Loading…
Universal Search
Filter by county, category, case type, and confidence. Every result carries its source citation and last-verified date.
Your first 7 Judge Intelligence Reports are free with a free account — no payment card required.
Create your free account →Need the statute or rule itself? Open the Florida Law Library →
● marks a launch county — the deepest coverage tier, where judge, division, and rule ingestion land first.
Showing the first 50 of 152 rules— narrow with the filters to see the rest.
The civil motion-date reservation rules: only available dates are shown; moving papers must be submitted within 24 hours or the reservation is cancelled automatically; pleadings must be timely served and filed; motions to designate a case complex are heard by the Supervising Judge of the Civil Panel; claim-of-exemption hearings are not eligible for reservation and take a date on the assigned judge's schedule.
The Complex Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements (the court's Complex Civil Calendar web application): helpful resources and the remote appearance authorities, and for each complex department (CX101–CX105) its judge, hearing days and times for law and motion (reservations required) and ex parte applications, the ex parte notice deadlines, and links to the department's tentative rulings, policies and guidelines.
The Court Child Support Unit's courtroom schedule (last updated May 2026): the weekly calendars of Department L51 (Commissioner Laurie Burns, cases ending 00–49) and Department L54 (Commissioner Jessica Paulson-Duffy, cases ending 50–99) — general family law matters, Department of Child Support Services matters (modifications, arrears, wage assignments, license denial, motions for judgment), and long cause trials with DCSS; telephonic requests for continuances are not permitted.
The court's Electronic Evidence Portal: the Civil Unlimited pilot in Departments C15, C16, C24, C25 and C27 (exhibits uploaded in place of trial notebooks under the Civil Unlimited protocol; the signed Electronic Evidence Order and Stipulation filed by noon the Wednesday before trial and served by the plaintiff); small claims in C18 (all evidence through the portal); probate in CM03, CM05, CM06 and CM08 and civil harassment, unlawful detainer and administrative appeal matters in C61, C64, C65 and C66 (the portal may be required); family law since January 1, 2025 under Local Rule 714 (all trial and specially set hearing exhibits, including impeachment and rebuttal); and access instructions, with the court's privacy policy and Administrative Order 21/06.
Electronic filing in juvenile proceedings, authorized under Welfare and Institutions Code section 212.5, Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 5.522(b), and Local Rule 908: documents e-filed before midnight on a court day are filed that day, but initiating petitions must be filed by 3:00 p.m. the day before when a hearing is required the next day; delinquency petitions and disqualifications may not be e-filed; eFile CA.
The Family Law Division's courtroom schedule and requirements (revised September 2026): for each family law department — Supervising Judge Eric J. Wersching in L611, the Lamoreaux Justice Center departments L11, L52, L53, L60–L69 and L71–L73, and Departments C14 and C17 — the judicial officer and the weekly schedule of hearings by day and time, with each department's requirements; a legend of hearing types and a link to court reporter availability.
The Juvenile Court's judge assignments and courtroom schedule (Lamoreaux Justice Center): each department's judicial officer, assignment and schedule — the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in L21, the dependency and juvenile justice departments and the collaborative courts — with the court's public notices (dated January 26, 2022 through January 7, 2026); cases are assigned on a direct calendar system and proceedings are confidential and closed to the public, with few exceptions.
Mandatory electronic filing in civil cases under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 2.253, and Local Rule 352: documents filed by represented parties must be e-filed; originals that may not be e-filed (bench warrants, subpoenaed documents, Labor Commissioner cash or check deposits, bonds and undertakings); and the court-approved electronic filing service providers.
Mandatory electronic filing in family law under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), and Local Rule 700.7: attorneys must e-file every document not on the exceptions list; self-represented parties are exempt but encouraged to e-file; parties with fee waivers are exempt from e-filing fees; the originals that may not be e-filed as of December 15, 2025 (adoption memos to set, applications for publication or posting, bonds, judgments, out-of-state registrations, special immigrant juvenile findings with an FL-935 guardian ad litem application, subpoenaed documents, surrogacy filings, trial exhibits not ordered through the portal, writs and abstracts); eFile CA; and self-help Guide and File.
Mandatory electronic filing in the Probate Division under Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 and 2.253, and Local Rule 601.01: every document except the originals the court lists must be e-filed, originals by the close of business on a court day; self-represented parties are exempt but encouraged to e-file; e-filing in mental health cases is encouraged but not required; originals that may not be e-filed (affidavits re real property of small value, private professional conservators' financial documents, subpoenaed documents, undertakings, original wills and codicils); the pandemic-era allowance for electronic submission of signed bonds and letters; and the court-approved electronic filing service providers.
The Probate and Mental Health courtroom schedule (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): each department's judicial officer and weekly calendar (CM01, CM03, CM04, CM05, CM06, CM07, CM08), links to the standing orders of Departments CM03, CM05, CM06 and CM08, the Statement on Continuances and the Trial/Hearing Guidelines, law and motion reservations, and the setting of mandatory settlement conferences and trials by the court.
The Probate Division's ex parte procedures (revised February 20, 2026): every ex parte application is a non-appearance matter decided on the papers, and the outcome is sent to the parties; the applicant must make an affirmative factual showing of irreparable harm under California Rules of Court, rules 3.1200 et seq., 7.55 and 7.454; filing, notice and service requirements (pleading paper, the “Probate – XP” department, the Declaration Re Ex Parte Application form L-3033 under Local Rule 601.13, e-filing and service by 10:00 a.m., consent before notice by email alone); and the applications that may be brought ex parte.
Probate examiner notes: the text-message and email notice program for new notes, the remote Clear Your Notes workshop, the probate notes search, the matter types for which notes are prepared, how to ask questions about notes, and requests for continuances by email to ContinueProbate@occourts.org (the required subject line — hearing date, time, department, case number and caption — and message content; no attachments).
The probate motion-date reservation rules: use of the motion reservation process is mandatory; only available dates are shown; moving papers must be submitted within 24 hours or the reservation is cancelled automatically; pleadings must be timely served and filed.
The court's remote appearance index: remote appearance is offered in various case types, and for each (the Appellate Division, civil administrative appeals, evictions and unlawful detainers, limited civil, name changes, and the other listed case types through probate and mental health and traffic) the page links the appearance procedure and remote hearing instructions; members of the public should also check the local rules and any department rules.
How to schedule an ex parte hearing when filing a complaint: in unlimited civil, give notice to appear at the Central Justice Center at 1:30 p.m. and check the lobby monitors for the department, and e-file the complaint and application with fees paid by 1:15 p.m. the same day; in limited civil, give notice under the Limited Civil Calendar Schedule & Requirements and e-file the complaint and application with fees paid before the hearing.
The small claims hearing schedule: small claims matters are heard at the Central Justice Center only; trials 20 to 70 days from the clerk's order; SC-100 claims Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and SC-500 claims Friday 8:00 a.m., by Zoom in Department C16; judgment debtor examinations Friday 9:00 a.m. in Department C64; appeal hearings by random assignment; bench warrant appearances at the civil clerk's office; motions Monday and Wednesday 2:30 p.m. by Zoom in Department C16.
The Unlimited Civil Courtroom Schedule & Requirements (the court's Civil Calendar web application, actions over $35,000): helpful resources and the remote appearance authorities (Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75, California Rules of Court, rule 3.672, Local Rule 375); rescheduling hearings; judgment debtor examinations; and for each unlimited civil department at the Central, North and West Justice Centers its judge and telephone, the days and times it hears noticed motions and ex parte applications, and its deadlines for telephonic notice and for ex parte papers, with links to the department's procedures.
The Appellate Division (infraction, misdemeanor and limited civil appeals and misdemeanor writ petitions): submitting filings; oral argument the fourth Thursday of each month by videoconference under Appellate Division Administrative Order 21/01 and rule 8.885(b)(1), without fee; and the division's remote procedure (appearances set by videoconference, privacy and security, the prohibition of photography and recording, technology problems, confidentiality and public access).
Administrative appeals (civil fines and penalties, Labor Commissioner awards, dangerous or vicious dog determinations, disqualified person determinations) are heard in Department C65 at the Central Justice Center: how to file and ask questions; remote Zoom appearance for the initial status conference in Labor Commissioner appeals, with other initial hearings in person; technology problems; Local Rule 375.
Civil restraining orders (civil harassment, gun violence, workplace violence, school site violence and transitional housing misconduct): filing, questions and self-help; law enforcement emergency gun violence restraining orders through the on-call EPO referee; in Departments C64 and C65, ex parte requests for temporary restraining orders ruled on the papers without hearing, remote Zoom appearance offered for the other non-evidentiary proceedings, and trials and evidentiary hearings in person; gun violence restraining order hearings in Department C61, where parties and witnesses may appear remotely under Penal Code section 18123(a); Local Rule 375.
Small claims: filing, questions and self-help; in Department C16 every small claims trial is first set for a remote evidentiary hearing to assess notice, opposition and trial readiness, with Zoom links on the court's Civil Appearance Procedure page and appearance by video encouraged; technology problems; Local Rule 375; small claims appeals are heard in person as noticed.
Unlawful detainers: filings by represented parties through an approved e-filing service provider; questions and self-help; in Departments C17 and C61, remote Zoom appearance for law and motion, case management and status conferences, ex parte applications and other non-evidentiary proceedings, with trials in person; technology problems; Local Rule 375.
Civil unlimited and complex cases: filings by represented parties through an approved e-filing service provider; remote appearance by Zoom through the court's online check-in for law and motion, case management and status conferences, ex parte applications and other non-evidentiary proceedings; trials and evidentiary hearings in person (a party may move for a remote evidentiary hearing); settlement conferences in person unless all parties stipulate; judgment debtor examinations in person; Local Rule 375.
Probate and mental health appearances at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex: remote and in-person appearances under Local Rule 601.02, with free video appearance on the court's platform; the language parties must include in notices of hearing and publication in all probate cases; and, until further notice, electronic submission of signed letters and of bonds (the original bond retained and available to the court).
The protocol for the Civil Unlimited courtrooms piloting the Electronic Evidence Portal for court and jury trials (Departments C15, C16, C24, C25 and C27; the trial judge may excuse its use for good cause): exhibit number ranges agreed at the Local Rule 317 issue conference; exhibits uploaded and shared through the portal's Virtual Viewing Room no later than 14 days before trial (impeachment exhibits may be uploaded as confidential); the final set by noon the Wednesday before trial; counsel display exhibits on court laptops; and each department's Electronic Evidence Order and Stipulation.
The Criminal Appeals Unit (felony notices of appeal to the Court of Appeal and misdemeanor and infraction appeals to the Appellate Division): remote appearances continue for Appellate Division hearings unless ordered otherwise; felony appeal filings by the Central Justice Center drop box, by mail or in person; misdemeanor and infraction appeal filings by the drop box at the assigned justice center or by mail to the justice center addresses listed.
Judge Erin Rowe's trial expectations and pretrial orders for Department CM03 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (the Orange County Bar Association Civility Guidelines); pretrial documents filed five court days before trial under Local Rule 317, and joint exhibit, witness, stipulated-fact and controverted-issue lists delivered by the Monday before trial; motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; exhibits; transcripts; deposition transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.
Judge Ebrahim Baytieh's revised pretrial orders for Department CM05 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (civility, with authorities); pretrial documents and deliveries to the clerk (a joint witness list with time estimates and the other joint lists); motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; interruptions and discussions during trial; exhibits; transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.
Judge Megan Wagner's pretrial orders for Department CM06 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties; the trial schedule (Monday and Wednesday all day, Thursday and Friday mornings) and time estimates; motions in limine and oppositions; in-person trials; exhibits through the Electronic Evidence Portal; witnesses; objections; interruptions during trial; transcripts of recordings offered in evidence; deposition transcripts; consequences of noncompliance.
Commissioner Sharon M. Anderson's pretrial orders for Department CM08 (Costa Mesa Justice Complex): expectations of counsel and self-represented parties (the Orange County Bar Association Civility Guidelines); pretrial documents under Local Rule 317 and joint exhibit, witness, stipulated-fact and controverted-issue lists delivered to the clerk; motions in limine; in-person trials; witnesses; objections; interruptions and discussions during trial; exhibits; transcripts; deposition transcripts; trial schedule and time estimates; consequences of noncompliance.
Department L51's mandatory settlement conference rules under Local Rule 707: the parties and DCSS meet and confer before the conference; settlement conference and trial statements (with guideline support calculations) served five calendar days before; a joint statement of issues remaining to be tried; mandatory attendance, with sanctions for failure to attend.
Department L54's mandatory settlement conference rules under Local Rule 707 for cases estimated at one hour or more: the parties and DCSS meet and confer before the conference; settlement conference and trial statements (with guideline support calculations) served five calendar days before; a joint statement of issues remaining to be tried; mandatory attendance, with sanctions for failure to attend.
Media and public access to family law proceedings is in person in the courtroom where the hearing is set (with remote access when a proceeding is entirely remote); the courtroom email addresses and telephone numbers for assistance, which are not for ex parte communication or to bypass e-filing or other court procedures.
The family law court's protocol for family centered case resolution (Family Code section 2450; California Rules of Court, rule 5.83): cases that miss milestones receive a Case Review Notification at 180 days, are set for a status conference at 330 days, face further steps at 500 days, and at 547 days the court is relieved of case management obligations; appearance requirements and the effect of entry of a judgment or dismissal.
A family law guide to the Judicial Council forms: to appear remotely at an in-person evidentiary hearing or trial (RA-010 Notice of Remote Appearance, served on all parties, and RA-020); to oppose a remote evidentiary hearing or trial (RA-015, rule 3.672(h)(3), and RA-020); to appear in person at a remote non-evidentiary hearing; and how to submit the forms, including by e-filing as one PDF.
The court's guidelines for remote proceedings, which are official court proceedings and do not supersede department policies: preparing (courtroom attire, a private quiet location, camera position, background, headphones, testing, no appearances from a moving vehicle, no recording); checking in (5–10 minutes ahead, separately for each case and each attorney, under the firm's or attorney's name for unlimited civil, and by name and role for complex); and conduct during the hearing (audio and video on when called; the chat feature).
The guidelines of all the court's complex civil departments, which the plaintiff (and a cross-complainant) must serve with the summons and complaint: courtroom demeanor under the State Bar civility guidelines; general matters (case management orders govern, e-filing, service of the guidelines, telephone appearances); the initial case management conference; case management and status conference statements; case management orders; law and motion (meet and confer, tentative rulings, off-calendar matters and continuances); ex parte applications; mandatory settlement conferences; pre-trial conferences; use of the court's evidence presentation systems; motions in limine at trial; and the attorney civility pledge (rev. May 4, 2010).
Effective January 1, 2018, probate proposed orders after hearing are submitted by e-filing after the ruling on a petition or motion (ex parte matters excepted), and originals on the court's e-filing exceptions list, such as bonds and letters, must follow to the Probate clerk's office.
Starting April 1, 2025 the Probate Division sets trials through a master calendar: the Master Calendar Trial Statement (Probate) form L-3041 is required; existing trial dates are honored, or may move to the master calendar by agreement; a trial at issue is placed on the Probate Master Calendar for the next available opening.
The Probate Department's hearing and trial guidelines: contested matters proceed through a trial setting conference, a mandatory settlement conference and trial; communication among counsel, cooperative discovery, written notice of hearings, liberal amendment of pleadings, no stipulated continuances without court approval, tentative rulings and settlements; the trial setting conference; the mandatory settlement conference (mediation, statements five court days before); the issue conference; the pretrial statement; and trial procedures and instructions (among them court reporter fees paid in advance and the probate courtroom email).
The guidelines of the court's voluntary Probate Mediation Program: description; eligible cases (decedents' estates, trusts and other probate matters); initiating the mediation; the mediator's authority; timelines, extensions and notice of mediation; ethics and standards of practice; conducting the session; the information mediators provide the court; maintaining panel status; compensation; case limits; panel lists; facilities; and resignation and removal of mediators.
The Probate bench's statement that repeated continuances to clear probate notes are interfering with the court's calendars: if notes are not cleared by the third continuance, depending on the matter, the petition may be dismissed without prejudice and the petitioner required to pay the filing fee to re-file, or an appointed personal representative, conservator or guardian may be suspended and an order to show cause re removal set; delays caused by the court's own backlog in approving orders and letters will be accommodated.
The court's procedural guidelines for mental health diversion: the statutory criteria of Penal Code section 1001.36; motions with a proposed treatment plan, filed electronically by email to MentalHealthDiversion@occourts.org; eligibility hearings; companion cases; placement in treatment and monitoring, with progress review hearings Thursdays 8:30 a.m. in Department CCB1 and progress reports filed by the Monday before; unsatisfactory performance; and dismissal on satisfactory completion.
The court's procedural guidelines for military diversion under Penal Code section 1001.80 (felonies eligible since January 1, 2025, with the listed exclusions): motions filed by email to mdmotions@occourts.org; hearings on the second through fifth Tuesdays, presumed non-evidentiary; oppositions five and replies two court days before the hearing; companion cases; placement in the program and monitoring of performance; and, on successful completion, dismissal of the charges with the arrest deemed never to have occurred (subject to the peace-officer application exception), with local program contacts.
Effective July 1, 2025, the court electronically serves counsel for all represented parties in family law cases (Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6; California Rules of Court, rule 2.251; Local Rule 700.7): attorneys must accept electronic service and provide an email address (form MC-040); self-represented litigants may opt in (EFS-005-CV); the court's eService list, updating addresses, when service is complete, and secure notices from no-reply@occourts.org.
All name change matters are set for remote hearing (parties who prefer may appear in person at window 20 in the Civil Department at the Central Justice Center); remote appearance by Zoom through the links on the court's Civil Appearance Procedure and Information page; interpreter requests on form INT-300; Local Rule 375.
Commissioners Laurie Burns (L51) and Jessica Paulson-Duffy (L54): Income and Expense Declarations with attachments submitted to DCSS within 90 days and exchanged 72 hours before the hearing; hearings by Zoom beginning 8:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; who is admitted; participants on camera; no recording; timeliness and attire; conduct at the hearing; interpreters and ADA accommodations; and preparing, marking and maintaining electronic evidence and exhibits.
The juvenile courts of six Southern California counties adopt, effective forthwith, the Southern California Inter-County Transfer Protocol for transfers of juvenile cases (best interests of the minor, confirming the parent's residence, services in the receiving county, expeditious transfer, transfer-in hearings, transfer of the court file, secure electronic transfer), binding on all who appear before those courts, with statute and rule controlling in any conflict. The protocol itself is a separate 44-page file, not carded here.
The juvenile court assigns juvenile justice, dependency and truancy cases on a direct calendar system, so a case assigned to a judge or commissioner stays with that officer for all purposes until jurisdiction ends unless otherwise ordered; a peremptory challenge must be made before any determination of contested issues of fact on the merits and within 15 days after notice of the assignment, and each party has one per case; the order also addresses cases accepted into the collaborative courts.