Court Rules
Judge

Judge Laura H. Miller

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

San Diego Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

In Limine Motions

  • Two Court Days Before Trial

Communication

Phone

Clerk

619-844-2063
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsBinders/TabsLettersMemorandaEvidence/Witnesses

Document Format Requirements6 rules

FormattingCivil cases

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

All exhibits should be pre-marked and tabbed as: Petitioner - numbers; Respondent letters. If Respondent has more than 26 exhibits, Petitioner shall use 1-400 and Respondent shall use 401-800. Minor's Counsel may use the Court's Exhibit tags (brown) and shall begin with number 801.

Summary: Exhibits must be pre-marked and tabbed: Petitioner uses numbers and Respondent uses letters; if Respondent exceeds 26 exhibits, Petitioner uses 1-400 and Respondent 401-800; Minor's Counsel uses brown Court tags beginning at 801.

FormattingCivil cases

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If an Exhibit contains multiple pages, please give each page an identifying number (bates stamped) in the lower righthand corner.

Summary: Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be bates stamped in the lower right-hand corner.

FormattingCivil cases

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The exhibit tag should not cover any part of the exhibit, i.e. the writing/numbers and/or photo. If there is not a place to adhere the tag on the front of the exhibit, place it on the back. If there are multiple pages, place it on the last page of the exhibit. The exhibit number is to be placed in the lower right-hand corner by way of an exhibit tag (Pink tag – Petitioner; Yellow tag – Respondent,) and have the case number and exhibit number pre-written

Summary: Exhibit tags must not cover exhibit content; if no front space, place on the back; for multi-page exhibits, place on the last page; exhibit number goes in the lower right-hand corner using pink (Petitioner) or yellow (Respondent) tags with case and exhibit numbers pre-written.

FormattingCivil cases

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If you are submitting more than one binder, identify on the front and spine of the binder the exhibits contained therein.

Summary: When submitting more than one exhibit binder, identify the exhibits contained on the front and spine of each binder.

FormattingCivil cases

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No exhibit binders should be more than two (2) inches thick. Binders that exceed this limit will most likely be returned to the party for reorganization.

Summary: Exhibit binders must not exceed two inches in thickness; oversized binders may be returned for reorganization.

FormattingCivil cases

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To assist the clerk and for the benefit of all to ensure the exhibits are correctly identified and received, please be sure the exhibit list is formatted as follows: Pet # | Description | ID'd | Rec'd | Resp # | Description | ID'd | Rec'd

Summary: Exhibit lists must follow a specific column format (Pet #, Description, ID'd, Rec'd, Resp #, etc.).

Document Filing Requirements9 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

They are to be exchanged by the parties according to Rule 5.394 of the California Rules of Court unless specifically ordered otherwise by the court. The trial brief form (D-241) can be located on the court's website.

Summary: Trial briefs must be exchanged by the parties per California Rules of Court Rule 5.394 using form D-241 unless the court orders otherwise.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Documents such as bank records should be broken down to monthly periods. For example, bank statements for the period 1/1/22 through 1/31/22 shall be labeled as exhibit 1; bank statements for the period 2/1/22 through 2/28/22 shall be labeled as exhibit 2, and so on and so forth. The multi-paged documents should be bates stamped as indicated above.

Summary: Bank records and similar documents must be broken down into monthly periods, with each month labeled as a separate exhibit and multi-page documents bates stamped.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Exhibit lists are to be provided to the court. Three (3) copies are to be provided – for the court, the court clerk, and the court reporter (if one is obtained by the parties).

Summary: Exhibit lists must be provided to the court in three copies (court, clerk, and court reporter if one is obtained).

Document Type

Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Please be sure to include a means of return for all exhibits.

Summary: All exhibits must include a means of return.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Experts must meet and confer prior to the trial. They must prepare a side-by-side comparison that must be provided to the court showing the differences and the reasons for the differences and any agreements on the same issues for which they have submitted a report to the court for the trial (i.e. income available for support, business valuation).

Summary: Experts must meet and confer and provide the court a side-by-side comparison of their reports showing differences, reasons, and agreements.

Document Type

Expert Comparison

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Any text messages or social media posts must be identified by date and time on the exhibit.

Summary: Text messages and social media posts must be identified by date and time on the exhibit.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Please be sure income and expense declarations are complete per statutory requirements and follow directions on the form FL-150.

Summary: Income and expense declarations must be complete per statutory requirements and follow the directions on form FL-150.

Document Type

Income And Expense Declaration

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
hearing orders for department 603 · p. 9
|SecThe Court's Trial Preparation
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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If an interpreter is needed for a party or witness, please complete and file the Interpreter Request/Cancellation Form (SDSC ADM-348) as soon as possible. Please keep in mind, the Interpreter Request form should be filed at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the hearing/trial or it's possible an interpreter will not be available.

Summary: If an interpreter is needed, file the Interpreter Request/Cancellation Form (SDSC ADM-348) at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the hearing or trial.

Document Type

Interpreter Request Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

When judicial notice is taken of a document/exhibit, it is not indicated "RECEIVED" on the exhibit tag. If there are impeachment exhibits, they can be identified as "the next in order" and the clerk will mark and adhere the exhibit tag.

Summary: Exhibits judicially noticed are not marked 'RECEIVED' on the tag; impeachment exhibits are identified as 'the next in order' and the clerk marks and adheres the tag.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All exhibits for the Judge's use must be uploaded using the Electronic Evidence Portal.

All exhibits for the Judge's use shall be uploaded using the Electronic Evidence Portal.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Exhibits

The Judge's copy of exhibit binders must be uploaded using the electronic evidence portal.

The Judge's copy must be uploaded using the electronic evidence portal.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | Exhibits

Trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists, and binders must be directly filed in Department 603; e-filing of trial documents is prohibited.

Trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists and binders must be directly filed in Department 603. Do not e-file trial documents. If filed in the Family Business Office, they will be sent to the assigned IC department and not this department.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 9 | Filing

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Trial briefs, exhibits, exhibit lists, and witness lists are due by close of business at least five court days before trial.

Trial briefs, exhibits, exhibit lists and witness lists are due by the close of business no later than a minimum of five court days in advance of the scheduled trial, unless specifically ordered otherwise by the court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Trial Briefs

In limine motions must be filed and served per the TSC/TRC schedule, or if none, no later than five court days before trial.

All in limine motions must be filed, served and responded to on the schedule set at the Trial Setting Conference (TSC) or Trial Readiness Conference (TRC), or if no such schedule was provided, then the motions must filed and served no later than five court days before the start of the trial or the evidentiary hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | In Limine Motions

Opposition to in limine motions must be filed and served no later than two court days before trial.

Opposition to in limine motions must be filed and served no later than two court days before the start of the trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | In Limine Motions

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of in limine motions and oppositions are strongly recommended two court days before trial.

It is strongly recommended that courtesy copies of motions and oppositions be provided to the department two court days prior to the start of the trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | In Limine Motions

Filing Bundling Requirements

Each party must submit one set of 3-ring exhibit binders to the court (clerk), provide one set to the other party/counsel, and have binders available for witnesses.

Each party must submit to the court one set of 3-ring binders containing your exhibits. This copy is for the clerk The Judge's copy must be uploaded using the electronic evidence portal. Each party must also provide one set of exhibit binders to the other party/counsel and must have binders available to any witnesses at court or at their locations, including those who will be appearing on MS Teams only.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | Exhibits

Exhibits exceeding 50 pages must be compiled in 3-ring binders.

Exhibit binders: If there are more than 50 pages of exhibits, they must be compiled in 3-ring binders.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | Exhibits

Chambers Communication Rules

Before delivering trial documents to Department 603, call 619-844-2063 to make an appointment with the department clerk.

Before making the delivery, please call 619-844-2063 to make an appointment with the department clerk.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 9 | Filing

About Judge Laura H. Miller

Judge Laura H. Miller is a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, the state trial court serving San Diego County.

The published procedures include hearing orders for Department 603.

Common questions about Judge Laura H. Miller's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Laura H. Miller?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for in limine. Details: delivery two court days before trial. Courtesy copies of in limine motions and oppositions are strongly recommended two court days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 7, section In Limine Motions

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Laura H. Miller?

Judge Laura H. Miller's formatting rule includes all exhibits must be pre-marked and tabbed: petitioner uses numbers, respondent uses letters., if respondent has more than 26 exhibits, petitioner shall use 1-400 and respondent shall use 401-800., and minor's counsel may use the court's exhibit tags (brown) and shall begin with number 801..

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exhibits

What must be included with trial brief filings before Judge Laura H. Miller?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Trial briefs must be exchanged by the parties per California Rules of Court Rule 5.394 using form D-241 unless the court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Briefs

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Laura H. Miller?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Bank records and similar documents must be broken down into monthly periods, with each month labeled as a separate exhibit and multi-page documents bates stamped.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exhibits

How may parties contact Judge Laura H. Miller's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Laura H. Miller's clerk. The rule lists phone 619-844-2063. Before delivering trial documents to Department 603, call 619-844-2063 to make an appointment with the department clerk.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Filing

Does Judge Laura H. Miller require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Laura H. Miller requires bundling for covered papers. Each party must submit one set of 3-ring exhibit binders to the court (clerk), provide one set to the other party/counsel, and have binders available for witnesses.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Exhibits

Is electronic filing required before Judge Laura H. Miller?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All exhibits for the Judge's use must be uploaded using the Electronic Evidence Portal.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Exhibits

What filing deadlines does Judge Laura H. Miller set?

Trial briefs, exhibits, exhibit lists, and witness lists are due by close of business at least five court days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Briefs
Complete rules summary for Judge Laura H. Miller

Trial briefs must be exchanged by the parties per California Rules of Court Rule 5.394 using form D-241 unless the court orders otherwise.

Trial briefs, exhibits, exhibit lists, and witness lists are due by close of business at least five court days before trial.

All exhibits for the Judge's use must be uploaded using the Electronic Evidence Portal.

Exhibits must be pre-marked and tabbed: Petitioner uses numbers and Respondent uses letters; if Respondent exceeds 26 exhibits, Petitioner uses 1-400 and Respondent 401-800; Minor's Counsel uses brown Court tags beginning at 801.

Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be bates stamped in the lower right-hand corner.

Opposition to in limine motions must be filed and served no later than two court days before trial.

Bank records and similar documents must be broken down into monthly periods, with each month labeled as a separate exhibit and multi-page documents bates stamped.

Exhibit tags must not cover exhibit content; if no front space, place on the back; for multi-page exhibits, place on the last page; exhibit number goes in the lower right-hand corner using pink (Petitioner) or yellow (Respondent) tags with case and exhibit numbers pre-written.

Exhibits judicially noticed are not marked 'RECEIVED' on the tag; impeachment exhibits are identified as 'the next in order' and the clerk marks and adheres the tag.

Exhibit lists must be provided to the court in three copies (court, clerk, and court reporter if one is obtained).

Exhibit lists must follow a specific column format (Pet #, Description, ID'd, Rec'd, Resp #, etc.).

Each party must submit one set of 3-ring exhibit binders to the court (clerk), provide one set to the other party/counsel, and have binders available for witnesses.

The Judge's copy of exhibit binders must be uploaded using the electronic evidence portal.

Exhibits exceeding 50 pages must be compiled in 3-ring binders.

Exhibit binders must not exceed two inches in thickness; oversized binders may be returned for reorganization.

When submitting more than one exhibit binder, identify the exhibits contained on the front and spine of each binder.

In limine motions must be filed and served per the TSC/TRC schedule, or if none, no later than five court days before trial.

Courtesy copies of in limine motions and oppositions are strongly recommended two court days before trial.

Text messages and social media posts must be identified by date and time on the exhibit.

All exhibits must include a means of return.

Experts must meet and confer and provide the court a side-by-side comparison of their reports showing differences, reasons, and agreements.

Income and expense declarations must be complete per statutory requirements and follow the directions on form FL-150.

If an interpreter is needed, file the Interpreter Request/Cancellation Form (SDSC ADM-348) at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the hearing or trial.

Trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists, and binders must be directly filed in Department 603; e-filing of trial documents is prohibited.

Before delivering trial documents to Department 603, call 619-844-2063 to make an appointment with the department clerk.

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