Court Rules

Contra Costa Superior Court Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

100 rules from official source documents

51 of 100 checked against the court's document. Each rule says how far it was checked. A value with a question mark is not in the court's wording on its card.

Pre-motion conference and letter requirements before filing motions, including sequential steps. This page is scoped to Contra Costa Superior Court; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

An ex parte application to shorten time must include the proposed moving papers and may not be filed unless the underlying motion was filed previously or simultaneously.

Ex Parte applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers. Orders to Shorten Time will be filed only when the motion has been previously filed or is simultaneously filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed moving papers generally must accompany an ex parte application to shorten time unless the court orders otherwise, and the order may be filed and calendared only after or with the motion.

Ex Parte Applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers, unless, in its discretion, the Court otherwise orders. Orders to Shorten Time will be filed and calendared for hearing only when the motion has been previously filed or is simultaneously filed (see signed order for compliance).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Unless exempt, a party seeking to file a discovery motion must first serve the ADR-610 facilitator-assignment request on the court’s ADR Office by fax or email.

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, Fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

A party asserting a work-product or privilege exception under Penal Code Section 1054.6, or a discovery exception based on good cause under Penal Code Section 1054.7, must proceed by noticed motion heard before the first readiness conference.

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

All juvenile motions must be written, be heard before jeopardy attaches, and ordinarily be set at least five court days after notice unless the court orders otherwise; the moving party must clear the hearing date with the juvenile-court clerk before filing.

Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise. The moving party shall clear the hearing date with the clerk of the juvenile court before filing any such motion.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Except in domestic-violence cases, parties must meet before a Request for Order hearing to discuss all issues, attempt settlement in good faith, and exchange relevant hearing materials.

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Except in domestic-violence cases, parties must meet before the Request for Order hearing, discuss all issues, attempt settlement in good faith, and exchange hearing materials.

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Except in domestic-violence cases, parties must meet before the FL-300 hearing, discuss all issues, attempt settlement in good faith, and exchange hearing-related documents and information.

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

A request for relief from the governing rules must be submitted to the Court with a showing of good cause before the relevant papers are filed.

Any request for relief from operation of these rules shall be made to the Court, with a showing of good cause, before the papers are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

A party invoking a statutory privilege exception or a good-cause discovery exception must proceed by noticed motion and have it heard before the first readiness conference.

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

A party asserting a work-product or other privilege exception, or a discovery exception based on good cause under the cited Penal Code provisions, must proceed by noticed motion heard before the first readiness conference.

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

A party moving for summary judgment or adjudication must reserve and receive a hearing date and time before filing the moving papers; reservations may be requested by email.

Parties moving for summary judgment/adjudication must reserve a hearing date and time prior to filing any moving papers. Reservations may be requested by email to the department. The Court will respond with the date and time of the scheduled hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

A motion to consolidate must be noticed for hearing in the department assigned to the lowest-numbered case among the cases proposed for consolidation.

Motions to consolidate must be noticed for hearing in the department which is assigned to the lowest numbered case of those cases proposed for consolidation.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Unless exempt, a party must first serve Local Court Form ADR-610 requesting assignment of a Discovery Facilitator by fax or email to the ADR Office.

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, Fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Except in domestic violence cases, parties must meet before the hearing on a Request for Order to discuss issues, attempt settlement, and exchange relevant documents and information.

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Parties in the listed Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing discovery-to-compel motions, including motions under CCP Section 1987.1, unless an exemption applies or the Court orders otherwise.

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Before filing a non-exempt discovery motion, a party must first serve Local Court Form ADR-610 on the ADR Office by fax or email using the listed contact information.

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

A petitioner seeking an ex parte application must provide the notice required by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1203 but need not notify the Court before presenting the application; the signed order must then be presented to the Clerk’s Office for filing after a hearing date and briefing schedule are assigned.

The petitioner must comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1203 concerning notice to opposing counsel or unrepresented party of the intent to present an ex parte application to the Court. The petitioning party need not notify the Court before presenting the application to set hearing date and briefing schedule. Once the order is signed and a briefing schedule assigned, the party shall present the order to the Clerk’s Office for filing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Parties in the listed Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing a motion to compel discovery, including under CCP Section 1987.1, unless an exception applies or the Court orders otherwise.

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Unless exempt as specified above, a party seeking to file a discovery motion must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator on the ADR Office by fax or email.

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

A party asserting a work-product or privilege exception, or a good-cause discovery exception under Penal Code section 1054.7, must proceed by noticed motion before the first readiness conference.

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

A party invoking the identified privilege or good-cause discovery exception must proceed by noticed motion heard before the first readiness conference.

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Except in domestic-violence cases, parties must meet and confer before the hearing on a Request for Order, attempt to settle all issues in good faith, and exchange relevant documents and information.

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

The court will not conduct a pre-trial discovery conference when any party is self-represented or when no discovery responses were timely served.

The Court will not conduct a PDC: o If one or more of the parties to the dispute is self-represented. o If the dispute involves a motion to compel where no discovery responses were timely served (“straight motions to compel”).

Judge Julia Campins

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026WARNING

Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should meet and confer in a timely manner and make a substantive good-faith effort to resolve the issues.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Attorneys should timely meet and confer and make a substantive good-faith effort to resolve discovery issues before filing a discovery motion.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

Parties in the listed Civil and Probate Departments may participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing motions to compel discovery or for a discovery-related protective order, unless an exemption applies or the Court orders otherwise.

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website provide the option for parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing motions in Court to compel discovery or motions for a discovery-related protective order, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible rather than engage in a merely pro forma effort.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible rather than engage in a merely pro forma effort.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026WARNING

Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve discovery issues rather than engage in a merely pro forma effort.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

Before filing a discovery motion or otherwise proceeding concerning discovery, counsel should timely meet and confer and make genuine, good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

The facilitator assignment is automatically confirmed if no rejection is served within 10 calendar days after service of the original assignment notice.

If no Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator is served within ten (10) calendar days of service of the original Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator, the Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator is confirmed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026WARNING

Before filing discovery motions, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026WARNING

Attorneys should timely meet and confer on discovery requests and make good-faith efforts to resolve discovery issues before filing a discovery motion or proceeding otherwise.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

The court may calendar mandatory settlement conferences for all cases other than short causes, with written or oral notice to all parties.

On the Court's own motion, all cases, other than short causes, may be calendared for mandatory settlement conferences, upon written or oral notice to all parties involved. At this conference, all parties shall:

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

When a party has not responded to discovery requests, a motion to compel under CCP Sections 2030.290(b) or 2031.300(b) may be filed directly with the Court, and the moving party should place the specified exemption statement on the Notice of Motion.

(a) Cases in which there has been no response to discovery requests. Motions to compel under Code of Civil Procedure, Sections 2030.290(b) or 2031.300(b) shall be filed directly with the Court. The moving party should include, “Exempt from Discovery Facilitator Program” on the Notice of Motion.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

The court limits pre-trial discovery conferences to specified discovery disputes concerning discovery responses, protective orders, privilege, deposition subpoenas, and independent medical examinations.

The Court will only conduct a PDC for the following types of disputes: o Disputes over the adequacy of responses or the completeness of responses (i.e., disputes that would give rise to motions to compel further responses to interrogatories or further responses to production of documents, etc.). o Disputes relating to protective orders. o Disputes relating to issues of privilege. o Disputes relating to depositions subpoenas such as whom the subpoena is directed at or the scope of the deposition. o Disputes relating to independent medical examinations.

Judge Julia Campins

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

When the court determines that a pre-trial discovery conference would be helpful, it will contact the parties and schedule the conference within 30 days.

If the Court determines that a PDC would be helpful, the Court will contact the parties and schedule a PDC within 30 days.

Judge Julia Campins

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026WARNING

The conference will be held in chambers with only attorneys and no court reporter, and attorneys authorized to resolve the disputed issues must attend in person.

The Court will hold the PDC in chambers with just the attorneys, without a court reporter. Attorneys with authority to resolve the issue(s) are ordered to be in-person.

Judge Julia Campins

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

A discovery motion necessitated solely by a third party's refusal to comply with a subpoena is exempt from the program.

(c) Motions necessitated solely by a third party’s refusal to comply with a subpoena.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026INFO

Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible rather than making a merely pro forma effort.

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

It is the policy of the Court that unnecessary hearings, which tend to delay the progress of litigation, be avoided. The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026INFO

An application for appointment of an elisor may be submitted ex parte.

An application for appointment of an elisor may be made ex parte.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026INFO

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

It is the policy of the Court that unnecessary hearings, which tend to delay the progress of litigation, be avoided. The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

The Court encourages counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

The court entertains requests for a pre-trial discovery conference intended to informally resolve discovery disputes within 30 days without formal motion briefing or a hearing.

Dept. 10 entertains requests for a Pre-Trial Discovery Conference (“PDC”) in order to resolve discovery disputes without the need for a formal motion. The goal is to informally resolve discovery disputes within 30 days without the need for formal motion briefing or a formal motion hearing.

Judge Julia Campins

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026INFO

At the conclusion of the conference, the parties may resolve the dispute, agree not to object to a court order resolving it, or proceed to a formal discovery motion if no resolution is reached.

At the conclusion of the PDC, the attorneys will have three options:  The parties agree to resolve the discovery dispute(s).  The parties agree not to object to an order of the Court and the matter will be resolved.  There is no resolution and one or more of the parties may file a formal discovery motion.

Judge Julia Campins

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Summary: Before filing a motion to compel discovery, parties in the listed Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program unless an exemption applies or the Court orders otherwise.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

(5)(2) (B) Status Conference and Briefing Schedules for Writs of Mandate. The following rule applies to all writs of mandate except those in which the Department of Motor Vehicles is named as respondent. After the Petition is filed in the Clerk’s Office and a department is assigned, the filing party shall take a copy of the petition along with a proposed order to the assigned department during ex parte hours. Following filing of the petition, the filing party shall submit an ex parte application to set a briefing schedule. A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: For writs of mandate other than those naming the Department of Motor Vehicles, the filing party must provide the petition and proposed order to the assigned department and obtain a status conference establishing the hearing date and briefing schedule.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Summary: Civil and Probate Department parties must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing discovery-to-compel motions, unless the Court orders otherwise.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

(1) The following motions shall be filed and heard before trial:

Summary: The listed pretrial motions must be filed and heard before trial.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery or motions for a discovery-related protective order, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Summary: Parties in the listed Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing a motion to compel discovery or a discovery-related protective order, including a motion under CCP Section 1987.1, unless the Court orders otherwise or another stated exception applies.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Summary: Before filing a nonexempt discovery motion, a party must first serve the ADR Office with Local Court Form ADR-610 by fax or email.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.CRITICAL?

Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise. The moving party shall clear the hearing date with the clerk of the juvenile court before filing any such motion.

Machine summary

Juvenile motions must be in writing, be heard before jeopardy, and ordinarily be heard at least five court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise; the moving party must clear the hearing date with the juvenile court clerk before filing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Summary: Parties in listed Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing motions to compel discovery, including motions under CCP Section 1987.1, unless an exemption applies or the Court orders otherwise.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Unless exempt as set forth above, any party wishing to file a Discovery Motion, must first serve a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610) by fax or email to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, fax 925-608-2109; email: ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Summary: Unless exempt, a party must first serve the ADR Office with a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator before filing a discovery motion.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

If no Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator is served within ten (10) calendar days of service of the original Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator, the Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator is confirmed.

Summary: If no rejection is served within 10 calendar days, the original Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator is confirmed automatically.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website require parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing all motions in Court to compel discovery, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise.

Summary: Parties in Civil and Probate Departments must participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program before filing motions to compel discovery, unless an exception or specific court order applies.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

Summary: Except in domestic-violence cases, parties must meet before a Request for Order hearing, make a good-faith settlement attempt, and exchange relevant hearing materials.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise. The moving party shall clear the hearing date with the clerk of the juvenile court before filing any such motion.

Summary: Juvenile motions must be written, heard before jeopardy and, absent a contrary court order, at least five court days after notice; the moving party must clear the hearing date with the juvenile-court clerk before filing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

In this scenario the parties shall stipulate that the time to file a formal motion is tolled from the period the stipulation requesting a PDC is submitted to the time the PDC is held or the request for a PDC is denied, whichever is earlier.

Summary: When the parties request a pre-trial discovery conference before filing a motion to compel, the time to file the formal motion is tolled from submission of the stipulation until the conference occurs or the request is denied, whichever occurs first.

Judge Julia Campins

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: The assigned judge will set a status conference during designated ex parte hours to establish a hearing date and briefing schedule for an in-scope writ of mandate.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: Counsel is urged, but not required, to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion or otherwise proceeding concerning discovery, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make substantive, good-faith efforts to resolve the disputed issues.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make a genuine, good-faith effort to resolve as many discovery issues as possible.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: The assigned judge will set a status conference during designated ex parte hours to establish the hearing date and briefing schedule for a writ of mandate.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

The following discovery disputes are exempt from the Program:

Summary: Certain discovery disputes are exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

(a) Cases in which there has been no response to discovery requests. Motions to compel under Code of Civil Procedure, Sections 2030.290(b) or 2031.300(b) shall be filed directly with the Court. The moving party should include, “Exempt from Discovery Facilitator Program” on the Notice of Motion.

Summary: Discovery motions in cases with no response to discovery requests are filed directly with the court, and the moving party should identify the exemption on the notice of motion.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Cases that are exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program pursuant to Local Rule 3.301(a)(3) will be set for OSC or a Discovery Conference within sixty (60) days.

Summary: Cases exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program will be set for an OSC or discovery conference within 60 days.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: For qualifying writs of mandate, the assigned judge will set a status conference during designated ex parte hours to establish the hearing date and briefing schedule.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

A party may present an ex parte application to the Court to shorten all time frames set forth in this Rule, or to exempt the dispute from the Program, upon a showing of good cause.

Summary: On a showing of good cause, a party may seek an ex parte order shortening the Rule's timeframes or exempting the dispute from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Cases that are not subject to the Discovery Facilitator Program pursuant to Local Rule 3.301(a)(3) will be set for OSC or a Discovery Conference within sixty (60) days. The Court will preview the issues with the parties, give guidance on alternatives, and encourage meaningful “meet and confer” sessions and discussion of the need to appoint a Discovery Referee. The Court may set a date for hearing on a discovery motion, or impose issue or monetary sanctions, as appropriate.

Summary: Cases outside the Discovery Facilitator Program will be set for an OSC or Discovery Conference within 60 days, during which the Court will preview issues, offer guidance, and encourage meet-and-confer sessions and possible referral to a Discovery Referee.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

The Discovery Facilitator shall hold a hearing on the discovery dispute no later than thirty (30) days after confirmation of the assignment of the Discovery Facilitator.

Summary: The assigned Discovery Facilitator must hold the discovery-dispute hearing no later than 30 days after the assignment is confirmed.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Hearings will only occur if ordered by the Court.

Summary: An ex parte hearing occurs only if the court orders one.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

The Court, for good cause or upon the stipulation of the parties with court approval, may permit motions to be heard at the time of trial.

Summary: The court may allow motions to be heard at trial for good cause or when the parties stipulate and the court approves.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: The assigned judge will set a status conference during designated ex parte hours to establish the hearing date and briefing schedule for a writ of mandate.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Cases in which there has been no response to discovery requests. Motions to compel under Code of Civil Procedure, Sections 2030.290(b) or 2031.300(b) shall be filed directly with the Court. The moving party should include, “Exempt from Discovery Facilitator Program” on the Notice of Motion.

Summary: Discovery-to-compel cases with no response to discovery requests are exempt from the Program, and motions under specified Code of Civil Procedure sections must be filed directly with the Court.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Cases in which trial is less than sixty (60) days away.

Summary: Discovery disputes in cases with trial less than 60 days away are exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Motions necessitated solely by a third party’s refusal to comply with a subpoena.

Summary: Discovery motions necessitated solely by a third party’s refusal to comply with a subpoena are exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Those disputes specifically exempted by the trial judge.

Summary: A trial judge may specifically exempt an individual discovery dispute from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion or otherwise proceeding, counsel should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve as many discovery issues as possible rather than merely make a pro forma effort.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

(b) Cases in which trial is less than sixty (60) days away.

Summary: Cases with trial fewer than 60 days away are exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve discovery issues rather than engage in a merely pro forma effort.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

In this scenario, if the parties jointly agree to a PDC, the Court will vacate the hearing date. If the issues do not resolve at the PDC, the Court will re-calendar the hearing with preference, giving sufficient time to the responding party to file an opposition but with a goal not to prejudice the filing party as to the hearing date.

Summary: When the court initiates a conference after multiple motions to compel and the parties agree, the court vacates the hearing date; unresolved matters receive a preferentially re-calendared hearing with sufficient time for an opposition.

Judge Julia Campins

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Civil cases

The Parties shall, thereafter, meet and confer regarding such trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference, as set forth further below.

Summary: The parties must meet and confer about the trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference.

Judge Leonard Marquez

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: Counsel is urged, but not required, to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

The Court, for good cause or upon the stipulation of the parties with court approval, may permit motions to be heard at the time of trial.

Summary: For good cause or by parties' stipulation with court approval, the Court may hear pre-trial motions at the time of trial.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: Counsel are urged, but not expressly required, to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

(d) Those disputes specifically exempted by the trial judge.

Summary: A trial judge may specifically exempt a discovery dispute from the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: Counsel are urged, but not expressly required, to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: The Court recommends that counsel meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions, but does not state that the conference is mandatory.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The following rule applies to all writs of mandate except those in which the Department of Motor Vehicles is named as respondent.

Summary: The writ-of-mandate status-conference and briefing-schedule rule applies to all writs of mandate except those naming the Department of Motor Vehicles as respondent.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours.

Summary: The assigned judge sets a status conference during designated ex parte hours to establish a hearing date and briefing schedule for a writ of mandate.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

Summary: Before filing a discovery motion, attorneys should timely meet and confer and make good-faith efforts to resolve discovery issues rather than engage in a pro forma effort.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

Summary: The Court encourages counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before filing motions.

Court-level rulesOfficial source
Common questions about Contra Costa Superior Court pre-motion conference requirements

Does Contra Costa Superior Court require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Contra Costa Superior Court rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. An ex parte application to shorten time must include the proposed moving papers and may not be filed unless the underlying motion was filed previously or simultaneously.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 53, section Rule 3.47. Civil Ex Parte Orders

Judge Julia Campins's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. The court will not conduct a pre-trial discovery conference when any party is self-represented or when no discovery responses were timely served.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCE

Judge Leonard Marquez's rules set a pre-motion procedure for trial exhibits. The parties must meet and confer about the trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 2, section WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

91 more rules answer this question in the list above.