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Chapter 8 (not applicable to Family Law matters): tentative rulings available by 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing on the court's website, with no notice of intent to appear (Rule 8.00); continuances and off-calendar requests - the Legal Research attorneys notified by telephone, continuances of not less than two (2) weeks, small claims trial de novo continuances on forms SC-150 and SC-152 (Rule 8.04); restoration to calendar (Rule 8.05); informal discovery conferences on a joint request not exceeding eight (8) pages (Rule 8.10); procedural rules for civil trials - trial briefs of no more than ten (10) pages, witness disclosure 24 hours ahead, exhibits, the statement of the case, jury instructions, in limine motions of no more than three (3) pages, and the checklist for the courtroom clerk (Rule 8.12); minor's compromise petitions heard in the Probate Department (Rule 8.13); and Exhibit A, the jury instruction format.
California > Second Appellate District > Ventura County > Superior Court of California, County of Ventura
CHAPTER 8: CIVIL LAW AND MOTION HEARINGS CALENDAR PROCEDURES (Not applicable to Family Law matters) RULE 8.00 TENTATIVE RULINGS The Ventura Superior Court adopts the following as the Tentative Ruling Procedure in the civil departments of the court. A. Tentative rulings will be available by 4:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the scheduled date of the hearing. Tentative rulings may be obtained on the court's website at www.ventura.courts.ca.gov. Parties are encouraged to use the court’s website to obtain tentative rulings. Parties without internet access may call the judicial secretary for the courtroom of the hearing. B. No “Notice of Intent to Appear” is required under this rule. C. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1308(e) this local rule does not require any judge to issue tentative rulings. (Revised effective July 1, 2012) RULE 8.01 NOTICE OF HEARING (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) RULE 8.02 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.03 INCOMPLETE MOTIONS (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS A. The Legal Research attorneys must be notified by telephone (805) 289-8760 as soon as possible when a law and motion matter is to be continued or taken off calendar in order to avoid unnecessary review. B. All requests or notices to take a matter off calendar shall be in writing and filed with the Court. C. All continuances of Law and Motion matters shall be for not less than two (2) weeks and shall be by ex-parte application or stipulation and order. D. To request a continuance of a Small Claims Trial De Novo trial, the requesting party must complete Judicial Council Forms “Request to Postpone Trial” (SC-150) and “Order on Request to Postpone Trial” (SC-152) at least ten (10) days before the trial date and pay the appropriate filing fee (see current fee schedule). If the request is submitted less than ten (10) days before the trial, the requesting party must give the court good cause why the request is being filed later. The requesting party shall mail or personally deliver a copy to all parties in the action. (Revised effective July 1, 2023) RULE 8.05 RESTORATION TO CALENDAR A law and motion matter that has gone off calendar may be restored thereto only upon noticed motion except in an extraordinary situation to be determined by the court in its discretion. (Effective January 1, 1997) RULE 8.06 ARGUMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2005) RULE 8.07 DISCOVERY (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.08 CONSOLIDATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.09 MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.10 INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES A. AVAILABILITY. Parties may jointly request an Informal Discovery Conference ("IDC") in unlimited civil cases. The purpose of an IDC is to permit the parties, with the assistance of the court, to resolve a discovery dispute expeditiously. This rule applies to IDCs that are jointly requested by the parties. For IDCs that are otherwise ordered by the court, the parties may be directed to follow this rule. B. REQUIREMENT TO MEET AND CONFER. Before requesting an IDC, the parties must meet and confer in a good faith attempt to resolve the discovery dispute. Cursory communications are insufficient; the parties should diligently attempt to resolve the discovery dispute to the extent possible, including by compromising if consistent with the rights and duties of the parties. C. MAKING THE REQUEST. Parties to a discovery dispute may request an IDC by filing and serving a joint request containing the information set forth in subdivision D. A courtesy copy of the request shall promptly be emailed to the assigned department and all parties to the action with the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.” The email shall include the case name and number. If parties are unable to email the courtroom directly, they may contact the judicial secretary for the assigned judge to obtain the appropriate email address. D. CONTENTS OF REQUEST. A joint request for IDC shall be signed by each counsel or party to the discovery dispute and shall not exceed eight (8) pages. A request for IDC shall contain the following information in specific factual detail: 1. The nature of the discovery dispute, including the category of information sought, the interrogatory or request or demand number associated therewith, the response thereto, the good cause for the requested information, and the basis for any objection to providing the information. 2. A summary of the parties’ efforts to diligently resolve the discovery dispute, including any offers or proposals for resolution that have been made. 3. Any issues of timing concerning the disputed discovery. 4. Any agreement to toll the time for filing a motion concerning the discovery dispute. 5. Whether there are parties to the case that have not joined in the joint request for IDC. E. RULING ON THE REQUEST FOR IDC. The court may grant, in whole or in part, a joint request for IDC. If the request for an IDC is granted, court staff will contact the parties to schedule the IDC. Neither a joint request for IDC nor an order granting the request shall toll the time for any party to file a motion concerning the discovery dispute; however, parties may stipulate to toll or extend the time to file a motion as provided by law. F. CONDUCT OF THE CONFERENCE. An IDC shall be conducted in a manner directed by the court. IDCs are typically conducted from chambers remotely, but the court may order other arrangements. Counsel appearing at the conference on behalf of a requesting party shall have full authority to resolve the discovery dispute. G. This rule shall become effective January 1, 2023. (Effective January 1, 2023) RULE 8.11 MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND SUMMARY ADJUDICATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) RULE 8.12 PROCEDURAL RULES FOR CIVIL TRIALS A. LENGTH OF TRIAL. A realistic and practical period for trial, including jury selection, evidence, argument and deliberations, will be determined after consultation with counsel, based upon the circumstances of each case. B. TRIAL BRIEFS. Unless otherwise ordered by the trial judge and/or subject to individual courtroom rules and procedures, the following rules apply to trial briefs: Trial briefs shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Opposing counsel who have not already done so shall exchange trial briefs at or immediately after announcing ready at the trial call. Briefs are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial; trial briefs may not be filed in the Clerk’s Office. C. BREVITY. 1. Voir dire and examination of witnesses. Voir dire and witness examinations can and will be limited by the court. Such limitation can be agreed upon by counsel and/or court before the trial commences. 2. Objections. State the legal basis only; do not argue objections unless invited by the court. 3. Evidence. Communicate early and often with opposing counsel to streamline the presentation of evidence and raise issues with the trial court prior to trial to minimize objections. D. ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS. 1. Witness availability. Counsel must always have back-up witnesses to eliminate delay. There is no exception to this rule. Each counsel shall notify opposing counsel 24 hours in advance of all witnesses counsel intends to call the following day. Failure to follow this rule may result in exclusion of any witness not so disclosed. 2. Evidence. Potential evidentiary problems should be anticipated and disclosed to the court, with citations that support the parties’ respective positions, before the trial commences. E. PRE-MARKING OF EXHIBITS. Unless otherwise ordered, all exhibits shall be submitted in a joint exhibit book to the courtroom clerk on the first day of trial so that they can be pre-marked if the trial judge chooses. Subject to individual trial courts’ rules and procedures, prior to arriving in the trial department, counsel shall exchange all exhibits with opposing counsel and shall agree and stipulate to foundation and admissibility where possible. Any exhibits as to which admissibility cannot be stipulated should be brought to the attention of the court on the first day of trial. Any exhibits not exchanged may be excluded from evidence. The only exceptions are exhibits to be used for impeachment. F. STIPULATE TO AS MANY FACTS AS POSSIBLE. G. STATEMENT OF CASE. If counsel do not request “mini opening statements,” a statement of the case must be stipulated to by all counsel and jointly prepared, consisting of a brief, concise factual statement of the case. It will be read to the jury panel as an introduction to the case. It is not to exceed one page and is to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy: (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial, or sooner if so indicated in the trial court’s rules and procedures. H. COOPERATION BETWEEN COUNSEL. Cooperation is the key to expeditious trials; it is essential, expected and professional. Counsel should meet and confer when court is not in session to discuss coordination of trial matters and ways to maximize efficiency during trial. I. WITNESS LISTS. Counsel for all sides shall agree on a single combined list of witnesses who may be called in the trial. The list shall be prepared by counsel for plaintiff. The list shall include time estimates for direct and cross, as well as the general subject matter of the witness’s testimony. Unless required sooner by a trial department’s rules and procedures. This joint witness list shall be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g.,, courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial and will be read to prospective jurors. J. EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. Prior to calling a witness, counsel shall determine what exhibits will be used during the examination and have those exhibits on the witness stand for easy reference by the witness. The only exception is for exhibits to be used for impeachment. K. (Deleted Effective 01/01/2026) L. JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICTS. Instructions and verdict forms should be discussed and agreed to prior to trial. 1. (Deleted effective 7/1/1996) 2. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) 3. Jury instructions prepared by counsel will be accepted only in the format of Exhibit A hereto, unless otherwise ordered or allowed by the trial court. 4. Unless otherwise ordered by the trial court, jury verdict forms will be prepared by plaintiff's counsel and served on other parties before the first witness is sworn. Additionally, jury verdict forms shall be agreed upon by all counsel and lodged with the clerk of the trial department before the plaintiff rests. M. HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS. (Deleted effective July 1, 1995). N. IN LIMINE MOTIONS. In Limine Motions shall be limited to those reasonably necessary to resolve material evidentiary issues and shall conform to the principles announced in Kelly v. New West Federal Savings (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 659. Parties shall meet and confer to reduce the number of In Limine Motions necessary. Subject to the trial courts’ individual rules and procedures, motions and oppositions, if any, shall be in writing not to exceed three (3) pages each, including points and authorities and exhibits. No reply briefs are accepted by the court. Each motion shall be accompanied by a proposed order. If more than one motion is being filed, each motion and corresponding opposition shall be identified by number in the caption (e.g., motion in Limine No. “1”). Subject to the trial courts’ individual rules and procedures, opposing counsel who have not already done so shall exchange motions at or immediately after announcing ready at the trial call. Unless otherwise ordered by the judge, motions and oppositions are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov on the first day of trial and shall not be filed in the Clerk’s Office. O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK. 1. Check in with the courtroom clerk. If you are an attorney representing a client, provide three (3) business cards and name of your client. 2. File trial briefs and motions in limine with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 3. File witness list and statement of the case with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 4. Arrange for payment of any jury fees and reporter fees. 5. Pre-mark and exchange exhibits. Prepare a joint exhibit list and exhibit binders. An exhibit binder is needed for each of the following 1) opposing counsel(s), 2) witness stand, 3) bench, and 4) clerk (if ordered by the judge). 6. File jury instructions and jury verdict form with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 7. Lodge all original depositions with the courtroom clerk on the first day of trial with a Notice of Lodging. 8. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) 9. All depositions, documents, exhibits and other items lodged with the court must be removed from the courtroom by counsel lodging same upon conclusion of proceedings unless such documents were marked and/or admitted into evidence. 10. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) P. PROCEDURES REGARDING COURT REPORTERS. 1. Side bench conferences with the reporter are not favored. Such conferences consume undue amounts of time and interrupt the continuity of the trial. The record is available for proceedings outside the presence of the jury during recess. 2. "On and off" the record -- the reporter will respond only to instructions of the court relative to going "on and off" the record. 3. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) (Revised effective January 1, 2026) RULE 8.13 MINOR’S COMPROMISE PETITIONS SHALL BE HEARD IN PROBATE DEPARTMENT If a Petition for Approval of Compromise of Claim or Action for Minor or Person with a Disability (Judicial Council Form MC-350 or similar pleading) proposes to have the settlement funds distributable to the minor or person with a disability administered under a guardianship, conservatorship, discretionary trust or special needs trust, the petition (or similar pleading) must be filed in the Probate Department and pursuant to rule 7.950 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. The petition (or similar pleading) will be assigned a Probate case number. (Effective January 1, 2026) EXHIBIT A CITATIONS OF AUTHORITY JONES v. SMITH (1991) 100 Ca.3d O.) Request by Plaintiff Requested by Defendant Requested by Given as Requested Given as Modified Given Court’s Motion Refused Withdrawn Judge
CHAPTER 8: CIVIL LAW AND MOTION HEARINGS CALENDAR PROCEDURES (Not applicable to Family Law matters) RULE 8.00 TENTATIVE RULINGS The Ventura Superior Court adopts the following as the Tentative Ruling Procedure in the civil departments of the court. A. Tentative rulings will be available by 4:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the scheduled date of the hearing. Tentative rulings may be obtained on
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-07 (California T4 Ventura build 2026-10-07) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-ventura/docs/general/ventura_county_rules_of_court.pdf (9476523 bytes, sha256 1d89183a36d880b3483586b9c4f3c9554799c2a7bb7bc9907c2200c2b01483c7; 116 pages; this card is from the rule body, pages 10 to 77, composed once and cut at the chapter headings) with the shared verbatim composer (v2 reflow). The running header (“Ventura County Superior Court Rules”, “July 1, 2026”) and the page numbers removed as chrome; the cover, the judges and officers page, the table of contents, Appendix II (the fee schedule), Appendix III (the local forms lists) and the index belong to no card; Chapters 16, 23, 24 and 27 print only deleted rules (no card); the strike report found no struck text; lines reflowed into the court's paragraphs, each rule heading on its own line; proof 1 (whitespace-only) and proof 2 (same character multiset as the text layer minus chrome) pass. Review note: Rule 8.00 posts tentative rulings by 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing; the rules of Courtrooms 20 and 42 (carded) publish them by 5:00 p.m. the day before. Rule 8.10 D allows a joint IDC request of eight (8) pages; several departments' rules (carded) limit IDC papers to five pages. Published as printed: Rule 8.12 I “Unless required sooner by a trial department's rules and procedures.” and “(e.g.,,”; Rule 8.12 N's parenthesis is not closed; Exhibit A (the jury instruction format) is set line by line.
3 verbatim requirements on motion calendar in JEREMY I. FRANKER's division.
4 verbatim requirements on motion calendar in STEPHANIE MATALON's division.