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California Rules of Court — Civil Rules – 2026

Title 3 of the California Rules of Court governs civil practice in California superior courts, including pleadings, motions, discovery, case management, ADR, settlement, and trial procedure.

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Preliminary Rules Scope of the Civil Rules Attorneys Waiver of Fees and Costs Filing Time for Service Papers to Be Served Miscellaneous Related Cases Consolidated Cases Complex Cases Pretrial and Trial Rules for Complex Coordinated Actions Coordination of Noncomplex Actions Coordination of Complex Actions Stay of Proceedings Hearings, Conferences, and Proceedings Special Proceedings on Construction-Related Accessibility Claims General Provisions Differential Case Management Case Management Management of Collections Cases Management of Complex Cases Management of Class Actions General Provisions Judicial Arbitration General Rules Relating to Mediation of Civil Cases Civil Action Mediation Program Rules Reference by Agreement of the Parties Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 Court-Ordered Reference Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 639 Rules Applicable to References Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 or 639 Format of Discovery Injunctions Conduct of Discovery General Provisions Format of Motion Papers Provisional and Injunctive Relief Ex Parte Applications Noticed Motions Particular Motions Civil Petitions Other Civil Petitions Settlement Dismissal of Actions Jury Trials Jury Instructions Special Verdicts Statement of Decision Post-trial Attorney's Fees and Costs Judgments Postjudgment and Enforcement of Judgments Postjudgment and Enforcement of Judgments Unlawful Detainers Trial Rules Small Claims Advisors General Provisions California Environmental Quality Act Proceedings Involving Streamlined CEQA Projects Miscellaneous

Preliminary Rules

Rule 3.1 Title

Scope of the Civil Rules

Rule 3.10 Application Rule 3.20 Preemption of local rules

Attorneys

Rule 3.35 Definition of limited scope representation; application of rules Rule 3.36 Notice of limited scope representation and application to be relieved as attorney Rule 3.37 Nondisclosure of attorney assistance in preparation of court documents

Waiver of Fees and Costs

Rule 3.50 Application of rules Rule 3.51 Method of application Rule 3.52 Procedure for determining application Rule 3.53 Application granted unless acted on by the court Rule 3.54 Confidentiality Rule 3.55 Court fees and costs included in all initial fee waivers Rule 3.56 Additional court fees and costs that may be included in initial fee waiver Rule 3.57 Amount of lien for waived fees and costs Rule 3.58 Posting notice

Filing

Rule 3.100 Payment of filing fees by credit or debit card

Time for Service

Rule 3.110 Time for service of complaint, cross-complaint, and response

Papers to Be Served

Rule 3.220 Case cover sheet Rule 3.221 Information about alternative dispute resolution Rule 3.222 Papers to be served on cross-defendants

Miscellaneous

Rule 3.250 Limitations on the filing of papers Rule 3.252 Service of papers on the clerk when a party's address is unknown Rule 3.254 List of parties

Related Cases

Rule 3.300 Related cases

Consolidated Cases

Rule 3.350 Consolidation of cases

Complex Cases

Rule 3.400 Definition Rule 3.401 Complex case designation Rule 3.402 Complex case counterdesignations Rule 3.403 Action by court Rule 3.404 Requesting assignment of judge when a comprehensive groundwater adjudication is filed in a court overlying the groundwater basin at issue

Pretrial and Trial Rules for Complex Coordinated Actions

Rule 3.546 Termination of coordination proceeding

Coordination of Noncomplex Actions

Rule 3.500 Transfer and consolidation of noncomplex common-issue actions filed in different courts

Coordination of Complex Actions

Rule 3.501 Definitions Rule 3.502 Complex case-determination Rule 3.503 Requests for extensions of time or to shorten time Rule 3.504 General law applicable Rule 3.505 Appellate review Rule 3.506 Liaison counsel Rule 3.510 Service of papers Rule 3.511 Papers to be submitted to the Chair of the Judicial Council Rule 3.512 Electronic submission of documents to the Chair of the Judicial Council Rule 3.513 Service of memorandums and declarations Rule 3.514 Evidence presented at court hearings Rule 3.515 Motions and orders for a stay Rule 3.516 Motions under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 Rule 3.520 Motions filed in the trial court Rule 3.521 Petition for coordination Rule 3.522 Notice of submission of petition for coordination Rule 3.523 Service of notice of submission on party Rule 3.524 Order assigning coordination motion judge Rule 3.525 Response in opposition to petition for coordination Rule 3.526 Response in support of petition for coordination Rule 3.527 Notice of hearing on petition for coordination Rule 3.528 Separate hearing on certain coordination issues Rule 3.529 Order granting or denying coordination Rule 3.530 Site of coordination proceedings Rule 3.531 Potential add-on case Rule 3.532 Petition for coordination when cases already ordered coordinated Rule 3.540 Order assigning coordination trial judge Rule 3.541 Duties of the coordination trial judge Rule 3.542 Remand of action or claim Rule 3.543 Transfer of action or claim Rule 3.544 Add-on cases Rule 3.545 Termination of coordinated action Rule 3.550 General administration by Judicial Council staff

Stay of Proceedings

Rule 3.650 Duty to notify court and others of stay

Hearings, Conferences, and Proceedings

Rule 3.670 Telephone appearance Rule 3.672 Remote proceedings

Special Proceedings on Construction-Related Accessibility Claims

Rule 3.680 Service of Notice of Stay and Early Evaluation Conference Rule 3.682 Notice of Mandatory Evaluation Conferences

General Provisions

Rule 3.700 Scope and purpose of the case management rules

Differential Case Management

Rule 3.710 Authority Rule 3.711 Local court rules Rule 3.712 Application and exceptions Rule 3.713 Delay reduction goals Rule 3.714 Differentiation of cases to achieve goals Rule 3.715 Case evaluation factors

Case Management

Rule 3.720 Application Rule 3.721 Case management review Rule 3.722 Case management conference Rule 3.723 Additional case management conferences Rule 3.724 Duty to meet and confer Rule 3.725 Case Management Statement Rule 3.726 Stipulation to alternative dispute resolution Rule 3.727 Subjects to be considered at the case management conference Rule 3.728 Case management order Rule 3.729 Setting the trial date Rule 3.730 Case management order controls Rule 3.734 Assignment to one judge for all or limited purposes Rule 3.735 Management of short cause cases

Management of Collections Cases

Rule 3.740 Collections cases Rule 3.741 Settlement of collections case

Management of Complex Cases

Rule 3.750 Initial case management conference Rule 3.751 Electronic service

Management of Class Actions

Rule 3.760 Application Rule 3.761 Form of complaint Rule 3.762 Case conference Rule 3.763 Conference order Rule 3.764 Motion to certify or decertify a class or amend or modify an order certifying a class Rule 3.765 Class action order Rule 3.766 Notice to class members Rule 3.767 Orders in the conduct of class actions Rule 3.768 Discovery from unnamed class members Rule 3.769 Settlement of class actions Rule 3.770 Dismissal of class actions Rule 3.771 Judgment

General Provisions

Rule 3.800 Definitions

Judicial Arbitration

Rule 3.810 Application Rule 3.811 Cases subject to and exempt from arbitration Rule 3.812 Assignment to arbitration Rule 3.813 Arbitration program administration Rule 3.814 Panels of arbitrators Rule 3.815 Selection of the arbitrator Rule 3.816 Disqualification for conflict of interest Rule 3.817 Arbitration hearings; notice; when and where held Rule 3.818 Continuances Rule 3.819 Arbitrator's fees Rule 3.820 Communication with the arbitrator Rule 3.821 Representation by counsel; proceedings when party absent Rule 3.822 Discovery Rule 3.823 Rules of evidence at arbitration hearing Rule 3.824 Conduct of the hearing Rule 3.825 The award Rule 3.826 Trial after arbitration Rule 3.827 Entry of award as judgment Rule 3.828 Vacating judgment on award Rule 3.829 Settlement of case Rule 3.830 Arbitration not pursuant to rules

General Rules Relating to Mediation of Civil Cases

Rule 3.835 Application Rule 3.845 Form of mediator statements and reports Rule 3.850 Purpose and function Rule 3.851 Application Rule 3.852 Definitions Rule 3.853 Voluntary participation and self-determination Rule 3.854 Confidentiality Rule 3.855 Impartiality, conflicts of interest, disclosure, and withdrawal Rule 3.856 Competence Rule 3.857 Quality of mediation process Rule 3.858 Marketing Rule 3.859 Compensation and gifts Rule 3.860 Attendance sheet and agreement to disclosure Rule 3.865 Application and purpose Rule 3.866 Definitions Rule 3.867 Complaint coordinator Rule 3.868 Complaint procedure required Rule 3.869 General requirements for complaint procedures and complaint proceedings Rule 3.870 Permissible court actions on complaints Rule 3.871 Confidentiality of complaint proceedings, information, and records Rule 3.872 Disqualification from subsequently serving as an adjudicator

Civil Action Mediation Program Rules

Rule 3.890 Application Rule 3.891 Actions subject to mediation Rule 3.892 Panels of mediators Rule 3.893 Selection of mediators Rule 3.894 Attendance, participant lists, and mediation statements Rule 3.895 Filing of Statement of Agreement or Nonagreement by mediator Rule 3.896 Coordination with Trial Court Delay Reduction Act Rule 3.898 Educational material

Reference by Agreement of the Parties Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 638

Rule 3.900 Purposes of reference Rule 3.901 Application for order appointing referee Rule 3.902 Order appointing referee Rule 3.903 Selection and qualifications of referee Rule 3.904 Certification and disclosure by referee Rule 3.905 Objections to the appointment Rule 3.906 Motion to withdraw stipulation Rule 3.907 Use of court facilities and court personnel

Court-Ordered Reference Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 639

Rule 3.920 Purposes and conditions for appointment of referee Rule 3.921 Motion for appointment of a referee Rule 3.922 Form and contents of order appointing referee Rule 3.923 Selection and qualification of referee Rule 3.924 Certification and disclosure by referee Rule 3.925 Objection to reference Rule 3.926 Use of court facilities

Rules Applicable to References Under Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 or 639

Rule 3.930 Documents and exhibits Rule 3.931 Open proceedings, notice of proceedings, and order for hearing site Rule 3.932 Motions or applications to be heard by the court

Format of Discovery

Rule 3.1000 Format of supplemental and further discovery

Injunctions

Rule 3.1152 Requests for protective orders to prevent civil harassment, workplace violence, private postsecondary school violence, and elder or dependent adult abuse

Conduct of Discovery

Rule 3.1010 Oral depositions by telephone, videoconference, or other remote electronic means

General Provisions

Rule 3.1100 Application Rule 3.1103 Definitions and construction Rule 3.1109 Notice of determination of submitted matters

Format of Motion Papers

Rule 3.1110 General format Rule 3.1112 Motions-and other pleadings Rule 3.1113 Memorandum Rule 3.1114 Applications, motions, and petitions not requiring a memorandum Rule 3.1115 Declarations Rule 3.1116 Deposition testimony as an exhibit

Provisional and Injunctive Relief

Rule 3.1130 Bonds and undertakings Rule 3.1140 Lodging of record in administrative mandate cases Rule 3.1142 Stay of driving license suspension Rule 3.1150 Preliminary injunctions and bonds Rule 3.1151 Requirements for injunction in certain cases Rule 3.1160 Requests for protective orders to prevent civil harassment, workplace violence, private postsecondary school violence, retail crime, and elder or dependent adult abuse Rule 3.1161 Request to make minor's information confidential in civil harassment protective order proceedings Rule 3.1162 Service requirement for respondents who appear remotely Rule 3.1175 Ex parte application for appointment of receiver Rule 3.1176 Confirmation of ex parte appointment of receiver Rule 3.1177 Nomination of receivers Rule 3.1178 Amount of undertakings Rule 3.1179 The receiver Rule 3.1180 Employment of attorney Rule 3.1181 Receiver's inventory Rule 3.1182 Monthly reports Rule 3.1183 Interim fees and objections Rule 3.1184 Receiver's final account and report

Ex Parte Applications

Rule 3.1200 Application Rule 3.1201 Required documents Rule 3.1202 Contents of application Rule 3.1203 Time of notice to other parties Rule 3.1204 Contents of notice and declaration regarding notice Rule 3.1205 Filing and presentation of the ex parte application Rule 3.1206 Service of papers Rule 3.1207 Appearance requirements

Noticed Motions

Rule 3.1300 Time for filing and service of motion papers Rule 3.1302 Place and manner of filing Rule 3.1304 Time of hearing Rule 3.1306 Evidence at hearing Rule 3.1308 Tentative rulings Rule 3.1310 Reporting of proceedings on motions Rule 3.1312 Preparation and submission of proposed order

Particular Motions

Rule 3.1320 Demurrers Rule 3.1322 Motions to strike Rule 3.1324 Amended pleadings and amendments to pleadings Rule 3.1326 Motions for change of venue Rule 3.1327 Motions to quash or to stay action in summary proceeding involving possession of real property Rule 3.1330 Motion concerning arbitration Rule 3.1332 Motion or application for continuance of trial Rule 3.1335 Motion or application to advance, specially set, or reset trial date Rule 3.1340 Motion for discretionary dismissal after two years for delay in prosecution Rule 3.1342 Motion to dismiss for delay in prosecution Rule 3.1345 Format of discovery motions Rule 3.1346 Service of motion papers on nonparty deponent Rule 3.1347 Discovery motions in summary proceeding involving possession of real property Rule 3.1348 Sanctions for failure to provide discovery Rule 3.1350 Motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication Rule 3.1351 Motions for summary judgment in summary proceeding involving possession of real property Rule 3.1352 Objections to evidence Rule 3.1354 Written objections to evidence Rule 3.1360 Motion to grant lien on cause of action Rule 3.1362 Motion to be relieved as counsel

Civil Petitions

Rule 3.1365 Petitions under the California Environmental Quality Act

Other Civil Petitions

Rule 3.1370 Emancipation of minors Rule 3.1372 Petitions for relief from financial obligations during military service

Settlement

Rule 3.1380 Mandatory settlement conferences Rule 3.1382 Good faith settlement and dismissal Rule 3.1384 Petition for approval of the compromise of a claim of a minor or a person with a disability; order for deposit of funds; and petition for withdrawal Rule 3.1385 Duty to notify court and others of settlement of entire case

Dismissal of Actions

Rule 3.1390 Service and filing of notice of entry of dismissal

Jury Trials

Rule 3.1540 Examination of prospective jurors in civil cases Rule 3.1545 Expedited jury trials Rule Former rule 3.1546. Renumbered effective July 1, 2016 Rule 3.1546 Pretrial procedures for mandatory expedited jury trials Rule 3.1547 Consent order for voluntary expedited jury trial Rule 3.1548 Pretrial submissions for voluntary expedited jury trials Rule 3.1549 Voir dire Rule 3.1550 Time limits Rule 3.1551 Case presentation Rule 3.1552 Presentation of evidence Rule 3.1553 Assignment of judicial officers

Jury Instructions

Rule 3.1560 Application

Special Verdicts

Rule 3.1580 Request for special findings by jury

Statement of Decision

Rule 3.1590 Announcement of tentative decision, statement of decision, and judgment Rule 3.1591 Statement of decision, judgment, and motion for new trial following bifurcated trial

Post-trial

Rule 3.1600 Notice of intention to move for new trial Rule 3.1602 Hearing of motion to vacate judgment

Attorney's Fees and Costs

Rule 3.1700 Prejudgment costs Rule 3.1702 Claiming attorney's fees

Judgments

Rule 3.1800 Default judgments Rule 3.1802 Inclusion of interest in judgment Rule 3.1804 Periodic payment of judgments against public entities Rule 3.1806 Notation on written instrument of rendition of judgment

Postjudgment and Enforcement of Judgments

Rule 3.1905 Debtor’s examinations in consumer debt cases

Postjudgment and Enforcement of Judgments

Rule 3.1900 Notice of renewal of judgment

Unlawful Detainers

Rule 3.2000 Unlawful detainer-supplemental costs Rule 3.2005 Settlement opportunities

Trial Rules

Rule 3.2100 Compliance with fictitious business name laws Rule 3.2102 Substituted service Rule 3.2104 Defendant's claim Rule 3.2106 Venue challenge Rule 3.2107 Request for court order Rule 3.2108 Form of judgment Rule 3.2110 Role of clerk in assisting small claims litigants

Small Claims Advisors

Rule 3.2120 Advisor assistance

General Provisions

Rule 3.2200 Application Rule 3.2205 Form and format of administrative record lodged in a CEQA proceeding Rule 3.2206 Lodging and service Rule 3.2207 Electronic format Rule 3.2208 Paper format

California Environmental Quality Act Proceedings Involving Streamlined CEQA Projects

Rule 3.2220 Definitions and application Rule 3.2221 Time Rule 3.2222 Filing and service Rule 3.2223 Petition Rule 3.2224 Response to petition Rule 3.2225 Administrative record Rule 3.2226 Initial case management conference Rule 3.2227 Briefing and Hearing Rule 3.2228 Judgment Rule 3.2229 Notice of settlement Rule 3.2230 Settlement procedures and statement of issues Rule 3.2231 Postjudgment motions Rule 3.2235 Application Rule 3.2236 Service of Petition Rule 3.2237 List of responsible parties Rule 3.2240 Trial court costs in certain streamlined CEQA projects

Miscellaneous

Rule 3.2300 Review under Penal Code section 186.35 of law enforcement agency denial of request to remove name from shared gang database