Court Rules

Orange Superior Court Document Format Requirements

66 rules from official source documents

16 of 66 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.

Font, margin, spacing, and file format requirements for court filings. This page is scoped to Orange Superior Court; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Each proposed jury instruction must be on a separate page and must not include a disposition table.

Each proposed jury instruction must appear on a separate page and shall NOT include a disposition table.

Judge David Hesseltine

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Written evidentiary objections in law and motion matters and proposed orders concerning those objections must comply with CRC 3.1354’s format.

All written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with any law and motion matter and any proposed orders regarding the objections must strictly comply with the format set forth in CRC 3.1354.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055, appear one instruction per page, and omit a disposition table.

The format of the jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055. Each proposed jury instruction shall be on a separate page and shall not include a disposition table.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

When the Joint Exhibit List has more than six exhibits, the Parties must prepare two exhibit sets in three-ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

If there are more than six exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3- ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format
DOCX

Stipulations and Orders must be filed as a single document in Word format.

Stipulations and Order must be submitted as ONE document in WORD format to enable the court to make any modification to the order portion the court deems necessary.

Judge David Hesseltine

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Trial Notebook binders may be no larger than 3 inches; using more than one binder is permitted.

The binder(s) containing the Trial Notebook must be no larger than 3 inches, and it is acceptable if more than one binder is used.

Judge David Hesseltine

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be grouped into three groups and separated by colored paper or tabs.

The proposed jury instructions shall be grouped into three groups that coincide with the three indexes, and each group should be separated by a piece of colored paper or a tab.

Judge David Hesseltine

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Each verdict form should be formatted for jury submission and only identify the proposing party.

Other than identifying which party proposed the form, each verdict form should be in a format appropriate for submission to the jury.

Judge David Hesseltine

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format
DOCX

The proposed order submitted with an ex parte application must be in Word format.

4. Proposed Order in Word format.

Judge Lee L. Gabriel

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Two complete sets of exhibits must be submitted in 3-ring binders with number tabs and an identifying exhibit list.

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number.

Judge Lee L. Gabriel

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format
DOCX

Word-editable versions of any contested instructions or verdict forms must be emailed to the Clerk at the commencement of trial.

Word editable versions of any contested instructions or verdict form must also be emailed to the Clerk at the commencement of trial.

Judge Lee L. Gabriel

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

The judge’s signature line must not be the only item on the page; at least two items must appear there.

Please ensure the signature line for the judge is not the only item on the page as there must be at least two

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Every page of each exhibit must have its own number.

Each page of each exhibit must be separately numbered.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Exhibit binders may not be wider than three inches.

No binder shall be wider than 3”.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Each exhibit tab must show the corresponding exhibit number and be placed before that exhibit.

Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit.

Judge Thomas McConville

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Format
PAPER

Mark an 8-1/2-by-11 paper version as the official exhibit; do not mark enlargements or transparencies as original exhibits, and identify them with the same exhibit number.

If a Party plans to use enlargements of exhibits (“blow-ups”) or transparencies of exhibits (for use with an overhead projector), the blow-ups and transparencies should not be marked as original exhibits. An 8-1/2x11 paper version of the exhibit should be marked and treated as the official exhibit. Blow-ups and transparencies are informally marked with the same exhibit number and referred to by the same exhibit number during trial.

Judge Thomas McConville

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Make sure each page is numbered.

Summary: Each page of every exhibit must be numbered.

Judge Lindsey E. Martinez

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Number every page of every exhibit. Attach a numbered exhibit tag to the front of each original exhibit. Notebooks should be 3” thick or less.

Summary: Every exhibit page must be numbered, each original exhibit must have a numbered tag, and exhibit notebooks must be 3 inches thick or less.

Judge Lindsey E. Martinez

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

Be prepared to supply a Word version.

Summary: Counsel must be prepared to supply jury instructions in Word format.

Judge Lindsey E. Martinez

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

If counsel plan to answer ready for a jury trial at the trial call, the Court requires full compliance with Local Rule 317 as it relates to trial binders, complete with all necessary documents and exhibits. The Court will not accept binder(s) more than 3 inches in size. Use multiple binders, as needed.

Summary: Trial binders must comply with LR 317, complete with documents/exhibits, max 3 inches thick; use multiple binders if needed.

Judge Andre Manssourian

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

Civil cases

The Parties must appear on the date of trial with two (2) complete sets of the exhibits for the court (in addition to the copies for the Parties). Each set of exhibits must be in three-ringer binders that are no larger than three inches. ... Every binder must include a copy of the exhibit list and every exhibit must be separated with a numbered tab that corresponds to the exhibit list.

Machine summary

Parties must bring two complete sets of trial exhibits in three-ring binders no larger than three inches, each binder containing a copy of the exhibit list and each exhibit separated by a numbered tab.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?
Format
PAPER ?

For bench trials, the Court requires hard copies of exhibits.

Summary: Hard copies of exhibits are required for bench trials.

Judge Gassia Apkarian

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?

Counsel/parties appearing are required to have functioning video cameras. The Court must be able to both see and hear remotely appearing parties. If counsel do not have a functioning video camera, he or she is ordered to personally appear.

Summary: Remote appearances require functioning video cameras; otherwise counsel must appear in person.

Judge Scott A. Steiner

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Evidentiary proceedings (such as trials, judgment debtor examinations, or other hearings where oral testimony will be taken) will be in-person absent a prior court order.

Summary: Evidentiary proceedings must be in-person unless the court orders otherwise.

Judge Sheila Recio

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

Format
WORD_PERFECT ?

Special or modified instructions must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Judge Thomas McConville

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

Format
WORD_PERFECT ?

Both disputed verdict forms shall be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Summary: Disputed verdict forms must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Judge Thomas McConville

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

Format
DOCX ?

4. A separate proposed order in Word format.

Summary: The proposed order accompanying an ex parte application must be separate and in Word format.

Judge Thomas McConville

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

Format
DOCX ?

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word-processing format to enable the court to revise as necessary. See CRC 3.1312(c).

Summary: Proposed orders and other documents submitted for the court’s signature must be provided in an editable word-processing format.

Judge Thomas McConville

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

The Joint letter brief is not to exceed four pages, and shall be submitted in letter format, single spaced, with no less than 11-pont font, i.e., not in pleading form.

Summary: IDC joint letter brief must use letter format, single spacing, and at least 11-point font, not pleading format.

Judge Andre De La Cruz

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

The binder(s) containing the Trial Notebook must be no larger than 3 inches, and it is acceptable if more than one binder is used.

Summary: Trial Notebook binders must be no larger than 3 inches; multiple binders are acceptable.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Each set of exhibits must be in three-ringer binders that are no larger than three inches.

Summary: Exhibit binders must be three-ring binders no larger than three inches.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

The outside cover of each binder must include a caption page identifying the binder as an exhibit binder, the volume number of the binder (e.g., Volume 3 of 7), and the specific exhibits included in the binder (e.g., Exhibit Nos. 27-45). The outer spine of the binder also must identify the volume number and the specific exhibits included in the binder.

Summary: Exhibit binder covers must identify the binder as an exhibit binder, volume number, and exhibits included; spine must also show volume and exhibits.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Every binder must include a copy of the exhibit list and every exhibit must be separated with a numbered tab that corresponds to the exhibit list.

Summary: Each exhibit binder must contain a copy of the exhibit list and each exhibit must be separated by a numbered tab matching the list.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

each page of each exhibit must be separately numbered with each exhibit starting with number one. For example, if Exhibit 7 is a three-page exhibit, its pages should be numbered 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3, and the first page of Exhibit 8 would then be 8-1.

Summary: Each page of each exhibit must be numbered starting with one per exhibit, using exhibit number and page number (e.g., 7-1, 7-2).

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

The first page of every exhibit in the witness copy should have an exhibit tag filled out and stapled to the top right corner.

Summary: Witness copy exhibits must have a filled-out exhibit tag stapled to the top right corner of the first page.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

In a two-party case, Plaintiff shall number its exhibits starting with 1; Defendant shall number its exhibits starting with 200.

Summary: Plaintiff exhibits numbered starting with 1; Defendant exhibits numbered starting with 200.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

If there are more than two Parties, the Parties are to cooperate in agreeing on a number range for each party. No two Parties are to use the same number, and duplicate exhibits are to be avoided.

Summary: In multi-party cases, parties must cooperate to agree on unique number ranges; no duplicate numbers or exhibits.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

Summary: Case management statement must use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Judge Corey Cramin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

A separate proposed order in Word format.

Summary: Proposed orders submitted with ex parte applications must be in Word format.

Judge Corey Cramin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

Stipulations and Orders must be submitted as ONE document in WORD format.

Summary: Stipulations and orders must be submitted as a single document in WORD format.

Judge Craig Griffin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in circular 3-ring binders (not “D” ring binders) with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand) Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number.

Summary: Exhibit binders must be circular 3-ring binders (not D-ring), with an exhibit list and numbered tabs.

Judge Craig Griffin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

If there are more than six exhibits, and to the extent that exhibits are standard size and not too bulky, they should be placed in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

Summary: If more than six exhibits, they should be placed in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

Judge Gassia Apkarian

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110, and should include in the statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in California Rules of Court 3.727 and 3.750(b).

Summary: CMC statements and status conference reports must use pleading paper.

Judge Layne H. Melzer

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders, with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness dock). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number. Every exhibit in the witness copy must have an exhibit tag filled out and attached (see attached form).

Summary: Exhibits must be submitted in two sets in 3-ring binders with number tabs and exhibit tags.

Judge Layne H. Melzer

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

A separate proposed order in Word format.

Summary: Proposed order for ex parte application must be in Word format.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

Summary: Initial Case Management Conference Statement must use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
DOCX ?

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word-processing format to enable the court to revise as necessary.

Summary: Proposed orders must be submitted in editable word-processing format.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

The format of the jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055. Each proposed jury instruction shall be on a separate page and shall not include a disposition table. Each CACI instruction (whether agreed upon or disputed) must include the CACI number and title at the top. Each special or modified CACI instruction shall state at the top of the page “Plaintiff’s [or Defendant’s] Special Instruction No. __” or “Plaintiff’s [or Defendant’s] Modified CACI Instruction No. __.” Special or Modified Instructions must include, at the bottom of the proposed instruction, citation to authority supporting the propriety of the instruction and a short explanation of why the special or modified instruction is necessary and appropriate. Substantively modified CACI instructions must specify exactly what has been modified.

Summary: Jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055, each on separate page, no disposition table, CACI number/title, special/modified labeling, citation/explanation, and specify modifications.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
DOCX ?

Special or Modified Instructions must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Summary: Special or modified jury instructions must be submitted in Word format.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

If there are more than six exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

Summary: If more than six exhibits, prepare two sets in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit. A copy of the Joint Exhibit List shall be placed in the front of each exhibit binder.

Summary: Exhibit binders must have tabbed dividers with exhibit numbers and a copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

All exhibits in the exhibit binder on the witness stand shall have exhibit tags filled out and attached to the exhibit in the upper right hand corner of the first page of the exhibit.

Summary: Exhibits in the witness stand binder must have filled-out exhibit tags attached to the upper right corner of the first page.

Judge Melissa R. McCormick

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Applies to
Proposed order ?
Format
OTHER ?

Please submit the proposed in an editable word-processing format.

Summary: Proposed orders must be submitted in an editable word-processing format.

Judge Scott A. Steiner

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
PDF

papers must include a declaration of notice of ex parte hearing, a declaration based on personal knowledge, points and authorities, and a proposed order in both PDF format and in editable word-processing format.

Summary: Proposed orders in ex parte papers must be submitted in both PDF and editable word-processing format.

Judge Shaina H. Colover

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number. Every exhibit in the witness copy must have an exhibit tag filled out and attached.

Summary: Trial exhibits must be submitted in two 3-ring binders with exhibit lists, number tabs, and exhibit tags.

Judge Shaina H. Colover

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
DOCX ?

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for the signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word-processing format in order for the court to revise as necessary. See CRC 3.1312(c).

Summary: Proposed orders and other documents submitted for signature must be in a editable, word-processing format.

Judge Shawn Nelson

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

All written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with any law and motion matter and any proposed orders regarding the objections must strictly comply with the format set forth in CRC 3.1354.

Summary: Written evidentiary objections and related proposed orders must strictly comply with CRC 3.1354 formatting.

Judge Shawn Nelson

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with a motion for summary judgment and/or adjudication must comply with CRC 3.1354.

Summary: Written evidentiary objections in connection with summary judgment/adjudication motions must comply with CRC 3.1354.

Judge Shawn Nelson

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

If there are more than six (6) exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers. Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit. A copy of the Joint Exhibit List shall be placed in the front of each exhibit binder.

Summary: If the Joint Exhibit List has more than six exhibits, parties must prepare two sets in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers and a copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front of each binder.

Judge Shawn Nelson

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

All exhibits in the exhibit binder on the witness stand shall have exhibit tags filled out and attached to the exhibit in the upper right hand corner of the first page of the exhibit.

Summary: Every exhibit in the witness-stand binder must have a completed exhibit tag attached to the upper right-hand corner of its first page.

Judge Shawn Nelson

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

Format
WORD_PERFECT ?

All stipulations must be submitted as one document in WORD format to enable the court to make any modification to the order portion the court deems necessary.

Summary: Stipulations must be submitted in WORD format.

Judge Thomas McConville

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

If these numbers are not sufficient to cover all exhibits, the Parties are to cooperate and agree to an appropriate number range for each party.

Summary: If exhibit numbers are insufficient, parties must cooperate to agree on appropriate number ranges.

Judge Bradley Erdosi

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Each exhibit must have a green color Court Exhibit Tag attached (This is for the witness copy only).

Summary: Each witness copy exhibit must have a green Court Exhibit Tag attached.

Judge Craig Griffin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper rather than Judicial Council Form CM-110 and include in the Statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in CRC Rule 3.727.

Summary: Case Management Statement must use pleading paper and discuss subjects in CRC Rule 3.727.

Judge David A. Hoffer

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Status Reports must be filed at least a week before the Status Conference and should be on pleading paper rather than on Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Summary: Status Reports must use pleading paper rather than Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Judge David A. Hoffer

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

No later than the pretrial conference, the Parties shall also provide the Court with a separately indexed joint compendium in a notebook format containing an index or table identifying all agreed upon and contested instructions or verdict forms, with all instructions and verdict forms included and separately tabbed to indicate proponent/opponent (e.g., Tab 1 consists of jointly requested instructions, Tab 2 consists of instructions requested by Plaintiff but disputed by Defendant, Tab 3 consists of instructions requested by Defendant but disputed by Plaintiff, Tab 4 consists of the Parties’ competing verdict forms).

Summary: Joint compendium must be in notebook format with separate tabs for each category.

Judge Layne H. Melzer
Common questions about Orange Superior Court document format requirements

What formatting rules apply to filings in Orange Superior Court?

Judge Thomas McConville's formatting rule includes written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with law and motion matters and proposed orders regarding those objections must strictly comply with crc 3.1354.. Written evidentiary objections in law and motion matters and proposed orders concerning those objections must comply with CRC 3.1354’s format.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section IV. LAW AND MOTION

Judge Lee L. Gabriel's formatting rule includes file format docx. The proposed order submitted with an ex parte application must be in Word format.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 2, section Ex Parte Applications

Judge David Hesseltine's formatting rule includes file format docx and single document. Stipulations and Orders must be filed as a single document in Word format.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section C. Stipulations and Orders

37 more rules answer this question in the list above.