Sonoma Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Chambers Drop Off
- Upon Filing
Law And Motion Document
- Chambers Drop Off
Motion, Reply, Opposition
- Upon Filing
Post Trial Motion, Post Trial Opposition, Post Trial Reply
- Immediately Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A trial continuance request must be made by stipulation of all parties or by written notice of motion and may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
- Failure to complete discovery is not good cause for a continuance.
- Trial counsel's stipulation alone is not good cause for granting a continuance.
- +21 more
Request must include
- A continuance motion must be calendared before the Assigned Judge at least seven calendar days before trial unless good cause supports a shorter notice period.
- A trial continuance requires good cause and either a stipulation or written motion calendared at least seven calendar days before trial, although good cause may shorten the notice period.
- A moving party must file a continuance request, with the required fees, or notice of dropping a law and motion matter with the Civil Clerk’s Office by 4:00 p.m. at least three court days before the hearing.
- A request to drop or continue a settlement conference, case management conference, or master calendar must be sent to the Family Law Judicial Assistant by 5:00 p.m. at least three court days before the conference.
- A stipulated continuance on the regular Probate calendar generally may be requested no more than twice and for no more than six months from the first hearing date, using the required form, all-party execution, and continuance fee submitted to the probate clerk by noon three court days before the hearing; electronic signatures are acceptable.
- +1 more
- A stipulated request to continue a trial must be submitted to the assigned judicial officer by noon ten calendar days before the hearing and may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
- Written notice of a waived jury or continued trial must be filed at least two court days in advance, and compliance is determined by the file date.
- A continuance request by stipulation or notice of dropping must be presented to the clerk by 3:00 p.m. at least five court days before the hearing; only one continuance by stipulation will be granted.
- In dependency cases, stipulated continuance requests must be presented to the court by noon at least one court day before the hearing.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
No opening or responding memorandum may exceed 10 pages. No reply or closing memorandum may exceed 7 pages. The page limit does not include exhibits, declarations, attachments, a table of contents, a table of authorities, or the proof of service.
Summary: Opening and responding memoranda are limited to 10 pages, while reply and closing memoranda are limited to 7 pages; exhibits, declarations, attachments, tables of contents, tables of authorities, and proofs of service are excluded from the page limit.
Opening Memorandum
10 pages
Responding Memorandum
10 pages
Reply Memorandum
7 pages
Closing Memorandum
7 pages
Document Format Requirements27 rules
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When required, parties should email proposed orders in word processing format to ProposedCivilOrders@sonomacourt.org and include the case number in the subject line.
When required, proposed orders in word processing format should be emailed directly to the department using the following email address: ProposedCivilOrders@sonomacourt.org. Please note the case number in the subject line of your email. Note that this email is only for proposed orders in word processing format pursuant to Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1312(c)(2) and Local Rule 17.26. All other emails sent to these addresses will not be read and will be deleted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each proposed jury instruction must be printed in black ink on a separate piece of paper and must not identify the requesting party, any party, or counsel.
Each proposed jury instructions must be printed in black ink on a separate piece of paper. Proposed instructions must not identify the requesting party or any party or counsel in the case.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Unless the court orders otherwise, specified administrative-record documents must also be lodged and served in paper, while the chronological remainder is electronic-only unless the court orders or a party properly requests paper copies.
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the party preparing the record shall also lodge and serve documents identified in California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2205(a)(1)(A)-(G) in paper format. The paper portion of the record may be bound or submitted in binders. The remainder of the record, in chronological order as identified in Rule 3.2205(a)(1)(H), shall be provided solely in electronic format, unless this court orders otherwise or a party requests a paper copy in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2206.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A party citing an electronic-only record portion must lodge and serve the cited pages as a paper appendix of excerpts, using the record's binding, binder, or another court-approved format.
Should any party cite to a portion of the record that is otherwise lodged and served only in electronic format, the party must also lodge and serve a paper copy of cited pages by providing them together as an appendix of excerpts as noted in Rule 2.2205(c). These shall be bound either as the record is bound or in binders or in other format approved by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The entire administrative record shall be lodged electronically under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2206, which authorizes the court to order the entire record filed electronically.
The entire administrative record shall be lodged in electronic format, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2206, giving the court authority to order the entire record to be filed in electronic format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The relevant testimony in an attached deposition or other testimony transcript must be highlighted.
Whenever any transcript of a deposition or other testimony is an attachment, the relevant part must be highlighted in such manner that calls attention to the relevant testimony.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An administrative record filed with a special proceeding must be separately thermal-bound along the left margin in volumes of at most 300 pages.
Any administrative record filed in conjunction with a special proceeding as described in Code of Civil Procedure, Part 3, Title 1, must be thermal bound separately, along the left margin, in volumes of not more than 300 pages.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each requested independent power must be specifically described in detail rather than incorporated only by reference to Probate Code § 2591; quoting the relevant statutory subsection is preferred.
Each power must be described in detail. Quoting the specific language of the subsection enumerating the requested power is preferred. It is not sufficient to incorporate by reference Probate Code § 2591 in the petition.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Lodged paper documents must be unbound, placed in a 9-by-12-inch or larger envelope, prominently marked CONFIDENTIAL, and labeled with the case title, number, and contents.
When paper documents are lodged, the documents must not be bound and must be contained in a 9” x 12” (or larger, if necessary) envelope. The envelop shall be prominently marked as “CONFIDENTIAL” and display the case title, number, and a brief description of the contents.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A materially modified Stipulation and Order must be submitted with a redline version showing the changes.
If the parties enter into a Stipulation and Order which modifies in any material way the aforementioned form, a redline version of the modified Stipulation and Order must be presented to the Court with the signed Stipulation and Order so that all of the modifications are readily discernable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When a proposed order is required, the court directs preparation of one, or an order is made after hearing, it must be filed electronically as a Proposed Order in PDF format attached to Judicial Council Form EFS-020.
If required to include a proposed order, or instructed to prepare a proposed order, or order after hearing, orders shall be filed as Proposed Orders with the court electronically in PDF format attached to Judicial Council Form EFS-020.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Exhibit attachments must be separated by labeled standard-size sheets, and original documents submitted for filing may not contain tabs.
Exhibit attachments to pleadings shall be separated by a standard 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper with a title identifying the sequence of the exhibit. No tabs shall be included in any original document submitted for filing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Original documents submitted for filing may not be stapled or two-hole punched, while all multi-page copies must be stapled.
Original documents presented to the clerk for filing shall be submitted without staples and shall not be two-hole punched. All multi-paged copies of documents shall be stapled.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A proposed order must also be submitted electronically by email in a fully editable word-processing format, preferably MS Word, and not as a PDF or PDF converted to a word format.
same time as the EFS-020 and the PDF proposed order are lodged with the court electronically, a version of the proposed order in a fully editable word processing format (preferably in MS Word format, and not PDF or PDF converted to a word format) shall be submitted to the Court by electronic mail using an address identified on the Court’s website.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
In trial-by-declaration or in-court trials, each exhibit must be no larger than 8½ by 11 inches.
Whether in a trial by declaration or a live in court trial exhibits such as: diagrams, pictures, charts, graphs, maps, images, or similar type evidence shall be limited to no larger than a standard sheet of paper 8 ½ by 11 inches for each separate item of evidence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The jury instructions must be assembled in a packet with a face sheet listing all requested instructions and the requesting parties.
The jury instructions must be assembled in a packet with a face sheet that lists all requested instructions and the requesting parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Proposed jury instructions must not identify the requesting party or any party or counsel in the case.
Proposed instructions must not identify the requesting party or any party or counsel in the case.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each proposed jury instruction must be printed in black ink on a separate piece of paper.
Each proposed jury instructions must be printed in black ink on a separate piece of paper.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The electronic administrative-record index must hyperlink to the indexed documents.
The electronic version of the index required under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2205(b) shall include hyperlinks to the indexed documents.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
An electronic administrative record need not be created for a portion when an electronic version is not feasible under the cited rule.
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SONOMA _____________________________________________________________________________________ requirement that the entire record be provided in electronic format is for any portion for which, as set forth with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.2207(b), it is not feasible to create an electronic version.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Any electronically lodged record material must be clearly labeled, placed in a labeled envelope, and attached to the portion containing the paper index.
Any record or portion thereof that is lodged in electronic format shall be clearly labeled on the medium itself and presented in a labeled envelope and shall be attached to the portion of the record containing the paper index.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
A standard accounting organizes receipts and disbursements by subject-matter category and subtotals each category.
A standard accounting lists receipts and disbursements in subject-matter categories, with each receipt and disbursement category subtotaled.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Submitted documents must be organized by account and chronologically, and an index should be included when the document exceeds 100 pages.
However the documents are submitted, the documents shall be organized by account and then chronologically for each account. If the document exceeds a hundred pages, an index should be included.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Handwritten pleadings are permitted if written neatly and legibly in blue or black ink, but the court or clerk may reject pleadings that are not.
Parties may submit handwritten pleadings in blue or black ink that are neat and legible. The judicial officer and/or Clerk’s Office have the discretion to reject handwritten pleadings that are not neat or legible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
A submitted proposed order or judgment must be lodged and served with the moving papers but must not be attached to them.
If a proposed order or judgment is submitted, it must be lodged and served with the moving papers but must not be attached to them.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The jury instructions must be assembled in a packet with a face sheet that lists
Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be assembled in a packet with a face sheet that lists the instructions.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
A pleading caption page must be page one, and the first chronological statement of each financial institution shall be bookmarked separately. If multiple e-filing envelopes are required,
Summary: Lodged financial statements must have a pleading caption as page one, with the first chronological statement from each financial institution separately bookmarked; the source continues with a multiple-envelope condition not included in the quoted text.
Document Filing Requirements256 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Form UD-101, the Plaintiff’s Mandatory Cover Sheet and Supplemental Allegations—Unlawful Detainer, must be filed in every active unlawful detainer case.
Form UD-101 titled Plaintiff’s Mandatory Cover Sheet and Supplemental Allegations—Unlawful Detainer is a mandatory form that must be filed in any active unlawful detainer case.
Document Type
Plaintiff Mandatory Cover Sheet And Supplemental Allegations Unlawful Detainer
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must file a joint estimate of the trial's length.
A joint estimate of the length of the trial.
Document Type
Trial Estimate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Parties must file a joint alphabetical witness list identifying the calling party and examination time estimates for each witness.
A joint list, in alphabetical order, of all witnesses to be called, indicating which party intends to call each witness and time estimates for their examination.
Document Type
Witness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Before closing argument, each party must deliver to the judge and serve on all other parties additional proposed jury instructions addressing evidentiary law questions not disclosed by the pleadings.
Before closing argument begins, each party must deliver to the judge and serve upon all other parties any additional proposed jury instructions on questions of law arising from the evidence that were not disclosed by the pleadings.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
In every jury trial, each party must deliver proposed jury instructions concerning law disclosed by the pleadings and all proposed verdict forms to the judge and serve them on all other parties six court days before trial and before the first witness is sworn.
In every jury trial, before the first witness is sworn, six (6) court days prior to the first day of trial, each party must deliver to the judge, and serve upon all other parties, all proposed jury instructions on all applicable law disclosed by the pleadings, and all proposed verdict forms.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every ex parte application must include a declaration establishing a compelling need for emergency handling, the need for the relief, and why routine Civil Clerk processing is inadequate.
Each application must also include a declaration showing that there is a compelling need for emergency handling of the ex parte application and for the requested relief and why it should not be processed routinely by the Civil Clerk’s Office.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte application must include a written declaration establishing notice to the opposing party or counsel by 10:00 AM on the preceding court day and must provide specified details about the requested relief and contact.
Each application must include a written declaration showing that notice of the ex parte application has been given to the opposing party or counsel no later than 10:00 AM the court day before the ex parte [California Rules of Court, Rules 3.1200 - 3.1207]. The application must provide the details for the relief requested, including whether the opposing party is represented by counsel, the nature of the contact, and whether such party has agreed to the requested order or a factual showing in support of any application requested to be issued without notice.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel or parties wishing to appear by telephone must indicate that request in their pleadings.
If counsel or parties wish to appear by telephone, their pleadings shall indicate.
Document Type
Pleadings
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request for a domestic violence restraining order must include proposed orders when submitted.
When submitting a request for a domestic violence restraining order, the requesting party or counsel shall simultaneously include proposed orders.
Document Type
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
If the opposition papers cannot be served, a declaration explaining the lack of service must be filed.
If service of the opposition papers is not possible, a declaration shall be filed providing the reasons for the lack of service.
Document Type
Declaration
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A domestic violence restraining-order request must include a completed DV-110 and required attachments, such as a DV-140 when child custody or visitation is requested.
This includes a pre-filled and completed DV-110 with any required attachments, such as a DV-140 if there is a request for child custody and visitation orders.
Document Type
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte or emergency order changing child custody, a parenting plan, or residence exclusion requires a very strong factual showing of grave danger or severe detriment to the child.
It is the policy of this court not to grant ex parte/emergency orders changing the status quo with respect to child custody, parenting plans or residence exclusion without a very strong factual showing of grave danger or severe detriment to the child prior to the time the issues can be properly set for a noticed hearing with both parties present and afforded an opportunity to be heard.
Document Type
Ex Parte Emergency Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request for an ex parte or emergency order must disclose that the requested order will change the status quo.
THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE DUTY TO DISCLOSE THE FACT THAT A REQUESTED EX PARTE/EMERGENCY ORDER WILL RESULT IN A CHANGE OF THE STATUS QUO.
Document Type
Ex Parte Emergency Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request for extraordinary ex parte or emergency relief must include incident dates, detailed facts, and specific threatened or actual harm; conclusions, feelings, wishes, or fears alone are insufficient.
A very specific declaration must be given when extraordinary relief is sought. A specific declaration includes the dates of incidents, detailed descriptive facts and specific harm threatened or actually caused. Conclusions, feelings, wishes or fears alone will not support an ex parte/emergency order.
Document Type
Declaration Supporting Ex Parte Emergency Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Attorneys, parties, and typing-service personnel must make full disclosure when preparing declarations supporting ex parte or emergency orders.
Accordingly, attorneys, parties and persons employed to type pleadings (typing services) shall adhere to the highest standards of full disclosure in preparing the declarations in support of ex parte/emergency orders.
Document Type
Declaration Supporting Ex Parte Emergency Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request for temporary or emergency orders must include a completed Judicial Council form FL-016 or FL-303.
A completed FL-016 or FL-303 must be submitted to the court when your request for temporary/emergency orders is submitted.
Document Type
Temporary Emergency Order Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must submit a completed Judicial Council form FL-191 with a child or family support order unless the local child support agency is an intervener.
In addition, the parties shall submit a completed Child Support Case Registry Form (Judicial Council form FL-191) with the order. This form is not required if the local child support agency is an intervener in the case.
Document Type
Order After Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Unless the court orders otherwise, the moving party must prepare a written order within ten days after the ruling following a hearing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the moving party must, within ten (10) days of the ruling, prepare a written order following any hearing.
Document Type
Order After Hearing
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and, when required, file Form FL-141 before the matter may be set for trial.
No matter will be set for trial until and unless the parties have exchanged their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and, if required, filed form FL- 141, Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure.
Document Type
Pre Trial Disclosure Documents
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When a Case Management Conference replaces a Settlement Conference or trial setting, the parties or attorneys must file Form FL-092 ten calendar days before the conference.
If the court sets a Case Management Conference in lieu of a Settlement Conference or trial date, the parties or attorneys shall file a Case Management Conference Statement, form FL-092, ten (10) calendar days prior to the conference.
Document Type
Case Management Conference Statement Form Fl 092
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A stipulated trial continuance request must include a stipulation to continue, a declaration explaining the need for continuance, and a proposed continuance order.
Counsel or parties shall submit a stipulation to continue, a declaration stating why the continuance is necessary, and a proposed order for continuance.
Document Type
Stipulated Continuance Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Any DVRO modification must use Judicial Council Form DV-110 or DV-130 and be filed under both the Family Court and Juvenile Court case numbers.
Any modifications to a DVRO must be made on a Temporary Restraining Order form (Judicial Council Form DV-110) or Restraining Order After Hearing form (Judicial Council Form DV-130) and filed both under the Family Court case number and the Juvenile Court case number.
Document Type
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The declaration must state that the issues and motion have not previously been presented directly or indirectly to, or decided by, any judge of the court in the case.
The issues presented by this ex parte application and the motion to be considered have not been directly or indirectly presented to or decided by any Judge of this Court previously in this case. (See CCP §1008 regarding sanctions for abuse of process.)
Document Type
Declaration In Support Of Urgent Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The declaration must explain that the ex parte application requires urgent attention and cannot wait for the assigned judge to become available.
This ex parte application requires urgent attention, and cannot wait until the assigned Judge is available because __________________________________________________________________
Document Type
Declaration In Support Of Urgent Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The declaration must identify the judge before whom the ex parte application is presented, the assigned judge, and why the assigned judge is unavailable.
This ex parte application is being presented to Judge _______________________________________ because Judge ________________________________, to whom this case is assigned, is unavailable as described: ______________________________________________________________________
Document Type
Declaration In Support Of Urgent Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
If trial proceeds without a court reporter, attorneys or self-represented parties must create and stipulate at the end of each trial day to a settled statement of facts covering that day’s proceedings.
In the event the parties proceed to trial without a court reporter, the parties’ attorneys, or any self-represented parties, shall be required at the end of every day of trial to create and stipulate to a settled statement of facts encompassing the trial proceedings for that day.
Document Type
Settled Statement Of Facts
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A daily settled statement of facts must contain a condensed narrative of the day’s trial proceedings and a concise factual summary of the evidence and each witness’s testimony.
The settled statement of facts must consist of a condensed narrative of trial proceedings for that day and include a concise factual summary of the evidence and the testimony of each witness.
Document Type
Settled Statement Of Facts
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore must be completed using mandatory Local Form RP-001.
The Court hereby adopts the Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore as Local Form RP-001 for mandatory use.
Document Type
Appointment Of Official Reporter Pro Tempore
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A plaintiff or petitioner must file an ex parte application, supporting declaration, and proposed order when the complaint or petition is filed or within 30 days after discovering that the case is an uninsured or underinsured motorist case.
At the time the complaint or petition is filed, or within 30 days after discovering that the case is an uninsured or underinsured motorist case, plaintiff /petitioner shall file an ex parte application with a supporting declaration and proposed order requesting that the case be designated as an uninsured or underinsured motorist case.
Document Type
Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The first page of the settlement conference statement must state the conference's date, time, and location.
The date, time, and location of the settlement conference must be typed on the first page of the statement.
Document Type
Settlement Conference Statement
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A party filing such a motion must include a declaration stating the basis for good cause for inclusion in the program.
Such motion must be accompanied by a declaration setting forth a basis for good cause for inclusion in the program.
Document Type
Demurrer Facilitator Program Referral Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
If the motion remains unresolved, the moving party must file a Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.040 declaration at least two court days before the hearing; Orders of Examination are exempt.
In the event the motion is not so resolved, then the moving party must file not less than two (2) court days before the hearing date a declaration pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.040 setting forth facts applicable to the meet and confer conference. Orders of Examination are exempt from the requirement of this section.
Requirement
Document requirement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The protective-order language must require a 9-by-12-inch to 10-by-13-inch sealed manila envelope bearing the prescribed warning, case information, document titles, and confidentiality-order reference.
Any language incorporated in such an order that pertains to the filing with the court of material under seal must state that the party submitting confidential material to the Court to be filed must put that material in a sealed manila envelope no smaller than 9" x 12" and no larger than 10" x 13"; that the envelope must have on its back (on the unsealed side) the warning: “CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER,” the case number and caption, and the title(s) of the paper(s) enclosed; that in parentheses beneath the title(s) of the paper(s) as they appear on the envelope, there must be a reference to the confidentiality order, by file date and title [as, for example, (FILED UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO
Document Type
Protective Order
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An order granting leave to file an amendment, amended pleading, cross-complaint, or complaint-in-intervention must state that the original proposed pleading will be submitted after the order is granted.
Proposed orders granting leave to file amendments to pleadings, amended pleadings, cross- complaints, or complaints-in-intervention must specify that the original of the proposed pleading will be submitted for filing following the granting of the order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte application must describe the requested relief, opposing-party representation and contact, agreement to the order, and any factual showing for relief sought without notice.
The application must provide the details for the relief requested, including whether the opposing party is represented by counsel, the nature of the contact, and whether such party has agreed to the requested order or a factual showing in support of any application requested to be issued without notice.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte application must include a declaration establishing a compelling need for emergency handling and requested relief and explaining why routine Clerk processing is inadequate.
Each application must also include a declaration showing that there is a compelling need for emergency handling of the ex parte application and for the requested relief and why it should not be processed routinely by the Civil Clerk’s Office.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An order granting consolidation must identify the lead case by case number.
An order on motion to consolidate must specify which case number is to be the lead case.
Document Type
Order On Motion To Consolidate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion, memorandum of points and authorities, or declaration involving sealed exhibit materials must reference the confidential materials filed under seal.
If the papers are exhibits to a motion or other paper, the manila envelope, with the stated identifying features, must not be attached to the principal paper, but there must be reference made in the motion, memorandum of points and authorities, or declaration, as appropriate, to the confidential materials filed under seal.
Document Type
Motion, Memorandum Of Points And Authorities, Or Declaration
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A proposed order must be submitted to the Probate Clerk’s Office when the petition is filed.
Proposed orders shall be submitted to the Probate Clerk’s Office at the time of filing the petition.
Document Type
Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Supporting papers generally must be filed with the petition, subject to exceptions in the Probate Code or local rules.
Supporting papers shall be filed at the time of filing the Petition, except as otherwise provided in the Probate Code or these Local Rules.
Document Type
Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When a will beneficiary is a trust trustee, Item 8 of the Petition for Probate must identify every trustee and beneficiary by name and specify each person’s role.
When the beneficiary of a will is the trustee of a trust, Item 8 of the Petition for Probate shall identify all trustees and all beneficiaries of the trust by name and by stating whether each individual is a trustee or a beneficiary.
Document Type
Petition For Probate
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Caption must identify the action as subject to the supplemental fee.
Summary: The caption of a complaint subject to the high-frequency-litigant supplemental fee must identify the action as subject to that fee.
Document Type
Complaint Subject To The High-Frequency Litigant Supplemental Fee
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorneys must submit covered civil ex parte applications through eFile no later than 10:30 a.m. on the assigned judge's review day.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Ex Parte Applications in civil actions assigned to Courtrooms 16, 17, 18 and 19 shall be presented by eFile if submitted by an attorney or if submitted by a party without an attorney to the Civil Clerk's Office located at the Civil and Family Law Courthouse, 3055 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403, no later than 10:30 a.m. on the assigned judge's ex parte review day.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | CHANGE TO CIVIL EX PARTE REVIEW PROCEDURE
Felony and misdemeanor complaints must be filed electronically with the Criminal Clerk’s Office through E-File.
A. Felony and misdemeanor complaints must be filed with the Criminal Clerk’s Office via E-File.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 78 | RULE 8 — RULES APPLICABLE TO CRIMINAL TRIAL PROCEEDINGS, 8.2 FILING OF CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS
The Notice of Appeal and CRC 8.831 record-designation notice must be filed in the trial court, subsequent filings must be filed in the Civil Appeals Department, and parties must comply with applicable electronic-filing requirements.
A. The Notice of Appeal and the CRC 8.831 Notice designating the record on appeal shall be filed in the trial court. All subsequent filings shall be filed in the Civil Appeals Department. The parties shall comply with any Electronic Filing requirements.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 161 | 11.1 Limited Civil Cases
The Notice of Appeal and CRC 8.864 notice of election must be filed in the trial court, subsequent filings must be filed in the Criminal Appeals Department, and parties must comply with applicable electronic-filing requirements.
A. The Notice of Appeal and the CRC 8.864 Notice of election regarding a record of oral proceedings in the trial court shall be filed in the trial court. All subsequent filings shall be filed in the Criminal Appeals Department. The parties shall comply with any Electronic Filing requirements.
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Page 162 | 11.2 Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
The parties must comply with the applicable electronic filing requirements.
The parties shall comply with any Electronic Filing requirements.
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Page 163 | 11.3 INFRACTION CASES
Subject to Local Rule 17.23, represented parties, other represented persons, and attorneys must electronically file documents in all civil matters.
Subject to the exceptions in Local Rule 17.23, all represented parties, other represented persons, and all attorneys, including but not limited to consulting attorneys, mediator/attorneys, and document-preparer attorneys, are required to electronically file documents pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure, § 1010.6 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.250 et seq for the following case types/categories: 1. All Civil Matters
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Page 178 | 17.22 Mandatory Electronic Filing
When instructed to prepare an order after a hearing, the proposed order must be electronically lodged in PDF format attached to Judicial Council Form EFS-020, with a simultaneously emailed editable version.
If instructed to prepare an order after a hearing, proposed orders after hearing shall be lodged with the court electronically in PDF format attached to Judicial Council Form EFS-020. At the same time as the EFS-020 and the PDF proposed order are lodged with the court electronically, a version of the proposed order in a fully editable word processing format (preferably in MS Word format, and not PDF or PDF converted to a word format) shall be submitted to the Court by electronic mail using an address identified on the Court’s website.
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Page 181 | B. Proposed Orders in Probate Division Cases
A bond may be electronically filed unless prohibited by statute, the California Rules of Court, or court order, but the filing must include a complete legible executed copy and all required attachments.
Electronic Filing of Bonds: A bond may be electronically filed unless otherwise prohibited by statute, the California Rules of Court, or order of the Court. An electronically filed bond must include a complete and legible copy of the executed bond, and all required attachments.
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Page 34 | RULE 17.23 LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC FILINGS
Self-represented parties and other self-represented persons are exempt from mandatory electronic filing requirements.
B. Self-represented parties, or other self-represented persons, are exempt from mandatory electronic filing requirements pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.253 subdivision (b)(2).
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Page 177 | 17.23 LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC FILINGS
Documents may be transmitted electronically to the Court at all times.
Documents may be electronically transmitted to the Court seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
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Page 178 | 17.25 ELECTRONIC FILING DATES AND TIMES
The Court's approved electronic filing service providers are listed on its website.
Approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs) are listed on the Court’s website at www.sonomacourts.ca.gov.
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Page 178 | 17.24 ELECTRONIC FILING SERVICE PROVIDERS
Monday civil review submissions may be e-filed or dropped off by 8:30 a.m.
To be submitted via eFile or dropped off by 8:30 am at 3055 Cleveland Ave & picked up at or after 2:30 pm at 3055 Cleveland Ave.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Commissioner Daniel Chester
Judge Patrick Broderick's civil ex parte review submissions must be e-filed by 10:30 a.m.
Civil Ex Parte Review: To be submitted via eFile by 10:30 am.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Judge Patrick Broderick
Tuesday civil review submissions may be e-filed or dropped off by 8:30 a.m.
Review: To be submitted via eFile or dropped off by 8:30 am at 3055 Cleveland Ave & picked up at or after 2:30 pm at 3055 Cleveland Ave.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Commissioner Daniel Chester
Monday GVRO TRO ex parte review submissions may be e-filed or dropped off by 8:00 a.m.
GVRO TRO Ex Parte Review: To be submitted via eFile or dropped off by 8:00 am at 3055 Cleveland Ave & picked up at or after 2:30 pm at 3055 Cleveland Ave
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Judge David Kim
Bail bonds, jail cites, and bail bond motions in criminal cases may not be electronically filed.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or these rules, the following items may not be electronically filed: B. Criminal: 1. Bail Bonds; 2. Jail Cites; and 3. Bail Bonds Motions.
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Page 34 | RULE 17.23 LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC FILINGS
Subpoenaed documents, Labor Commissioner cash or check deposits, and payments for bonds and undertakings in civil cases may not be electronically filed.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or these rules, the following items may not be electronically filed: A. Civil: 1. Subpoenaed documents; 2. Labor Commissioner deposit of cash or check; and 3. Payments for Bonds and Undertakings.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 34 | RULE 17.23 LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC FILINGS
The listed probate items may not be electronically filed, including affidavits concerning small-value real property, bonds, conservator financial documents, subpoenaed documents, undertakings, and original wills or codicils.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or these rules, the following items may not be electronically filed: C. Probate: 1. Affidavit re: Real Property of Small Value; 2. Bonds; 2. Financial Documents submitted by Private Professional Conservator; 3. Subpoenaed documents; 4. Undertakings; and 5. Will/Codicils – originals for filing or safekeeping.
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Page 34 | RULE 17.23 LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC FILINGS
GVRO TRO ex parte reviews may be submitted electronically or dropped off by 8:00 a.m. and picked up after 2:30 p.m.
To be submitted via eFile or dropped off by 8:00 am at 3055 Cleveland Ave & picked up at or after 2:30 pm at 3055 Cleveland Ave
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Judge David Kim
Civil ex parte reviews before Judge Patrick Broderick must be submitted electronically by 10:30 a.m.
To be submitted via eFile by 10:30 am.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Judge Patrick Broderick
Civil Harassment, Elder Protection, and unlawful-detainer ex parte reviews may be submitted electronically or dropped off by 8:30 a.m. and picked up after 2:30 p.m.
To be submitted via eFile or dropped off by 8:30 am at 3055 Cleveland Ave & picked up at or after 2:30 pm at 3055 Cleveland Ave.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Commissioner Daniel Chester
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Each party must submit a mediation brief five days before the mediation session.
The parties shall submit a mediation brief 5 days prior to the mediation.
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Page 2 | Submission of Briefs
At least seven court days before trial, attorneys of record and unrepresented parties must confer in good faith and seek written stipulations or joint statements on the specified pretrial matters.
At least seven (7) court days before trial, all attorneys of record and unrepresented parties must meet and confer in a good faith effort to reach agreement and enter into written stipulations or written joint statements on the matters described in subdivisions (D) and (G) of this rule.
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Page 8 | C. Duty to Meet and Confer
Any written opposition to a motion in limine must be filed with the Civil Clerk’s Office, with an endorsed copy delivered to the Assigned Judge, by 3:30 p.m. three court days before trial.
Any written opposition to a motion in limine must be filed with the Civil Clerk’s Office, and an endorsed filed copy delivered to the Assigned Judge, by 3:30 p.m. three (3) court day before trial.
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Page 9 | 5. Motions in Limine
Written notice to the court of a resolved discovery dispute must be provided no later than five court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing.
In the event a resolution of the discovery dispute is achieved, the facilitator shall notify the Court in writing of the disposition and shall serve a copy on all parties, not later than five (5) court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing date.
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Page 13 | G. Resolution
The discovery facilitator must file the report no later than five court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing.
The facilitator shall file such report with the court, no later than five (5) court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing date for this discovery issue.
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Page 17 | RULE 4 — RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL CIVIL CASES
The judgment creditor must prepare a declaration and warrant and deliver them to the Clerk’s Office within six months of the issuance order.
The judgment creditor must prepare a declaration and warrant for the judge’s signature. Such declaration and warrant must be delivered to the Clerk’s Office within six (6) months of the issuance order.
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Page 19 | 5.2 ORDER OF EXAMINATION CALENDAR — C. Judgment Debtor’s Failure to Appear
When notice is provided, opposition papers must be received by 8:30 a.m. on the day of judicial review.
If notice is provided, opposition Opposition papers must be received by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the review.
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Page 23 | RULE 9.11 B. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
When notice was provided, opposition papers must be received by the court on the day of judicial review.
If notice was provided, any opposition Opposition papers must be received by the Court on the day the application is scheduled to be reviewed by the assigned judicial officer.
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Page 25 | D. Opposition
When the parties approve the judgment, they must sign the judgment and necessary documents and submit them for filing before the compliance date.
If the Judgment is approved by the parties, they shall cooperate in signing the Judgment and any other necessary documents and submit them for filing prior to the compliance date.
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Page 27 | 9.19 FAMILY LAW JUDGMENTS
The statement of issues and trial brief is due ten calendar days before trial when no settlement conference was held.
If a settlement conference was not held, the parties or attorneys shall file a Statement of Issues for Settlement Conference or Trial, Sonoma County form FL002, Local Form FL-048, Settlement Conference Statement/Trial Brief ten (10) calendar days prior to the trial date.
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Page 30 | 9.23 TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS — C. Statement of Issues
Form FL-092 is due ten calendar days before a Case Management Conference that replaces a Settlement Conference or trial date.
If the court sets a Case Management Conference in lieu of a Settlement Conference or trial date, the parties or attorneys shall file a Case Management Conference Statement, form FL-092, ten (10) calendar days prior to the conference.
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Page 30 | 9.23 TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS — B. Case Management Conference
Unlawful-detainer ex parte documents must be submitted no later than 8:30 a.m.
Unlawful Detainer Ex Parte matters are reviewed Monday through Friday. Documents are to be submitted through eFile if submitted by an attorney or if submitted by a party without an attorney at the Civil and Family Law Courthouse, 3055 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, California no later than 8:30 am.
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Page 1 | Civil Ex Parte Matters
The original Civil Settlement Conference Statement must be delivered directly to the panelist at least five court days before the conference.
The ORIGINAL Civil Settlement Conference Statement shall be delivered directly to the panelist, no later than five (5) court days prior to the conference. Copies of Settlement Conference Statements will no longer be required. The Court will not provide the statements to the panelist(s). Failure to comply with this directive may result in monetary sanctions being imposed.
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Page 1 | Civil Settlement Conference Program
Covered civil ex parte applications must be submitted by 10:30 a.m. on the assigned judge's ex parte review day.
Effective immediately and until further notice, Ex Parte Applications in civil actions assigned to Courtrooms 16, 17, 18 and 19 shall be presented by eFile if submitted by an attorney or if submitted by a party without an attorney to the Civil Clerk's Office located at the Civil and Family Law Courthouse, 3055 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403, no later than 10:30 a.m. on the assigned judge's ex parte review day.
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Page 1 | CHANGE TO CIVIL EX PARTE REVIEW PROCEDURE
Documents deposited in the court drop box after 4:00 p.m. will be filed on the following court business day.
A drop box is available for parties wishing to deposit documents after the end of the Court business day. However, documents left in the drop box after 4:00 pm, will be filed as of the following court business day.
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Page 10 | 1.6 HOURS OF BUSINESS
Requests to enter default or default judgment must be presented within 90 calendar days of filing the complaint unless an extension order is on file by the 90th day.
Requests to enter default and default judgments are to be presented to the Court or the clerk when applicable no later than 90 calendar days from the filing of the complaint. If no default judgment or order granting an extension of time is on file by the 90th day from the filing of the complaint, the unlawful detainer action will be dismissed, upon the Court’s own motion, without prejudice.
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Page 20 | 2.2 UNLAWULF DETAINER CASES — C.2 Time Frames for Presentation of Defaults
When filing the complaint or petition, or within 30 days after discovering the case is an uninsured or underinsured motorist case, the plaintiff or petitioner must file an ex parte application with a supporting declaration and proposed order requesting that designation.
At the time the complaint or petition is filed, or within 30 days after discovering that the case is an uninsured or underinsured motorist case, plaintiff /petitioner shall file an ex parte application with a supporting declaration and proposed order requesting that the case be designated as an uninsured or underinsured motorist case.
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Page 22 | Rule 4 — Rules Applicable to All Civil Cases, 4.1 Differential Case Management
A written opposition to a motion in limine must be filed with the Civil Clerk’s Office and an endorsed copy delivered to the Assigned Judge by 3:30 p.m. three court days before trial.
Any written opposition to a motion in limine must be filed with the Civil Clerk’s Office, and an endorsed filed copy delivered to the Assigned Judge, by 3:30 p.m. three (3) court day before trial.
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Page 29 | D. Pretrial Documents
The listed pretrial documents must be filed, served on all parties, and delivered as endorsed copies to the Assigned Judge’s chambers by 3:30 p.m. on the sixth court day before trial unless the court orders otherwise.
By 3:30 p.m. on the sixth (6th) court day before trial or as otherwise ordered by the court, the parties must file the documents listed below with the Civil Clerk’s Office, serve the documents on all parties, and deliver endorsed copies to the chambers of the Assigned Judge the same day.
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Page 29 | D. Pretrial Documents
In every jury trial, each party must deliver proposed jury instructions addressing applicable law disclosed by the pleadings and all proposed verdict forms to the judge and serve them on all other parties before the first witness is sworn and six court days before trial.
In every jury trial, before the first witness is sworn, six (6) court days prior to the first day of trial, each party must deliver to the judge, and serve upon all other parties, all proposed jury instructions on all applicable law disclosed by the pleadings, and all proposed verdict forms.
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Page 30 | G. Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The attorney for a deceased party must promptly serve and file a notice of death with the Court.
When a party to a case dies, the attorney for that party shall promptly serve and file a notice with the Court.
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Page 3 | 5. Death of a Party
All authorized trial documents filed with or submitted to the court must be served by a means reasonably calculated to assure delivery to all other parties by the earlier of the court-delivery deadline or actual court delivery.
All documents authorized by this rule that a party files with or otherwise submits to the court must be served by a means that is reasonably calculated to assure delivery to all other parties by the earlier of (1) the time when delivery to the court is due under this rule, or (2) the time when the document is actually delivered to the court.
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Page 10 | G. Service of Trial Documents
If discovery mediation fails, the facilitator must prepare and serve a report on all parties or their counsel of record.
In the event the parties are unable to resolve the discovery dispute with the discovery facilitator, the discovery facilitator shall prepare and serve on all parties or their counsel of record a report which contains the following information:
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Page 13 | G. Resolution
When a discovery dispute is resolved, the facilitator must notify the court in writing and serve all parties no later than five court days before the law and motion hearing.
In the event a resolution of the discovery dispute is achieved, the facilitator shall notify the Court in writing of the disposition and shall serve a copy on all parties, not later than five (5) court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing date.
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Page 13 | G. Resolution
All warrants must be served by the Sheriff’s Department.
All warrants must be served by the Sheriff’s Department.
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Page 19 | 5.2 ORDER OF EXAMINATION CALENDAR — D. Service of Warrants
A copy of the opposition papers must be served on the opposing party by personal service, fax, or email by 8:00 a.m. on the day of judicial review.
A copy of the opposition papers shall also be served personally, by fax or e-mail on the opposing party by 8:00 a.m. on the day of judicial review.
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Page 23 | RULE 9.11 B. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
Notice of an ex parte or emergency temporary-family-law application must be given by 10:00 a.m. one court day before review, but the court may waive notice when it is impossible, would frustrate the order's purpose, or would expose a party to immediate irreparable harm.
Notice of the intent to file an ex-parte/emergency request for temporary family law orders must be given to the opposing party or attorney by 10:00 a.m. one court day before the application is scheduled to be reviewed by the assigned judicial officer. This notice requirement can be waived by the court if (1) notice is impossible, or (2) notice would frustrate the very purpose of the order, or (3) immediate and irreparable harm could be suffered if notice were given.
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Page 24 | RULE 9.12 B. Notice
Each party must serve and file the FL-048 settlement conference statement or trial brief at least ten calendar days before the settlement conference.
Each party shall serve and submit Local Form FL-048, Settlement Conference Statement/Trial Brief prior to the conference. The Statement shall be filed ten (10) calendar days prior to the Settlement Conference.
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Page 28 | 9.20 FAMILY LAW SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
The parties must notify both the settlement conference coordinator and the panelists of a pre-conference settlement.
The parties shall notify the appropriate Settlement Conference Coordinator AND the panelist(s) of a pre-conference settlement. Failure to comply may result in monetary sanctions being imposed.
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Page 1 | Civil Settlement Conference Program
After the judge rules, the applicant must serve a copy of the ex parte order on all parties.
Copies of Orders following Ex Parte review will be returned by eFile, by email, or by fax after 2:30 p.m. on the same day. It is the responsibility of the applicant to serve a copy of the Order on the Ex Parte Application on all parties once the Judge has ruled.
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Page 1 | UNAVAILABILITY OF ASSIGNED JUDGE
When requesting and paying for clerk service on a business defendant under Code of Civil Procedure §116.340(a)(1), the plaintiff must identify the defendant's authorized agent for service and address beneath the defendant's name.
If plaintiff requests, and pays for, the clerk to provide service upon defendant(s) pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §116.340(a)(1) and one or more of the defendants is a business, plaintiff shall include the names(s) and address(es) of the authorized agent(s) for service, identified as such, in parentheses beneath the name of each defendant business.
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Page 16 | Rule 2 — Rules Applicable to Small Claims Cases and Unlawful Detainer Cases, 2.1.A
Each party must directly deliver its Settlement Conference Statement to the pro tem panelists no later than five court days before the settlement conference.
No later than five (5) court days before the date set for the settlement conference, each party shall deliver their Settlement Conference Statement directly to the pro tem panelist(s)
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Page 26 | 4.6 MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE
The judicial assistant must serve the Notice and Order of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator by mail on all parties or their counsel of record.
The judicial assistant shall assign the case to a discovery facilitator and shall serve by mail the “Notice and Order of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” on all parties or their counsel of record.
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Page 34 | E. Selection of a Discovery Facilitator
Upon resolving a discovery dispute, the facilitator must notify the court and serve all parties in writing no later than five court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing.
In the event a resolution of the discovery dispute is achieved, the facilitator shall notify the Court in writing of the disposition and shall serve a copy on all parties, not later than five (5) court days before the scheduled law and motion hearing date.
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Page 35 | G. Resolution
A party or counsel who learns of bankruptcy proceedings that may stay the pending court matter must promptly provide notice as specified by the rule.
Any party or counsel for a party in a matter pending before this court who acquires knowledge of a proceeding in bankruptcy which may cause or impose a stay of proceedings in this court shall promptly give notice of such bankruptcy proceedings as set forth below.
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Page 35 | 4.16 Matters Affected by Bankruptcy, A
The bankruptcy notice must be filed with the court and served on all parties, and must include the latest bankruptcy and stay orders plus an explanation of any stay and its applicability.
The notice required by subdivision (A) above shall be filed with the court. Said notice shall also be served on all parties to the litigation. The subject notice shall include: (a) a copy of the most recent order of the bankruptcy court and of any stay order issued by that court; and (b) An explanation of whether a stay order or an automatic stay is in effect and why the stay applies to the pending litigation, appeal, or writ proceeding.
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Page 35 | 4.16 Matters Affected by Bankruptcy, A.1
All notices served under the Demurrer Facilitator Program must comply with Code of Civil Procedure section 1013.
NOTE: CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE § 1013 SHALL APPLY TO ALL NOTICES SERVED PURSUANT TO THIS RULE.
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Page 36 | 4.17 Demurrer Facilitator Program, A
Upon receiving the facilitator appointment notice, the parties must immediately deliver all pleadings concerning the discovery dispute to the facilitator.
Upon receipt of the “Notice and Order of Appointment of Demurrer Facilitator,” the parties shall forthwith deliver to the demurrer facilitator copies of all pleadings concerning the discovery dispute.
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Page 36
All warrants must be served by the Sheriff’s Department.
All warrants must be served by the Sheriff’s Department.
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Page 43 | D. Service of Warrants
An ex parte application must include proof in a written declaration that notice was given to the opposing party or counsel by 10:00 a.m. on the preceding court day.
Each application must include a written declaration showing that notice of the ex parte application has been given to the opposing party or counsel no later than 10:00 AM the court day before the ex parte [California Rules of Court, Rules 3.1200 - 3.1207].
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Page 45 | 5.6(B) — Ex Parte Applications
Filing Fees and Waivers
Deposited jury fees are forfeited if the matter is settled without notice, the jury is waived without two court days’ notice, or trial is continued without two court days’ notice.
Jury fees on deposit will be forfeited and will not be applied to a future trial date if: the matter is settled without notice to the court, the jury is waived without two (2) court days’ notice to the court, or the trial date is continued without two (2) court days’ notice to the court, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 631.3.
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Page 6 | 4.8.C Forfeiture
A written application for a jury-fee refund must be submitted within 20 business days after the jury is waived or the action is settled, dismissed, or continued, unless superseded by Code of Civil Procedure § 631(b).
Unless superseded by Code of Civil Procedure § 631(b), written application for refund of jury fees for any reason must be made within twenty (20) business days from the date on which the jury is waived or the action is settled, dismissed, or a continuance thereof granted, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 631.3.
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Page 6 | 4.8.B Refund
Remaining jury fees are returned only after a written post-trial refund request submitted within 30 calendar days of trial completion; otherwise, the funds are forfeited.
After completion of the trial, any remaining jury fees on deposit will be returned only upon written request to the Clerk of the Court. The request for refund must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of the completion of the trial, otherwise any funds remaining on deposit shall be forfeited.
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Page 6 | 4.8.E Post-Trial
Jury fees in civil cases must be deposited with the Superior Court Clerk.
Jury fees in civil cases must be deposited with the Superior Court Clerk in accordance with the dictates of Code of Civil Procedure § 631.
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Page 6 | 4.8 DEPOSIT OF JURY FEES
Issuing an abstract of judgment requires a $40 fee.
75 Issuing abstract of judgment GC 70626(a)(2) $ 40
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Page 5 | POST JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
Issuing an order of sale requires a $45 fee.
76 Issuing an order of sale GC 70626(b)(1) $ 45
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Page 5 | POST JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
A daily jury deposit is required in the amount set by the court.
66 Daily jury deposits (amount set by court) CCP 631(e) Amount set by court
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Page 5 | CIVIL JURY AND TRIAL RELATED FEES
Filing a small claims claim for $1,500 or less requires a $30 fee.
82 Filing claim for $1,500 or less CCP 116.230(b)(1) $ 30
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Page 5 | SMALL CLAIMS FEES
The fee for an extra court reporter is the amount set by the court.
69 Extra court reporter (amount set by court) GC 69953.5 Amount set by court
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Page 5 | CIVIL JURY AND TRIAL RELATED FEES
When the court orders a judgment paid in installments, a certified copy of the order is provided to the DMV for the amount set by the court.
73 Certified copy of order to DMV when court orders judgment VC 16379 Amount set paid in installments by court
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Page 5 | JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
An application for a judgment debtor examination requires a $60 fee, with no separate fee for filing the accompanying abstract of judgment.
79 Application for order for judgment debtor examination (CCP GC 70617(a)(6) $ 60 708.110, 708.160). No separate fee is charged for filing the abstract of judgment with the application.
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Page 5 | POST JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
A confession of judgment requires a $45 fee.
70 Confession of judgment (CCP 1134) GC 70626(b)(3) $ 45
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Page 5 | JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
A notice to the DMV of a judgment debtor’s installment-payment default carries a fee set by the court.
81 Notice to DMV of judgment debtor’s default in making VC 16381 Amount set installment payments by court
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Page 5 | POST JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
Court reporting services cost $30 for civil proceedings lasting one hour or less.
67 Court reporting services in civil proceedings lasting one GC 68086(a)(1)(A) $ 30 hour or less
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Page 5 | CIVIL JURY AND TRIAL RELATED FEES
Court reporter per diem fees apply to civil proceedings lasting more than one hour in the amount set by the court.
68 Court reporter per diem fees for civil proceedings lasting more GC 68086(a)(1)(B) Amount set than one hour (amount set by court) by court
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Page 5 | CIVIL JURY AND TRIAL RELATED FEES
An application for an order of sale of a dwelling requires a $60 fee.
77 Application for order of sale of a dwelling (CCP 704.750) GC 70617(a)(7) $ 60
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | POST JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
A nonrefundable $150 advance jury fee is required.
65 Advance jury fee (nonrefundable) CCP 631(b) $ 150
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | CIVIL JURY AND TRIAL RELATED FEES
Renewal of a judgment requires a $45 fee.
71 Renewal of judgment (CCP 683.150) GC 70626(b)(4) $ 45
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | JUDGMENT RELATED FEES
Filing a small claims claim for more than $1,500 but not more than $5,000 requires a $50 fee.
83 Filing claim for more than $1,500 but less than or equal to CCP 116.230(b)(2) $ 50 $5,000
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | SMALL CLAIMS FEES
The filing fee is $435 for the listed first papers in unlimited civil cases and certain related proceedings.
1 Complaint or other first paper in unlimited civil case (amount GC 70611, $ 435* over $25,000), including: 70602.5, 70602.6 2 Complaint or other first paper in unlawful detainer case over $25,000 3 Petition for a writ of review, mandate, or prohibition (other than a writ petition to the appellate division) 4 Petition for a decree of change of name or gender
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Unlimited Civil Cases
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of the moving papers, reply, or opposition must be delivered to chambers on the filing date, but need not be file-endorsed.
In order for the research attorney and judge to have adequate time to prep for your L&M matter, please comply with SCR 5.2E by delivering on the date of filing courtesy copies (need not be file-endorsed) to the chambers of the moving papers, reply or opposition.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Civil Tentative Rulings
On the same day post-trial documents are filed, the parties must deliver courtesy copies directly to the trial department’s drop box.
On the same day that post-trial documents are filed, including, but not limited to, post-trial motions, opposition and replies, parties shall deliver courtesy copies of the filed documents directly to the department’s drop box where the matter was tried.
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Page 36 | 4.18 POST-TRIAL MATTERS
Parties must place courtesy copies of all documents filed in a law-and-motion proceeding directly in the hearing department's drop box, and the copies need not be file-endorsed.
Parties shall deliver courtesy copies of all documents filed in connection with a law and motion proceeding directly into the drop box for the department hearing the matter. Courtesy copies do not need to be file endorsed.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 42 | Rule 5.1 — Scheduling
A courtesy copy of the responsive papers must be delivered to the designated judicial officer two court days before the hearing.
Any responsive papers shall be filed and served, and a courtesy copy delivered to the designated judicial officer two (2) court days prior to the hearing.
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Page 132 | 10.6 B. Formal Discovery
At the time of service, the serving party must deliver a courtesy copy to the judicial officer scheduled to hear the matter.
At the time of service, a courtesy copy shall be delivered to the judicial officer before whom the matter is scheduled to be heard.
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Page 132 | 10.6 B. Formal Discovery
Parties must deliver courtesy copies of all documents filed in a law and motion proceeding directly into the hearing department's drop box, and those copies need not be file-endorsed.
C.Parties shall deliver courtesy copies of all documents filed in connection with a law and motion proceeding directly into the drop box for the department hearing the matter. Courtesy copies do not need to be file endorsed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 18 | 5.1 SCHEDULING
On the filing date, the moving party must deliver one courtesy copy of the documents to the department assigned to the matter, and the courtesy copy need not be file-endorsed.
The moving party must also deliver, on the day of the filing, a courtesy copy of the documents (these do not need to be file endorsed) to the respective department assigned to the matter.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 20 | 5.3 CONTINUANCES — A. Requests for Continuances by Stipulation
All pleadings must be accompanied by courtesy copies delivered to the assigned judge’s judicial assistant or courtroom clerk when filed.
Courtesy copies of all pleadings shall be delivered to the assigned judge’s judicial assistant or courtroom clerk at the time of filing.
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Page 80 | 8.5 Criminal Pretrial Law and Motion, Written Motion Procedures
The parties must deliver endorsed copies of the listed pretrial trial documents to the Assigned Judge's chambers on the same day they are filed.
By 3:30 p.m. on the sixth (6th) court day before trial or as otherwise ordered by the court, the parties must file the following trial documents listed below with the Civil Clerk’s Office, serve the documents on all parties, and deliver endorsed copies to the chambers of the Assigned Judge the same day.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 8 | D. Pretrial Trial Documents
Chambers does not accept courtesy copies of ex parte paperwork by email or fax.
Courtesy copies of any Ex Parte paperwork will not be accepted at any court facility by email or by fax.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | UNAVAILABILITY OF ASSIGNED JUDGE
On the filing date, the moving party must deliver one courtesy copy of the continuance documents to the department assigned to the matter; file endorsement is unnecessary.
The moving party must also deliver, on the day of the filing, a courtesy copy of the documents (these do not need to be file endorsed) to the respective department assigned to the matter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 44 | 5.3 CONTINUANCES
Courtesy copies must not be submitted to Family Court Services.
Courtesy copies shall not be submitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 100 | D. Documents to be Delivered and Reviewed by the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A protective order directing the filing of confidential material under seal must require a properly sized sealed manila envelope with specified identifying information, warning language, and a reference to the confidentiality order.
Any language incorporated in such an order that pertains to the filing with the court of material under seal must state that the party submitting confidential material to the Court to be filed must put that material in a sealed manila envelope no smaller than 9" x 12" and no larger than 10" x 13"; that the envelope must have on its back (on the unsealed side) the warning: “CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER,” the case number and caption, and the title(s) of the paper(s) enclosed; that in parentheses beneath the title(s) of the paper(s) as they appear on the envelope, there must be a reference to the confidentiality order, by file date and title [as, for example, (FILED UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO
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Page 45 | 5.8(A) — Protective Orders (Discovery, etc.)
Confidential materials submitted under a protective order must be maintained in the regular public file in sealed envelopes, and exhibits must be identified by reference rather than physically attached to the principal filing.
PROTECTIVE ORDER FILED JANUARY 1, 2000)], under which the papers are submitted. These papers must then be maintained in the Court’s regular public file but in their sealed envelopes. If the papers are exhibits to a motion or other paper, the manila envelope, with the stated identifying features, must not be attached to the principal paper, but there must be reference made in the motion, memorandum of points and authorities, or declaration, as appropriate, to the confidential materials filed under seal.
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Page 47
Reports, investigator materials, and other documents containing sensitive information in LPS and limited conservatorship hearings must be kept confidential and disclosed only to authorized persons under court order.
Reports by a Regional Center and the Office of the Probate Court Investigator, and other documents or materials containing sensitive information filed in LPS and limited conservatorship hearings, shall be maintained in a confidential status in the case file with disclosure only to authorized persons pursuant to Court order.
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Page 65 | 6.5. Compensation of Fiduciaries and Attorneys — preceding Rule 6 provisions
Prosecutors and law enforcement may request sealing of a portion or all of a warrant-related document when confidential victim or witness information cannot be redacted without losing clarity or completeness.
In instances where “confidential personal information” of victims and/or witness cannot be redacted for purposes of clarity or completeness, but must be provided to the court, prosecutors and law enforcement may request the court seal a portion or all of the warrant and its components, police report, arrest report or investigative report.
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Page 79 | 8.4 Protection of Confidential Personal Information
The court may grant a sealing request only if a written order makes three express findings concerning confidential information, its necessary provision to the court, and the absence of less restrictive alternatives.
The Court may grant the sealing order if it makes the following express findings in a written order: 1. The document requested to be sealed contains “confidential personal information” as defined in PC § 964; 2. The confidential personal information must be provided to the court for clarity and completeness of the criminal complaint, indictment, information, or search/arrest warrant application; and 3. No less restrictive means exist, such as the procedures set forth in paragraphs #2 and #3 of [this Local Rule], to protect the confidential personal information while preserving clarity and completeness of the criminal complaint, indictment, information, or search/arrest warrant application.
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Page 79 | 8.4 Protection of Confidential Personal Information
When submitting reports containing confidential victim or witness information, parties must provide a redacted copy with an attesting declaration and an unredacted copy for the court to seal and retain if the information is confidential.
The parties may submit copies of police reports, arrest reports or investigative reports that are redacted of all “confidential personal information” of victims and/or witnesses. The redacted copies of these reports provided to the court must be attached to a declaration attesting to the fact that the information redacted was “confidential personal information” of victims and/or witnesses as defined in PC § 964. The parties must also provide an unredacted copy of the documents, which, upon review, shall be sealed, and retained by the court, if the redacted material is determined to be “confidential information” as defined in PC § 964(b).
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Page 79 | 8.4 Protection of Confidential Personal Information
Anyone submitting or filing documents with the court must redact personal and financial identifying information.
Any person submitting or filing documents with the court shall redact personal and financial identifying information.
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Page 80 | 8.5 Criminal Pretrial Law and Motion, Written Motion Procedures
Confidential material submitted under a protective order must have a cover sheet with the prescribed warning, case number, caption, paper title, and reference to the confidentiality order, and the papers must remain confidential on the court file.
Any language incorporated in such an order that pertains to the filing of material under seal shall state that the party submitting confidential material to the court shall attach a cover sheet to that material which contains the following warning: "CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER," the case number and caption, and the title(s) of the paper(s); that in parentheses beneath the title(s) of the paper(s) there shall be a reference to the confidentiality order, by file date and title [as, for example, (FILED UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER FILED JANUARY 1, 2000)], under which the papers are submitted. These papers shall then be maintained as confidential on the court’s file.
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Page 112 | I. Protective Orders (Discovery, etc.)
If the court retains the parties’ last two years of income tax returns and attachments, the returns must be sealed and maintained as a confidential court record.
If the court determines that it wants to retain the tax returns they shall be sealed and maintained as a confidential record of the court pursuant to Family Code § 3552(c).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 99
The court will not redact confidential victim or witness information; agencies must ensure that it is removed before submission, and the court may accept or reject reports containing it.
All agencies should bear in mind that the court will not undertake the task of redacting any confidential personal information of victims or witnesses from documents submitted for the court’s consideration. Rather, the burden to ensure that this information is not included within any documents presented falls squarely on the agencies preparing and presenting them to the court. In this respect, the court may exercise its discretion to accept or reject a police, arrest or investigative report containing confidential personal information that is submitted in support of a criminal complaint, indictment, or information; or in support of a search or arrest warrant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 80 | 8.4 Protection of Confidential Personal Information
Filing Bundling Requirements
Opposition and reply briefs for motions to strike must be filed simultaneously with the corresponding briefs on the merits.
Opposition and Reply briefs for Motions to Strike shall be filed at the same time as Opposition and Reply briefs on the merits.
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Page 41
A manila envelope containing confidential exhibits must not be attached to the principal motion or other paper.
If the papers are exhibits to a motion or other paper, the manila envelope, with the stated identifying features, must not be attached to the principal paper, but there must be reference made in the motion, memorandum of points and authorities, or declaration, as appropriate, to the confidential materials filed under seal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 47
A Request for Order for Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings must be a stand-alone application and may not combine other issues.
Any Request for Order shall not be combined with other issues, and shall be a stand-alone application relating only to the Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 155.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 122 | 9.29 REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE FINDINGS
Parties are encouraged to file joint pretrial documents whenever possible during the meet-and-confer process.
During the ‘meet & confer’ process the parties are to strive filing ‘joint’ documents wherever possible.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 8 | D. Pretrial Trial Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Unless an Order of Examination is involved, the moving party must make a reasonable, good-faith attempt to resolve the motion informally and, if unresolved, file a Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.040 declaration at least two court days before the hearing.
make a reasonable and good faith attempt to informally resolve the motion with the moving party or their attorney in person or by telephone and in accordance with applicable law. In the event the motion is not so resolved, then the moving party must file not less than two (2) court days before the hearing date a declaration pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.040 setting forth facts applicable to the meet and confer conference. Orders of Examination are exempt from the requirement of this section.
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Page 21
When an ex parte application is opposed, the attorneys must meet and confer before presenting it to the court.
If the application is opposed, the attorneys must meet and confer prior to presentation of the ex parte.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 22 | 5.6 EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
A meet-and-confer conference for summary-judgment or summary-adjudication motions must occur at least ten calendar days before the noticed or continued hearing.
With reference to any motion for summary judgment and/or motion for summary adjudication of issues, the conference must occur not less than ten (10) calendar days preceding the noticed or continued date of hearing on such motion.
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Page 44 | 5.4 MEET AND CONFER CONFERENCE
Participation in the Discovery Facilitator Program becomes mandatory for a particular discovery motion after the court issues a referral order.
Once such order is made for a particular discovery motion, participation in the Discovery Facilitator Program is mandatory.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 11 | 4.14 DISCOVERY FACILITATOR PROGRAM — D. Mandatory Participation
Before the hearing on any motion, the moving party must make a reasonable and good-faith attempt to resolve the motion informally with the opposing party or attorney in person or by telephone.
Prior to the hearing date on all motions, the moving party must make a reasonable and good faith attempt to informally resolve the motion with the opposing party(s) or attorney(s) in person or by telephone, and in accordance with applicable law.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 20 | 5.4 MEET AND CONFER CONFERENCE — A. Moving Party’s Requirements
The opposing party or attorney must also make a reasonable, good-faith in-person or telephone attempt to resolve the motion informally.
In response, the opposing party(s) or attorney(s), during the conference, must also make a reasonable and good faith attempt to informally resolve the motion with the moving party or their attorney in person or by telephone and in accordance with applicable law.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 44 | 5.4 MEET AND CONFER CONFERENCE
Except for summary-judgment and summary-adjudication motions, the moving party must make a reasonable, good-faith in-person or telephone meet-and-confer attempt at least five calendar days before the noticed or continued hearing.
Prior to the hearing date on all motions, the moving party must make a reasonable and good faith attempt to informally resolve the motion with the opposing party(s) or attorney(s) in person or by telephone, and in accordance with applicable law. The conference must occur not less than five (5) calendar days preceding the noticed or continued date of hearing as to all motions, except motions for summary judgment and/or motions for summary adjudication of issues.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 44 | 5.4 MEET AND CONFER CONFERENCE
The parties and any attorneys must conduct a good-faith meet-and-confer, which may occur by telephone, exchange relevant documents absent good cause, and file the compliance declaration no later than five court days before the hearing.
The parties, and attorneys, if any, shall meet and confer in a good faith effort to resolve all of the issues in the case pursuant to Sonoma County Local Rules, Rule 9.13. The meet and confer session may take place by telephone conference call. The meet and confer shall occur in a timely fashion so that the parties will be prepared to file a declaration regarding compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.040 no later than five (5) court days prior to the date set for the hearing. All relevant documents must be exchanged by the parties while conferring, absent good cause to the contrary.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 111 | D. Meet and Confer Conference
Participation in the Discovery Facilitator Program satisfies a party's applicable obligation to meet and confer regarding a civil discovery dispute.
Participation in the Discovery Facilitator Program shall be deemed to satisfy a party's obligation to meet and confer under applicable law.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 11 | 4.14 DISCOVERY FACILITATOR PROGRAM — A. Policy of the Sonoma County Superior Court
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Small claims continuance and trial-de-novo requests must follow Code of Civil Procedure section 116.570.
Requests for continuance of trials or trials de novo in small claims cases must follow the procedure set out in Code of Civil Procedure § 116.570.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | C. Good Cause Requirement
Every trial continuance request must include the good-cause showing required by California Rule of Court 3.1332.
Any Request for a trial continuance must be supported by a good cause showing as defined in California Rule of Court, Rule 3.1332.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | C. Good Cause Requirement
A continuance motion must be calendared before the Assigned Judge at least seven calendar days before trial unless good cause supports a shorter notice period.
Any motion for continuance must be calendared for hearing before the Assigned Judge on the Trial calendar at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the trial date, unless good cause is shown for a shortening of such time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | B. Continuances
Trial counsel's stipulation alone is not good cause for granting a continuance.
Stipulation of trial counsel by itself does not constitute good cause for granting a continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | B. Continuances
Failure to complete discovery or mediation and settlement discussions is not good cause for a trial continuance.
Failure to complete discovery or mediation/settlement discussion does not constitute good cause for a trial continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | C. Good Cause Requirement
A trial continuance request must be made by stipulation of all parties or by written notice of motion and may be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Requests for trial continuances Continuances of trials may be granted, upon good cause show, must be made either by stipulation of all the parties or upon written notice of motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | B. Continuances
A moving party must file a continuance request, with the required fees, or notice of dropping a law and motion matter with the Civil Clerk’s Office by 4:00 p.m. at least three court days before the hearing.
Requests for continuances (along Along with the required fees) or notification of dropping of law and motion matters must be filed by the moving party with the Civil Clerk’s Office by 4:00 p.m. at least three (3) court days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 20 | 5.3 CONTINUANCES — A. Requests for Continuances by Stipulation
A request to drop or continue a settlement conference, case management conference, or master calendar must be sent to the Family Law Judicial Assistant by 5:00 p.m. at least three court days before the conference.
Any request to drop or continue the Settlement Conference, and Case Management Conference or Master Calendar must be made to the Family Law Judicial Assistant by 5:00 p.m. at least three (3) court days prior to the court date conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 28 | 9.20 FAMILY LAW SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
A request to continue a case-management conference must be included in the Case Management Conference Statement.
Requests to continue a Case Management Conference must be set forth in the Case Management Conference Statement.
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Page 22 | Rule 4 — Rules Applicable to All Civil Cases, 4.1 Differential Case Management
A trial continuance requires good cause and either a stipulation or written motion calendared at least seven calendar days before trial, although good cause may shorten the notice period.
Continuances of trials may be granted, upon good cause show, by stipulation of the parties or upon written notice of motion. Failure to complete discovery does not constitute good cause. Any motion for continuance must be calendared for hearing before the Assigned Judge on the Trial calendar at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the trial date, unless good cause is shown for a shortening of such time. Stipulation of trial counsel by itself does not constitute good cause for granting a continuance.
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Page 28 | Rule 4.9 — Trial and Trial-Related Motions
Small claims requests to continue a trial or obtain a trial de novo must follow Code of Civil Procedure section 116.570.
Requests for continuance of trials or trials de novo in small claims cases must follow the procedure set out in Code of Civil Procedure § 116.570.
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Page 28 | Rule 4.9 — Trial and Trial-Related Motions
A stipulated continuance on the regular Probate calendar generally may be requested no more than twice and for no more than six months from the first hearing date, using the required form, all-party execution, and continuance fee submitted to the probate clerk by noon three court days before the hearing; electronic signatures are acceptable.
Stipulated continuances for any matter set on the regular Probate calendar will generally be granted a maximum of two (2) times per pending petition or application for relief and for not more than a total of six (6) months’ time from the date the matter was first set for hearing. To request one of the two stipulated continuances, a NOTICE OF STIPULATED CONTINUANCE (PROBATE) (Sonoma County Local Form PR- 018) executed by all parties or their attorneys and the continuance fee must be submitted to the probate clerk no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) three (3) court days prior to the hearing date. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
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Page 51 | 2. Procedure for Obtaining a continuance (This rule does not apply to Trial Dates)
Generally, the matter will be dismissed without prejudice if more than two continuances are requested or permitted before disposition.
Generally, no more than two continuances will be permitted before the matter is dismissed without prejudice.
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Page 51 | 2. Procedure for Obtaining a continuance (This rule does not apply to Trial Dates)
A trial or preliminary hearing may be continued only by written motion establishing good cause, unless statutory or decisional law requires otherwise.
No trial or preliminary hearing may be continued, except upon written motion establishing good cause as required by PC § 1050, unless otherwise required by statutory or decisional law.
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Page 82 | 8.10 CONTINUANCES
A continuance request must include completed and executed Local Form FL015 and the continuance fee submitted to the family law clerk at least two court days before the hearing; faxed signatures are accepted.
To request a continuance, a Notice of Stipulated Continuance (Family Law) Local Form FL015 must be completed and executed by all parties or their attorneys and the continuance fee must be submitted to the family law clerk no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) two (2) court days prior to the hearing date. Signatures transmitted by facsimile transmission (fax) are acceptable.
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Page 95 | D. Continuances on Domestic and Child Support Matters
A continuance request by stipulation or notice of dropping must be presented to the clerk by 3:00 p.m. at least five court days before the hearing; only one continuance by stipulation will be granted.
Requests for continuances by stipulation or notification of dropping of law and motion matters must be presented by the parties to the clerk by 3:00 p.m. at least five (5) court days prior to the scheduled hearing date. Only one continuance by stipulation will be granted; after that, if the case cannot proceed, the court may drop the matter or require that it be re-noticed.
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Page 112 | F. Continuances
A request to drop or continue either conference must reach the Family Law Judicial Assistant by 5:00 p.m. at least three court days before the conference.
Any request to drop or continue the Settlement Conference and Case Management Conference must be made to the Family Law Judicial Assistant by 5:00 p.m. at least three (3) court days prior to the conference.
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Page 116 | 9.20 FAMILY LAW SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
Jurisdictional-hearing continuances require a written motion with notice filed within two court days of the hearing date; other hearings may be continued by written ex parte motion when all attorneys and parties agree to the continuance and new hearing date.
C. Justice Continuances of jurisdictional hearings will be granted only upon written motion with notice to all attorneys and unrepresented parties filed within two (2) court days of the date set for hearing. All other hearings may be continued by written motion noticed on an ex parte basis if all attorneys and parties agree to the continuance and the new date for hearing.
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Page 134 | 10.11
In dependency cases, stipulated continuance requests must be presented to the court by noon at least one court day before the hearing.
B. Dependency Continuances will be granted and time waivers accepted pursuant to WIC § 352 and CRC, Rule 5.550. Requests for stipulated continuances shall be presented to the court by noon one at least (1) court day prior to the hearing.
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Page 134 | 10.11
The court independently determines whether good cause supports a stipulated continuance, and a stipulation alone does not establish good cause.
The court has discretion to determine if good cause exists to grant the continuance of the hearing. Stipulation by itself does not constitute good cause for granting a continuance.
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Page 31 | E. Continuing a Trial — 1. Continuing Trials by Stipulation
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties, attorneys, and the Court may not have ex parte contact with the assigned mediator or recommending counselor about substantive pending-case matters.
No party, attorney, or the Court is permitted to have ex parte contact with the assigned Family Court Services mediator or recommending counselor about substantive matters in the pending case.
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Page 100 | F. Contact with Family Court Services
Required proposed orders in word processing format must be emailed to ProposedCivilOrders@sonomacourt.org with the case number in the subject line; other emails are deleted.
When required, proposed orders in word processing format should be emailed directly to the department using the following email address: ProposedCivilOrders@sonomacourt.org. Please note the case number in the subject line of your email. Note that this email is only for proposed orders in word processing format pursuant to Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1312(c)(2) and Local Rule 17.26. All other emails sent to these addresses will not be read and will be deleted.
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Page 1 | Submitting a proposed order in word processing format under Ca. Rules of Court. rule 3.1312(c)(2) and Local Rule 17.26
An interested party seeking to be heard about a tentative ruling must call 707-521-6893 and leave a message identifying the caller and case.
Any interested party who wishes to be heard in relation to the tentative ruling must call 707-521-6893 and leave a brief message that includes the name and telephone number of the party calling and the case name and number.
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Page 52 | 2. Tentative Rulings – Regular Probate Calendar
Unsolicited email and regular-mail communications to Family Court Services are prohibited and will not be reviewed or considered.
Unsolicited communications (e-mails and correspondence via regular mail) are not permitted and will not be reviewed or considered.
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Page 100 | F. Contact with Family Court Services
Tentative rulings may be obtained by telephone at (707) 521-6607.
For tentative rulings by phone, please call (707) 521-6607.
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Page 52 | 2. Tentative Rulings – Regular Probate Calendar
Minor’s counsel may contact Family Court Services under Family Code section 3151(c)(5) to obtain and provide relevant information about the represented children.
Minor’s counsel may contact Family Court Services according to Family Code § 3151(c)5 to obtain and provide relevant information regarding the child(ren) they represent.
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Page 100 | F. Contact with Family Court Services
A party seeking to be heard in support of or opposition to a tentative ruling must notify the court, attorneys for represented parties, and unrepresented parties by 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing.
Any interested party who wishes to be heard in relation to or opposition to a tentative ruling must also notify the attorneys for all represented parties as well as all unrepresented parties of their intent to appear. Notifications to the court and all attorneys and unrepresented parties must be completed no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day immediately preceding the day of the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 52 | 2. Tentative Rulings – Regular Probate Calendar
A party seeking to be heard on a tentative guardianship ruling must call the court with specified identifying information and, when opposing a petition, notify all represented and unrepresented parties by 4:00 p.m. on the preceding court day.
Any interested party who wishes to be heard in relation to /the tentative ruling must call 707-521-6893 and leave a brief message that includes the name and telephone number of the party calling and the case name and number. Any interested party who wishes to be heard in opposition to a petition must also notify the attorneys for all represented parties as well as all unrepresented parties of their intent to appear. Notifications to the court and all attorneys and unrepresented parties must be completed no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day immediately preceding the day of the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 75 | G. Tentative Rulings - Guardianship Calendar
A party seeking to be heard at a scheduled Case Management Conference must notify the Assigned Judge’s chambers and all parties or their attorneys no later than 24 hours before the conference.
The tentative ruling will become the ruling of the Court at the conference unless any party desiring to be heard so advises the judicial assistant in the Assigned Judge’s chambers no later than 24 hours before the scheduled conference and also notifies all parties or their attorneys.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 4 | 4.2 ASSIGNMENT TO ONE JUDGE FOR ALL PURPOSES AND CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
When a calendared matter is resolved, dismissed, settled, or moot, the moving party seeking removal from the law and motion calendar must immediately notify the Assigned Judge's judicial assistant by telephone and follow with a confirming letter.
If any matter scheduled on the law and motion calendar is resolved, dismissed, settled or becomes moot for any reason, the moving party shall immediately notify the judicial assistant for the Assigned Judge if the motion is to be dropped from the law and motion calendar. Said notification may be made by telephone, followed by a letter of confirmation.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 18 | 5.1 SCHEDULING
An adoption hearing may be scheduled by contacting the Family Law Department’s adoption line at (707) 521-6641.
In all adoption cases a hearing may be scheduled by contacting the Family Law Department’s adoption line at (707) 521-6641.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 120 | 9.25 ADOPTIONS — A
Tentative guardianship-calendar rulings may be obtained by telephone at (707) 521-6607 or through the Court's website.
The tentative ruling may be obtained by telephoning (707) 521-6607 or by accessing the Court’s website at www.sonoma.courts.ca.gov and selecting the option for Tentative Rulings.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 75 | G. Tentative Rulings - Guardianship Calendar
Mediation appointment dates may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office on the filing date.
Appointment dates for mediation may be obtained through the Clerk’s Office on the date of filing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 99 | C. Referral to the Online Orientation Program and Family Court Services
After receiving an expedited child custody trial request, the court will set a domestic-calendar Case Management Conference approximately two weeks later.
The Court shall set a Case Management Conference on the domestic calendar approximately two weeks after receiving the request for an expedited child custody trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 120 | 9.24 CHILD CUSTODY TRIALS