Richard C. Darwin

Alternative Dispute Resolution Information Package (ADR-1 09/24), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Alternative Dispute Resolution page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/alternative-dispute-resolution) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/adr-packet-final-september-2024_0_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The package plaintiff must serve on each defendant with the complaint (and cross-complainants on new parties) under CRC 3.221(c): the court's ADR options for general civil cases - mandatory settlement conferences (Local Rule 5.0), mediation through the Bar Association of San Francisco (an administrative fee of$295 per party), the Judicial Mediation Program, private mediation and Community Boards ($45-$100 to open a case), and judicial arbitration (CCP 1141.11; $50,000 or less) and private arbitration; and how to take part - a Stipulation to ADR, the case management statement or contacting the ADR department.

Appearances for Trial: Department 206 Civil Trial Calendar, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Presiding Judge–Master Calendar page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/presiding-judge-master-calendar) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/person-appearance-re-trial-call_acmedits_final.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

As of January 1, 2023, no remote appearances for trial call in Department 206 absent written order of the Court; in-person appearances mandatory for all general civil cases on the Department 206 trial calendar starting January 3, 2023, on the day of trial call unless the Court advises otherwise in advance.

Asbestos Department, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/asbestos-department, fetched 2026-10-08.

Asbestos actions are governed by Local Rule 20; Department 502 hearings (Judge Victor Hwang, Asbestos Judge): law and motion and discovery Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. (discovery motions need a reservation with the lead clerk at (415) 551-3768; law and motion dates selected by the parties); ex parte hearings Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. by CourtCall only, on the Asbestos - Room 345 calendar; master calendar jury Mondays at 11:15 a.m. in Department 206 in person; order to show cause conference the 1st Thursday at 9:00 a.m.; trial setting conference the 3rd Thursday of every other month at 1:30 p.m.; case management, minor's compromise, apportionment and default prove-up hearings by Zoom or in person, informal discovery conferences in person; contesting a tentative ruling by e-mail to contestasbestostr@sftc.org no later than 4:00 p.m. the court day before; courtesy copies under Local Rule 2.7; the Designated Defense Counsel.

CEQA Department, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/ceqa-department, fetched 2026-10-08.

CEQA procedures in Department 606 (Judge Stephen M. Murphy): motions and case management hearings Fridays at 9:30 am and writ hearings on dates the court sets; hearing dates reserved with the clerk before filing; e-mail to DepartmentCEQA@sftc.org copied to all counsel, for administration only; one joint email no later than one court day before a hearing naming who appears in person and who by Zoom; no court reporters provided (the reporter's details by email one court day before); two paper courtesy copies of e-filed documents and proposed orders in Word and PDF; e-filing through File&ServeXpress; continuances by stipulation or by email at least three court days before; vacated hearings; ex parte applications on Fridays at 9:30am via Courtcall; and case management statements (five court days before; no more than 15 pages).

Civil Case Management (Department 610), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-case-management, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 610 (Rochelle C. East, Presiding Judge): orders to show cause Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. with mandatory in-person appearances and courtesy copies lodged the same day the papers are filed; case management conferences Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (form CM-110 15 days before; courtesy copies by 1:30 p.m. the day following e-filing); objection hearings Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. (a Notice of Objection, a courtesy copy the same day and a stipulated trial date before the hearing); Zoom for objection hearings and case management conferences only (effective June 17, 2025); the ADR stipulation; and the table of requests and case types heard in other departments.

Civil Case Management Department 610: Order to Show Cause Hearing Procedure, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Updated Case Management Department 610 OSC Hearing Procedure page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/news/updated-case-management-department-610-osc-hearing-procedure) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/news/osc-appearance.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing Tuesday 8/30/22, mandatory in-person appearances for all order to show cause hearings in Department 610, with no telephone appearances; responses to an order to show cause strongly urged 20 days before the hearing (CRC 3.110(i) requires 5 calendar days) so that a case management order may issue without an appearance; sanctions on a failure to appear.

Civil Defaults Unit, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-defaults-unit, fetched 2026-10-08.

The default prove-up calendar in Department 505 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m.: hearing dates obtained when the motion is submitted - e-filed without a hearing date, with up to three (3) preferred dates 60 to 90 days out in the "Note to Clerk"; the $60 motion fee and the $20 and $60 fees to waive a witness's appearance; courtesy copies to Department 505 (7-10 days) before the hearing; a default packet e-filed in one transaction as separate documents; unlawful detainer defaults as to unknown occupants no longer processed; and the Notice of Renewal of Judgment (EJ-195) served with the EJ-190 since Jan-01-2024.

Complex Litigation: Challenging Confidentiality Designations, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Complex Civil Litigation page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/complex-civil-litigation) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/challenging-confidentiality-designations.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The language the complex departments require in stipulated protective orders: a challenge to a confidentiality designation at any time; written notice and a meet and confer in voice to voice dialogue within 10 days of the notice; an informal in-person conference with the Court; the Designating Party's motion to retain confidentiality within 10 days of that conference (or the designation is waived), with a declaration of compliance; the burden of persuasion on the Designating Party; sanctions for frivolous challenges; fees to the successful party; and protection until the court rules.

Court Hearings by Audio/Video Conferencing: Admonitions and Instructions, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/online-services/admonitions-and-instructions, fetched 2026-10-08.

Required of all participants in hearings by audio or video conferencing: no recording of any kind (sanctions up to $1,000), the same courtroom etiquette as in person, a quiet and private location, first and last names on screen, reconnecting promptly or notifying the courtroom after a disconnection, remaining until the Court authorizes leaving, devices checked at least five minutes before, no virtual backgrounds or filters, muting, and screen sharing only with the Court's permission.

Court Reporters, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/court-reporters, fetched 2026-10-08.

The civil departments with assigned court reporters (Dept. 403 and Dept. 404 Tuesday through Friday mornings, Dept. 405 for dependency only, Dept. 406 and Dept. 425 all day, Dept. 416 Monday through Wednesday) and none in the Law & Motion/Discovery Department since may 10, 2022; ordering transcripts ((415) 551-3778; transcriptrequests@sftc.org); certified shorthand reporters as official pro tempore reporters (Rule 2.956(c)); a court-reporter fee paid by a "Notice of Payment for Court Reporter Fee" in the same e-filing transaction as the moving papers, or the whole transaction is rejected; a fee waiver recipient's notice for a verbatim record; and appeal transcripts filed electronically since January 1, 2023.

Department 304 (Judge Ethan P. Schulman) Complex Litigation Procedures (updated January 11, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Complex Civil Litigation page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/complex-civil-litigation) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/dept-304-court-procedures.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 304's procedures: motion hearing dates reserved with the clerk before filing; e-mail to complexlit@sftc.org copied to all counsel, for administration only; continuances by stipulation or by email at least three court days before; vacated hearings; appearances in person, via Zoom (requested by joint email) or via CourtCall; discovery - deadlines for motions to compel vacated and suspended, no discovery motion without an informal discovery conference and the Court's authorization, a joint letter of no more than 5 pages at least three court days before the conference, and a motion within 10 court days after it; e-filing through File&ServeXpress; two hard copies of all e-filed documents; challenging confidentiality designations; sealing motions (the proposed redactions highlighted in yellow); tentative rulings emailed to counsel; no court reporters provided; and a joint case management conference statement filed with two copies no later than five court days before the conference.

Department 613 (Judge Jeffrey S. Ross) Complex Litigation Procedures (effective September 1, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Complex Civil Litigation page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/complex-civil-litigation) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/complexprocedures_dept613-september-1-2026-final.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 613's procedures: motion hearing dates reserved by email with the clerk before filing; case management and informal discovery conferences on Tuesdays and Thursdays, complex and dispositive motions on Wednesdays and a settlement calendar on alternate Fridays; e-mail to Department613ComplexLit@sftc.org copied to all counsel, for administration only; two paper courtesy copies of e-filed documents (with exhibit tabs) and proposed orders by email in Word and PDF; hearings in person or by Zoom (no Court Call), the Zoom waiting room 5 minutes before (15 minutes in JCCP cases and cases with more than five attorneys) and one joint e-mail by 4 p.m. the court day before; stipulated orders and protective orders; motions to seal noticed not less than fourteen days before the substantive motion; e-filing; continuances; vacated hearings; case management conferences and statements; individual settlements in putative class and PAGA actions; motions for approval of settlements; discovery; ex parte applications; tentative rulings; Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings; motions to be relieved as counsel; and discovery disputes during depositions.

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

How to prepare and e-file documents: document titles; caption pages and slip sheets under CRC 2.111; exhibits; proposed orders (lodged) and stipulations ($20, or the $435 first appearance fee); scanning at 300 dpi; proofs of service; multiple documents in one transaction; deadlines (CCP 1010.6); fee waiver denial payments; defaults; hearing dates, including Department 505 prove-ups and minor's compromises on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. ($60); redacted and un-redacted documents filed in the SAME transaction and courtesy copies lodged conditionally under seal; sealed discovery documents; courtesy copies (LRSF 2.7(B)); court reporter fees; jury fees ($150); undertakings; sanctions; the $500 pro hac vice renewal fee; appeal fees; documents served in open court (e-filed no later than 11:59 p.m. the same day); guardian ad litem applications; civil restraining orders; bonds; requests for trial de novo; refunds; and government agencies.

Family Court Services, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/unified-family-court/family-court-services, fetched 2026-10-08.

Family Court Services: free confidential mediation in custody and visitation disputes and in juvenile dependency, the Confidential Screening Form, orientations and Tier 2 reports; interpreters free of charge for parties on the Domestic Violence calendar or with a current restraining order, requested in advance in Room 402 (otherwise parties bring their own; minor children may not interpret); attorneys may participate in mediation, and those who do not are considered to have waived the ex parte communication rules; the items every Rally stipulation and order must address and the courtesy copy for the mediator; custody evaluation orders in the form the San Francisco Local Rules require; and supervised visitation providers.

Guardianship: Requirement to Serve the San Francisco Human Services Agency, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Guardianship of Children page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-court/guardianship-children) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/hsa-service_2026aug_.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

A petitioner for guardianship of the person sends file-stamped copies of the petition (GC-210 or GC-210(P), GC-210(CA), ICWA-010(A)), the UCCJEA declaration (GC-120(A)), the Confidential Guardian Screening Form (GC-212) and the Confidential Declaration of Proposed Guardian (PRB-PGN-001) to the SF HSA Non-Court Unit for the background screenings, which take at least 30 days; notice to the California Department of Social Services when the proposed guardian is not related to the child; and proof of service on form GC-020 (Probate Code section 1516(a); Local Rule 14.46(A)(2)).

Guidelines for Obtaining Default and Default Judgment on Unlawful Detainer Actions (SFCIV-012), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Civil Defaults Unit page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-defaults-unit) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/default-checklist-3rd-rev-31825_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The papers that must be on file in an unlawful detainer default (the complaint, the original summons, a proof of service for each defendant and form CIV-100) and the court's verification checklists for entry of default, a clerk's judgment for possession only (forms UD-120 and UD-110, the pre-judgment claim of right to possession) and a court judgment for money damages once possession is no longer at issue.

Guidelines for Processing Default Judgments (SFCIV-020), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Civil Defaults Unit page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-defaults-unit) and the court's Local Forms page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/forms-fees/local-forms) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/sfciv-020-guidelines-processing-default-judgments-rev.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

What a court judgment (unlimited) and a clerk's judgment require - a proposed judgment within the prayer, a declaration of non-military status, a memorandum of costs (MC-010), the original contract or a lost-document declaration, an interest computation, the CCP 1033(b)(2) notice and dismissals of unnamed defendants; and the checklist for court or clerk judgment by subject - proof of service (POS-010), dismissal of Doe defendants (CIV-110), the request (CIV-100), costs, interest, attorney fees, open book accounts, written agreements, debt buyers (CC 1788.60), fee waivers, deficiency judgments, subrogation (interest limited to 7%), claim and delivery, homeowners association fees and the proposed judgment (JUD-100).

Guidelines of Professional Conduct, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/guidelines-professional-conduct, fetched 2026-10-08.

Standards of professional conduct the members of the San Francisco Bar Association drafted and the Courts of the City and County of San Francisco adopted as guidelines (not Rules of Court, and not a way to extend any time limit): non-discrimination; scheduling; service of documents; continuances and extensions of time; discovery, depositions and written discovery; motions; dealing with opposing counsel; and dealing with the court - notice before an ex parte application, new authority given to the court and all counsel at or before the hearing, and a prompt proposed order.

Information on Title IV-D Remote Appearances in Department 414 (rev. 3/23/2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Local Forms page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/forms-fees/local-forms) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/414-informationontitleiv-dremoteappearance-final-032326_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Remote appearances by telephone or video authorized generally in Title IV-D child support proceedings in Department 414 under Local Rule 11.7 without a Notice of Remote Appearance, with the option to appear in person; the exceptions (contested long cause matters or trials, contempt hearings, orders of examination, subpoenaed appearances) requiring the procedures of CRC, Rule 3.672 and form RA-010; opposition on form RA-015; notice of the court's decision; and failure to appear on time may result in the matter proceeding by default.

Instructions for Request to Appear at Small Claims Hearing by Zoom (SFSCL-005), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Small Claims page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims), the court's Local Forms page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/forms-fees/local-forms) and 1 other page at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/small-claims-request-zoom-appearance-sfscl-005.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

To appear by Zoom at a small claims hearing: the request to appear by Zoom, its declaration and its order submitted no later than 10 days before the hearing, the originals mailed with one set of copies and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Small Claims Division, Room 103; the Court's signed order (an in-person appearance if denied); Department 506's Zoom information; and copies of any evidence to the Court and the opposing party no later than 10 days before the hearing, photographs in color.

Interpreter Division, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/interpreter-division, fetched 2026-10-08.

Court interpreters at no cost in the mandated case types and in the listed civil case types; requests by email to InterpreterRequests@sftc.org with the case name, case number, language, date, location and contact information, or through the clerk, at least two business days in advance for Spanish and five (5) business days for other languages; cancellations as soon as possible; and language access in court-ordered services (forms LA-350 and LA-400).

Juvenile Case Transfers, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/unified-family-court/juvenile-case-transfers, fetched 2026-10-08.

Juvenile justice transfer-in matters in Department 3 - out of custody Monday through Thursday at 9:00a.m., in custody Monday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. - requested by email to Department3@sftc.org; dependency transfer-in matters Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. in Department 406 or Department 425, requested by email to dependencyclerk@sftc.org with the listed information; and transfer-in hearings set within 5 court days of the transfer out order if the minor is in custody and 10 court days if out of custody.

Law & Motion and Discovery (Departments 301 and 302), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/law-motion-and-discovery, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 301 (odd case numbers; Hon. Christine Van Aken) and Department 302 (even; Hon. Joseph M. Quinn): discovery and law and motion hearings at 9:00 a.m. by Zoom or in person; ex parte hearings daily at 11:00 a.m. by CourtCall only, the moving papers e-filed and delivered to the department no later than two (2) hours before; applications for a temporary restraining order, alternative writ or receiver scheduled by e-mail to calendar301@sftc.org or calendar302@sftc.org at least 24 hours in advance; hearing dates selected without a reservation; courtesy copies under Local Rules 2.7b and 8.2; continuances and off-calendar requests by e-mail (Local Rule 8.2B), none after noon the court day before; contesting tentative rulings; proposed orders; and Doe amendment requests.

Notice of Changes to Policy Regarding Unavailability of Official Court Reporters in Civil Cases (effective May 10, 2022), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Law & Motion and Discovery page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/law-motion-and-discovery) and the court's Changes to Policy Regarding Unavailability of Official Court Reporters in Civil cases page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/news/changes-policy-regarding-unavailability-official-court-reporters-civil-cases) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/notice-non-availability-court-reporters-eff-05-10-2022.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Effective May 10, 2022, official court reporters are "not available" for civil cases under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956: none, unless required by law, for infractions, misdemeanors, limited civil cases, pretrial proceedings in unlimited civil cases, civil law and motion, civil case management hearings, civil restraining orders and civil petitions; parties may arrange a certified shorthand reporter as an official pro tempore reporter at their own expense (Rule 2.956(c)), whose notes are official records (Government Code §§ 69955); and, under Jameson v. Desta, an official reporter for in forma pauperis litigants on request with a fee waiver.

Notice: Changes in the Asbestos Department (effective May 04, 2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Asbestos Department page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/asbestos-department) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/asbestos-public-notice-may-04-2026_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

All asbestos calendars in Department 502 and the master calendar jury asbestos in Department 206 (Mondays at 11:15a.m.) of the Civil Center Courthouse: asbestos motions, including discovery, Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.; ex parte hearings by CourtCall only, Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., reserved for Courtroom 345; order to show cause conferences on the 1st Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m.; trial setting conferences on the 3rd Thursday, bimonthly beginning every February, at 1:30 p.m.; case management conferences under preference orders Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.; default hearings, minor's compromise and apportionment, and informal discovery conferences on dates from the clerk at 415-551-3768; settlement conference information from ADRCoordinator@sftc.org; and asbestos filings labeled under the Local Rules.

Notice: New Family Law Department 405A at the Civic Center Courthouse (effective October 1, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Unified Family Court page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/unified-family-court) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/notice-dept-405a.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Effective October 1, 2024, Judge Carolyn Gold assigned to Department 405A: domestic violence restraining order requests not involving children (Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. for married parties, Friday at 9:00 a.m. for unwed parties, and trials as set); family law discovery requests for order (Fam. Code § 6309), on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 1:30 p.m.; Family Centered Case Resolution calendars (status conferences Monday at 10:00 a.m.; 18 Month Review Hearings and 3-Year and 5-Year Dismissal calendars on the 2nd and 4th Monday in the afternoon); readiness calendars Monday at 9:00 am, with the case remaining assigned to 403 or 404; default and uncontested judgment review and prove-up hearings; and other matters as assigned.

Notice: Orders for FTR Audio and Transcripts in Civil Matters (effective May 21, 2025), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Civil Records page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/civil-records) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/notice-orders-ftr-audio-and-transcript-civil-matters.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Commencing Wednesday, May 21, 2025, all orders for FTR (For the Record) audio and transcripts in civil matters are submitted through the FTR application at https://fortherecord.com/san-francisco/, with payment at the time of submission.

Practice Guidelines for Attorneys Practicing in the San Francisco Dependency Court, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Juvenile Dependency page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/unified-family-court/juvenile-dependency) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/practice-guidelines-dependency-court.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The minimum standards of practice the court expects of dependency panel attorneys (failure to observe them may result in suspension or removal from the panel) and of retained counsel and city attorneys: the general mandate; and, for all attorneys and separately for attorneys for parents, children and the agency, the duties at each stage - investigation, detention, discovery, the settlement conference, jurisdiction, disposition, review hearings, W&I Code § 366.26 hearings, post permanent plan hearings, nonminor dependents, rehearings, writs and appeals, and miscellaneous matters including mediation under LR 12.19.

Presiding Judge–Master Calendar (Department 206), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/presiding-judge-master-calendar, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 206 (Presiding Judge Rochelle C. East): limited and unlimited jurisdiction trials called on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; motion calendars at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday with mandatory in-court appearances as of April 15, 2024; the fee waiver calendar at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (Zoom permitted); the ex parte calendar at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday (guardian ad litem and non-housing publication applications by drop off); courtesy copies under LRSF 2.7; no tentative decisions; the trial order - call (415) 551-3685 or email Department206@sftc.org seven to 14 days before trial with the listed information, and appear unless a dismissal, settlement or stay is filed with courtesy copies by 4 p.m. on the Thursday before trial (C.C.P. 177.5).

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

The Department 204 calendar: appearance hearings at 9 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; petitions for appointment of a guardian at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and of a conservator at 9 a.m. on Thursday (appearances required); mental health conservatorship matters at 9 a.m. on Thursday in Department 622; elder abuse restraining orders in active conservatorships at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday; ex parte matters for an appearance at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Dept. 202; drop-off ex parte petitions with a courtesy copy to the probate clerk in Room 103 (the blue cover sheet for expedited review); the law and motion calendar (to schedule a motion, call (415) 551-3702); form GC-325 with every GC-310 petition; and tentative rulings by phone at (415) 551-4000.

Probate: Remote Access to Departments 204 and 202, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Probate Court page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-court) and the court's Guardianship of Children page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-court/guardianship-children) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/remote-appearances-final_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

How parties, counsel and witnesses appear remotely in Department 204 and in Department 202 (ex parte proceedings): by video or audio through Zoom (the meeting IDs and passwords; first and last name in the "Your Name" box), by audio through CourtCall (1-888-882-6878; a fee may apply even with a fee waiver), and the public's listen-only lines (1-415-796-6280 and the access codes).

Protocol for Juvenile Dependency Pre-Jurisdiction/Disposition Timelines and Trial Setting Orders (LR 12.8), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Local Forms page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/forms-fees/local-forms) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/pre-jurisdiction_dispo-timelines.docx, fetched 2026-10-08.

The order attached to the court's finding at detention: discovery due no later than 1-week before the settlement conference; presumed father motions no later than 3-weeks after detention; the settlement conference at 4-weeks; the first and second mandatory meet and confers by the end of the 6th and 8th weeks; the addendum report and updated discovery at 9-weeks; witness lists, 355 objections and documents and the final settlement conference at 10-weeks; and trial at 12-weeks; dependency trials set in Department 405 heard by the Honorable Monica F. Wiley.

Public Notice: Important Changes to the Asbestos and Law and Motion & Discovery Calendars (November 22, 2024), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Law & Motion and Discovery page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/law-motion-and-discovery) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/news/law_and_motion_public_notice-november-2024_0.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Effective December 2, 2024, asbestos cases reassigned from Department 301 to Department 304; effective December 9, 2024, law and motion matters split between Department 301 (odd-numbered cases) and Department 302 (even-numbered cases), and discovery-calendared matters moved from Department 525 to Department 301 (odd-numbered cases) and Department 302 (even-numbered cases).

Real Property Court (Department 501), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/real-property-court, fetched 2026-10-08.

Department 501 (Judge Charles F. Haines): motions at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday (courtesy copies by the moving party on the date of filing and by the opposing party not later than one day before the hearing; "Discovery" on the title page of discovery papers; a limit of five discovery motions per day); ex parte applications Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9 a.m. and Tuesday at 10 a.m. for unlawful detainer stays of execution only; unlawful detainer mandatory settlement conferences in person; trial call and trial assignment requirements; and a fee waiver recipient's written notice for a verbatim record (Unlawful Detainer Matters – 5 days before; Civil and Probate – 2 weeks before).

San Francisco County Mental Health Diversion Procedures (last modified July 2026), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Mental Health Diversion page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/collaborative-courts/mental-health-diversion) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/mhd-process-counsel_website-updated-july-2026.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Mental health diversion under Penal Code 1001.36: the 1001.36 eligibility report (Jail Health Services for clients in custody; existing or new providers out of custody) and referral to Department 15 or another collaborative court; treatment plans in Departments 15, 8 and 26, in and out of custody; the petition and its supporting documents filed at least 15 calendar days before the hearing and the opposition at least 10 calendar days before; transport notice to the bailiff by 3:30pm the day before; firearm prohibitions under 1001.36(m); progress reports (24 hours before in Department 15, by 1pm the day before in Departments 8 and 26); successful completion, restitution and the motion to dismiss filed at least 15 court days before; and termination, modification or referral for conservatorship.

San Francisco Juvenile Court Competency Protocol (rev. March 2020), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Juvenile Justice page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/unified-family-court/juvenile-justice) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/sf-competency-protocol-final-rev-march-2020.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The protocol Local Rule 13.3 applies when a doubt is expressed about a minor's competency (Welf. & Inst. Code § 709): informal resolution; the legal standard; initiation and suspension of proceedings; the court-appointed psychologist from the Court Alienist Panel, separately retained experts and the method of evaluation (Grisso's Model and the JACI, testing, records, the specific questions); a Remediation Plan; the Hearing for Receipt of the Competency Evaluation Report (at least 17 court days from appointment) and the Competency Trial (15 court days in custody, 45 calendar days out of custody); developmentally disabled minors; orders during suspended proceedings; secure confinement limits; the remediation period (no more than one year) and the Competency Attainment Program; remediation review hearings every 30 calendar days in custody or 45 out of custody, the Six Month Remediation Hearing, then the Twelve Month Remediation Hearing; minors' statements; and the Checklist for Psychological Evaluations (Appendix 4).

Small Claims (Department 506), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; the court's web page https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims, fetched 2026-10-08.

Small claims hearings by videoconference: the request to appear by Zoom, its declaration and its order submitted at least 10 calendar days before the hearing; evidence sent to the opposing party and Department 506 at least 5 days before the hearing; the small claims mediation program temporarily suspended; filings by mail or at the clerk's office (the e-mail address takes inquiries only); and interpreter requests.

U-Visa Certification Protocol (revised February 2022), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's U-Visa page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/criminal/u-visa) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/u-visa-protocol-sf-court.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

How the court handles U-Visa certification requests (USCIS Form I-918, Supplemental B): the Presiding Judge assigns all requests received by the Civil Division to a designated judge; the three elements the applicant must establish; qualifying criminal activity; no prosecution or conviction required; the bases on which judges certify and amend the form; signatures in blue ink and the signed original returned to the applicant; unsigned forms returned with a memo; and decisions within 30 calendar days of the request, or 14 days if the requestor is in removal proceedings (California Penal Code 679.10).

Zoom Appearance Procedure for Civil Harassment (SFCIV-032), Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco; posted on the court's Restraining Orders - Civil Harassment page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/restraining-orders-civil-harassment) and the court's Restraining Orders - Gun Violence page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/restraining-orders-gun-violence) at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/forms-and-filings/zoom-appearance-procedure-civil-harassment.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

To appear by Zoom at a civil harassment hearing: the Notice RE: Appearance by Zoom, the Declaration Re: Appearance by Zoom, and the Order Re: Request to Appear by Zoom submitted at least 10 calendar days before the hearing; supporting documents or pictures sent to the opposing party at least 5 days in advance; the Zoom meeting information; and roll call at 8:45 AM (a party not present at roll call may have the case continued or, in some cases, dismissed).

Appendix A: Fee Schedule for Attorney Compensation for Limited Jurisdiction Cases, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

The schedule of attorney's fees by the principal sued for in limited jurisdiction cases: from $10 where the principal is $10 to $50, in steps, to $3,900 where it is 34,751 to 35,000.

Rule 1: General Rules, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 1 (Rules 1.0 to 1.2): the rules are the Local Rules of Court for the San Francisco Superior Court, cited as LRSF (Rule 1.0); sanctions under CCP § 575.2 for failure to comply (Rule 1.1); and definitions - appearance includes remote appearance under CRC 3.672 in civil cases, a day is a calendar day unless otherwise indicated, and the Presiding Judge includes the designee (Rule 1.2).

Rule 10: Discovery and Civil Miscellaneous, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 10 (Rules 10.0 and 10.1): the matters heard in the Discovery Department (the Civil Discovery Act, production of evidence, arbitration discovery, punitive damages discovery, discovery referees and post-judgment discovery) and the Presiding Judge's discretion; discovery motions heard by temporary judges on stipulation; noticed motions without a reservation, Monday through Friday at 9:00 am; no court reporter provided (CRC 2.956); "DISCOVERY" typed on the title page (Rule 10.0); and interpreters - notice, cancellation not less than 3 days in advance and qualifications five (5) court days before the appearance (Rule 10.1).

Rule 11: Family Law, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 11 (Rules 11.0 to 11.16): general rules (Rule 11.0); the Unified Family Court and the matters assigned to the Family Law Division (Rules 11.1 and 11.2); assignment of matters - even numbered cases to Department 403, odd to Department 404, and all matters involving the Department of Child Support Services to Department 414 (Rule 11.3); commissioners and judges pro tempore and forms (Rules 11.4 and 11.5); child custody and visitation - trial setting, minor's counsel, child custody evaluations, parenting coordinators and supervised visitation providers (Rule 11.6); the law and motion and Readiness Calendars - support calculations filed 5 court days before, tentative rulings from 2:00 p.m. the court day before, oral argument by 4:00 p.m., remote appearances and continuances (Rule 11.7); ex parte orders, stipulations, meet and confer, discovery, substitutions and writs of execution (Rule 11.8); the Domestic Violence Calendar - temporary restraining orders (submitted before 10:00 a.m., available after 2:30 p.m.), service, mandatory mediation when there are children in common, and orders after hearing (Rule 11.9); status conferences and trial setting (Rule 11.10); mandatory settlement conferences (statements lodged no later than 10 calendar days before) and judicial settlement conferences (Rules 11.11 and 11.12); trial rules (Rule 11.13); the default and uncontested calendar (Rule 11.14); Family Court Services (Rule 11.15); and alternative dispute resolution (Rule 11.16).

Rule 12: Juvenile Dependency, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 12 (Rules 12.0 to 12.28): authority and abbreviations (Rules 12.0 and 12.1); the dependency departments, 406 and 425 (Rule 12.2); petitions incorporated by reference, attorneys and child welfare workers, standards of representation, the Dependency Representation Program and complaints about appointed counsel (Rules 12.3 to 12.7); the pre-jurisdiction/disposition timelines and trial setting (Rule 12.8); discovery (Rule 12.9); visitation - the first visit within five (5) days and at least six (6) or three (3) hours a week by age (Rule 12.10); the jurisdiction/disposition report served at least four (4) days before the settlement conference (Rule 12.11); review hearings, continuances requested in writing at least two (2) days before, and remote appearance (Rules 12.12 to 12.14); educational rights holders (Rule 12.15); motions - meet and confer, papers and in limine motions five (5) days before trial (Rule 12.16); W&I § 388 petitions (Rule 12.17); ex parte applications with notice by 10:00 a.m. the court day before (Rule 12.18); juvenile court records (Rule 12.19); the Dependency Mediation Program (Rule 12.20); the procedure for protecting the interests of the child and CASA referrals and reports (Rules 12.21 and 12.22); changes of placement, travel, activities, psychotropic medication and medical treatment (Rules 12.23 to 12.27); and electronic signatures (Rule 12.28).

Rule 13: Juvenile Justice, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 13 (Rules 13.0 to 13.8): juvenile court records under W&I § 827 and CRC 5.552 - petitions on form JV-570 in Room 101, hearings within 30 days, documents destroyed if not picked up within 60 days (Rule 13.0); sealing of records under W&I § 781 (Rule 13.1); psychotropic medications under CRC 5.640 (Rule 13.2); the Competency Protocol for Juvenile Court whenever a doubt is expressed about a minor's competency (Rule 13.3); service on the probation officer (Rule 13.4); CASA referrals (Rule 13.5); remote appearance - witnesses by stipulation at least one court day before or form RA-010 at least 15 court days before, and availability from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Rule 13.6); electronic signatures (Rule 13.7); and the Add-to-Calendar Form (Rule 13.8).

Rule 14: Probate and Mental Health Division, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 14 (Rules 14.0 to 14.59, with Appendices A to C): organization, general rules and court reporters (Rules 14.0 to 14.2); obtaining a hearing date, petitions requiring an appearance and hearings - guardianships Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., elder abuse restraining orders in conservatorship matters Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., other appearance matters Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (Rules 14.3 to 14.5); review of files, proposed orders submitted at least ten (10) court days in advance, continuances (status hearings at least five (5) court days before) and earlier hearing dates (Rules 14.6 to 14.9); law and motion and tentative rulings (Rule 14.10); ex parte applications and petitions, notice and pleadings (Rules 14.11 to 14.15); bonds and blocked accounts (Rule 14.16); decedents' estates - special administration, petitions for probate, wills, claims, sales, broker's commissions, accounts, distribution, family allowance, borrowing, instructions and final discharge (Rules 14.17 to 14.42); contested hearings and settlements (Rule 14.43); compromise of claims (Rule 14.44); temporary guardianships and conservatorships (Rule 14.45); guardianship and conservatorship (Rules 14.46 and 14.47); trusts funded by court order and special needs trusts (Rules 14.48 and 14.49); compensation and fees (Rules 14.50 to 14.58); and e-filing (Rule 14.59); with the Checklist of Common Problems and Reasons for Delay (Appendix A), the Ex Parte Guidelines for Probate (Appendix B) and the probate fee schedules (Appendix C).

Rule 15: Rules for Preparing Appeals, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 15 (Rules 15.1 to 15.7): appeals from unlimited jurisdiction cases to the Court of Appeal - the notice of appeal and the clerk's transcript deposit (Rule 15.1); filing fees (Rule 15.2); the notice designating the clerk's transcript within ten (10) days of the notice of appeal (CRC 8.122 at $1.50 per page, or an appendix under CRC 8.124) (Rule 15.3); the notice requesting the reporter's transcript and its deposit ($325 for each half-day session and $650 for each full-day session, or $80 and $160 if previously transcribed, plus the $50 Administrative Fee) and the courtesy copy of the designation (Rule 15.4); preparation of the reporter's transcript (Rule 15.5); cross appeals within twenty (20) days (Rule 15.6); and appeals in default, cured within fifteen (15) days (Rule 15.7).

Rule 16: Criminal Division, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 16 (Rules 16.0 to 16.20): the criminal departments and court sessions (Rules 16.0 and 16.1); filings (Rule 16.2); withdrawal of general time waivers, with a pretrial conference scheduled within five (5) court days (Rule 16.3); continuances (Rule 16.4); pretrial conferences (Rule 16.5); trial related filings, including a Trial Readiness Statement a master calendar judge may order filed 2 court days before trial (Rule 16.6); electronic recording, withdrawal of counsel and discovery, including Pitchess motions (Rules 16.7 to 16.9); motions - in limine motions no later than the day the case is assigned for trial, motions relating to pending informations, indictments or misdemeanor complaints at least 15 calendar days before the hearing and all other motions at least 10 calendar days before, oppositions 5 court days and replies 2 court days before, and the table of notice periods for certain motions (Rule 16.10); Penal Code § 1538.5 motions (Rule 16.11); writs (Rules 16.12 and 16.13); the felony trial calendar called at 9:00 a.m. each Friday and the daily calendar (Rules 16.14 and 16.15); bail schedules and bail setting (Rules 16.16 and 16.17); bench warrants (Rule 16.18); court-appointed attorney compensation (Rule 16.19); and redaction of police reports (Rule 16.20).

Rule 17: Traffic Proceedings, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 17 (Rules 17.0 to 17.11): court sessions (Rule 17.0); failure to appear or pay, civil assessments and correctable violations (Rule 17.1); traffic school (Rule 17.2); discovery - law enforcement responses within 15 days and motions to compel (Rule 17.3); the format of motions (Rule 17.4); informal trials under Vehicle Code § 40901 (Rule 17.5); trials, bail forfeiture and trials by written declaration (Rule 17.6); continuances - trials requested ten (10) calendar days before, arraignments at least 5 court days before (Rule 17.7); traffic appeals and parking violation appeals (Rules 17.8 and 17.9); motions to reopen a case adjudicated by bail forfeiture (Rule 17.10); and determination of ability to pay (Rule 17.11).

Rule 18: Small Claims, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 18 (Rules 18.0 and 18.1): case disposition - dismissal when the plaintiff fails to appear, resetting requested three (3) calendar days before trial if the defendant has not been served, and a new claim and filing fee after a dismissal for lack of service (Rule 18.0); and continuances requested ten (10) or more calendar days before the hearing or trial (Rule 18.1).

Rule 19: Court Communication Protocol for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 19 (Rules 19.0 to 19.5): the protocol for domestic violence and child custody orders - its principles, including the Family Code § 3044 presumption (Rule 19.0); the Criminal Court's referral to the Unified Family Court, which may modify a criminal protective order as to minor children only when the criminal judge authorizes it (Rule 19.1); the procedure in the Unified Family Court - the Domestic Violence Calendar, cross-referenced orders registered on CLETS, Family Court Services orientation and mediation, and the Unified Family Court Case Manager (Rule 19.2); and protective order searches in juvenile dependency, juvenile justice and probate guardianship proceedings (Rules 19.3 to 19.5).

Rule 2: Administration of the Superior Court, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 2 (Rules 2.0 to 2.11): the departments and official hours (Rule 2.0); the official newspaper (Rule 2.1); photographing, recording and broadcasting in court facilities (Rule 2.2); trial court records (Rule 2.3); advertising, insufficient funds checks and the Local Committee on the Elimination of Bias (Rules 2.4 to 2.6); the format of papers, courtesy copies (for papers filed fewer than 7 court days before the hearing, lodged on the day of filing; for papers e-filed 7 or more court days before, those a court division requires no later than 2 court days after e-filing), facsimile filing and the drop box (Rule 2.7); vexatious litigants (Rule 2.8); judges' vacation day (Rule 2.9); fees for court services and products under CRC 10.815 (Rule 2.10); and the E-Filing and E-Service Rules - Designated Cases, exclusions, format, signatures and electronic titles, vendors, filing fees, e-service and its effect, and orders served by the Court (Rule 2.11).

Rule 20: Asbestos Litigation, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 20 (Rules 20.0 to 20.4): case management - asbestos actions deemed complex, the Asbestos Department, e-filing, trial setting, Designated Defense Counsel and hearing dates obtained under the procedures on the Asbestos Department page (Rule 20.0); discovery - standard discovery (responses within twenty-one (21) days), authorizations and records, depositions, the discovery cut-off (in non-preference cases, non-expert discovery no later than thirty (30) days before the initial trial date), expert demands deemed served 70 days before, and informal discovery conferences (Rule 20.1); mandatory settlement conferences (Rule 20.2); trial management - joint motions in limine (five (5) per side at first) filed on the date the case is assigned to a trial department, witness and exhibit lists and jury instructions no later than two (2) court days after that assignment, former testimony, trial briefs and jury questionnaires (Rule 20.3); and tentative rulings, contested by e-mail to contestasbestostr@sftc.org no later than 4:00 p.m. the court day before (Rule 20.4).

Rule 21: Appellate Division, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 21 (Rules 21.1 to 21.9): appeals and writ proceedings in the Appellate Division (Rule 21.1); forms, with no courtesy copies required (Rule 21.2); appointment of counsel for misdemeanor appellants on form CR-133 through the Bar Association of San Francisco's Lawyer's Referral Service (Rule 21.3); applications and motions, including extensions of time (Rule 21.4); relief from default (Rule 21.5); electronic recordings as the record of oral proceedings in civil and traffic and infraction appeals (Rules 21.6 and 21.7); failure to file an appellate brief (Rule 21.8); and oral argument - generally 10 minutes per side in substantive civil and criminal matters and 5 minutes in traffic and infraction matters (Rule 21.9).

Rule 3: Civil Case Management, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 3 (Rules 3.0 to 3.5): pretrial management in the Civil Case Management Department, uninsured motorist designation by ex parte application (the case management rules do not apply until 180 days after the designation) and orders to show cause and sanctions (Rule 3.0); extensions to serve and to respond (opposition within two (2) court days) and orders concerning service, made to the Presiding Judge or, for posting in unlawful detainer actions, the Real Property Court (Rule 3.1); the case management conference date, the Court's review of case management statements, objections to an order to arbitration or a trial setting, continuances and remote appearance at objection hearings (Rule 3.2); the stipulation to a temporary judge unless an objection is filed within thirty (30) days (Rule 3.3); ex parte applications on the papers (Rule 3.4); and complex cases - asbestos, provisionally complex and CEQA cases, applications for complex designation (opposition within 5 court days) and complex filing fees (Rule 3.5).

Rule 4: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 4 (Rules 4.0 to 4.3): the policy that every long cause, non-criminal, non-juvenile case should take part in an alternative dispute resolution process before trial, with the ADR information package plaintiff must serve on each defendant (Rule 4.0); mandatory judicial arbitration under CCP § 1141.11 - the hearing list, motions, selection of the arbitrator (three (3) names mailed within fifteen (15) days, ten (10) days to reject one), the arbitration panel and its complaint procedures, orders to show cause, continuances beyond 90 days, economic hardship requests and mediation in lieu of arbitration (Rule 4.1); voluntary civil mediation (Rule 4.2); and voluntary arbitration (Rule 4.3).

Rule 5: Settlement Conference and Settlement Calendar, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 5 (Rule 5.0): mandatory settlement conferences - mandatory in unlawful detainers with a jury demand and otherwise as ordered by the Presiding Judge; a specially set conference on ex parte application (responses within two (2) court days) or through the ADR Coordinator; attendance in person by trial counsel, each party and an insured's representative with authority to settle; liens; the plaintiff's demand not less than five (5) court days before the conference and the defendant's offer within two (2) court days after; the statements and materials exchanged and delivered five (5) court days before; and requests to continue or vacate a conference.

Rule 6: Civil Trial Setting and Related Civil Trial Matters, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 6 (Rules 6.0 to 6.11): the civil trial calendar, continuances, regular and standby assignment for trial (the calendar called at 9:30 a.m.) and cases ordered off calendar (Rule 6.0); Rules 6.2 through 6.4 and 6.8 not applied to expedited jury trials (Rule 6.1); motions in limine served at least ten (10) days before trial by mail or five (5) days by personal service (Rule 6.2); deposition extracts and exhibit and witness lists (Rules 6.3 and 6.4); jury instructions (Rule 6.5); default and default judgment - the two-step process, the request for entry of default and the request for default judgment (filed at least 10 days before the prove-up hearing; courtesy copy to Department 505) (Rule 6.6); temporary judge procedures (Rule 6.7); trial time limits (Rule 6.8); guardians ad litem and petitions to compromise claims of minors, heard in Department 505 on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (Rule 6.9); trusts funded by court order (Rule 6.10); and CEQA cases - the designated CEQA judge, provisional complexity, the "CEQA case" caption, the initial case management conference and hearing dates under the procedures on the court's website (Rule 6.11).

Rule 7: Jury Panels, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 7 (Rules 7.0 to 7.4): jury fees deposited by the party demanding the jury (Rule 7.0); confidentiality of prospective jurors' declarations (Rule 7.1); the court's Information and Instruction Cover Sheet on all juror questionnaires (Rule 7.2); an additional grand jury under Penal Code § 904.6 (Rule 7.3); and the Civil Grand Jury - qualifications under Penal Code § 893, volunteers (questionnaires returned no later than May 31st), the list of thirty (30) volunteers the Grand Jury Committee recommends and the selection of 19 jurors for a fiscal year commencing July 1st (Rule 7.4).

Rule 8: Civil Law and Motion/Writs and Receivers, Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 8 (Rules 8.0 to 8.10): the law and motion departments and the Real Property Court (Rule 8.0); the matters heard in law and motion and the exceptions (Rule 8.1); the law and motion calendar - hearing, selection of the date, court reporting fees, continuances and motions off calendar (Rule 8.2); tentative rulings, generally available by 3:00 p.m. the day before, and notice of intent to appear by 4:00 p.m. (Rule 8.3); orders (CRC 3.1312) (Rule 8.4); amendments (Rule 8.5); evidence and judicial notice, the administrative record lodged at least five (5) court days before (Rule 8.6); summary judgment and summary adjudication (Rule 8.7); default judgments in forfeiture actions (Rule 8.8); examination of judgment debtors - orders returnable to Department 505, service not less than ten (10) days before, the return of service by 4:30 p.m. on the third court day before (Rule 8.9); and the Real Property Court - motions at 9:30 a.m., tentative rulings, ex parte applications (Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. for stays of execution only), posting, unlawful detainer settlement conferences and the trial calendar (Rule 8.10).

Rule 9: Ex Parte Applications (CRC 3.1200-3.1207), Uniform Local Rules of Court of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (revised July 1, 2026); the court's Local Rules page (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/san-francisco-local-rules-court) links the book at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/final-proposed-changes-lrsf-effective-july-1-2026-submitted.pdf, fetched 2026-10-08.

Rule 9 (Rule 9.0): ex parte hearings in law and motion and discovery matters at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, temporary restraining orders, alternative writs and receivers scheduled with the clerk (415-551-3823) at least 24 hours in advance and moving papers submitted two (2) hours before; Real Property Court ex parte hearings at 9:00 a.m. (unlawful detainer stays of execution on Tuesdays only); the Presiding Judge's ex parte applications at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; and the Civil Case Management, family law and probate ex parte rules (LRSF 3.4, 11.8 and 14.11).