Santa Cruz Superior Court Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Filing items must be received by 5:00 PM.

Items must be received by 5:00 PM.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A qualifying electronic filing received by 11:59 p.m. on a court day is deemed filed that same court day.

Documents received by the Court for electronic filing at or prior to 11:59 p.m. on any court day, which otherwise satisfy all requirements for filing, will be deemed filed on that court day as provided in California Rules of Court 2.253(b)(6) and 2.259.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

For cases assigned to the Master Calendar, criminal trial documents must be electronically filed by noon on the day of the Master Calendar.

For cases that are sent to the Master Calendar, criminal trial documents must be electronically filed no later than 12 p.m. the day of the Master Calendar.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil harassment, workplace violence, gun violence, and private postsecondary school violence prevention restraining-order requests must be filed with the Watsonville Clerk’s Office by 10:00 a.m. to be considered that day.

All Civil Harassment Prevention, Workplace Violence Prevention, Gun Violence Prevention and Private Postsecondary School Violence Prevention Restraining Order requests must be filed with the Clerk’s Office in Watsonville no later than 10:00 a.m. for the request to be considered that same day.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Ex parte moving papers must be delivered to the Watsonville Courthouse by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the ex parte hearing.

Ex parte moving papers must be delivered to the Watsonville Courthouse no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Domestic violence restraining order request

A domestic-violence, elder-abuse-prevention, or dependent-adult-abuse-prevention restraining-order request must be filed by 10:00 a.m. to receive same-day consideration.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (Domestic Violence Prevention and Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention) must be filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than 10:00 a.m. for the request to be considered that same day.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Response to continuance request

A written response must be filed and served as soon as possible after notice is given, and no later than 10:00 a.m. the day the request is.

A written response must be filed and served as soon as possible after notice is given, but no later than 10:00 a.m. the day the request is

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

If the Probate Attorney identifies procedural defects or other problems, corrective documents must be filed by 11:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

In the event that procedural defects or other problems are noted by the Probate Attorney, documents remedying such defects must be filed by 11:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Whenever possible, the original will or codicil must be filed before or concurrently with the petition for probate.

When a Petition for Probate of a Will or Codicil, Judicial Council form DE-111, is filed, the original of the document being offered for probate shall whenever possible be filed prior to or concurrently with the petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

In limine motions, witness lists, exhibit lists, and proposed jury instructions must be filed by noon on the Calendar Call date unless the court orders otherwise.

All in limine motions, witness lists, exhibit lists, and proposed jury instructions shall be filed no later than 12 noon on the date of the Calendar Call, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A qualifying electronic filing received by 11:59 p.m. on a court day is deemed filed that same court day.

Documents received by the Court for electronic filing at or prior to 11:59 p.m. on any court day, which otherwise satisfy all requirements for filing, will be deemed filed on that court day as provided in California Rules of Court 2.253(b)(6) and 2.259.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The deadline for electronic filing of criminal trial documents assigned to the Master Calendar is 12 p.m. on the day of the Master Calendar.

For cases that are sent to the Master Calendar, criminal trial documents must be electronically filed no later than 12 p.m. the day of the Master Calendar.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

All ex parte papers must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by 3:00 p.m. on the court day before the determination.

All ex parte papers shall be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. the court day before the ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The specified restraining-order requests must be filed with the Watsonville Clerk’s Office by 10:00 a.m. to receive same-day consideration.

All Civil Harassment Prevention, Workplace Violence Prevention, Gun Violence Prevention and Private Postsecondary School Violence Prevention Restraining Order requests must be filed with the Clerk’s Office in Watsonville no later than 10:00 a.m. for the request to be considered that same day.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Ex parte paperwork should be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by 3:00 p.m. on the court day before the ex parte determination.

Ex parte paperwork should be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. the court day prior to the ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The ex parte clerk must be contacted by 11:00 a.m. on the same day notice is given to report an ex parte hearing for the next day.

The same day you give notice you must contact the ex parte clerk at the Watsonville Courthouse by 11:00 a.m. to inform the Clerk’s Office that you have an ex parte hearing the next day.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A person without phone access may provide written notice in person to the Watsonville Courthouse Clerk’s Office by 11:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte hearing.

If you don’t have access to a phone, you may bring written notice to the Watsonville Courthouse Clerk’s Office of your intent to have an ex parte hearing. Written notice must be submitted in person by 11:00 a.m. the court day before you want to have the ex parte hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Ex parte moving papers must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office and delivered to the Watsonville Courthouse by 3:00 p.m. the day before the hearing.

All ex parte moving papers shall be submitted to the Clerk’s Office. Ex parte moving papers must be delivered to the Watsonville Courthouse no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Opposing attorneys and self-represented parties must submit objections to the moving party and the Clerk’s Office as soon as possible after notice and no later than 10:00 a.m. on the hearing day.

Responding/opposing attorneys or self represented parties shall submit their objections to the party moving for ex parte application and to the clerk’s office as soon as possible after notice is received, but no later than 10:00 a.m. the day of the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

For ex parte applications other than temporary conservator or guardian appointments, counsel or the self-represented petitioner must email or call the Probate Attorney to schedule the matter and submit the paperwork by 10:00 a.m. the preceding court day.

For all ex parte applications other than petitions for appointment of temporary conservators/guardians: Counsel or the self-represented petitioner shall email the Court’s Probate Attorney at probate@santacruzcourt.org or call 831-420-2200 to schedule a date for the ex parte to be determined and submit the paperwork by 10 a.m. the court day before the intended ex parte determination.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Documents correcting procedural defects or other problems identified by the Probate Attorney must be filed by 11:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

In the event that procedural defects or other problems are noted by the Probate Attorney, documents remedying such defects must be filed by 11:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

The court will not accept ex parte notice earlier than two court days before the ex parte determination.

Notice will not be accepted earlier than two court days before the ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

When the normal ex parte timeline cannot be met before the Sheriff’s lockout date, notice of intent may be given by 11:00 a.m. on the day of determination.

If the normal ex parte timelines cannot be met before the scheduled lockout date listed on the Sheriff’s Notice, you may notify the court of your intent to submit an ex parte application no later than 11:00 a.m. the day of the ex parte determination.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

The court will not accept ex parte paperwork earlier than two court days before the ex parte determination.

Paperwork will not be accepted earlier than two court days before the ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

When the normal ex parte timeline cannot be met before the Sheriff’s lockout date, paperwork may be submitted until noon on the determination day.

If the normal ex parte timelines cannot be met before the scheduled lockout date listed on the Sheriff’s Notice, the paperwork may be submitted up to 12:00 p.m. the day of the ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

Civil cases

The Santa Cruz clerk's office is open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Clerks Office: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday in Santa Cruz.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

Civil cases

After 3:00 PM, filings may be submitted through the provided mail slot.

A mail slot is provided for filings after 3:00 PM.

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

This notice must be given by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the 1:00 p.m. ex parte hearing

Summary: Notice for a temporary emergency ex parte order must be given by 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.

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

Deadline

5 court days

Applies to

Ex parte application ?

Once a date is scheduled, the paperwork shall be presented to the clerk’s office as soon as possible but no later than 10:00 a.m. five (5) court days before the ex parte date.

Summary: For temporary conservator or guardian appointment matters, after scheduling, the paperwork must be presented to the clerk’s office as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 a.m. five court days before the ex parte date.

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

The Court will issue a confirmation that the document has been received and filed in accordance with California Rule of Court 2.259. The confirmation shall serve as proof that the document(s) has been filed.

Summary: The court's electronic-filing confirmation serves as proof that the document was received and filed.

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

The Court will issue a confirmation that the document has been received and filed in accordance with California Rule of Court 2.259. The confirmation shall serve as proof that the document(s) has been filed.

Summary: The Court's filing confirmation serves as proof that an electronically filed document was received and filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A party appearing remotely, or notified that an opponent will appear remotely, must provide evidence before the scheduled hearing.

Parties who have given notice that they intend to appear remotely or that have received notice of intent to appear remotely from an opposing party must provide evidence prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Form SUPCR 321 must be filed in open court before the proceeding or with the court no later than five court days before the proceeding.

Form SUPCR 321 shall be filed in open court prior to the proceeding or no less than five (5) court days prior to the proceeding when filing with the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

2 court days

Responses to motions in limine must be filed at least two court days before the scheduled hearing, unless the assigned trial judge orders otherwise.

Responses to motions in limine must be filed at least 2 court days before the scheduled date for the hearing on motions in limine, or as ordered by the assigned trial judge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

In short cause trials, trial briefs are due at least five court days before the scheduled trial date.

For short cause trials, trial briefs are due at least 5 court days before the date set for trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A petition to compromise a minor's claim must be filed at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.

Petitions for compromise of minor's claim under the Probate Code or under the Code of Civil Procedure § 372 and California Rule of Court 7.950, shall be filed with the Court at least ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

The joint statement on pending discovery issues must be prepared and lodged at least five court days before the informal discovery conference.

Counsel shall prepare and lodge a Joint Statement as to pending discovery issues at least five (5) court days prior to the informal discovery conference date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

10 court days

If the demurrer is overruled, the motion to strike is denied, or the motion to strike is granted in part without leave to amend, the defendant has ten court days to file an answer.

Should the demurrer be overruled, the motion to strike be denied, or the motion to strike part of the complaint be granted without leave to amend, the defendant shall be granted ten court days to file an answer.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Ex parte papers must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by 3:00 p.m. on the preceding court day, in person for self-represented filers or by e-filing.

All ex parte papers shall be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. the court day before the ex parte determination. Submission may be in person (if self-represented) or by efile.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Petitioner must deliver the trial notebook at the later of 21 days before the hearing or the filing of the Reply Brief.

Petitioner shall prepare a trial notebook that must be delivered to the trial judge 21 days before the date of the hearing or at the time the Reply Brief is filed, whichever is later.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Petitioner, with the responding parties, must prepare and submit the key administrative-record excerpts at the later of 21 days before the hearing or the Reply Brief filing.

Petitioner, in cooperation with the responding parties, must prepare a collection of the key Administrative Record for the use of the trial judge. The excerpts shall be submitted to the clerk of the court 21 days before the date of the hearing or at the time the Reply Brief is filed, whichever is later.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

If only one party wants to continue a status conference, both parties must complete and file local form SUPFL 1034 no later than 10 days before the court date to report their case progress.

If one party wants to continue the status conference date and the other party does not, then both parties must complete the Status Conference Statement – Family Law, local form SUPFL 1034 to inform the Court of the progress they have made in their case. This must be filed no later than 10 days before the court date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Both sides must submit confidential settlement conference statements to the court at least five court days before the conference.

Confidential settlement conference statements shall be submitted to the court by both sides at least five court days prior to the scheduled date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Failure to file a timely settlement conference statement results in removal of the conference from the calendar and an order to show cause why sanctions should not be imposed.

Failure to file a timely settlement conference statement shall result in the conference being taken off calendar and set for an order to show cause why sanctions should not be imposed to be heard at the next scheduled status conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

7 court days

Counsel must prepare and lodge a confidential mediation brief at least seven court days before the mediation date.

Counsel shall prepare and lodge a confidential mediation brief at least seven (7) court days prior to the mediation date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

2 calendar days

The evaluator must submit a written response addressing every issue raised in the complaint at least two calendar days before the hearing.

The evaluator shall submit a written response to all issues raised in the complaint at least 2 calendar days before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

7 court days

Counsel and self-represented parties must file trial briefs no later than seven court days before trial.

No later than seven (7) court days before the date set for trial, counsel and self-represented parties shall file trial briefs.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Counsel must submit orders and proposed letters no later than five court days before the hearing, except for confirmation of sales and contested matters.

Except in the case of confirmation of sales and contested matters, counsel shall submit the order, and any proposed letters, not later than the fifth court day prior to the hearing date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

For non-temporary-conservator or guardian ex parte applications, counsel or the self-represented petitioner must email or call the Probate Attorney to schedule the matter and submit the paperwork by 10 a.m. the preceding court day.

For all ex parte applications other than petitions for appointment of temporary conservators/guardians: Counsel or the self-represented petitioner shall email the Court’s Probate Attorney at probate@santacruzcourt.org or call 831-420-2200 to schedule a date for the ex parte to be determined and submit the paperwork by 10 a.m. the court day before the intended ex parte determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The financial institution's receipt for a cash deposit into a blocked account must be filed with the Clerk's Office within ten days after deposit.

A receipt acknowledged by the financial institution indicating the deposit of cash into a blocked account must be filed with the Clerk's Office within ten (10) days after the date of deposit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

All supporting documents and the proposed order must be submitted at least five court days before the hearing.

All supporting documents and a proposed order must be submitted at least five (5) court days prior to the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

The Inventory and Appraisal must be filed five court days before the date set for proof of filing.

The Inventory and Appraisal must be filed five court days prior to the date set for proof of filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

If the confirmation hearing is more than one year after the date of death, a sale reappraisal must be filed before the hearing proceeds.

When the date of the confirmation hearing is more than one year after date of death, a reappraisal for sale must be filed with the Court before the confirmation hearing can proceed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A successor conservator or guardian of an estate must file an accounting one year after appointment and at least biennially thereafter.

Successor conservators/guardians of the estate shall file an accounting one (1) year after the successor appointment date and thereafter at least biennially.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Guardianship accounts are due after the first anniversary and biennially thereafter, within 60 days after each anniversary.

Guardianship accounts must be filed after the first anniversary of the establishment of the guardianship and biennially thereafter. The account must be filed within 60 days after the anniversary date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A successor guardian must file an accounting one year after appointment and biennially thereafter.

Successor guardians must file an accounting one year after the successor appointment date and biennially thereafter.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Trustees must file accounts at least annually, and an account covering more than one year does not excuse deviations from ordinary account requirements.

Trustees must file accounts at least annually. The fact that an account covers more than a one year period of time will not constitute grounds for deviation from any of the normal requirements of an account.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

When a transferred special needs trust file lacks the fully executed trust instrument, the trustee must provide it within 90 days after Santa Cruz County receives the file.

Whenever a special needs trust is transferred into Santa Cruz County and the court file being transferred does not contain a copy of the fully executed special needs trust instrument, the trustee shall provide the court with a copy of the fully executed trust document within 90 days after the court file is received by Santa Cruz County.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

10 court days

Unless law provides otherwise or the court directs otherwise, pretrial motions must be served and filed at least 10 court days before hearing.

Except as otherwise provided by law or otherwise directed, all pretrial motions, including motions to suppress shall be served and filed at least ten (10) court days, all papers opposing the motion at least five (5) court days, and all reply papers at least two (2) court days before the time appointed for hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Proof of service of the moving papers must be filed no later than 5 court days before the hearing.

Proof of service of the moving papers shall be filed no later than five (5) court days before the time appointed for hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Counsel must lodge a confidential mediation brief at least five court days before mediation.

Counsel shall prepare and lodge a confidential mediation brief at least five court days prior to the mediation date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The listed proposed trial documents must be filed no later than noon on the day of the Calendar Call.

All proposed jury instructions, motions in limine, witness lists, exhibit lists, trial briefs, proposed jury voir dire/questionnaires, proposed statements of the case, and proposed special verdict forms shall be filed no later than 12 noon the day of the Calendar Call.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

2 court days

A response to an in limine motion must be filed at least two court days before the hearing unless the assigned trial judge orders otherwise.

Responses to motions in limine must be filed at least 2 court days before the scheduled date for the hearing on motions in limine, or as ordered by the assigned trial judge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Applies to

Trial brief

A trial brief must be filed at least five court days before the date set for a short cause trial.

For short cause trials, trial briefs are due at least 5 court days before the date set for trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A petition to compromise a minor's claim must be filed at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.

Petitions for compromise of minor's claim under the Probate Code or under the Code of Civil Procedure § 372 and California Rule of Court 7.950, shall be filed with the Court at least ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

10 court days

If the demurrer is overruled, the motion to strike is denied, or the motion to strike part of the complaint is granted without leave to amend, the defendant has ten court days to file an answer.

Should the demurrer be overruled, the motion to strike be denied, or the motion to strike part of the complaint be granted without leave to amend, the defendant shall be granted ten court days to file an answer.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The Administrative Record excerpts must be submitted to the court clerk 21 days before the hearing or when the reply brief is filed, whichever is later.

The excerpts shall be submitted to the clerk of the court 21 days before the date of the hearing or at the time the Reply Brief is filed, whichever is later.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

All Judicial Council forms, including declarations, must be filed timely.

All Judicial Council forms, including declarations, must be timely filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Both sides must submit confidential settlement conference statements to the court at least five court days before the scheduled conference date.

Confidential settlement conference statements shall be submitted to the court by both sides at least five court days prior to the scheduled date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

An untimely settlement conference statement causes the conference to be removed from the calendar and an order to show cause regarding sanctions to be heard at the next status conference.

Failure to file a timely settlement conference statement shall result in the conference being taken off calendar and set for an order to show cause why sanctions should not be imposed to be heard at the next scheduled status conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

7 court days

The mediation brief is due at least seven court days before mediation, is limited to ten pages excluding necessary exhibits, and noncompliance may result in monetary sanctions, termination of mediation, or both.

Counsel shall prepare and lodge a confidential mediation brief at least seven (7) court days prior to the mediation date. The brief shall not exceed ten pages, excluding necessary exhibits. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in monetary sanctions, termination of the mediation, or both.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

7 court days

A required trial brief must be filed no later than seven court days before the scheduled trial date.

Trial briefs are due no later than seven (7) court days prior to the scheduled trial date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

15 calendar days

An evaluator complaint must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office at least 15 calendar days before the hearing, with copies to the evaluator and all other parties or their attorneys.

Complaints must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 15 calendar days before the hearing with copies to the evaluator and all other parties or their attorneys.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

2 calendar days

The evaluator must submit a written response addressing every issue in the complaint at least two calendar days before the hearing.

The evaluator shall submit a written response to all issues raised in the complaint at least 2 calendar days before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The FL-322 declaration must be filed no later than 10 days after appointment and before counsel begins work on the case.

If the family court appoints counsel for a minor child, the appointed attorney must file the Judicial Council form Declaration of Counsel for a Child Regarding Qualifications (FL-322) with the court indicating compliance with all requirements, including education requirements, no later than 10 days after being appointed and before beginning work on the case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

7 court days

Counsel and self-represented parties must file trial briefs no later than seven court days before trial.

Trial Brief: No later than seven (7) court days before the date set for trial, counsel and self-represented parties shall file trial briefs.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

In decedent’s estates, parties must file all petitions and status reports with the Clerk's Office at least 15 days before the hearing, unless otherwise specified.

Except as otherwise specified herein, all petitions and status reports in decedent’s estates must be filed with the Clerk's Office at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Except for confirmation-of-sales matters and contested matters, counsel must submit the order and any proposed letters no later than five court days before the hearing.

Except in the case of confirmation of sales and contested matters, counsel shall submit the order, and any proposed letters, not later than the fifth court day prior to the hearing date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

Supporting documents and a proposed order are due at least five court days before the hearing.

All supporting documents and a proposed order must be submitted at least five (5) court days prior to the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

5 court days

The Inventory and Appraisal must be filed five court days before the scheduled proof-of-filing date.

The Inventory and Appraisal must be filed five court days prior to the date set for proof of filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

If the confirmation hearing is more than one year after the date of death, a sale reappraisal must be filed before the hearing may proceed.

When the date of the confirmation hearing is more than one year after date of death, a reappraisal for sale must be filed with the Court before the confirmation hearing can proceed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The Inventory and Appraisal, form GC-040, is due 90 days after appointment of the conservator or guardian.

The Inventory and Appraisal, Judicial Council form GC-040, is due 90 days from appointment of the conservator or guardian.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A successor estate fiduciary must file an accounting one year after appointment and at least biennially thereafter.

Successor conservators/guardians of the estate shall file an accounting one (1) year after the successor appointment date and thereafter at least biennially.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Guardianship accounts must be filed after the guardianship’s first anniversary and every two years thereafter.

Guardianship accounts must be filed after the first anniversary of the establishment of the guardianship and biennially thereafter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A successor guardian must file an accounting one year after the successor appointment date and biennially thereafter.

Successor guardians must file an accounting one year after the successor appointment date and biennially thereafter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

When a transferred court file lacks the fully executed trust instrument, the trustee must provide it to the court within 90 days after Santa Cruz County receives the file.

Whenever a special needs trust is transferred into Santa Cruz County and the court file being transferred does not contain a copy of the fully executed special needs trust instrument, the trustee shall provide the court with a copy of the fully executed trust document within 90 days after the court file is received by Santa Cruz County.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

In misdemeanor courtrooms, motions to suppress must be set for confirmation at 9:00 a.m. on the Tuesday before the hearing.

In the misdemeanor courtrooms, motions to suppress shall be set for confirmation at 9:00 a.m. the Tuesday before the date set for hearing on the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Unless the court expressly extends the deadline for good cause, the parties must provide in limine motions, witness lists, exhibit lists, and jury instructions no later than 1:30 p.m. on the Thursday two weeks before trial.

Unless time is expressly extended by the Court, for good cause shown, no later than 1:30 p.m. on the Thursday two weeks before the trial date, the parties shall provide all in limine motions, witness lists, exhibit lists, and jury instructions to the assigned trial judge or to the master calendar judge if the matter appears on the master calendar.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A standard order-to-calendar request must be filed at least five court days before the requested hearing.

A request for order to set a hearing on calendar shall be made using local court form SUPCR 205 Request and Order to Calendar Case and shall be completed to allow a minimum of five court days between the date it is filed with the clerk’s office and the date of the requested hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Deadline

2 court days

The objection or input form must be completed, served, and filed at least two court days before the scheduled hearing.

The form must be completed, served, and filed at least two court days before the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Evidence submission and service in dependency matters must occur as directed by the judge.

Dependency As directed by the Judge

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Untimely evidence may be excluded unless good cause is shown, as determined by the judicial officer.

The untimely submission of evidence may mean that it will be excluded barring good cause. This is at the determination of the judicial officer.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

A motion to supplement or exclude documents from the administrative record should be filed by the petitioner's opening-memorandum deadline.

A motion to supplement the certified administrative record with additional documents or to exclude certain documents from the record may be noticed by any party and should be filed no later than the deadline for filing of petitioner’s opening memorandum of points and authorities in support of the writ.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed findings

Proposed findings may be submitted with the initial request or no later than five days before the court date.

party’s proposed findings on the issues to be decided. This may be submitted with the initial request or no later than 5 days before the court date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Once the court approves an accounting waiver, further account filings are unnecessary until Probate Code section 2628(a) ceases to apply.

If the conditions of Probate Code § 2628 are satisfied and the Court approves the petition to dispense with the accounting, no further filings of accounts will be necessary until such time as the provisions of Probate Code § 2628(a) are no longer applicable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Deadline

5 court days

A request to set a hearing on calendar must use local court form SUPCR 205 and provide at least five court days between filing with the clerk and the requested hearing.

A request for order to set a hearing on calendar shall be made using local court form SUPCR 205 Request and Order to Calendar Case and shall be completed to allow a minimum of five court days between the date it is filed with the clerk’s office and the date of the requested hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Deadline

2 court days

An urgent request to place a matter on calendar may depart from the five-court-day timeframe but should generally be e-filed at least two court days before the requested hearing.

Requests to place an urgent matter on calendar may deviate from the established timeframe of no less than five court days but should generally be e-filed no less than two court days prior to the date of the requested hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

A Request for Dismissal must be filed by the return conference date to make the party's appearance unnecessary.

No appearance will be necessary if a Request for Dismissal, Judicial Council form CIV-110, has been filed by the return date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Opposition and reply memoranda on the motion should be filed by the applicable opposition and reply deadlines for the writ.

Opposition and reply memoranda on the motion should be filed no later than the deadline for filing the opposition and reply memoranda regarding the writ.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

An urgent request to place a matter on calendar may deviate from the five-court-day timeframe and should generally be e-filed at least two court days before the hearing.

Requests to place an urgent matter on calendar may deviate from the established timeframe of no less than five court days but should generally be e-filed no less than two court days prior to the date of the requested hearing.

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

Evidence shall be submitted and served on opposing parties as follows:

Summary: The stated submission and service deadlines apply to evidence offered by the listed types of trials and matters.

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

Deadline

7 court days

Probate 7 court days prior

Summary: Evidence in probate matters must be submitted to the court and served on all opposing parties seven court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

7 court days

Family Law 7 court days prior

Summary: Evidence in family-law matters must be submitted to the court and served on all opposing parties seven court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

7 court days

Small Claims 7 court days prior

Summary: Evidence in small-claims matters must be submitted to the court and served on all opposing parties seven court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

7 court days

Civil Short Cause Trials 7 court days prior

Summary: Evidence in civil short-cause trials must be submitted to the court and served on all opposing parties seven court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

5 court days

Unlawful Detainers 5 court days prior

Summary: Evidence in unlawful-detainer matters must be submitted to the court and served on all opposing parties five court days before the hearing.

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

All proposed jury instructions, motions in limine, witness lists, exhibit lists, trial briefs, proposed jury voir dire/questionnaires, proposed statements of the case, and proposed special verdict forms shall be filed no later than 12 noon the day of the Calendar Call.

Summary: The listed trial materials must be filed no later than noon on the day of the Calendar Call in long cause trials.

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

Objections to the ex parte relief requested shall be submitted to the Clerk’s Office and served on the party making the ex parte request as soon as possible after notice is received, but no later than 10:00 a.m. the day of the ex parte determination.

Summary: Objections to ex parte relief must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office and served on the requesting party as soon as possible after notice, and no later than 10:00 a.m. on the determination day.

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

Ex parte paperwork should be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. the court day prior to the ex parte determination. Paperwork will not be accepted earlier than two court days before the ex parte determination.

Summary: Ex parte paperwork must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by 3:00 p.m. on the court day before the determination and not more than two court days in advance.

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

This must be filed no later than 10 days before the court date.

Summary: The Status Conference Statement must be filed no later than 10 days before the court date.

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

Deadline

15 calendar days

Complaints must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than 15 calendar days before the hearing with copies to the evaluator and all other parties or their attorneys.

Summary: A complaint about an evaluator must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office at least 15 calendar days before the hearing, with copies to the evaluator and all other parties or their attorneys.

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

Except as otherwise specified herein, all petitions and status reports in decedent’s estates must be filed with the Clerk's Office at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

Summary: Petitions and status reports in decedent's estates must be filed with the Clerk's Office at least 15 days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

5 court days

Once a date is scheduled, the paperwork shall be presented to the clerk’s office as soon as possible but no later than 10:00 a.m. five (5) court days before the ex parte date.

Summary: After scheduling a temporary-conservator or guardian ex parte matter, the paperwork must be presented to the clerk as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 a.m. five court days before the hearing.

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

The Inventory and Appraisal, Judicial Council form GC-040, is due 90 days from appointment of the conservator or guardian.

Summary: The Inventory and Appraisal, Judicial Council form GC-040, is due 90 days after appointment of the conservator or guardian.

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

In order to set the matter for hearing, a noticed motion with proof of service to the District Attorney must be filed in the Clerk's Office at least 10 days before the date set for hearing.

Summary: A real property bond matter may be set for hearing only if a noticed motion with proof of service on the District Attorney is filed with the clerk at least 10 days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

2 court days ?

The form must be completed, served, and filed at least two court days before the scheduled hearing.

Summary: The JV-236 form must be filed at least two court days before the scheduled hearing.

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

Petitioner shall prepare a trial notebook that must be delivered to the trial judge 21 days before the date of the hearing or at the time the Reply Brief is filed, whichever is later.

Summary: Petitioner must prepare a trial notebook and deliver it to the trial judge at least 21 days before the hearing or when the reply brief is filed, whichever is later.

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

This must be filed no later than 10 days before the court date.

Summary: The Status Conference Statement must be filed no later than 10 days before the court date.

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

The account must be filed within 60 days after the anniversary date.

Summary: A guardianship account must be filed within 60 days after the applicable anniversary date.

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

Deadline

10 court days

Except as otherwise provided by law or otherwise directed, all pretrial motions, including motions to suppress shall be served and filed at least ten (10) court days

Summary: Unless an exception applies, all pretrial motions, including motions to suppress, must be served and filed at least 10 court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

5 court days

all papers opposing the motion at least five (5) court days

Summary: Papers opposing a pretrial motion must be served and filed at least 5 court days before the hearing.

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

Deadline

2 court days

all reply papers at least two (2) court days before the time appointed for hearing.

Summary: Reply papers must be served and filed at least 2 court days before the hearing.

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

Penal Code § 995 motions shall be set on a different date than other motions.

Summary: Penal Code section 995 motions must be scheduled on a different date from other motions.

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

All felony criminal matters set for jury trial shall be called at 9:00 a.m. on the Wednesday two weeks before the date set for trial in the assigned department.

Summary: Felony criminal matters set for jury trial must be called at 9:00 a.m. on the Wednesday two weeks before trial.

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

All misdemeanor criminal matters set for jury trial shall be called at 9:00 a.m. on the Wednesday two weeks before the date set for trial in the assigned department.

Summary: Misdemeanor criminal matters set for jury trial must be called at 9:00 a.m. on the Wednesday two weeks before trial.

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

Before a property bond may be accepted by the Court, a hearing must be held.

Summary: A hearing must be held before the court may accept a property bond.

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

a noticed motion with proof of service to the District Attorney must be filed in the Clerk's Office at least 10 days before the date set for hearing.

Summary: The noticed property-bond motion must be filed in the clerk's office at least 10 days before the hearing.

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

A financial declaration filed within the previous six (6) months of the current request will be considered timely for purposes of this rule;

Summary: A financial declaration filed within the six months preceding the current request is timely for the expert-fee rule.

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

Long Cause Trials As directed by the Judge once assigned a courtroom for trial

Summary: Evidence submission and service in long-cause trials must occur as directed by the judge after a courtroom is assigned.

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

Restraining Orders As directed by the Judge for long cause trials

Summary: Evidence submission and service in restraining-order matters must occur as the judge directs for long-cause trials.

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

If the normal ex parte timelines cannot be met before the scheduled lockout date listed on the Sheriff’s Notice, the paperwork may be submitted up to 12:00 p.m. the day of the ex parte determination.

Summary: When the normal ex parte timeline cannot be met before the Sheriff’s lockout date, paperwork may be submitted until noon on the determination day.

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

Opposition and reply memoranda on the motion should be filed no later than the deadline for filing the opposition and reply memoranda regarding the writ.

Summary: Opposition and reply memoranda on an administrative-record motion should be filed by the corresponding opposition and reply deadlines for the writ.

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

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in monetary sanctions, termination of the mediation, or both.

Summary: Failure to timely prepare and lodge the confidential mediation brief may result in monetary sanctions, termination of the mediation, or both.

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

The conference date shall be set approximately 180 days from the date of filing of the initial pleading.

Summary: The initial status conference date should be set approximately 180 days after the initial pleading is filed.