filed with a petition for probate (Rule 4.14.1); fees (Rule 4.15); and the election of the surviving spouse to administer property (Rule 4.16). Rule 4.13 is repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 4: Appointment of Executors and Administrators: Proof of Wills, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 4 (Rules 4.17 to 4.22): the appointment of a special administrator (Rule 4.17); the petition for probate of will and letters of administration (Rule 4.18), holographic wills, foreign wills, Item #8 in the Petition for Probate and the supplement to the petition (Rules 4.18.1 to 4.18.4); notice requirements, service of notice and publication (Rules 4.19 to 4.19.2); the proof of wills (Rule 4.20); lost or destroyed wills (Rule 4.21); and renunciations and declinations to act (Rule 4.22).

Division IV, Chapter 5: Bond, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 5 (Rules 4.23 to 4.27.1): when bond is not required, the statement of waiver in the petition, two or more personal representatives, separate bonds for individuals and the independent power to sell real property (Rules 4.24 to 4.24.4); non-resident executors or administrators (Rule 4.25); reducing bond and withdrawing funds from a blocked account (Rules 4.26 and 4.26.1); bond modification (Rule 4.27); and bond upon sale of real property (Rule 4.27.1). Rule 4.23 is repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 6: Inventory and Appraisement, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 6 (Rules 4.28 to 4.31): the probate referee's appointment (Rule 4.28); preparing the inventory and appraisal (Rule 4.29); the sufficiency of bond (Rule 4.30); and the waiver of appraisal by a referee for good cause (Rule 4.31).

Division IV, Chapter 7: Claims, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 7 (Rules 4.32 to 4.38): the nature and form of claims (Rule 4.32); filing and listing claims (Rule 4.33); approval by the court (Rule 4.34); funeral and interment claims (Rule 4.36); claims of personal representatives and reimbursements to personal representatives and their attorneys (Rule 4.37); and the compromise of claims (Rule 4.38). Rule 4.35 is repealed.

Division IV, Chapter 8: Sales, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 8 (Rules 4.39 to 4.47): judicial approval (Rule 4.39); exclusive listings for the sale of property (Rule 4.40); tangible personal property (Rule 4.41; Probate Code Sections 10250 - 10264); securities (Rule 4.42); condominiums, community or cooperative apartments (Rule 4.43); publication of notice of intention to sell real property (Rule 4.44); the return of private sale (Rule 4.45); and broker's commissions, including in overbid situations (Rules 4.46 and 4.47).

Division IV, Chapter 9: Accounts, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 9: all accounts filed in probate proceedings, including guardianship, conservatorship and trust accounts, must be typewritten and conform to the California Rules of Court (Rule 4.48). Rules 4.49 to 4.54 are repealed.

Division IX: Criminal Department, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division IX (Rules 9.1 to 9.12): pretrial motions in criminal cases (Rule 9.1); sentencing (Rule 9.2); continuances, only in open court (Rule 9.3; Penal Code Section 1050); the reporter's transcript on appeal, commenced upon a verdict of guilty in all felony trials (Rule 9.6); trial by declaration for traffic infractions (Rule 9.7); the confidentiality of victim or witness information in law enforcement, arrest or investigative reports (Rule 9.8; Penal Code §964); traffic pre-trial discovery motions (Rule 9.9); the local criminal felony and misdemeanor bail schedules, effective from July 1 to June 30 (Rule 9.10; Penal Code sections 1269b and Rule 4.102); brief preliminary evaluations of the adjudicative competency of a criminal defendant (Rule 9.11); and court reporter availability in criminal actions (Rule 9.12). Rules 9.4 and 9.5 are repealed.

Division V: Family Law Department and Family Court Services, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division V (Rules 5.1 to 5.17): applicability (Rule 5.1); court locations - family law proceedings filed and heard at the Southern Division in Redwood City unless otherwise ordered under Local Rule 6.9 (Rule 5.2); matters heard in the Family Law Department (Rule 5.3); case flow management under a Direct Calendar (Rule 5.4); informal discovery conferences (Rule 5.4.1); alternative dispute resolution (Rule 5.5); ex parte orders (Rule 5.6; California Rules of Court, Rules 5.151); requests for orders, orders to show cause and notices of motion (Rule 5.7); trial setting, status conference and mandatory settlement conference rules (Rule 5.8); judgment by default or uncontested hearing (Rule 5.9); the preparation of orders after hearing and judgments (Rule 5.10); declarations of disclosure and financial information (Rule 5.11); the Department of Child Support Services (Rule 5.12); Family Court Services and the mediation required whenever custody or visitation are in dispute (Rule 5.13); the appointment of counsel for a child and the complaint procedure for court appointed counsel (Rules 5.14 and 5.14.1); the family law facilitator (Rule 5.15; Family Code Section 10000); the coordination of court proceedings and sharing of case information involving minors with the juvenile court (Rules 5.16 to 5.16.6); and court ordered supervised visitation (Rule 5.17); with Appendix 1, the Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement format, and Appendix 2, the Long Cause Trial Rules Checklist. Rules 5.6.1 and 5.7.1, the first Rule 5.9 (Long Cause Trials) and the first Rule 5.10 (Family Support Division Matters, renumbered as Rule 5.12) are repealed or renumbered.

Division VI, Chapter 1: Uncontested Calendar, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division VI (Other Special Departments and Calendars), Chapter 1: the attorney's fees to be awarded, under normal circumstances, in actions on promissory notes and contracts providing for the payment of attorney's fees, and the Court Schedule of Attorney Fees for a default action on a note or contract (Rule 6.1.1). Rule 6.1 is repealed (effective January 1, 2024).

Division VI, Chapter 2: Juvenile Department, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 2 (Rules 6.2 to 6.4.1): hearings of the Juvenile Department at the San Mateo County Juvenile Court, 222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo (Rule 6.2); attorneys for parties in dependency proceedings - statutory timelines, time waivers and the attorneys' duties (Rule 6.3); all judges designated as Juvenile Court judges in the absence of the Juvenile Court judge (Rule 6.4); and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program (Rule 6.4.1).

Division VI, Chapter 3: LPS Calendar, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 3: court proceedings involving the detention, treatment and evaluation of the mentally disordered, developmentally disabled, inebriates, drug abusers, imminently dangerous and suicidal persons are held at the times and places the judge of the LPS Calendar Department prescribes (Rule 6.5).

Division VI, Chapter 4: Northern Department, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 4 (Rules 6.6 to 6.12): the sessions of the Northern Department each court day (Rule 6.6); the matters that may be heard there (Rule 6.7); the Northern District, all areas of San Mateo County from the northern boundary south to and including Burlingame (Rule 6.8); the basis for and the procedure for obtaining Northern District venue (Rules 6.9 and 6.10); and transfer from the Northern Department (Rule 6.11). Rule 6.12 is repealed; Rules 6.13 through 6.19 are reserved.

Division VI, Chapter 5: Writs and Receivers Calendar, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Chapter 5's rules on the writs and receivers calendar - the calendar, ex parte matters and placing a matter on the calendar (Rules 6.20, 6.22 and 6.23) - are repealed effective January 1, 2021.

Division VII: Pretrial Proceedings in Class Actions, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division VII's rules on pretrial proceedings in class actions (Rules 7.1 to 7.11) are all repealed; most refer to the CRC (rules 3.750 and 3.760 to 3.770).

Division VIII: Appointment of Special Masters and Referees for the Handling of Complex Cases, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division VIII (Rules 8.1 to 8.10): the court's power to appoint a special master or referee in complex cases at any stage (Rule 8.1); the definition (Rule 8.2; CRC Rule 3.400); the appointment under Code of Civil Procedure sections 638-645.1 (Rule 8.4); supervision by the assigned civil judge (Rule 8.5); the duties of the special master or referee (Rule 8.6; section 639); the court order signed by the presiding judge (Rule 8.7); and the special master's additional powers (Rule 8.9). Rules 8.3, 8.8 and 8.10 are repealed.

Division X: Judicial Arbitration for Civil Cases, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division X: judicial arbitration for civil cases (Rule 10.1) and voluntary arbitration (Rule 10.2) are repealed effective January 1, 2021.

Division XI: Civil Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Division XI: information forms for data processing (Rule 11.2); required action - action taken on all calendared cases and a future date always set (Rule 11.19); and pro tem judges - an attorney named as a plaintiff in a civil or small claims case may not sit as a judge pro-tem during the case or within six months following its resolution, nor one named as a defendant in two or more such cases (Rule 11.22). Rules 11.1, 11.3 to 11.5, 11.7 to 11.18, 11.20 and 11.21 are repealed, and Rule 11.6 (voluntary arbitration; see Local Rule 10.2) was repealed and renumbered.

Introduction: Important Instructions for Using These Rules, Local Court Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (as amended effective July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules) links the book (“Local Court Rules (Effective July 1, 2026)”) at https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/localrules.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The book's instructions (the California Rules of Court are not printed as part of the San Mateo County local rules but are considered incorporated within them; page numbers; amendments; application in all departments; the rules restated, amended and adopted effective July 1, 1996) and Rules 0.1 to 0.9: adoption and amendment of rules (Rule 0.1); sanctions (Rule 0.2); court security, the Sheriff designated as the Court Security Officer (Rule 0.3); civil appeals fees for the transcript on appeal (Rule 0.5: $325.00 for each half day and $650.00 for each full day of trial); the court's designation and caption, "Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo" (Rule 0.7); the contents of proof of service (Rule 0.8); and standing orders, signed by the Presiding Judge, numbered sequentially and filed chronologically (Rule 0.9). Rule 0.4 is reserved and Rule 0.6 repealed.