San Mateo Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Complaint Form
Ex Parte Application, Ex Parte Opposition, Ex Parte Filing
Motion, Responsive Papers
Adjournments
- A stipulated short-cause continuance may be requested by phone with 24 hours’ notice or in open court; no more than one may be granted without a court order and good cause, and a case not ready on the continued date may be removed from calendar absent good cause.
- An extension request for filing appellate briefs must be submitted to the Appellate Division under LCR rule 1.8.
- An oral-argument continuance may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
- A request to change the hearing date of a civil law and motion matter must be in writing.
- +19 more
Request must include
- Failure to notify the court at least three court days before a hearing that the hearing will not proceed may result in monetary sanctions, except when the matter settles or resolves within the three-day period.
- A probate continuance should be requested by email as early as possible and no later than five court days before the hearing, with the case number, hearing date, agreement status, and preferred dates or unavailability within six months.
- Counsel must call the assigned department clerk at least five court days before the MSC to confirm the conference or request a continuance.
- Each party may request one Status Conference continuance by giving at least 15 calendar days' notice before the scheduled conference date.
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits5 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Appellate briefs are limited to 6,800 words absent prior Appellate Division approval; tables of contents and authorities are excluded, while footnotes count toward the limit.
No brief shall exceed 6,800 words in length without prior approval of the Appellate Division. (CRC rule 8.883(b).) Tables of contents and/or authorities are excluded from this limitation, but footnotes are included.
Brief
6,800 words
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The electronic letter summarizing the discovery dispute may not exceed five pages.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the Court at IDC@sanmateocourt.org, and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Discovery Dispute Summary
5 pages
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The electronic letter summarizing the discovery dispute may not exceed five pages.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the Court at IDC@sanmateocourt.org and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Discovery Dispute Letter
5 pages
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The electronic discovery-dispute correspondence is limited to five pages and must not include attachments.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the department email address for the Family Law Commissioner, and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Electronic Letter
5 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Permission to file any briefs in excess of 6,800 words shall be obtained by application in accordance with LCR rule 1.8.
Summary: An appellant seeking to file a brief longer than 6,800 words must obtain Appellate Division approval through an application complying with LCR rule 1.8.
Brief
6,800 words
Document Format Requirements26 rules
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Except for footnotes and block quotations, text lines in appellate briefs must be spaced at least one and one-half lines.
Briefs shall comply with CRC rule 8.883, including but not limited to the requirement that lines of text other than footnotes and block quotations must be at least one- and-a-half-spaced as stated in CRC.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Appellate briefs must use only one side of the paper, be bound at the top, and use compliant cover colors.
Only one side of the paper may be used and such briefs shall be bound at the top, with cover colors that comply with CRC 8.40(b).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Briefs for writs of mandate or prohibition must comply with the specified CRC rules, use only one side of the paper, be bound at the top, and use compliant cover colors.
Briefs relating to a petition for writ of mandate or prohibition shall comply with CRC rules 8.931 through 8.933 and 8.883, except that only one side of the paper may be used and they must be bound at the top, with cover colors that comply with CRC 8.40(b).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Original hard-copy documents submitted for filing must be fastened at the top with a clip or fastener and must not be stapled.
Original hard copy documents presented to the clerk for filing shall be submitted bound at the top by a clip or fastener (but not staples).
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
All proposed jury instructions must conform to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.1055.
All proposed jury instructions shall conform to the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 2.1055.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must provide a hard copy of the proposed jury instructions and provide the modified instructions on a CD or USB flash drive.
In addition to a hard copy of the proposed jury instructions, counsel shall provide the modified instructions on a CD or USB flash drive, also commonly referred to as a thumb drive
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Jury instructions requested after the court concludes taking evidence must be submitted in writing.
Any jury instructions requested after the conclusion of taking evidence shall be in writing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
All electronically filed documents other than exhibits must be text searchable.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 2.256(b)(3), all electronically filed documents (other than exhibits) must be text searchable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits attached to electronically filed briefs, declarations, or other documents must be electronically bookmarked.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1110(f)(4), exhibits to any electronically filed briefs, declarations or other documents must be electronically “bookmarked”.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Electronic correspondence must use type no smaller than 12 points.
All electronic correspondence must be sent in at least 12-point type.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The electronic discovery-dispute letter must not have attachments.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the Court at IDC@sanmateocourt.org and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A creditor's claim filed more than four months after letters first issue must include either a timely Notice of Administration to Creditors copy or a court order allowing late filing under Probate Code section 9103.
Any claim presented for filing more than four months after letters are first issued shall be accompanied by either (1) a copy of the Notice of Administration to Creditors showing that the claim is timely, or (2) a Court Order allowing a late filing of the claim pursuant to Section 9103.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Creditors' claims must be submitted on Judicial Council forms.
Creditors' claims shall be submitted on Judicial Council forms but creditors' claims will be liberally construed in favor of their sufficiency if the content and format are in substantial compliance with the Probate Code.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every conservatorship filing must include one original and two copies.
All filings regarding conservatorships must be accompanied by an original and two copies.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
All filings must include one original and two copies.
G. Filing Procedures: All filings must consist of an original and two(2) copes.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The preparer of an order or judgment must leave at least two lines of text on the signature page and must not place text after the judge’s signature.
The party preparing the order or judgment shall ensure that at least two lines of text appear on the page upon which the judge’s signature is affixed. No text may appear after the judge’s signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
Electronic correspondence must use type no smaller than 12 points.
All electronic correspondence must be sent in at least 12 point type.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
The electronic discovery-dispute summary must not have attachments.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the Court at IDC@sanmateocourt.org, and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
Schedules for Income and Disbursements must be presented in both chronological and categorical formats.
Schedules for Income and Disbursements shall be stated in chronological and also categorical format.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
Signatures on filings must be made in blue ink.
Signatures must be in blue ink.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note
The court may permit proposed jury instructions to be sent into the jury room in Booklet Form.
The court, in its discretion, may permit instructions to be sent into the jury room in "Booklet Form".
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
All accounts filed in probate proceedings, which include guardianship, conservatorship, and trust accounts, must be typewritten and must conform to the California Rules of Court (CRC) adopted by the Judicial Council, including without limitation California Rules of Court, Rules 7.550, 7.901 and 7.902 and the California Probate Code, including sections 1060-1064, 2620-2633, 10900-11051, and 16060-16064.
Machine summary and details
Summary: All probate accounts, including guardianship, conservatorship, and trust accounts, must be typewritten and conform to the specified California Rules of Court and Probate Code provisions.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All filings must consist of an original and two (2) copies. Signatures must be in blue ink.
Summary: Guardianship filings must include an original and two copies, and all signatures must be made in blue ink.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
E. Filing Procedures: All filings must consist of an original and two (2) copes. Signatures must be in blue ink.
Summary: All filings under Rule 4.89 must include one original and two copies, and signatures must be in blue ink.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
All emails must be sent in at least 12 point type.
Summary: Emails concerning a notice contesting a tentative ruling must use at least 12-point type.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
Satisfactory vouchers or proof of the claim should be attached.
Summary: Satisfactory vouchers or proof of a creditor's claim should be attached.
Document Filing Requirements280 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every brief must include a certificate stating its word count.
The brief must include a certificate stating the number of words in the brief as required under CRC, rule 8.883(b).
Document Type
Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must complete and appropriately modify proposed jury instructions before delivering them to the trial judge and opposing counsel.
Before delivery of proposed jury instructions to the trial judge and opposing counsel, counsel shall fill in all blanks, make all strikeouts, insertions and modifications therein which are appropriate to the case.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must provide a clean copy of the instructions that will be given to the jury.
and a clean copy of the instructions to be given to the jury.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must mark a withdrawn requested instruction with the word "withdrawn" and sign or initial it.
If a requested instruction is withdrawn, counsel shall so indicate by writing "withdrawn" and signing or initialing such instruction.
Document Type
Requested Jury Instruction
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A party proposing a juror questionnaire must provide it to all parties, which must meet and confer to agree on the questionnaire for prospective jurors.
If juror questionnaires are proposed by any party, the requesting party must provide a copy of the proposed questionnaire to all parties and they must meet and confer to agree on a questionnaire that will be distributed to prospective jurors.
Document Type
Juror Questionnaire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The proposed juror questionnaire must be presented to the trial judge no later than the day of trial.
The juror questionnaire must be presented to the trial judge on the day of trial at the very latest.
Document Type
Juror Questionnaire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The proposed juror questionnaire must receive the trial judge's approval before it is used.
The proposed questionnaire shall be presented to the trial judge for review and approval prior to it being used.
Document Type
Juror Questionnaire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A fee-waiver recipient seeking a verbatim trial record must notify the court in writing by filing Judicial Council Form FW-020.
Fee waiver recipients who want a verbatim record of a trial court proceedings must notify the Court in writing by filing Judicial Council form FW-020 at least 10 calendar days in advance of the scheduled hearing or trial date.
Document Type
Fee Waiver Court Reporter Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A request for an official court reporter must be made using Local Form CV-69.
Local Court Form CV-69, Request for an Official Court Reporter for Civil Court Proceedings, must be filed at least 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled hearing or trial date for which you are requesting an official court reporter.
Document Type
Request For Official Court Reporter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Judicial Officer must sign Form CV-68 appointing the reporter pro tempore before the reporter may report the proceeding.
The Judicial Officer must sign Local Form CV-68 (Appointment of Official Court Reporter Pro Tempore) appointing the reporter as an official reporter pro tempore, before the reporter may report the proceeding.
Document Type
Appointment Of Official Court Reporter Pro Tempore
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking a reporter pro tempore must complete and obtain the pro tempore reporter's signature on Form CV-68 and provide it to the Judicial Officer when the proceeding begins.
A party requesting appointment of an official reporter pro tempore must complete and have signed by the official reporter pro tempore Local Form CV-68 (Appointment of Official Court Reporter Pro Tempore), and provide it to the Judicial Officer at the commencement of the proceeding.
Document Type
Appointment Of Official Court Reporter Pro Tempore
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Upon assignment of a jury case to a trial department, each party must file its in limine motions and responses, trial briefs, a concise non-argumentative jury statement, and a possible-witness list.
Upon assignment to a trial department for trial by a jury, each party shall file with that department the following: (1) Any in limine motions and response thereto; (2) Any trial briefs; (3) A concise non-argumentative statement of the case to be read to the jury; and (4) A list of possible witness who may testify in the trial to be read to the jury panel by the court.
Document Type
Trial Documents
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
By assignment to a trial department, a party intending to use exhibits must have an original and sufficient copies for every other party and the court.
Any party intending to offer any exhibit at the time of trial shall be prepared, by the time of assignment to a trial department, with an original and sufficient copies of each such exhibit for all other parties and the court.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The prevailing party must prepare a proposed order that repeats the tentative ruling verbatim.
The prevailing party on a tentative ruling is required to prepare a proposed order repeating verbatim the tentative ruling.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Failure to present a proposed order when presenting an ex parte application results in denial of that application.
Failure to present a proposed order at the time of presentation of the ex parte application will result in denial of the ex parte application.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
An applicant may seek a remote ex parte appearance only if the moving papers and proposed order are served on all parties and submitted in paper with the fee by 10:00 a.m. two court days before the appearance, unless the court orders otherwise.
Except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d), applicants seeking an ex parte order may appear remotely provided that the moving papers, including a proposed order, have been served on all parties, and submitted in paper form to the assigned judge, and the fee paid to the clerk’s office, by at least 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Document Type
Ex Parte Moving Papers
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
An Informal Discovery Conference request must identify the case, requesting party, reserved conference date and time, and estimated session length.
Any party requesting an Informal Discovery Conference shall identify the case name and number, the name of the party requesting the Informal Discovery Conference, the date and time reserved by that party for the Informal Discovery Conference, and the estimated length of the IDC session.
Document Type
Informal Discovery Conference Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
All parties must file and serve a CM-110 Case Management Statement at least 15 calendar days before the initial Case Management Conference.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.725, all parties must file and serve a Case Management Statement (form CM-110) at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date set for the initial Case Management Conference.
Document Type
Case Management Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
If the Case Management Conference is continued, all parties must file and serve a new CM-110, individually or jointly, at least 15 calendar days before the latest conference.
If the Case Management Conference is continued, all parties must file and serve a Div III 313 Revised 1/1/2026 ===== PAGE 78 ===== Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo new Case Management Statement (form CM-110), individually or jointly, at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of the latest Case Management Conference.
Document Type
Case Management Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
For an uninsured motorist matter submitted to arbitration before the initial filing, the plaintiff must identify the case as “Auto Tort Uninsured Motorist” on the Civil Case Cover Sheet and file notice with the complaint.
If prior to the initial filing of the complaint a matter has been submitted to arbitration pursuant to uninsured motorist insurance, the plaintiff shall identify the case as “Auto Tort Uninsured Motorist” on the Civil Case Cover Sheet and shall file a notice to that effect with the Court at the time of filing the complaint.
Document Type
Civil Case Cover Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A request to change from judicial arbitration to another ADR process must be made using local form ADR-CSARB and a copy contemporaneously emailed to the ADR Director.
Parties who wish to change their ADR process from judicial arbitration to another form of ADR must file a Stipulation and [Proposed] Order to Mediation in Lieu of Court-Ordered Judicial Arbitration (local form ADR-CSARB) with the Court, with a copy contemporaneously emailed to the ADR Director at ADR@sanmateocourt.org.
Document Type
Stipulation And Proposed Order To Mediation In Lieu Of Court Ordered Judicial Arbitration
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The ADR session must be scheduled within five months of the previously scheduled judicial arbitration hearing.
(iii) scheduled the ADR session within five months of the previously scheduled judicial arbitration hearing;
Document Type
Stipulation And Proposed Order To Mediation In Lieu Of Court Ordered Judicial Arbitration
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
If ADR does not resolve all disputes, the parties must sign and file Statement of Nonagreement form ADR-CV-11.
Upon the completion of the selected ADR process, if not all disputes are resolved, parties shall sign and file a Statement of Nonagreement (ADR-CV-11) to facilitate the setting of the post-ADR Case Management and Trial Setting Conference before the assigned Civil Judge.
Document Type
Statement Of Nonagreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
After non-judicial ADR resolves all disputes, the parties must file and serve one of four specified resolution documents, using a settlement-approval motion when required by law.
Upon the completion of the selected ADR process, other than judicial arbitration, if a resolution of disputes is achieved, the parties shall file and serve either (i) a Notice of Settlement; (ii) a Request for Dismissal; (iii) a Stipulated Judgment; or (iv) a motion for approval of settlement, if a motion is required by law.
Document Type
Post Adr Resolution Document
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Case Management and Trial Setting Conference Statement must report the completion status of document production, party and witness depositions, and expert witness discovery.
The Case Management and Trial Setting Conference Statement shall also include information as to the status of completion of production of documents, the status of completion of party and witness depositions, and the status of expert witness discovery.
Document Type
Case Management And Trial Setting Conference Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
General civil cases, complex cases when designated by the assigned Civil Judge, and covered Probate matters must be set for a Mandatory Settlement Conference before trial.
In all general civil cases as defined in CRC Rule 1.6(4), and in any complex cases in the discretion of the assigned Civil Judge, and in any Probate matters subject to Local Rule 4.3(c), the civil case will be set for a Mandatory Settlement Conference prior to trial.
Document Type
Mandatory Settlement Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Case Management and Trial Setting Conference Statement must include the items required by CRC Rule 3.717 and relevant trial-setting facts or circumstances under CRC Rule 3.729.
The Case Management and Trial Setting Conference Statement shall include all items set forth in CRC Rule 3.717 and any relevant facts or circumstances regarding the setting of the trial date as set forth in CRC Rule 3.729.
Document Type
Case Management And Trial Setting Conference Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A plaintiff in a Collections Case must designate it by checking the “Rule 3.740 collections” box on the Civil Case Cover Sheet.
For all Collections Cases, as defined by CRC Rule 3.740(a), the plaintiff must check the case type box “Rule 3.740 collections” on the Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) as mandated by CRC Rule 3.740(b).
Document Type
Civil Case Cover Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The subject line of every IDC email must contain the case number and case name.
All communications to the IDC@sanmateocourt.org email address must include in the header “subject line” the Case Number and Name of Case (e.g., 19CIV06543 Smith v. Jones).
Document Type
Electronic Correspondence
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Except for sale confirmations and contested matters, a proposed order with the hearing date on its face sheet must be submitted at least five court days before the hearing.
Except in the case of confirmations of sales and contested matters, a proposed order must be submitted to the office of the Clerk of the Court, Probate Division, at least five (5) court days in advance of the scheduled hearing date, with the scheduled hearing date noted on the face sheet.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
When a bond is required, the verified petition or qualifying accompanying affidavit must state the information necessary to establish its amount.
The verified petition or an accompanying affidavit signed by the petitioner or by the personal representative or by counsel of record for either of said persons shall set forth the information necessary to establish the amount of bond, if one is required.
Document Type
Verified Petition Or Accompanying Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every probate pleading must clearly and completely identify the relief sought or granted.
All probate pleadings must clearly and completely identify the nature of the relief sought or granted.
Document Type
Probate Pleading
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every ex parte order petition must be verified and include sufficient evidentiary facts to justify the order.
Each petition for an ex parte order must be verified and must contain sufficient evidentiary facts to justify issuing an order.
Document Type
Ex Parte Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every petition for instructions must include a supporting memorandum of points and authorities with appropriate citations.
All petitions for instructions shall include a memorandum of points and authorities filed in support of the petition, with appropriate citations.
Document Type
Petition For Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Other petitions for relief not provided by statute must include a supporting memorandum of points and authorities with appropriate citations.
All other petitions seeking relief which is not provided for by statute, shall include a memorandum of points and authorities filed in support of such relief, with appropriate citations.
Document Type
Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Verifications are required for probate petitions, reports, accountings, objections, and responses to petitions, reports, or accountings.
Verifications are required when filing the following probate documents: Petitions, Reports and Accountings, Objections, or responses to Petitions/ Reports/ Accountings.
Document Type
Probate Petitions Reports Accountings Objections And Responses
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
When custody or visitation is at issue, the parties must meet with Family Court Services early enough for a recommendation to be prepared and filed at least five calendar days before trial.
5. If custody or visitation is in issue at the time of the trial, the parties shall meet with Family Court Services before trial. The meeting shall be scheduled sufficiently in advance of the trial to allow time for the counselor to prepare and file a recommendation, at least 5 calendar days before the scheduled trial date.
Document Type
Family Court Services Recommendation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must present a proposed protocol for presenting hearing exhibits to witnesses and using impeachment documents.
Counsel must also present a proposed protocol for the presentation of hearing exhibits to witnesses during their hearing testimony, and for use of any impeachment documents with a witness.
Document Type
Proposed Exhibit Protocol
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
4. Counsel shall meet and confer either in person or by telephone at least 7 calendar days before the day of the trial to resolve as many issues as possible and to specify those matters to be litigated. Failure to comply with these requirements shall subject offending counsel to monetary sanctions.
Summary: Counsel must meet and confer in person or by telephone at least seven calendar days before trial, and noncompliance may result in monetary sanctions.
Document Type
Short Cause Trial Preparation
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Family Code and Probate Code actions or proceedings.
(1) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all actions or proceedings brought under the Family Code, and all actions or proceedings to which the Probate Code applies, pursuant to CRC Rule 7.802.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(1)
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Civil Limited and Civil Unlimited cases.
(2) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all Civil Limited cases and in all Civil Unlimited cases.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(2)
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Small Claims Court actions.
(4) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all actions under the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.110 et seq.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(4)
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in specified civil class, coordinated, and complex actions.
(3) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all civil class actions, civil coordinated actions, civil actions provisionally complex under CRC Rule 3.400(c), and civil actions deemed complex pursuant to CRC Rule 3.403.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(3)
Documents may not be transmitted directly to the Court and must be electronically filed through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider.
(c) No direct electronic transmission to the Court of any document for filing is allowed. Electronic filing of documents must be done through one of this Court’s authorized Electronic Filing Service Providers.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.5
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Adoption and Juvenile Court actions.
(7) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file all documents in all actions for Adoption, and all actions under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(7)
Ex parte filings must be submitted and filed in paper form; electronic filing is prohibited.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings must be submitted and filed in paper form, and cannot be electronically filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 67 | 3.19 Ex Parte Applications and Orders
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and other ex parte filings must be electronically filed, but unrepresented individuals may file them in paper or electronic form.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings must be electronically filed, except that unrepresented individuals may submit and file such documents in paper form or electronically.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 72 | Rule 3.500 Ex Parte Applications in General Civil
Contested or potentially contested Unlawful Detainer ex parte filings must be filed in paper form and may not be electronically filed.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings in Unlawful Detainer actions on contested or potentially contested applications/requests/motions must be submitted and filed in paper form, and cannot be electronically filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 84 | Rule 3.1202 Ex Parte Applications in Unlawful Detainer Actions
A represented party must have the regular-conservator petition electronically filed and accepted before filing the temporary-conservatorship petition.
Represented parties must ensure that the separate petition for the appointment of a regular conservator has been e-filed and accepted, prior to filing the petition for temporary conservatorship.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 120 | Rule 4.76 Temporary Conservatorships, subsection B(1)
Represented parties must have the separate regular-conservator petition e-filed and accepted before filing for temporary conservatorship, while self-represented parties may present both sets at the clerk’s office.
Represented parties must ensure that the separate petition for the appointment of a regular conservator has been e-filed and accepted, prior to filing the petition for temporary conservatorship. Self-represented parties may present both sets of documents at the clerk’s office.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 126 | Rule 4.77.14 Temporary Guardianship - Emergency Situations Only, E. Filing and Prior Review of Documents
Informal Discovery Conference correspondence, including IDC briefs, off-calendar requests, and rescheduling requests, must be submitted electronically rather than on paper.
All correspondence regarding any Informal Discovery Conference, such as IDC letter briefs, requests to take matters off calendar, and requests for rescheduling, shall be submitted electronically, rather than paper, to the department email address for the Family Law Commissioner.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 154 | Division V - Rules - 503 - Rule 5.4(i)(ii)
The Court does not permit optional electronic filing in case types not covered by the mandatory rule.
(a) The Court does not presently have permissive electronic filing in other types of cases. (See Local Rule 2.1.7 for mandatory electronic filing of documents.)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.5
A party subject to mandatory electronic filing must submit form EFS-007 and obtain a court order to receive an exemption.
(d) A party that is subject to mandatory electronic filing may seek to be excused therefrom by submitting a Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service, Judicial Council form EFS-007, and obtaining a court order granting the request.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.7(d)
Failure to bookmark exhibits may result in rejection of the party’s e-filing or continuance of the hearing on the related motion.
Failure to bookmark exhibits to electronically filed documents may result in rejection of the party’s e-filing by the Clerk of the Court or in continuance of the hearing by the Court on the related motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 64 | Division III — Rule 3.3 Form of Papers
The authorized EFSPs and filing procedures are available online and at the Clerk's Office, and an EFSP may impose processing conditions and fees.
The Court’s electronic filing procedures and requirements, including identification of its Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSP), are available on this Court’s website at www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/ and available in print at the Clerk’s Office. An EFSP may require payment of a convenience fee and/or transaction fee and/or impose other reasonable requirements as conditions for processing the electronic filing of a document.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.5
Self-represented parties are exempt from mandatory electronic filing but are permitted and encouraged to file electronically if they choose.
(c) Pursuant to CCP Section 1010.6(d)(4) and CRC Rule 2.253(b)(1), self- represented parties are exempt from any mandatory electronic filing requirements, but are permitted to and encouraged to electronically file documents, if they so choose.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.7(c)
An uncontested ex parte application requiring neither notice nor a hearing may be filed electronically.
Uncontested ex parte applications in Unlawful Detainer actions that do not require notice or hearing may be electronically filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 84 | Rule 3.1202 Ex Parte Applications in Unlawful Detainer Actions
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Unlawful Detainer actions.
(5) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all Unlawful Detainer actions brought under Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1159 through 1179a.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 51 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(5)
Except for self-represented litigants and Traffic Court cases, all documents filed after the complaint must be electronically filed in felony, misdemeanor, and infraction criminal actions.
(6) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file all documents, subsequent to the filing of the Complaint, in all felony, misdemeanor, and infraction Criminal actions, except for Traffic Court cases.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.7(a)(6)
The rule requires paper filing of specified ex parte filings, exhibits, records, writs, process documents, probate filings, Certificate of Fact forms, pre-complaint criminal documents, and specified family-law challenges.
At present, documents that cannot be electronically filed (or lodged) and must be submitted in paper form, include the following: (a) In All Actions: Ex parte applications (except probate ex parte filings that comply with Local Rule 4.7) and all other ex parte filings; trial exhibits; administrative records; writs; abstracts; subpoenas; bonds and undertakings; out-of-state commissions; out-of-state judgments; subpoenas for out-of-state actions; (b) In Probate actions: Wills; codicils; estate planning documents; documents lodged pursuant to Probate Code section 2620; letters of administration; letters of testamentary; certified copy of death certificate; letters of conservatorship, guardianship, or temporary guardianship or conservatorship; (c) In General Civil actions: Certificate of Fact form DL30; (d) In Criminal actions: documents filed before the Complaint; (e) In Family Law actions: Section 170.1 judicial challenge for cause.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.8
Documents specified by Rule 2.1.8 cannot be electronically filed or lodged and must be submitted in paper form.
As an exception to Rule 2.1.5 and Rule 2.1.7, certain documents cannot be electronically filed (or lodged) with the Court, and must be filed by conventional means, i.e., paper documents.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.8
The moving papers for a remote ex parte appearance must be submitted to the assigned judge in paper form.
Except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d), applicants seeking an ex parte order may appear remotely provided that the moving papers, including a proposed order, have been served on all parties, and submitted in paper form to the assigned judge, and the fee paid to the clerk’s office, by at least 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 73 | Rule 3.672 — Remote Appearance
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The parties must wait for transmission of the appellate record and the Appellate Division’s notice, then file briefs within the periods specified in CRC rule 8.882(a).
After the record on appeal has been transmitted, the Appellate Division will notify the parties. The parties shall file briefs in accordance with the time periods specified in CRC rule 8.882(a).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 44 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Briefs — Time for Filing
An application to certify a case must be filed within 15 days after the judgment is pronounced or modified.
An application to certify shall be filed within 15 days after the judgment is pronounced or modified.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 46 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules, 1.7(d)(3) Decision — Certification
An electronic filer may submit an electronic copy of a document requiring an original if the original is filed within 10 calendar days.
(b) Pursuant to CRC Rule 2.252(e), in a proceeding that requires the filing of an original document, an electronic filer may file an electronic copy of a document if the original document is then filed with the court within 10 calendar days.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.7(b)
A request for an official court reporter must be filed at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled hearing or trial.
Local Court Form CV-69, Request for an Official Court Reporter for Civil Court Proceedings, must be filed at least 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled hearing or trial date for which you are requesting an official court reporter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 57 | 2.12 Court Reporter Availability in Civil Actions
A fee-waiver recipient seeking a verbatim trial record must file Form FW-020 at least 10 calendar days before the hearing or trial.
Fee waiver recipients who want a verbatim record of a trial court proceedings must notify the Court in writing by filing Judicial Council form FW-020 at least 10 calendar days in advance of the scheduled hearing or trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 57 | 2.12 Court Reporter Availability in Civil Actions
The courtroom clerk must receive the ex parte application and proof of payment by 2:15 p.m. on the hearing date.
Ex parte applications and proof of payment must be received directly by the courtroom clerk for the Department of the Presiding Judge no later than 2:15 p.m. on the date of the ex parte hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 67 | 3.19 Ex Parte Applications and Orders
The ex parte moving papers and clerk’s-office fee must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d), applicants seeking an ex parte order may appear remotely provided that the moving papers, including a proposed order, have been served on all parties, and submitted in paper form to the assigned judge, and the fee paid to the clerk’s office, by at least 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 73 | Rule 3.672 — Remote Appearance
An Informal Discovery Conference must be requested before the statutory deadline for the motion to compel or other discovery motion expires.
All requests for Informal Discovery Conference must be made prior to the expiration of the statutory time to bring a motion to compel or other discovery motions.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(e) — Tolling of Deadline to File Motion
The deadline to file a motion to compel or other discovery motion is tolled beginning when a party emails the Court to request an Informal Discovery Conference.
By agreeing to engage in an Informal Discovery Conference, parties agree that the time for bringing any motion to compel or other discovery motion is tolled, starting on the date a party makes the email request for an Informal Discovery Conference to the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(e) — Tolling of Deadline to File Motion
Proofs of service on all named defendants must be filed with the court within 60 days after filing the complaint.
proofs of service of process upon all named defendants, must be filed with the Court within sixty (60) days after filing of the complaint.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 76 | Rule 3.803 Complex Civil Cases
All proofs of service of process must be filed no later than 10 days before the initial Case Management Conference.
All proofs of service of process must be filed no later than ten (10) days prior to the initial Case Management Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 77 | Rule 3.805 — Initial Case Management Conference Requirements
The initial Case Management Conference filing deadline for the CM-110 is 15 calendar days before the conference.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.725, all parties must file and serve a Case Management Statement (form CM-110) at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date set for the initial Case Management Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 77 | Rule 3.805 — Initial Case Management Conference Requirements
A new CM-110 for a continued Case Management Conference must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the latest conference.
If the Case Management Conference is continued, all parties must file and serve a Div III 313 Revised 1/1/2026 ===== PAGE 78 ===== Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo new Case Management Statement (form CM-110), individually or jointly, at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of the latest Case Management Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 78 | Rule 3.805 — Initial Case Management Conference Requirements
A written stipulation to judicial arbitration must be filed at least 12 calendar days before the Case Management Conference, with a copy immediately emailed to the Case Management Coordinator.
In order to avoid any need to appear thereat, a written stipulation to judicial arbitration must be filed with the Court and a copy immediately emailed to the Case Management Coordinator at CMC@sanmateocourt.org at least the twelve (12) calendar days before the Case Management Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 79 | Rule 3.903 Stipulation to Judicial Arbitration
The arbitrator must file the arbitration award within 10 days after the arbitration hearing concludes.
Within ten (10) days after the conclusion of the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator must file the arbitration award with the Court, including proof of service on each party to the arbitration, pursuant to CRC Rule 3.825.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 79 | Rule 3.903 Stipulation to Judicial Arbitration
Counsel and self-represented parties must sign and submit the formal Stipulation and Order to ADR within 21 days after issuance of the ADR order.
Counsel and self-represented parties shall sign and submit a formal Stipulation and Order to ADR within 21 days from the date of issuance of the ADR order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 80 | Rule 3.904 Stipulations to Private Appropriate Dispute Resolution
At least 15 calendar days before the Case Management and Trial Setting Conference, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly or individually file and serve a written conference statement in prose and in detail, rather than using Judicial Council form CM-110.
At least fifteen (15) calendar days before the date of the Case Management and Trial Setting Conference, counsel for the parties and any self-represented parties shall file and serve, jointly or individually, a written Case Management and Trial Setting Conference in prose and in detail, not using the standardized Judicial Council form CM-110.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 81 | Division III — Court Management - Superior Court
Each party must lodge and serve a Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement containing the information, facts, and details required by CRC Rule 3.1380(c) no later than five court days before the initial conference date.
No later than five (5) court days before the initial date set for the Mandatory Settlement Conference, each party shall lodge with the Court and serve on all other parties a Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement containing any and all information, facts, and details as required by CRC Rule 3.1380(c).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 82 | Division III — Court Management - Superior Court
A motion to compel or other discovery motion requires five days' notice.
As to any motion to compel or other discovery motion, pursuant to C.C.P. Section 1170.8, five (5) days’ notice is required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 83 | Rule 3.1201 Special Deadlines for Unlawful Detainer Law & Motion Matters
Specified pleading and Unlawful Detainer motions require sixteen court days' notice for calendaring.
As to any demurrer or other motion regarding the pleadings, other than a motion under C.C.P. Section 418.10(a), and as to any motion pursuant to C.C.P. section 1170.5(b) or (c), the hearing thereon shall be set on the Civil Law and Motion Calendar pursuant to C.C.P. Section 1005, which requires sixteen (16) court days’ notice.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 83 | Rule 3.1201 Special Deadlines for Unlawful Detainer Law & Motion Matters
A party seeking a hearing with less than sixteen court days' notice must first obtain an ex parte order shortening time.
Any party seeking a hearing date on less than 16-court-days’ notice shall be required to obtain an ex parte order shortening time pursuant to CRC Rules 3.1200-3.1207.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 83 | Rule 3.1201 Special Deadlines for Unlawful Detainer Law & Motion Matters
A specified Unlawful Detainer motion must be filed within the five-court-day response period.
Any motion to quash service of summons or motion to stay or dismiss the action on the ground of inconvenient forum, under Code of Civil Procedure Section 418.10(a), must be filed within the five (5) court day period allotted for responding to the Unlawful Detainer complaint, as required by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1167(a).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 83 | Rule 3.1201 Special Deadlines for Unlawful Detainer Law & Motion Matters
Support and opposition papers for a long-cause matter must be filed at least five court days before the hearing.
When a matter is put on the long cause calendar, all papers in support or opposition of the matter must be filed and served five (5) court days in advance of the hearing date.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 96 | Division IV — Probate Department
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A proof of service for mail service must use the language prescribed by Code of Civil Procedure section 1013(a).
When service is made by mail, Section 1013(a) of the Code of Civil Procedure provides the language to be used in the proof of service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
An unopposed motion accompanied by defective proof of service may be continued, placed off calendar, or denied.
In the absence of opposition, a motion accompanied by a defective proof of service will be continued, placed off calendar, or denied.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
A declaration that merely states that the declarant caused papers to be served through a messenger is inadequate proof of service.
A declaration which simply recites that the declarant “caused the papers to be served” by handing them to a messenger is not adequate proof of service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
Fax service must comply with California Rules of Court rule 2.306.
When service is by FAX, CRC 2.306 must be complied with.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
For personal service, the person who actually accomplished service must sign the declaration of service.
When service is by personal delivery (CCP 1011), the declaration of service must be signed by the person who actually accomplished service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
The proof of service must show service on every party who has appeared in the action, not merely the party to whom the motion is directed.
The proof of service must show service on all parties who have appeared in the action, not just the party to whom the motion is directed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.8 Contents of Proof of Service
Supersedeas petitions and oppositions must be served under the cited rules, and supersedeas petitions must include proof of service when filed.
(B) Service. Petitions for writ of supersedeas shall be served in accordance with CRC rule 8.824 and shall be accompanied by proof of service at the time of filing. Petitions and oppositions shall be filed and served pursuant to LCR rule 1.8.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 41 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules
Stay-order applications must be filed with the Appellate Division clerk and served on opposing counsel under LCR Rule 1.8.
(B) Applications for stay orders shall be filed with the clerk of the Appellate Division and served on opposing counsel in accord with LCR Rule 1.8.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 41 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules
A request for a temporary stay may be included in the supersedeas petition or filed separately with notice to the respondent.
2) A request for temporary stay may be incorporated into a petition for writ of supersedeas or filed separately with notice to the respondent. (CRC rule 8.824(c).)
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 41 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules
Service of an appellate brief requires the original for the Appellate Division clerk, one copy for the trial court, and one copy for opposing counsel.
Briefs shall be served as follows: the original on the Clerk of the Appellate Division, one copy on the trial court, and one copy on opposing counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 44 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Briefs — Service
A petition for rehearing must be served and filed with proof of service.
Any petition for rehearing shall be served and filed with proof of service as provided in CRC rule 8.889(b)(1).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 45 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules, 1.7(d)(1) Decision — Rehearing
Written motions concerning non-routine matters must be served on every party and filed in the Appellate Division.
Written motions in connection with all non-routine matters shall be served on all parties and shall be filed in the Appellate Division.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 46 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules, 1.8(b) Applications and Motions — Motions
Routine applications must be served on opposing counsel and submitted to the Appellate Division.
Routine applications shall be served on opposing counsel and submitted to the Appellate Division.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 46 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules, 1.8(a) Applications and Motions — Routine Applications
Briefs for writs of mandate or prohibition must be served with the original and three copies for the Appellate Division Clerk, one copy for the trial court, and one copy for opposing counsel.
Briefs relating to a petition for writ of mandate or prohibition shall be served as follows: the original and three copies on the Clerk of the Appellate Division, one copy on the trial court, and one copy on opposing counsel. (See CRC rule 8.931(c)(3).)
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 47 | Division I – Appellate Department Rules
In limine motions must be served on opposing counsel at least five days before trial.
Any in limine motions shall be served upon opposing counsel not less than five (5) days prior to trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 60 | Rule 2.21 In Limine Motions
In complex civil cases, all parties and counsel must serve all documents electronically and accept electronic service, unless personal service is required by statute.
Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6(c), and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.253(c) and Rule 2.251(c), all parties and their counsel in complex civil cases shall serve all documents electronically, and accept service of documents electronically from all other parties, in conformity with Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6 and the California Rules of Court, except when personal service is required by statute.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 69 | Division III — Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
In complex civil cases, the plaintiff must serve the required civil case cover sheet and assignment and conference notices with the complaint and summons.
at the same time as service of the complaint and summons, plaintiff must also serve all defendants with Plaintiff’s Civil Case Cover Sheet (per CRC Rule 3.220) and Notice of Assignment for All Purposes, Designation as Complex Case, Setting of Case Management and Trial Setting Conference, and Complex Fees Due.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 76 | Rule 3.803 Complex Civil Cases
The complaint must be served on all named defendants within 60 days after filing.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.110(b), the complaint must be served upon all named defendants within sixty (60) days after filing of the complaint;
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 76 | Rule 3.803 Complex Civil Cases
The complaint must be served on all named defendants within 60 days after filing, and proofs of service must be filed within the same period.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.110(b), the complaint must be served upon all named defendants within sixty (60) days after filing of the complaint; and proofs of service of process upon all named defendants, must be filed with the Court within sixty (60) days after filing of the complaint.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 77 | Division III — Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
Certain case-initiation documents must be served on all defendants.
all defendants with the following documents: (i) Plaintiff’s Civil Case Cover Sheet, if required by CRC Rule 3.220; (ii) Notice of Assignment for All Purposes and Notice of Case Management Conference; (iii) Court’s ADR information package, per CRC Rule 3.221; and (iv) A blank form of the Case Management Statement (CM-110).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 77 | Division III — Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
A cross-complaint adding a new party must be served on the new cross-defendants, contemporaneously served on all previously appearing parties, and supported by proofs of service filed within 30 days.
Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.110(c), any cross-complaint adding a new party must be served upon all named cross-defendants (and contemporaneously served upon all parties who previously appeared in that civil case), and proofs of service of process upon the new parties must be filed within thirty (30) days of the filing of the cross-complaint.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 77 | Division III — Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
A new CM-110 for a continued Case Management Conference must be served at least 15 calendar days before the latest conference.
If the Case Management Conference is continued, all parties must file and serve a Div III 313 Revised 1/1/2026 ===== PAGE 78 ===== Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo new Case Management Statement (form CM-110), individually or jointly, at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of the latest Case Management Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 78 | Rule 3.805 — Initial Case Management Conference Requirements
Filing Fees and Waivers
Transcript preparation begins after the reporter receives a notice of appeal and the appellant deposits $325.00 for each half day or $650.00 for each full day of trial included in the transcript.
Pursuant to CRC 8.130, the reporter shall commence preparation of the transcript on appeal when a notice of appeal from the Appellate Clerk is received and after deposit by appellant with the Appellate clerk of a sum of $325.00 for each half day and $650.00 for each full day of trial included in the reporter’s transcript on appeal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 36 | Rule 0.5 Civil Appeals Fees
Qualifying litigants may seek a filing-fee waiver, and the fee, waiver order, or waiver application must be filed in the trial court with the notice of appeal or within 15 days afterward.
For litigants who qualify, the court may waive filing fees. Filing fees, orders for fee waivers, or applications for fee waivers shall be filed in the trial court at the time of filing the notice of appeal or within fifteen (15) days thereafter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 40 | 1.1 NOTICE OF APPEAL (d)(2)
An appellant must arrange payment of the required clerk’s-transcript preparation fees within ten days after receiving notice of the estimated cost.
(2) Clerk’s Transcript. Within ten days of notification by the clerk of the trial court’s appeals division of the estimate of the cost of the preparation of the clerk’s transcript, appellant shall make arrangement for payment of the required fees.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 42 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules
An appellant choosing a reporter’s transcript must timely file the election and deposit the estimated preparation cost unless payment is waived by law or court order.
If appellant intends to present the evidentiary record by a reporter’s transcript, appellant shall note that fact in his or her notice of election filed within the time requirements specified in CRC rule 8.864(b), and shall deposit with the clerk the estimated cost for preparing the transcript as provided in CRC rule 8.866(a)(2)(C), unless payment is waived by law or by court order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 43 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Criminal Appeals — Reporter’s Transcript
An ex parte application filing fee must be paid to the Clerk before presentation to the Presiding Judge, except for specified restraining-order applications and applicants with a previously granted fee waiver.
Except for ex parte applications seeking Civil Harassment or Workplace Violence Temporary Restraining Orders, or where the ex parte applicant has previously been granted a fee waiver, the applicant shall pay the ex parte application filing fee to the Clerk of the Court, located in Room A on the first floor of the Hall of Justice in Redwood City, prior to presenting the ex parte application to the Presiding Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 67 | 3.19 Ex Parte Applications and Orders
Plaintiffs and defendants in a provisionally complex civil case must pay the complex case fee and first appearance fee when filing their first paper.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 70616(a) and (b), the complex case fee and the first appearance fee must be paid at the time of the filing of the first paper by plaintiff and by defendant in a provisionally complex civil case.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 69 | Division III — Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
The applicant must pay any required ex parte application filing fee before presenting the application to the Civil Judge.
The applicant shall pay any ex parte application filing fee due to the Clerk of the Court prior to presenting the ex parte application to the Civil Judge. See the court’s website for further information regarding payment of fees.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 72 | Rule 3.500 Ex Parte Applications in General Civil
A fee must be paid to the clerk’s office by 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance as a condition of the applicant’s remote appearance.
Except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d), applicants seeking an ex parte order may appear remotely provided that the moving papers, including a proposed order, have been served on all parties, and submitted in paper form to the assigned judge, and the fee paid to the clerk’s office, by at least 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 73 | Rule 3.672 — Remote Appearance
An ex parte applicant must pay the filing fee before presentation unless the applicant already has a fee waiver.
Except where the ex parte applicant has previously been granted a fee waiver, the applicant shall pay the ex parte application filing fee to the Clerk of the Court prior to presenting the ex parte application to the Civil Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 84 | Rule 3.1202 Ex Parte Applications in Unlawful Detainer Actions
Attorney fees for a guardian of the person or estate that are to be paid from the ward's estate require court approval and are governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 7.751.
Attorney’s fees for guardian of the person and/or estate which are to be paid from the estate of the ward are subject to court approval and shall be computed and paid as set forth herein at California Rules of Court, Rule7.751.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 127 | Rule 4.77.16 Fees for Guardian and for Attorney for Guardian
All parties must pay applicable ex parte application filing fees before presentation for review unless they have obtained a Fee Waiver Order.
All parties are required to pay all applicable filing fees associated with filing Ex Parte Applications as required by law, unless the party has obtained a Fee Waiver Order. The filing fee must be paid prior to the application being presented to the appropriate Department for review and determination.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 155 | Rule 5.6
Reporter’s transcript fee applications are filed with the trial court clerk and, if denied, may be renewed in the Appellate Division under LCR Rule 1.8 without a hearing.
Applications to cover the cost of reporter’s transcript shall be made in the trial court at the clerk’s office. If the application is denied, appellant may apply to the Appellate Division. The application shall comply with LCR Rule 1.8, and will be ruled upon without hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 43 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Criminal Appeals — Waiver of Reporter’s Fees
All documents in cases ordered transferred to another county’s Superior Court must be sent to the receiving county on an electronic storage device, accompanied by required filing fees or fee waiver forms.
All documents in cases that are ordered transferred to the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of another county will be sent to the receiving county on a device used to store electronic media (e.g., thumb drive). The device will be accompanied by any required filing fees or fee waiver forms.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 59 | Rule 2.15 Transfer out of non-criminal cases
A Court Investigation fee will be assessed unless the court defers or waives it, and the order appointing the guardian must specify the fee amount.
A fee will be assessed for Court Investigation unless deferred or waived by the court. The amount of the fee shall be specified in the order appointing guardian.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 125 | Rule 4.77.10 Order Appointing Guardian
The trial court clerk prepares the clerk’s transcript upon filing of a notice of appeal without a written request or fee from the appellant.
Upon filing of a Notice of Appeal, the clerk’s transcript is prepared by the trial court Clerk without written request or payment of fees by the appellant. (CRC rules 8.861 through 8.863.)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 43 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Criminal Appeals — Clerk’s Transcript
Fees for services connected with filing a spousal property petition are not subject to court approval except as provided by Probate Code Section 13600.
Pursuant to Probate Code Section 13600, fees for services connected with filing a spousal property petition are not subject to court approval, except as provided in that section.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 101 | Rule 4.15 Fees
Only one filing fee is required for sibling guardianship cases filed at the same time.
For sibling cases filed at the same time, only one filing fee will be required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 123 | Rule 4.77.6 Multiple Wards
A $500 investigation fee applies to all AAS conservatorship investigations, regardless of whether the case is assigned to the Public Guardian, unless deferred or waived by the Court.
B. Conservatorships and guardianships will be assessed a fee of $500.00 for all conservatorship investigations performed by the Aging and Adult Services (AAS), whether or not the case is ultimately assigned to the Public Guardian, unless the fee is deferred or waived by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 141 | Rule 4.88 Court Investigation Assessments
All guardianships and conservatorships are assessed the fee specified in the Court's Fee Schedule unless the Court defers or waives it.
A. Unless deferred or waived by the Court, all guardianships and conservatorships shall be assessed a fee pursuant to Probate Code §§1513.1 and 1851.5 as stated in the Court’s Fee Schedule that is available in the Court Clerk’s Office public counter or on the Court’s website at www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 141 | Rule 4.88 Court Investigation Assessments
A fee of $75 per hour is assessed for assistance with the initial placement of a dementia conservatee client.
(4) A fee of $75.00 per hour will be assessed for assisting in the initial placement of a Dementia Conservatee client.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 141 | Division IV — Probate Department
For each financial instrument sold or registered, the lesser of an hourly fee of $75 or 25% of the instrument's value is assessed.
(3) A fee equal to $75.00 per hour or 25% of the value of the financial instrument involved, whichever is less, will be assessed for each financial instrument sold or registered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 141 | Division IV — Probate Department
The Public Guardian assesses a $1,000 fee for each real-property sale it facilitates.
(2) A $1,000.00 fee, per property sold, is assessed by the Public Guardian for facilitating in the sale of real property.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 141 | Division IV — Probate Department
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of every ex parte filing must be emailed to the assigned judge's department or provided in hard copy at the hearing.
A courtesy copy of all ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings must either be emailed to the department of the single assigned judge or provided in hard copy at the time of the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 72 | Rule 3.500 Ex Parte Applications in General Civil
Family Court Services must provide the other parent with one courtesy copy of the Complaint Form, who may submit a written response.
e) A courtesy copy of the Complaint Form shall be provided to the other parent by Family Court Services. The other parent may submit a written response.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 172 | 9. Complaints and Requests to Change Counselors (pursuant to Family Code 3163)
Courtesy copies of all relevant moving or responsive papers are advised and encouraged for the hearing, with parties directed to check the hearing department’s preferred delivery method and timing.
Counsel and parties are advised to bring a courtesy copy of all relevant moving or responsive papers to the hearing. Due to last-minute filings and the volume of business, the court file may be incomplete at the time of the hearing. Courtesy copies are welcomed and encouraged. Parties shall check with individual departments that will be hearing the motion for preferences regarding providing hard copies, email, or facsimilies and the time frame within which to provide the courtesy copies.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 157 | Rule 5.7 A.2 Courtesy Copies of Moving and Responsive Papers
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The Guardianship Declaration and Confidential Guardian Screening Form remain confidential unless the court orders otherwise, while the other guardianship documents become part of the public record.
All documents will become part of the public record, with the exception of the Guardianship Declaration (PR-18) and the Confidential Guardian Screening Form (JC-GC 212) (confidential except by court order – see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.1001).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 122 | Rule 4.77.1 Petition for General Guardianship
A party seeking to file or present juvenile case files or child welfare agency records in Family Court must first request permission to file them under seal.
Any party who seeks to file with or present to the Family Court any juvenile case file or child welfare agency document or record must first present a request to file such documents under seal pursuant to Cal. Rules, Rules 2.550 and 2.551.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 178 | Rule 5.16.6 Use of Confidential Juvenile Case Files or Child Welfare Agency Records in Family Court Matters
Law-enforcement, arrest, and investigative reports containing confidential witness or victim information must be sealed when filed or lodged to support criminal charges or a search or arrest warrant.
Law Enforcement, arrest or investigative reports that contain confidential personal information regarding a witness or victim are to be sealed pursuant to Penal Code section 964(a). These reports will be sealed once they are filed or lodged with the Court if they are submitted for the following purposes: a) If the report is being submitted by a prosecutor in support of a criminal complaint, indictment, or information, or b) If the report is submitted by the prosecutor or law enforcement officer in support of a search or arrest warrant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 201 | Rule 9.8 Confidentiality Of Victim Or Witness Information In Law Enforcement, Arrest Or Investigative Reports
A petitioner may request that estate planning documents be filed confidentially through an ex parte request.
F. Confidential Filings: Petitioner may requests that estate planning documents be filed as confidential documents. The request may be made on an ex parte basis.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 139 | Rule 4.82
The victim-or-witness confidentiality sealing procedure preserves specified disclosure provisions, informant and search-warrant procedures, authorized defense access to unredacted reports, and documents submitted in support of civil complaints.
Pursuant to Penal Code §964(c), this procedure will not be construed to impair or affect any of the following: a) Provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 6 of Part 2 (commencing with Penal Code §1054); b) Procedures regarding informant disclosure provided by Evidence Code §§ 1040 to 1042 inclusive, or as altering procedures regarding sealed search warrant affidavits as provided by People vs. Hobbs (1994) 7 Cal4th 948; or c) A criminal defense counsel’s access to unredacted reports otherwise authorized by law, or the submission of documents in support of a civil complaint.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 202 | Rule 9.8 Confidentiality Of Victim Or Witness Information In Law Enforcement, Arrest Or Investigative Reports
Confidential discovery documents lodged under Rule 2.1.9 will not be sealed because they are exempt from the sealing rules.
Because such documents are exempt from California Rules of Court, rules 2.550 and 2.551, they will not be sealed, but will be destroyed if
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 52 | Rule 2.1.9
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A party opposing an ex parte order may appear remotely unless the court orders otherwise under subdivision (d).
Parties opposing an ex parte order may appear remotely except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 73 | Rule 3.672 — Remote Appearance
Parties are encouraged to hold an informal discovery conference before a motion to compel or another discovery motion, and counsel must exhaust all meet-and-confer obligations first.
In all probate cases, parties and non-parties are encouraged to hold an Informal Discovery Conference with the Court prior to filing a motion to compel or any other discovery motion. Counsel must have exhausted all meet and confer obligations before the Informed Discovery Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 94 | Rule 4.2.1 Informal Discovery Conference
Parties are encouraged to hold an informal discovery conference before filing a discovery motion, but counsel must exhaust all meet-and-confer obligations before the conference.
(a) Informal Discovery Conference. In all family law proceedings as defined by CRC Rule 5.2(b)(3), parties are encouraged to hold an Informal Discovery Conference with the Court prior to filing a motion to compel or any other discovery motion. Counsel must have exhausted all meet and confer obligations before the Informal Discovery Conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 152 | Rule 5.4.1 — Informal Discovery Conferences in Family Law Proceedings
If the Informal Discovery Conference does not resolve a dispute, a party may proceed with a discovery motion in the assigned judge’s department.
If any discovery dispute is not resolved following the Informal Discovery Conference, any party may proceed to file and calendar hearing on a motion to compel or other discovery motion in the department of the Judge assigned to that probate case.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 96 | Division IV — Probate Department
The Family Law Commissioner schedules and conducts informal discovery conferences; the conference does not adjudicate disputed facts or law, and its outcome does not bar or prejudice a later discovery motion.
(c) Conducted by Family Law Commissioner. Informal Discovery Conferences will be scheduled with and conducted by the Family Law Commissioner. As an Informal Discovery Conference does not involve the adjudication of any issue of disputed law or fact by the Family Law Commissioner, Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6 does not apply. The outcome of an Informal Discovery Conference does not bar a party from subsequently filing a discovery motion or prejudice the disposition of a discovery motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 152 | Rule 5.4.1 — Informal Discovery Conferences in Family Law Proceedings
Counsel must obtain opposing counsel’s written consent before requesting an Informal Discovery Conference from the Court.
Prior to making a request with the Court, counsel shall obtain the consent of the opposing counsel(s) in writing to engage in an informal discovery conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(e) — Tolling of Deadline to File Motion
After responsive papers are filed, the moving party must arrange a pre-hearing meet-and-confer, personally or by telephone, and all parties must negotiate in good faith; harassment and domestic-violence matters are exempt, and noncompliance may result in attorney’s fees or sanctions.
Once responsive papers have been filed, the moving party shall contact the opposing party prior to the scheduled hearing and arrange to meet and confer (personally or by telephone) prior to the hearing. All parties and counsel are to make good faith efforts to resolve the issues pending before the court, and to inspect documents and exchange information so that issues may be resolved, facts agreed to by stipulation, and those issues remaining for determination be clearly delineated and expeditiously presented to the court at the time of the hearing. Failure to comply with the meet and confer requirements in good faith may result in the award of attorney’s fees and/or sanctions against the non-cooperating counsel or party. The inability of counsel to get along or communicate effectively is not an excuse for failure to meet and confer. The professional obligation of counsel to meet and confer in an effort to resolve disputes is an obligation owed to clients, the court, witnesses, children, and other litigants. This rule does not apply to harassment or domestic violence matters (See Rule 5.98 of the California Rules of Court).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 F.1 Meet and Confer Requirements
General civil Informal Discovery Conferences must be conducted remotely by Zoom and may not be recorded by a party or reported by a court reporter.
Informal Discovery Conferences in general civil cases are conducted remote only by Zoom, and are not recorded by any party and are not reported by any court reporter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(c) — Informal Discovery Conferences
Family law informal discovery conferences must be conducted remotely by Zoom and may not be recorded by a party or reported by a court reporter.
(d) Remote Only. Informal Discovery Conferences in family law cases are conducted remote only by Zoom, and are not recorded by any party and are not reported by any court reporter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 152 | Rule 5.4.1 — Informal Discovery Conferences in Family Law Proceedings
Section 170.6 does not apply to an Informal Discovery Conference, and the conference outcome neither bars a later discovery motion nor prejudices its disposition.
As an Informal Discovery Conference does not involve the adjudication of any issue of disputed law or fact by the Family Law Commissioner, Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6 does not apply. The outcome of an Informal Discovery Conference does not bar a party from subsequently filing a discovery motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 73 | Rule 3.700(b) — Informal Discovery Conferences
Informal Discovery Conferences are scheduled and conducted by the Civil Commissioner.
Informal Discovery Conferences will be scheduled with and conducted by the Civil Commissioner.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 73 | Rule 3.700(b) — Informal Discovery Conferences
Parties and non-parties are encouraged, but not required, to hold an Informal Discovery Conference before filing a discovery motion or motion to compel in a general civil case.
In all general civil cases as defined by CRC Rule 1.6(4), parties and non-parties are encouraged to hold an Informal Discovery Conference with the Court prior to filing a motion to compel or any other discovery motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 73 | Rule 3.700(a) — Informal Discovery Conferences
Parties participating in an Informal Discovery Conference need not file a Code of Civil Procedure section 2016.040 meet-and-confer declaration before the conference.
The Court waives any requirement for the parties involved in the discovery dispute to file “meet and confer” declarations pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 2016.040 prior to the Informal Discovery Conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(g) — Statutory Declaration Waived
Informal discovery conferences are permitted for discovery disputes involving non-parties under the same procedures that apply to party disputes.
(b) Permissive Informal Discovery Conference with Third Parties. Informal Discovery Conferences are permitted for discovery disputes with non-parties as well, pursuant to the same procedures described below.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 152 | Rule 5.4.1 — Informal Discovery Conferences in Family Law Proceedings
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Failure to notify the court at least three court days before a hearing that the hearing will not proceed may result in monetary sanctions, except when the matter settles or resolves within the three-day period.
Failure to advise the Court at least three court days before the hearing of the fact that the hearing will not proceed as scheduled, for any reason other than settlement of the case or resolution of the issue within the three-day period, may be deemed by the Court to be a violation of an order of the Court, punishable by money sanctions payable to the County Clerk of the Court pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 177.5.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 72 | Rule 3.404 Off Calendar or Continuance of Civil Law & Motion Matters
A continuance request must establish adequate grounds and good cause.
Continuances without adequate grounds and good cause will not be considered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 79 | Rule 3.903 Stipulation to Judicial Arbitration
A Mandatory Settlement Conference may not be continued without the consent of the assigned Civil Judge.
No Mandatory Settlement Conference may be continued without the consent of the assigned Civil Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 82 | Division III — Court Management - Superior Court
A contempt-related Order to Show Cause continuance must be requested in open court with the citee present or supported by a written stipulation signed by the citee and filed by the original hearing time.
Continuances of Orders to Show Cause re: Contempt must be requested in open court (with the citee present), or obtained by written stipulation including a signed consent by the citee to the continuance. The stipulation shall be filed with the court at or before the time set for the original hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E.3 Continuances of Orders to Show Cause re: Contempt
A stipulated continuance requested after noon on the preceding court day requires an appearance; it may be obtained from the assigned courtroom clerk before calendar call or granted at calendar call using the specified local form.
An appearance is required for stipulated continuances made after 12 Noon the court day prior to the hearing. Stipulated continuances may be obtained from the courtroom clerk in the assigned department before the calendar call. The court may also grant stipulated continuances at the calendar call. Parties may submit the local court form “Stipulation and Order Re: Continuance” to request a continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E.2
After a matter is set for hearing, no more than two continuances may be granted without good cause, and the court may remove an unready case from the calendar after the second continuance if good cause is absent.
Once a matter has been set for hearing, no more than two continuances shall be granted unless good cause is shown. Absent good cause, if a case is not ready to proceed to hearing on the date established as a result of the second continuance the court may take the matter off calendar.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E. Continuances
Additional Status Conference continuances may be requested for good cause, which may include significant progress toward settlement or other resolution, and both counsel and the parties must agree to the continuance.
Additional continuances may be requested for good cause. Good cause may consist of, but is not limited to, a showing that significant progress has been made toward a resolution of the case through settlement, mediation, collaborative law, and/or reconciliation. Both counsel and parties must agree that the status conference should be continued.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 162 | Division V - Rules — C. Status Conference, paragraph 7
Counsel must call the assigned department clerk at least five court days before the MSC to confirm the conference or request a continuance.
Counsel shall call the clerk of the assigned department at least 5 court days in advance of the MSC to confirm that the MSC will go forward or to request a continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 163 | Division V - Rules
An MSC continuance requires good cause and cannot be granted on the scheduled conference day.
An MSC will only be continued for good cause. No continuances shall be granted on the day of the scheduled conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 163 | Division V - Rules
A stipulated short-cause continuance may be requested by phone with 24 hours’ notice or in open court; no more than one may be granted without a court order and good cause, and a case not ready on the continued date may be removed from calendar absent good cause.
2. Continuances: One stipulated continuance of a short cause trial may be granted by phone with 24 hours’ notice, or in open court. No more than one continuance shall be granted without court order and for good cause shown. If a case is not ready to proceed to hearing on the date established as a result of the continuance, the court shall, absent good cause shown, take the matter off calendar.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 165 | Division V - Family Law Department and Family Court Services
An extension request for filing appellate briefs must be submitted to the Appellate Division under LCR rule 1.8.
Applications for extensions of time to file briefs shall be filed in the Appellate Division in accordance with LCR rule 1.8.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 44 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules — Briefs — Extension of Time
The ADR process must be completed within 90 days unless a continuance is requested through the court's online extension-request process.
The ADR process shall be completed within ninety (90) days, unless a request for continuance is made by submitting an extension request online at www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/appropriate-dispute-resolution-programs/civil-adr-program/request-extension-time-adr.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 80 | Rule 3.904 Stipulations to Private Appropriate Dispute Resolution
Continuance requests should be made as early as possible before the hearing, and a moving party’s request made at the hearing may be denied absent good cause.
A request for a continuance should be made at the earliest possible time prior to the hearing, except as otherwise noted in rule 5.113(f) of the California Rules of Court. A request by the moving party for continuance at the time of the hearing may be looked upon with disfavor and in the absence of good cause, may be denied.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E. Continuances
Counsel should notify the assigned department of an approved continuance as early as possible before the hearing.
Once approved, counsel should advise the assigned department of the continuance at the earliest possible date prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E. Continuances
Written notice of an unopposed motion to continue may be waived when the proffered good cause is uncontested.
Written notice of a motion to continue as required by Penal Code Section 1050 may be waived if the motion is known to be unopposed, and the proffered good cause is not contested.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 201 | Division IX – Criminal Rules
An oral-argument continuance may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Continuances will only be granted upon a showing of good cause.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 45 | Div I – Appellate Division Rules, 1.6(c) Oral Argument — Continuances
A request to change the hearing date of a civil law and motion matter must be in writing.
Any request to change the hearing date of a law and motion matter already set for hearing on the Civil Law & Motion Calendar of a Civil Department must be in writing.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 72 | Rule 3.404 Off Calendar or Continuance of Civil Law & Motion Matters
A request to continue a judicial arbitration hearing after the jurisdictional time frame must be made using the specified local form and emailed contemporaneously to ADR staff.
Parties who wish to continue the arbitration hearing after the jurisdictional time frame must filed local form Ex Parte Motion and Stipulation for Continuance of Judicial Arbitration Hearing with the Court, with a copy contemporaneously emailed to the ADR staff at CMC@sanmateocourt.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 79 | Rule 3.903 Stipulation to Judicial Arbitration
A stipulated continuance request should be sent to the clerk’s office by facsimile, email, or in person no later than noon on the court day before the hearing.
Requests for continuances should be directed to the clerk’s office via facsimile, email or in person, no later than 12:00 Noon the court day before the scheduled hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E.1 Stipulated continuances prior to hearing
A timely stipulated continuance is granted only after proper service, unanimous agreement to a specific new date, written confirmation to the clerk, and payment of the proper fees or arrangements for payment.
If timely made, the Clerk will grant the continuance provided that: a. proper service was effected; b. the requesting party represents that all parties have agreed to a continuance; c. all parties have agreed to continue the matter to a specific date which is provided to the Clerk at the time of the request (counsel and parties are reminded that available dates may be obtained from the court’s hotline (650) 261-5018); d. the parties send written confirmation to the Clerk by letter or using local court form “Stipulation and Order Re: Continuance”; and e. the proper fees have been paid or arrangements for payment have been made.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 158 | Rule 5.7 E.1 Stipulated continuances prior to hearing
Each party may request one Status Conference continuance by giving at least 15 calendar days' notice before the scheduled conference date.
Each party may request one continuance from the assigned department at least 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled conference date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 162 | Division V - Rules — C. Status Conference, paragraph 7
Juvenile dependency hearing time waivers and continuances are permitted only when exceptional circumstances are shown.
Time waivers will be accepted and continuances granted only on a showing of exceptional circumstances.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 186 | Rule 6.3 Attorneys for Parties in Dependency Proceedings
Chambers Communication Rules
Correspondence with a Civil Judge’s department concerning assigned civil actions must be sent by email to that department instead of on paper.
Correspondence to the Department of any Civil Judge, such as requested letter briefs, requests to take matters off calendar, and requests for rescheduling, regarding civil actions assigned to a Civil Judge shall be submitted electronically, rather than paper, by e-mail addressed to that Civil Department.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 73 | Rule 3.600(a) — Correspondence with Civil Departments
A request for an Informal Discovery Conference must be emailed to the Court and contemporaneously copied to all parties’ counsel and any self-represented party.
To request an Informal Discovery Conference, counsel must contact the Court by email at IDC@sanmateocourt.org, which email must be contemporaneously copied to counsel for all parties to the action and any self-represented parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(d)(i) — Request for Informal Discovery Conference
The Civil Department email address is limited to sending and receiving notices contesting tentative rulings, is not for back-and-forth communications with the court, and messages are retained for at least 90 days before possible deletion.
The Civil Department’s email address is for the sending and receiving of notices to contest tentative ruling, and is not a venue for back-and-forth communications with the Court. Communications to the Civil Department email address is not part of the official court files – just like a paper letter, they are not “filed” documents – and will be retained for at least 90 days and then be subject to deletion (destruction) thereafter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 71 | Civil Law & Motion
Civil Department email is not for back-and-forth communication with the judge, does not create a filed document or official court record, and is retained for at least 90 days before becoming subject to deletion.
The Department’s email address is for the sending and receiving of correspondence, and is not a venue for back-and-forth communications with the Civil Judge. Communications to the Civil Department email address is not part of the official court files – just like a paper letter, they are not “filed” documents – and will be retained for at least 90 days and then be subject to deletion (destruction) thereafter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 73 | Rule 3.600(a) — Correspondence with Civil Departments
Correspondence concerning an Informal Discovery Conference must be submitted by email to the IDC address rather than on paper.
All correspondence regarding any Informal Discovery Conference, such as IDC letter briefs, requests to take matters off calendar, and requests for rescheduling, shall be submitted electronically, rather than paper, by e-mail addressed to IDC@sanmateocourt.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 75 | Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
Communications to the IDC email address must include the case number and case name in the subject line.
All communications to the IDC@sanmateocourt.org email address must include in the header “subject line” the Case Number and Name of Case (e.g., 19CIV06543 Smith v. Jones).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 75 | Civil Law and Motion - Superior Court
Litigants and attorneys may obtain telephone assistance regarding remote appearances.
The Court will provide a telephone number on the website (www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov) for litigants and attorneys to obtain assistance regarding remote appearances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 159 | Division V — Family Law Department and Family Court Services
The remote-appearance assistance telephone line opens 30 minutes before the hearing and remains open throughout the court session.
The telephone line will be open 30 minutes before the start of a court hearing and will remain open for the duration of the court session.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 159 | Division V — Family Law Department and Family Court Services
Within five calendar days after the initial request, the disputing parties must send the Court and all parties a joint or separate attachment-free email letter summarizing the discovery disputes.
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial email request to the Court for an Informal Discovery Request, the disputing parties shall, jointly or separately, email correspondence to the Court at IDC@sanmateocourt.org, and contemporaneously to all parties, an electronic letter of no more than five (5) pages, without attachments, summarizing the discovery dispute(s).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 74 | Rule 3.700(f)(i) — Email Correspondence Detailing Discovery Dispute
Before filing the initial application or motion in a long-cause matter, counsel or a self-represented party must contact the Probate Department clerk for a special hearing date and time.
Counsel/self-represented parties shall contact the clerk of the court in the Probate Department to obtain a special set hearing date and time prior to filing the initial application or motion to be set for hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 96 | Division IV — Probate Department
Counsel must obtain opposing counsel's written consent before requesting an Informal Discovery Conference.
Prior to making a request with the department, counsel shall obtain the consent of opposing counsel in writing to engage in an Informal Discovery Conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 153 | Division V - Rules - 503 - Rule 5.4(e)(i)
Requests for an Informal Discovery Conference must be sent by email to the Family Law Commissioner and contemporaneously copied to all parties and self-represented parties.
To request an Informal Discovery Conference, counsel must contact the Department of the Family Law Commissioner by email which email must be contemporaneously copied to counsel for all parties to the action and any self-represented parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 153 | Division V - Rules - 503 - Rule 5.4(e)(i)
Parties are encouraged to email unfiled documents to PCI@sanmateocourt.org ahead of screening or call 650-261-5068.
It is recommended that an appointment for screening of the petition by the Court Investigator be made by emailing a copy of the unfiled documents ahead of time to PCI@sanmateocourt.org, parties may also call 650-261-5068.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 120 | Rule 4.76 Temporary Conservatorships, subsection B(2)
Parties may call 650-261-5068 regarding appointment of the petition for Court Investigator screening.
parties may also call 650-261-5068.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 120 | Rule 4.76 Temporary Conservatorships, subsection B(2)
The Court recommends scheduling Court Investigator screening in advance by emailing the unfiled documents to PCI@sanmateocourt.org.
It is recommended that an appointment for screening of the petition by the Court Investigator be made by emailing a copy of the unfiled documents ahead of time to PCI@sanmateocourt.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 126 | Rule 4.77.14 Temporary Guardianship - Emergency Situations Only, E. Filing and Prior Review of Documents