Ventura Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Email • Upon Filing
Joint Request For Idc
Adjournments
- A motion, RFO, or MSC continuance request must be submitted no less than two court days before the currently scheduled date.
- A stipulated hearing continuance requires immediate submission of a Request for Continuance, signed by both attorneys or pro per litigants, at least two court days before the hearing.
- A stipulated Mandatory Settlement Conference continuance requires a VN-230 request signed by both parties, submitted by facsimile or walk-through at least two court days before the hearing.
- An evidentiary hearing or trial continuance request must be filed more than 30 days in advance when based on good cause, or less than 30 days in advance when extraordinary circumstances are set forth in the declaration; the request must state the number of prior continuances.
- A mediation continuance requires obtaining a new mediation date or dates from Family Court Services before submitting the continuance form.
- A request for another continuance must include a declaration establishing good cause for the requested continuance.
- Specially set evidentiary hearing dates are firm and must be treated as certain by all parties and counsel.
- +27 more
Request must include
- Litigants may request good cause to continue the mediation completion deadline by filing a joint stipulation and proposed order at least 14 days before the current deadline and including that deadline in the caption.
- A continuance sought within 14 days before the hearing must be requested through local form VN-135, a stipulation and proposed order, or a continuance motion, rather than informally through Legal Research.
- When the parties stipulate to a hearing continuance, they must immediately submit a signed Request to Reschedule Hearing for Continuance at least three court days before the hearing, using eDelivery, in person, mail, or facsimile; the required continuance fee is due within ten days, or before the new court date when the continuance is for fewer than ten days.
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Page & Word Limits4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A joint IDC request must be signed by each counsel or party and may not exceed eight pages.
A joint request for IDC shall be signed by each counsel or party to the discovery dispute and shall not exceed eight (8) pages.
Joint Request For Idc
8 pages
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A stipulated statement of the case may not exceed one page and must be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy.
It is not to exceed one page and is to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy:
Statement Of Case
1 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Trial briefs shall not exceed ten (10) pages.
Summary: Trial briefs may not exceed ten pages unless the trial judge provides otherwise.
Trial Brief
10 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Subject to the trial courts’ individual rules and procedures, motions and oppositions, if any, shall be in writing not to exceed three (3) pages each, including points and authorities and exhibits.
Summary: Written in limine motions and oppositions are each limited to three pages, including points, authorities, and exhibits, subject to individual trial-court rules.
In Limine Motion
3 pages
Opposition
3 pages
Document Format Requirements19 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Hard-copy filings in the specified eCourt case types may not use exhibit tabs or dividers that enlarge the page beyond 8.5 by 11 inches.
For all eCourt case types (Civil, Probate, Small Claims, Mental Health, and all Civil Restraining Orders), hard copy documents submitted for filing shall not include exhibit tabs or other dividers which cause the page to exceed ”8 ½ by 11”.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Digital submissions are accepted only in the listed document, image, audio, and video formats.
C. The Ventura Superior Court accepts digital submissions only in the following formats: • Document: .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf • Image: .png, .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tiff • Audio: .mp3, .wav • Video: .mp4
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Copies lodged through a courtroom email proxy must be submitted in PDF format.
B. Lodged copies submitted to a courtroom’s email proxy must be in PDF format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel-prepared jury instructions must follow Exhibit A unless the trial court orders or permits otherwise.
Jury instructions prepared by counsel will be accepted only in the format of Exhibit A hereto, unless otherwise ordered or allowed by the trial court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each petition for probate of a will must have a typed copy of the will attached.
Each petition for probate of a will shall have attached thereto a typed copy of the will.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Proposed findings and orders must be submitted separately from all attachments and cover memoranda.
If any party proposes findings and orders, the proposed findings and orders shall be submitted to the court separate from any attachments or cover memoranda.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Psychological evaluation reports must not be attached to court reports and must instead be filed separately in the confidential portion of the court file.
In order to protect the parties’ privacy and to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of confidential psychological information, psychological evaluation reports shall not be attached to a court report but shall be separately filed in the confidential part of the court’s file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Electronic briefs must be text-searchable PDFs, be properly paginated, contain bookmarks, and comply with applicable content and form rules.
Electronic briefs must be submitted in PDF text searchable format, properly paginated, contain bookmarks and comply with applicable California Rules of Court regarding content and form.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel-prepared jury instructions will be accepted only in the Exhibit A format unless the trial court orders or permits otherwise.
Jury instructions prepared by counsel will be accepted only in the format of Exhibit A hereto, unless otherwise ordered or allowed by the trial court. (Deleted effective 01/01/2027)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
A permanent medical-excuse note must be on the provider’s letterhead, be signed by the provider, identify the juror by full name and badge number, and state that the juror has a permanent physical or mental disability or impairment.
If you are requesting a permanent medical excuse, the note must state that you have a permanent physical or mental disability or impairment that makes you incapable of performing jury service, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.1009. Note Requirements: • Must be on the Health Care Provider’s letterhead. • Must be signed by the Health Care Provider. • Must include your full name and badge number_______________________. • Must state that you have a permanent physical or mental disability or impairment.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The exhibit number or letter must appear in the footer of every page of each exhibit.
Parties shall specify the exhibit number or letter in the footer of every page of each exhibit.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Counsel must pre-mark and exchange exhibits, prepare a joint exhibit list and exhibit binders, and provide binders for opposing counsel, the witness stand, the bench, and the clerk if the judge orders a clerk copy.
Pre-mark and exchange exhibits. Prepare a joint exhibit list and exhibit binders. An exhibit binder is needed for each of the following 1) opposing counsel(s), 2) witness stand, 3) bench, and 4) clerk (if ordered by the judge).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Findings and orders after hearing, stipulations and orders, and judgments must be submitted in legible, hand-printed or typewritten form.
All Findings and Orders After Hearing, Stipulation and Orders and all Judgments shall be submitted to the court in a legible form, either hand printed or typewritten.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
CASA reports have no court-prescribed format.
There is no required format for a CASA report.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Such specifically requested documents will be electronically delivered in .pdf format as an attachment to electronic mail delivered to courtroomJ6@ventura.courts.ca.gov within twenty-four (24) hours of the request by the court unless the court has indicated otherwise.
Summary: Court-requested post-hearing documents must be emailed to the designated address in PDF format within 24 hours unless the court directs otherwise.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
To prevent confusion, the proposed order must strike the entire erroneous clause or sentence and then restate the entire clause or sentence as corrected.
Summary: A proposed nunc pro tunc order must strike the entire erroneous clause or sentence and restate the complete corrected clause or sentence.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The party filing a confidential document shall be responsible to clearly indicate it is a confidential document by stamping or writing in red ink on the front page “Confidential” unless otherwise required by law.
Summary: A dependency filing containing a confidential document must be marked “Confidential” in red ink on the front page unless law requires another marking.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Must be on the Health Care Provider’s letterhead or prescription pad.
Summary: A current jury-duty medical excuse must be on the health care provider’s letterhead or prescription pad.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The electronic version of the brief shall be in a portable document format (PDF) capable of full text searching and, unless the court directs otherwise, contain hyperlinks to material cited in the brief, including the administrative record, cited decisions, and any other brief in the case filed electronically by the parties.
Summary: The electronic version of a brief on the merits must be a searchable PDF and, unless the court directs otherwise, must contain hyperlinks to cited materials.
Document Filing Requirements160 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A qualifying civil action or proceeding must be accompanied by the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum, Local Form VN278, signed by counsel for the plaintiff or the self-represented plaintiff.
In addition to the Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council Form CM-010) required by the California Rules of Court, a civil action or proceeding presented for filing must be accompanied by the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum (Local Form VN278) in all cases that comprise the Type of Action provided for in the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum and signed by counsel for plaintiff or the self-represented plaintiff.
Document Type
Civil Action Or Proceeding
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An application to extend a procedure or deadline must include a proposed order.
No procedure or deadline established by these rules may be waived or extended by stipulation or agreement of the parties, except as permitted by Government Code §68616, unless approved by the court, upon written application and submission of proposed order and a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Extension Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The required Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date for an assigned mediator must identify the assigned mediator and selected mediation date.
Within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271), the plaintiff shall file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272) that includes the assigned mediator and the selected mediation date.
Document Type
Stipulation To Mediator And Mediation Date
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Upon settlement, the plaintiff must file Judicial Council form CM-200 as the Notice of Settlement of Entire Case.
If the case settles, the plaintiff must immediately file a “Notice of Settlement of Entire Case” form (Judicial Council CM-200).
Document Type
Notice Of Settlement Of Entire Case
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An elisor application and proposed order must designate the Ventura Superior Court Clerk or Clerk’s Designee, identify the parties involved, and state the capacity in which the elisor will sign.
When applying for an appointment of an elisor, the application and proposed order must designate “The Clerk of the Superior Court, County of Ventura or the Clerk’s Designee” as the elisor and specifically name the party(ies) for whom the elisor is being appointed and in what capacity the elisor is being asked to sign the document(s).
Document Type
Elisor Application And Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An elisor application and order may not identify a specific court employee as the elisor.
The application and order must not set forth a specific court employee.
Document Type
Elisor Application And Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An application for appointment of an elisor must be filed as a Notice of Motion, Order to Show Cause, or Request for Order.
B. An application for appointment of an elisor shall be made by filing an appropriate pleading (Notice of Motion, Order to Show Cause or Request for Order).
Document Type
Elisor Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An original complaint-in-intervention must accompany the leave application and, after leave is granted, be separately filed forthwith and no later than 10 days after the order.
An original complaint-in- intervention shall be submitted along with the application for leave of court. Upon granting of the order regarding leave to file, the complaint-in-intervention shall be separately filed forthwith with the Clerk’s Office, and in no event later than ten (10) days from the issuance of the order granting leave.
Document Type
Complaint In Intervention
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An automobile deficiency judgment will not be granted or submitted for approval without a completed and filed Declaration in Support of Deficiency Judgment.
Automobile deficiency judgments will not be granted nor submitted to a judge for approval unless a “Declaration in Support of Deficiency Judgment” has been completed and filed under Code of Civil Procedure § 585(d).
Document Type
Automobile Deficiency Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A plaintiff or petitioner may use a pseudonym in a pleading only when permitted by court order or authorized by statute or court rule without an order.
A plaintiff or petitioner shall not be identified in a pleading by a pseudonym unless the use of a pseudonym is permitted by court order or the use of a pseudonym without a court order is authorized by statute or rule of court.
Document Type
Pleading
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A plaintiff or petitioner seeking to use a pseudonym must either file an ex parte leave application when the complaint or petition is filed or conspicuously identify the authorizing statute or court rule in the caption.
A plaintiff or petitioner who wishes to proceed under a pseudonym shall: 1. At the time the complaint or petition is filed, file an ex parte application for an order granting leave to proceed by pseudonym in lieu of the party’s true name; or 2. Conspicuously state in the caption of the complaint or petition the statute or rule of court permitting the use of a pseudonym without a court order.
Document Type
Complaint Or Petition
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A responsive pleading may use the responding party’s correct name but must also state the incorrect name used in the initiating pleading using the prescribed “erroneously sued as” language.
If a defendant, cross-defendant or respondent is identified by an incorrect name in a pleading, the defendant, cross-defendant or respondent may respond to the pleading using his/her/entity’s correct name but shall also include the name by which that defendant, cross- defendant or respondent was erroneously sued by including the words “erroneously sued as [name used by the plaintiff/cross- complainant/petitioner]” after the responding party’s name in the responsive pleading.
Document Type
Responsive Pleading
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel for all sides must agree on one combined list of witnesses who may be called at trial.
Counsel for all sides shall agree on a single combined list of witnesses who may be called in the trial.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Requests for domestic violence temporary restraining orders must use the current Judicial Council forms, including DV-100 and DV-110 as applicable.
When seeking TRO’S, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. These forms are the specialized Domestic Violence Forms including DV-100, DV-110 and other applicable Domestic Violence forms.
Document Type
Temporary Restraining Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every ex parte application must include the VN-028 declaration or another declaration specifying notice details, requested relief, hearing information, or exceptional circumstances excusing notice.
All ex parte applications shall be accompanied by a Declaration Re Ex-Parte Notice (VN-028) or by other declaration which states with specificity the name of the party noticed, the manner in which notice was given, the relief being sought and the date, time and location of the hearing or a declaration as to the exceptional circumstances why notice was not given.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Declarations supporting requests for ex parte orders must contain supporting facts.
Declarations must contain facts to support requests for ex parte orders.
Document Type
Ex Parte Declaration
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte residence exclusion order requires a clear showing of assault or threats and resulting potential physical or emotional harm.
Ex Parte Residence Exclusion Orders will not be issued unless there is a clear showing of assault against or threats to assault the party seeking protection, a person under the control of the party seeking protection, or of a minor child of the parties or party, and that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result.
Document Type
Ex Parte Residence Exclusion Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A residence exclusion application must detail the most recent assault or threats and related facts, including the date of each occurrence.
This showing shall include a full description, in detail, of the most recent instance(s) of actual assault or threats to assault, disposition toward violence, intoxication or use of drugs or other such facts, and shall specify the date of each occurrence.
Document Type
Ex Parte Residence Exclusion Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Custody or visitation modification requests must be supported by declarations establishing the existing order, current arrangement, requested relief, immediate harm or irreparable injury, and status of any CPS or law-enforcement referral.
A party requesting an order establishing or modifying custody or visitation shall, by declarations, establish the following: (1) the provisions of any existing order; (2) the actual current custody arrangement; (3) the requested relief; (4) the immediate harm or irreparable injury; and (5) the status of any referral to Child Protective Services or law enforcement.
Document Type
Custody Or Visitation Declaration
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte application must include facts showing why the matter should be handled ex parte rather than on the law and motion calendar.
The declarations shall contain facts that demonstrate why the matter is appropriately handled as an ex parte matter, as opposed to being heard on the court's law and motion calendar (with or without an order shortening time).
Document Type
Ex Parte Declaration
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Specified civil harassment, workplace violence, elder or dependent adult abuse, school violence, transitional housing misconduct, and gun violence prevention TRO requests must use current Judicial Council forms and include a detailed declaration of the conduct, dates, acts, words, and injuries.
When seeking Civil Harassment, Workplace Violence, Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse, Post-secondary School Violence and Transitional Housing Misconduct and Gun Violence Prevention Temporary Restraining Orders, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. A declaration in support of the TRO shall be included setting forth with specificity, the harassing conduct including dates, specific acts and words and any injuries suffered by the requesting party.
Document Type
Temporary Restraining Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A stay-away request must identify the restrained party’s residence status and move date and explain any conflict caused by shared workplaces or school access.
Requests for orders requiring a party to stay away from the other party’s residence, place of business, or child’s school, shall indicate whether the party to be restrained is residing in the residence or has moved and the date he or she moved, and whether the order requested would be problematic due to the fact that both parties work at the same place or have good cause to go to the child’s school.
Document Type
Stay Away Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An ex parte application must disclose whether the requested order will change the status quo.
There is an absolute duty to disclose the fact that a requested ex parte order will result in a change of the status quo.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A self-employed party or a party owning at least 30% of a business entity must have available specified tax, income, profit-and-loss, and balance-sheet documents for the stated periods.
If the party is self-employed or holds a 30% or more interest in any business entity (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax returns, partnership, corporate, or any other business entity returns including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received by the party or the business entity during the last 12 months but not attached to individual tax returns; (c) Copies of all periodic profit and loss statements and balance sheets prepared in the ordinary course of business either for the individual or for the business entity for the last twelve months.
Document Type
Self Employed Or Business Owner Financial Documents
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A wage earner or unemployed party must have available the most recent individual federal tax return and all unattached W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting the preceding 12 months’ income.
If the party is a wage earner or unemployed (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax return, including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received during the last twelve (12) months if not attached to individual tax returns.
Document Type
Wage Earner Or Unemployed Financial Documents
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange and file a separate proposed-witness statement identifying case-in-chief witnesses, their testimony, and direct-examination time estimates.
(3) Proposed Witnesses: The parties must exchange and file a brief statement identifying all witnesses to be called in their case in chief, what each witness will testify to, and a time estimate of the direct examination of each witness. This statement is separate from any witness list required for trial.
Document Type
Proposed Witness Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement must include a Property Declaration and Propertizer or equivalent spreadsheet, with each party permitted to prepare its own attachment if agreement is impossible.
(1) Property Attachments: A Property Declaration (FL-160), a Propertizer™ or other equivalent spreadsheet must be attached to the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement. If the parties are unable to agree on the contents of the attachments, each party may complete and attach the required document.
Document Type
Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
At a support, fees, or costs hearing, each party must make certain financial documents available for the other party’s inspection on request, but must not file them and this production does not limit discovery.
At the time of hearing on any matter seeking child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees and costs, each party shall have available the following documents to the extent that they are in the possession or control of that party, and allow inspection by the other party upon request. These documents shall not be filed with the court and shall not in any way limit discovery.
Document Type
Financial Disclosure Documents
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
At least five court days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference, parties must complete and file the applicable FL-141, financial statement, and Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement.
All parties must complete and file the following five (5) court days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference: (a) Declaration re Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) (Dissolution or Legal Separation only) (b) Current Income and Expense documents (FL-150) or Financial Statement Simplified (FL-155), if support, fees, or costs are requested. (c) Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement (VN-219) with:
Document Type
Mandatory Settlement Conference Filing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Public-assistance status must be disclosed on the applicable default or uncontested declaration, and the local child support agency must sign the proposed judgment when a party receives public assistance.
If any party is receiving public assistance, that information shall be disclosed on the Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) and the local child support agency shall sign the proposed Judgment.
Document Type
Default Or Uncontested Matter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
At the assigned courtroom, counsel or self-represented parties must give the judicial assistant the original proposed judgment and any marital settlement agreement, completed except for support or attorney-fee amounts the court may address at the hearing.
On reporting to the courtroom to which a default matter has been assigned, counsel or parties representing themselves shall provide the original of the proposed judgment, including any marital settlement agreement, to the judicial assistant in the courtroom. The judgment shall be completed in full, with the exception of any child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees, which may be addressed by the court at the hearing.
Document Type
Proposed Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The requesting party receives a CCRC/Orientation Appointment Sheet to serve with the moving papers, and all parties must complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire.
At the time of filing, the requesting party will be given a CCRC/Orientation Appointment Sheet to be served on the responding party along with the moving papers. In addition, parties shall be required to complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire.
Document Type
Ccrc Orientation Appointment Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
All parties must complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire.
In addition, parties shall be required to complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire.
Document Type
Ccrc Intake Questionnaire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Parties electing private CCRC must enter a written stipulation using the mandatory "Stipulation and Order for Private CCRC" form.
Should the parties elect to participate in private CCRC, they shall enter into a written stipulation. The form "Stipulation and Order for Private CCRC" shall be mandatory and may be obtained in the office of the Clerk of the Ventura Superior Court.
Document Type
Private Ccrc Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Before serving as a visitation supervisor, a professional provider must complete and file Form FL-324(P) with the Family Law Clerk's Office.
Before serving as a visitation supervisor, professional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office.
Document Type
Declaration Of Supervised Visitation And Exchange Services Provider Professional
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A professional supervised visitation provider must file an updated FL-324(P) whenever a report is submitted to the court.
In addition, professional providers are required to complete and file an updated FL-324(P) each time a report is submitted to the court.
Document Type
Updated Declaration Of Supervised Visitation And Exchange Services Provider Professional
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A professional provider seeking inclusion on the court's list must sign Form FL-324(P) and submit an unconformed copy to Family Court Services at the stated address.
Any professional supervised visitation provider requesting to be included on the list must complete and sign the Judicial Council Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)). and submit an unconformed copy to the Ventura Superior Court Family Court Services Department located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Room 307, Ventura, CA 93009.
Document Type
Request For Inclusion On Professional Supervised Visitation Provider List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An application to change a child's living situation before the full hearing must state the identified background, proposed arrangement, supporting circumstances, reasons, and other relevant information.
Any application to change the child's living situation prior to full hearing shall include the following: (a) the current court order, if any. (b) the current child-sharing schedule or agreement, if any. (c) any change in the child's place of residence in the past 120 days and the circumstances surrounding these changes. (d) what time sharing program is proposed. (e) the reasons for any proposed changes in the child's living situation. (f) any other relevant information.
Document Type
Application To Change Living Situation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Before serving as a visitation supervisor, a nonprofessional provider must complete and file Form FL-324(NP) with the Family Law Clerk's Office.
Before serving as a visitation supervisor, nonprofessional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Nonprofessional) (Judicial Council Form FL-324(NP)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office.
Document Type
Declaration Of Supervised Visitation And Exchange Services Provider Nonprofessional
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A petition declaring a child free from custody or terminating parental rights must be accompanied by proposed Local Form VN268 directing the Human Services Agency to investigate and report a recommendation.
Upon the filing of a petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control under Family Code §7800 et seq. or a petition to terminate parental rights under Probate Code §1516.5, the petitioner shall also submit to the court a proposed order (Local Form VN268) ordering the Ventura County Human Services Agency to conduct an investigation and report to the Court its recommendation as required pursuant to Family Code §7851.
Document Type
Custody Declaration Or Parental Rights Termination Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Before the final adoption hearing is scheduled, the petitioner must lodge a conformed copy of the specified court order.
In any adoption case where a court has made an order finding the child free from parental custody and control, terminating parental rights, or finding a parent’s consent is not necessary, the petitioner(s) must lodge a conformed copy of the court’s order prior to the scheduling of the final adoption hearing.
Document Type
Conformed Copy Of Court Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A custody-declaration or parental-rights-termination petition must state its statutory grounds in the caption or include Local Form VN-239; otherwise, the clerk will reject it for filing.
Any petition filed to declare a child free from parental custody and control and/or terminate parental rights must state in the caption the statutory grounds for the petition or alternatively, the petitioner may file Ventura Superior Court Local Form VN-239 “Statement of Legal Grounds for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.” Failure to either state the statutory grounds in the caption of the petition or to file VN-239 will result in the petition being rejected for filing.
Document Type
Custody Declaration Or Parental Rights Termination Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A custody-declaration, parental-rights-termination, or consent-not-necessary petition must be filed under a new case number separate from the adoption case.
A petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control, (Family Code §7800 et seq. and Probate Code §1516.5), a petition to terminate parental rights, (Family Code §7662) and a petition to find a parent’s consent is not necessary, (Family Code §8604) must be filed under a new case number, separate from the case number for the adoption petition.
Document Type
Custody Declaration Parental Rights Termination Or Consent Not Necessary Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An order probating a lost will must use the Judicial Council “Order for Probate” form and include an attachment stating the lost will or codicil terms.
(a) Order for Probate of Lost Will. The Judicial Council form “Order for Probate” must be used for an order probating a lost will with an attachment setting forth the terms of the lost will and/or codicil.
Document Type
Lost Will Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A probate ex parte application, petition, or motion must allege that special notice was given, was not requested, or was waived in writing under California Rules of Court rule 7.55.
6. Special Notice – The ex parte application, petition or motion must include an allegation that special notice has been given, has not been requested, or a written waiver of special notice has been filed as required by California Rules of Court, rule 7.55.
Document Type
Ex Parte Petition
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A blocked-account release may proceed ex parte without notice or appearance if the petition states the required estate, bond, release, and use information, and any uncovered amount is restricted to the stated purposes in the order.
5. As an exception to the above policies, funds may be ordered released from blocked accounts by ex parte petition without notice and without appearance, provided that the following information is included in the petition: (a) Overall size of the estate; (b) Amount not in a blocked account; (c) Amount of the bond; (d) Amount of the release requested; and (e) Itemized use of the amount to be released; (f) If any portion of the amount to be released is not covered by bond, the order must include a provision directing that the amount is to be expended only for the purposes stated.
Document Type
Blocked Account Release Petition
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An order followed by a future report or accounting must include blank spaces for the future filing deadline, hearing details, and department.
(c) Order Relating to Future Report or Accounting. An order which will be followed by a future report or accounting shall include blank spaces in which the court will fill in the future dates, such as: The Account and/or Report shall be filed on or before , with a hearing set for at am in Department_____.
Document Type
Future Report Or Accounting Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Court users choosing electronic delivery must submit all documents through the court's approved electronic service provider and comply with the court's electronic-delivery terms.
A. Court users electing to submit documents by electronic delivery must submit all documents to the court’s approved electronic service provider under California Rules of Court, rule 2.255. Court users must also comply with the terms and conditions of electronic delivery set forth on the court’s website at www.Ventura.courts.ca.gov.
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Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
The Clerk’s Office will not accept electronic storage media for filing or lodging without a court order.
A. The Clerk’s Office will not accept electronic storage media for filing or lodging purposes, unless pursuant to court order.
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Page 23 | RULE 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS / MEDIA FORMAT
In Civil Limited cases, represented parties must electronically file briefs through eCourt.
In Civil Limited cases, parties represented by counsel are to electronically file briefs in eCourt.
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Page 64 | RULE 14.03 BRIEFS
Court users choosing electronic delivery must submit documents through the court’s approved electronic service provider and comply with the court website’s electronic-delivery terms.
A. Court users electing to submit documents by electronic delivery must submit all documents to the court’s approved electronic service provider under California Rules of Court, rule 2.255. Court users must also comply with the terms and conditions of electronic delivery set forth on the court’s website at www.Ventura.courts.ca.gov.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 3 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Email trial briefs and motions in limine must be filed with the courtroom clerk through the trial department's email proxy, not in the Clerk's Office.
File Email trial briefs and motions in limine with courtroom clerkto trial department’s email proxy (e.g. courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov), not in Clerk’s Office.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | RULE 8.12(O) CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
Electronic delivery of filings is permitted in civil, small claims, family law, and probate cases subject to the identified statutory and court rules.
Electronic delivery of filings in civil, small claims, family law and probate cases, are permitted to the extent set forth below, and shall conform to the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6 and California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 et seq.
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Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Electronic delivery of filings is permitted in civil, small claims, family law, and probate cases and must comply with the cited statutory and court rules.
Electronic delivery of filings in civil, small claims, family law and probate cases, are permitted to the extent set forth below, and shall conform to the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6 and California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 et seq.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 3 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
The court encourages use of eDelivery, eFiling, or Secure File Transfer for submitting image, audio, and video files.
The court encourages the use of secure portals (eDelivery, eFiling and Secure File Transfer (SFT)) for digital submissions of image, audio, and video files.
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Page 23 | RULE 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS / MEDIA FORMAT
In Civil Limited cases, self-represented litigants may electronically file briefs but are not required to use electronic filing.
In Civil Limited cases, parties represented by counsel are to electronically file briefs in eCourt. Self-represented litigants may file electronically but are not required to do so.
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Page 64 | RULE 14.03 BRIEFS
Lodgings may not be submitted or filed electronically, but proposed orders are excepted from that prohibition.
2. No lodgings, except for proposed orders;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
A document exceeding 200 pages in a Family Law case may not be submitted or filed electronically.
1. Any document exceeding 200 pages (limit applies to Family Law cases only);
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, bonds, undertakings, signed judicial orders, commissions, judgment abstracts, writs of execution, conditionally sealed confidential documents, and unsatisfied-judgment certificates may not be submitted or filed electronically.
3. Will, codicil or testamentary trust; 4. Bond or undertaking; 5. Any order with an original judicial officer’s signature; 6. Out-of-State Commission; 7. Abstract of Judgment; 8. Writ of Execution; 9. Confidential document(s) lodged conditionally under seal; 10. Certificate of Facts Re Unsatisfied Judgment;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Unless the court orders otherwise or the filing is electronically submitted, noticed or ex parte motions and their supporting or opposition documents must be filed at the clerk’s office for the courthouse hearing the matter.
Unless otherwise ordered, or electronically submitted, all noticed or ex-parte motions and any documents in support or opposition thereto shall be presented for filing in the clerk’s office located at the courthouse where the matter is to be heard.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 19 | RULE 4.11 LAW AND MOTION
Exhibits contained on electronic storage media must be submitted in the courtroom rather than through the Clerk’s Office.
Exhibits contained on “electronic storage media” shall be submitted in the courtroom only.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 23 | RULE 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS / MEDIA FORMAT
A digital document management system may not be used for email-proxy lodging without the assigned judicial officer’s prior approval.
Digital document management systems (i.e., document depository) shall not be used for such purposes without prior approval of the assigned judicial officer.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 23 | RULE 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS / MEDIA FORMAT
Trial briefs must be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy on the first day of trial and may not be filed in the Clerk’s Office.
Briefs are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial; trial briefs may not be filed in the Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 28 | RULE 8.12 PROCEDURAL RULES FOR CIVIL TRIALS
Trial briefs and in limine motions must be filed with the courtroom clerk rather than the Clerk's Office.
File trial briefs and motions in limine with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 29 | O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
The jury instructions and verdict form must be filed with the courtroom clerk rather than the Clerk's Office.
File jury instructions and jury verdict form with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 29 | O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
The witness list and statement of the case must be filed with the courtroom clerk rather than the Clerk's Office.
File witness list and statement of the case with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 29 | O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
Unless the judge orders otherwise, in limine motions and oppositions must be emailed to the trial-department email proxy on the first day of trial and must not be filed in the Clerk's Office.
Unless otherwise ordered by the judge, motions and oppositions are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov on the first day of trial and shall not be filed in the Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 29 | N. IN LIMINE MOTIONS
Unless the court orders otherwise, the filing party must provide the assigned department an electronic copy of a brief on the merits on a USB drive within five days after filing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, within five (5) days after filing a brief on the merits (i.e., petitioner’s opening and reply briefs, and respondent’s opposition brief), the filing party must provide the assigned department an electronic version of the brief on a USB drive.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 77 | 4. PROVIDING ELECTRONIC COPIES OF BRIEFS ON THE MERITS TO THE ASSIGNED DEPARTMENT.
The listed documents may not be electronically submitted or filed by a party or user.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or these rules, the following documents shall not be electronically submitted and/or filed by a party or user:
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 3 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Ex parte order applications may be submitted electronically; when they are not, they must be filed in the courthouse for the appropriate judge before presentation.
A. Unless electronically submitted, applications for ex parte orders with a declaration in support of the motion, points and authorities and a proposed order shall be filed in the courthouse in which the department of the appropriate judge is located before being presented to the appropriate judge.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Walk Through Stipulated Petitions may be submitted during business hours by eDelivery, U.S. Mail, courthouse drop box, or any other court-authorized filing method.
Beginning June 10, 2020, Walk Through Stipulated Petitions may be submitted to the clerk’s office by eDelivery, U.S. Mail, Drop Box inside the courthouse, or any other manner of filing documents as authorized by the Court, during business hours.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 45 | K. WALK-THROUGH STIPULATED PETITIONS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The original forms and proof of service must be filed before the date and time set for the hearing.
The original thereof shall be filed together with proof of service prior to the date and time set for hearing.
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Page 17 | RULE 4.03 PRESCRIBED FORMS IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES
For an assigned mediator, the plaintiff must file a Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date identifying the mediator and selected date within 15 days after receiving the Notice of Assignment of Mediator.
Within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271), the plaintiff shall file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272) that includes the assigned mediator and the selected mediation date.
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Page 17 | E. MEET AND CONFER WITH SELECTED AND/OR APPOINTED MEDIATOR
The assigned mediator must file and serve the Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal within 10 days after receiving the Notice of Assignment of Mediator.
(b) The assigned mediator shall file and serve the “Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal” local form (VN-274) within ten (10) days of receiving the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271).
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Page 17 | E. MEET AND CONFER WITH SELECTED AND/OR APPOINTED MEDIATOR
If the case settles, the plaintiff must immediately file Judicial Council form CM-200, Notice of Settlement of Entire Case.
If the case settles, the plaintiff must immediately file a “Notice of Settlement of Entire Case” form (Judicial Council CM-200).
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Page 17 | J. NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT
A Family Law document received through eDelivery between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a court day is deemed filed that day, without altering any other filing deadline or requirement.
D. Any electronic document submitted through eDelivery for filing in Family Law received by the court between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a court day, shall be deemed filed as of that day. This rule concerns only the method and effective date of filing; any document that is electronically filed must satisfy all other legal filing deadlines and requirements. This rule also does not affect any statutory or court ordered requirements that a document be filed by a set date.
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Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
After leave is granted, the complaint-in-intervention must be separately filed forthwith and no later than 10 days after issuance of the order.
Upon granting of the order regarding leave to file, the complaint-in-intervention shall be separately filed forthwith with the Clerk’s Office, and in no event later than ten (10) days from the issuance of the order granting leave.
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Page 19 | RULE 4.08 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION
A new or amended pleading permitted by leave must be filed as a separate document within the court-specified period or, if no period is set, within 10 days after issuance of the order.
If the court grants leave to file a new or amended pleading, any proposed pleading attached to the motion, application, or stipulation requesting leave, will not be deemed filed by the court. Instead, the new or amended pleading (as a separate document) must be presented to the Clerk’s Office for filing within the time specified by the court. If no time for filing the pleading is set by the court, then the pleading shall be filed within ten (10) days of the issuance of order.
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Page 19 | RULE 4.07 FILING OF PROPOSED PLEADINGS AFTER LEAVE IS GRANTED
Neither an IDC request nor an order granting it tolls the time to file a discovery motion, although the parties may stipulate to toll or extend that time as provided by law.
Neither a joint request for IDC nor an order granting the request shall toll the time for any party to file a motion concerning the discovery dispute; however, parties may stipulate to toll or extend the time to file a motion as provided by law.
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Page 28 | RULE 8.10 INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES
The court-ordered child custody evaluation must be submitted to the court and parties’ counsel at least ten (10) days before the hearing or trial.
Any court ordered child custody evaluation shall be submitted to the court and counsel for the parties not less than ten (10) days before the hearing or trial.
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Page 40 | RULE 9.36 COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
Moving counsel must submit a declaration of notice or good cause for waiving notice no later than noon on the day before the ex parte hearing.
No later than noon the preceding day before the ex parte hearing is held, moving counsel shall submit a declaration to the court setting forth the facts showing that notice has been given, or supporting the conclusion that notice should be waived for good cause.
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Page 44 | RULE 10.00 E. PETITION FOR EX PARTE ORDER, 1
A stipulated continuance must be filed before the date to which the matter is continued.
A stipulation for continuance must be filed prior to the continued date.
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Page 45
Absent good cause, the required forms must reach the court before the ex parte hearing, and moving papers should be filed by noon on the preceding day whenever practicable.
6. Absent good cause, the above forms must be provided to the court prior to the ex parte hearing to allow adequate time for review. Whenever practicable, moving papers should be filed by noon the day before the ex parte.
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Page 47 | RULE 10.01 – Guardianship
A conservator must file the first status report after the first anniversary of the conservatorship and must file subsequent status reports biennially.
Notwithstanding the repeal of the statutory requirement to do so, all conservators must file a status report after the first anniversary of the establishment of the conservatorship and biennially thereafter.
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Page 49 | J. STATUS REPORTS
A party or counsel with knowledge of a change in the conservatee's financial circumstances must immediately report the change to the court.
financial circumstances of the conservatee, such change shall be reported by any party or counsel for a party with knowledge to the court immediately.
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Page 49
All criminal pretrial motions must be noticed in writing, briefed, served, and filed by the California Rules of Court, Rule 4.111 deadlines, unless another rule provides otherwise.
Unless otherwise provided for in these rules, all pretrial motions in criminal cases must be noticed in writing and briefed, served and filed in compliance within the time limits of Rule 4.111 of the California Rules of Court. This rule applies to both misdemeanor and felony cases.
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Page 56 | RULE 11.03 GENERAL RULE FOR PRETRIAL MOTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES
Psychotropic-drug administration orders must be submitted for renewal through the ex parte procedure no later than six months after initial issuance.
All orders authorizing the administration of psychotropic drugs must be submitted to the court for renewal no later than six (6) months from the date of initial issuance, following the ex parte procedure described in this rule.
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Page 63 | RULE 12.02 ADMINISTRATION OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
At least three court days before the case management conference, petitioner and all served parties must serve and file a joint case management conference statement addressing the identified and other pertinent issues.
At least three (3) court days before the case management conference, petitioner and all parties that have been served with the petition must serve and file a joint case management conference statement that addresses the issues identified in the preceding paragraph and any other pertinent issues.
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Page 77 | F. PREPARING THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
A respondent's motion to dismiss a Penal Code section 1510 noncompliance appeal must be filed within 20 days after the clerk notifies the parties, and opposition must be served and filed within 15 days after the motion is filed, unless an extension is granted for good cause.
B. The respondent may file a motion to dismiss the appeal based on noncompliance with Penal Code §1510. The motion may be supported by a declaration and exhibits related to the issue of Penal Code §1510 compliance. The motion shall be filed within 20 days after the court clerk sends notification of the appeal, unless an extension is granted for good cause. Any opposition to the motion to dismiss must be served and filed within 15 days after the motion is filed, unless an extension is granted for good cause.
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An electronic filing received by the court between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a court day is deemed filed that day.
D. Any electronic document submitted for filing received by the court between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a court day, shall be deemed filed as of that day.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 3 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Interpreter requests for Spanish must be submitted at least two court days before the hearing, and requests for all other languages, including ASL, must be submitted at least ten court days before the hearing.
Fill out this form and submit it at least two (2) court days before your hearing for Spanish and ten (10) court days before your hearing for all other languages (including ASL).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 3 | REQUEST FOR INTERPRETER
A party may optionally lodge an additional confidential settlement conference statement no later than five court days before the settlement conference.
In addition to the mandatory settlement conference statement provided in California Rules of Court, rule 3.1380, a party may elect to lodge an additional confidential settlement conference statement with the court, no later than five (5) court days before the date set for the settlement conference.
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Page 15 | RULE 3.13 MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
Voluntary mediation may be indicated using optional local form VN-164, which must be filed at least 90 days before trial unless the court otherwise allows.
All other litigants may indicate their willingness to participate in mediation on a voluntary basis by so indicating on the “Stipulation and [Proposed] Order to Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Process” local form (VN-164), provided the stipulation is filed at least 90 days before trial, unless the court otherwise allows in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 3.891, subsection (a)(2). Use of the form is optional.
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Page 16 | RULE 3.24 COURT-ORDERED CIVIL MEDIATION PROGRAM
When filing a limited-conservatorship petition, the attorney of record should set the hearing 45 days after filing.
In order to eliminate unnecessary delays, upon filing a petition to establish a limited conservatorship, the attorney of record should set the matter for hearing forty-five (45) days after the filing date.
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Page 48 | B. NOTICE, HEARING ON PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT
Counsel should serve and file a supplemental brief for later-discovered pertinent authority when time allows; otherwise, counsel should provide citations to the court and opposing counsel as early as practicable before the hearing.
Where pertinent legal authority comes to counsel’s attention after the filing of his or her brief, a supplemental brief should be served and filed where time allows. Where supplemental briefing is not possible, citations should be supplied to the court and opposing counsel as far in advance of the hearing as possible.
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Page 56 | RULE 11.03 GENERAL RULE FOR PRETRIAL MOTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES
Ex parte documents must be submitted before the in camera hearing and, whenever practicable, should be submitted by noon on the preceding day.
The ex parte documents are to be submitted prior to the in camera hearing to allow adequate time for review. Whenever practicable, the papers should be submitted to the clerk’s office by noon the day before the ex parte hearing.
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Page 73 | RULE 21.04 AUTHORIZATION TO USE ANCILLARY DEFENSE SERVICES
Appointed personal representatives must comply with the statutory filing and hearing deadlines for applicable one-year or 18-month status reports.
The court requires all appointed personal representatives to honor the time requirements of Probate Code §12200 with respect to filing and hearing on any applicable one-year or 18-month status report.
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A party may, but is not required to, lodge an additional confidential settlement conference statement no later than five court days before the settlement conference.
In addition to the mandatory settlement conference statement provided in California Rules of Court, rule 3.1380, a party may elect to lodge an additional confidential settlement conference statement with the court, no later than five (5) court days before the date set for the settlement conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 1 | RULE 3.13 MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
The interpreter request form should be returned to the clerk in one of the listed offices as soon as possible.
Return this form to the clerk in one of the following offices as soon as possible:
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Page 3 | REQUEST FOR INTERPRETER
Walk Through Stipulated Petitions may be submitted to the clerk's office during business hours.
Beginning June 10, 2020, Walk Through Stipulated Petitions may be submitted to the clerk’s office by eDelivery, U.S. Mail, Drop Box inside the courthouse, or any other manner of filing documents as authorized by the Court, during business hours.
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Page 45 | K. WALK-THROUGH STIPULATED PETITIONS
In complex cases, the parties must file a joint complex status report in pleading format at least 15 calendar days before the first case management conference.
The parties are required to file a joint complex status report, in pleading format fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the first case management conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 14 | RULE 3.08 COMPLEX CASES
When the mediator is jointly selected, the plaintiff must file the Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date within 15 days after being ordered to mediate and serve it on all other litigants and the mediator.
Within fifteen (15) days of being ordered to mediate, plaintiff shall file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272) and shall serve a copy on all other litigants and the mediator.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 17 | E. MEET AND CONFER WITH SELECTED AND/OR APPOINTED MEDIATOR
Electronically delivered documents are accepted only when they meet all legal filing requirements and required fees are paid and correct; the submitting party receives email notice of acceptance or rejection.
C. Any document(s) received by electronic delivery will be accepted by the court, if the document(s) meets all legal filing requirements and any required fees are paid and correct. An email will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting party stating that the document(s) is accepted. If a document(s) is not accepted, an email stating that the document(s) is rejected will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 18 | RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Declarations regarding service of the Final Declaration of Disclosure must be filed at least seven days before the assigned trial date.
Declarations Regarding Service of the Final Declaration of Disclosure shall be filed no less than seven (7) days before the assigned trial date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 36 | RULE 9.19.C.5
The updated trial Income and Expense Declaration must be filed and served at least seven days before trial, without adding five days when service is by mail.
The updated Income and Expense Declaration for trial purposes shall be filed and served at least seven (7) days prior to trial. Service by mail under this rule does not require the addition of five (5) days for mailing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 36 | RULE 9.19.C.4
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A copy of the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum must be served with the summons and complaint or petition.
A copy of the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum must be served with the Summons and Complaint or Petition.
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Page 14 | RULE 3.03.1 NOTICE OF CASE ASSIGNMENT AND MANDATORY APPEARANCE IN-LIMITED AND UNLIMITED CASES
The filing party must serve a copy of the Notice of Case Assignment and Mandatory Appearance on all named defendants or respondents with the complaint or petition, and with any cross-complaint or complaint in intervention naming a new party.
A copy of the Notice of Case Assignment and Mandatory Appearance shall be served by the filing party on all named Defendants/Respondents with the Complaint or Petition, and with any Cross- Complaint or Complaint in Intervention that names a new party to the underlying action.
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Page 14 | RULE 3.03.1 NOTICE OF CASE ASSIGNMENT AND MANDATORY APPEARANCE IN-LIMITED AND UNLIMITED CASES
Each party must serve the mediator and all counsel or self-represented litigants with a short mediation statement no later than five days before mediation.
No later than five (5) days before the date set for mediation, each party shall serve on the mediator and all counsel and/or self- represented litigants, a short mediation statement which shall set forth: (1) the nature of the case and causes of action, (2) the factual and legal issues to be resolved, (3) the parties’ objectives at mediation, and (4) other information that may be helpful in resolving the dispute, including case valuations, if appropriate.
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Page 17 | F. MEDIATION STATEMENT
The assigned mediator must serve the Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal within 10 days after receiving the Notice of Assignment of Mediator.
(b) The assigned mediator shall file and serve the “Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal” local form (VN-274) within ten (10) days of receiving the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271).
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Page 17 | E. MEET AND CONFER WITH SELECTED AND/OR APPOINTED MEDIATOR
A complaint-in-intervention must be served under Code of Civil Procedure section 387(a), with proof of service returned within 30 days after filing.
The complaint-in-intervention shall be served in accord with Code of Civil Procedure §387(a), and proof of service shall be returned to the court no later than thirty (30) days after filing of the complaint-in-intervention.
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Page 19 | RULE 4.08 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION
An appellate brief served on the Superior Court Clerk for delivery to the trial judge must be submitted electronically to the specified email address.
Service of an appellate brief filed in the Court of Appeal on the Superior Court Clerk for delivery to the Trial Judge as provided by the California Rules of Court shall be submitted through electronic delivery and sent to admin-vsc@ventura.courts.ca.gov.
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Page 20 | RULE 4.13 SERVICE OF APPELLATE BRIEF ON TRIAL JUDGE
The court must notify the plaintiff of the defendant’s/respondent’s communication by serving the plaintiff with a copy.
The court shall notify the plaintiff of the defendant’s/respondent’s communication by serving a copy upon plaintiff.
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Page 25 | RULE 6.08 SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT
The plaintiff must serve any notice under subdivisions B or C.1 on the defendant or respondent using a manner authorized for service of summons under the Code of Civil Procedure.
Any notice given pursuant to subdivision B or C.1 of this rule shall be served on the defendant/respondent by the plaintiff in any manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure for service of summons.
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Page 25 | RULE 6.08 SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT
Absent a contrary court order, plaintiff's counsel must prepare the jury verdict form and serve it on the other parties before the first witness is sworn.
Unless otherwise ordered by the trial court, jury verdict forms will be prepared by plaintiff's counsel and served on other parties before the first witness is sworn.
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Page 29 | L. JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICTS
The proofs of service for the citation and petition must state the hearing date within the body of each proof.
The proofs of service of the citation and petition shall state within the body of the proofs of service the date of the hearing.
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Page 42 | RULE 9.50.1 PETITION AND CITATION TO APPEAR AT HEARING UNDER FAMILY CODE §8604(b)
The Court clerk must deliver the signed order’s conformed copy and a copy of the petition to the Ventura County Human Services Agency.
The clerk of the Court shall deliver a conformed copy of the signed order and a copy of the petition to the Ventura County Human Services Agency.
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Page 42 | RULE 9.50 TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS
An amended pleading requires the same notice, including publication, as the pleading it amends and must be filed and set for hearing like an original petition.
An amended pleading requires the same notice (including publication) as the pleading it amends and must be filed and set for hearing as though an original petition.
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Page 43 | RULE 10.00 B. SUPPLEMENTAL AND AMENDED PLEADINGS
If an ex parte temporary-guardianship hearing is denied and the matter proceeds to a hearing, the petitioner must give notice as required by Probate Code § 2250(e).
9. If the ex parte application hearing is denied, the matter may be set for hearing on the petition for appointment of a temporary guardianship. The petitioner must give notice of the hearing as set out in Probate Code §2250(e).
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Page 47 | RULE 10.01 – Guardianship
Service of a citation ordinarily cannot be waived.
Service of a citation cannot ordinarily be waived.
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Page 48 | B. NOTICE, HEARING ON PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT
Incomplete citation service on the return date cannot be cured by a continuance; the court must issue an amended citation, and the original citation must show no service.
If service of the citation is incomplete on the return date, it cannot be perfected by continuance and completion of service except by issuance of an amended citation. In such circumstances, the original citation shall be filed showing no service.
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Page 48 | B. NOTICE, HEARING ON PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT
The conservator must serve a copy of the Care Plan as required by Probate Code §2351.2 and file proof of that service.
The conservator must serve a copy of the Conservatorship Care Plan as provided in Probate Code §2351.2 and file a proof of service.
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Page 49 | I. CONSERVATORSHIP LEVEL OF CARE
The conservator must serve the status report on the individuals identified in Probate Code §2351.2(a)(2)(A) and file proof of service.
The conservator must serve a copy of the status report to the individuals identified in Probate Code §2351.2(a)(2)(A) and file a proof of service.
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Page 49 | J. STATUS REPORTS
For specified disability allegations or limited conservatorship petitions, the petition and related filings must also be served on the Public Defender's Office on or about the filing date.
If the conservatee or proposed conservatee is alleged to suffer from a major neurocognitive disorder or a developmental disability, or if the petition is for a limited conservatorship, the petition and related court filings shall also be served on the Public Defender’s Office on or about the time of filing.
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Page 50 | O. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS ON ATTORNEY FOR CONSERVATEE
If the permanent-conservator petition will be contested, all known potential objectors must be notified at least 48 hours before the temporary-conservator petition is presented.
However, if the attorney is informed that the petition for appointment of a permanent conservator will be contested, all known potential objectors shall be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time and place the petition for appointment of the temporary conservator will be presented;
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Page 50 | RULE 10.03 PROVISIONS COMMON TO GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP — A. TEMPORARY CONSERVATORSHIPS AND GUARDIANSHIPS
A party ordered to prepare findings and orders must serve the proposed findings and orders on every other party before submitting them to the court.
If the court orders a party to prepare findings and orders, the party shall serve a copy of the proposed findings and orders on all other parties prior to the time they are submitted to the court.
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Page 58 | RULE 12.02 JUVENILE DEPENDENCY — B. MISCELLANEOUS DEPENDENCY CASES
A copy of the psychological evaluation report must be given to each party’s attorney before the hearing, and those attorneys are responsible for disclosing the information to their clients.
A copy of the report shall be given to the attorneys for each party before the time of the hearing and the attorneys shall be responsible for the manner of disclosing the information to her or his client.
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Page 58 | RULE 12.02 JUVENILE DEPENDENCY — B. MISCELLANEOUS DEPENDENCY CASES
For a court-order change request set for hearing, the requesting party serves all parties if the party filed the request; otherwise, the clerk gives notice and serves the JV-180 request on all parties.
If the request to change a court order is set for a hearing, and if a party to the dependency case has filed the request, he or she shall be responsible to give notice to all other parties and to serve a copy of the JV-180 request on all parties. In all other cases, the clerk of the court shall give notice of the hearing and serve all parties with a copy of the JV-180 request.
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Page 62 | P. REQUEST TO CHANGE A COURT ORDER
An ex parte Calendaring Request must include advance notice to all other parties and proof of that notice filed when the request is submitted to the clerk.
Advance notice to all other parties of the purpose for seeking an ex parte hearing shall be given and proof of such notice shall be filed at the time the Calendaring Request is submitted to the clerk.
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Page 62 | O. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS/ORDERS
CASAVC must serve a copy of its report on each attorney of record, any self-represented party, and the assigned social worker.
CASAVC shall be responsible to serve a copy of the report on each party’s attorney, to any self-represented party and to the assigned social worker.
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Page 63 | RULE 12.04 COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES
The notice of election in a civil limited appeal must be served within the same time limits applicable to designation of the record.
B. An appellant in an appeal in a civil limited case, electing to use the original trial court file as set out in subsection A, must file and serve the notice of election within the same time limits for designation of record set out in California Rules of Court, rule 8.831.
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Absent good cause, ex parte applications must be served on every party and provided to the court before the hearing; when practicable, moving papers should be served by personal delivery, facsimile, email, or overnight delivery and preferably filed by noon the day before the hearing.
Absent good cause, ex parte applications must be served on each party and provided to the court prior to the hearing to allow adequate time for review. Therefore, whenever practicable, moving papers should be served on the other parties by personal delivery, facsimile, email or overnight delivery prior to the hearing and preferably filed by noon the day before the hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Electronic service is mandatory in Unlimited Civil, Limited Civil, and Probate cases, including the listed restraining-order case types.
For Unlimited Civil and Limited Civil, (including Civil Harassment, Elder Abuse, Gun Violence, Workplace Violence, Post Secondary School, and Retail Crime Restraining Orders) and Probate case types, electronic service is mandatory pursuant to Code
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 4 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
A prior electronic-service consent filed before July 1, 2025 requires a new Consent to Electronic Service and Notice of Electronic Service form to consent to electronic service from the court.
Previous consent to electronic service filed before to July 1, 2025, must submit another Consent to Electronic Service and Notice of Electronic Service form in order to consent to electronic service from the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 5 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
A party required to serve and accept service electronically must provide an email address when it first files any paper electronically.
Parties required to serve and accept service electronically must provide an email address for service on the first occasion that the party files any paper electronically pursuant to California Rule of Court, 2111(1).
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Page 5 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
A party must promptly electronically file a Notice of Change of Electronic Service Address with the court and all parties when its electronic-service address changes.
A party whose electronic service address changes must promptly notify the Court and all parties by electronically filing a Notice of Change of Electronic Service Address.
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Page 5 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
A consenting party whose electronic-service address changes must promptly electronically file a Notice of Change of Electronic Service Address with the court and all parties.
A party who consents to electronic service and whose electronic service address has changed must promptly notify the Court and all parties by electronically filing a Notice of Change of Electronic Service Address.
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Page 5 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
Unless the trial court orders otherwise, plaintiff's counsel must prepare jury verdict forms and serve them on the other parties before the first witness is sworn.
Unless otherwise ordered by the trial court, jury verdict forms will be prepared by plaintiff's counsel and served on other parties before the first witness is sworn.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | RULE 8.12(L) JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICTS
Before serving an FCS counselor subpoena, the party must confirm the counselor’s availability, and the subpoena must be served on FCS at least 10 calendar days before the hearing with a $275 fee deposit.
Before serving the subpoena, the party must first contact FCS to confirm availability on the scheduled hearing date and time. After confirmation of the RC’s availability, FCS must be served with the subpoena at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing along with the required fee deposit of $275.00 as indicated on the Fee Schedule.
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Page 11 | Child Custody Counseling Conference
A party subject to mandatory electronic service may request an exemption and serve conventionally if undue hardship or significant prejudice is shown.
Any party subject to mandatory electronic service may request to be excused from the requirement and may be permitted to serve documents by conventional means due to undue hardship or significant prejudice per Civil Code of Procedure section 1010.6 subdivision (g)(3).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 5 | RULE 4.08 ELECTRONIC SERVICE
Filing Fees and Waivers
A reasonably necessary photocopying fee waiver covers one copy of the papers in the court’s file for the action or proceeding.
This court defines the number of photocopies that are reasonably necessary as one (1) copy of those papers in the court’s file for the action or proceeding in which the fee waiver was granted.
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Page 23 | RULE 5.05 REASONABLY NECESSARY PHOTOCOPYING
A self-represented party or attorney seeking additional photocopies must submit a declaration and proposed order establishing good cause and obtain a court order.
If a party seeks additional copies, the self-represented party or attorney of record must request a court order by submitting a declaration and proposed order stating good cause for additional copies.
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Page 23 | RULE 5.05 REASONABLY NECESSARY PHOTOCOPYING
The clerk must waive fees for reasonably necessary photocopying when an initial fee-waiver application is granted.
California Rules of Court, rule 3.55(2) provides that the clerk’s fees for reasonably necessary photocopying must be waived upon granting an application for an initial fee waiver.
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Page 23 | RULE 5.05 REASONABLY NECESSARY PHOTOCOPYING
Filing an amended pleading incurs an additional court filing fee, and it may not be presented as a supplemental pleading.
An amended pleading will result in an additional court filing fee and the court will not allow representation of an amended pleading as a supplemental pleading.
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Page 43 | RULE 10.00 B. SUPPLEMENTAL AND AMENDED PLEADINGS
Counsel must arrange payment of any jury fees and reporter fees.
Arrange for payment of any jury fees and reporter fees.
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Page 7 | RULE 8.12(O) CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
Counsel must arrange payment of any jury and reporter fees.
Arrange for payment of any jury fees and reporter fees.
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Page 29 | O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
The continuance fee is due within ten days after submitting the request, or before the new court date when the continuance is for fewer than ten days.
The fee required under Government Code §70677(c) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance. If the court date is being continued for less than ten (10) days, the fee must be paid prior to the new court date.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(E)(1)
Family Court Orientation has no fee.
There is no fee for Orientation.
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Page 38 | RULE 9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS
The court clerk may grant initial fee-waiver applications that meet the eligibility standards under Government Code sections 68632 and 68633.
Pursuant to Government Code section 68634, subdivision (d), the court delegates to the court clerk the authority to grant applications for initial fee waivers that meet the standards of eligibility established by Government Code §sections 68632 and §68633.
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Page 3 | RULE 3.33 FEE WAIVERS: CLERK AUTHORITY
The Government Code section 70617(c)(1) continuance fee must be paid within 10 days after submitting the Request for Continuance.
The fee required under Government Code §70617(c)(1) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 35 | RULE 9.19.A.4
The appropriate filing fee must be paid for the continuance request.
and pay the appropriate filing fee (see current fee schedule).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 27 | RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of an IDC request must promptly be emailed to the assigned department and all parties using the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.”
A courtesy copy of the request shall promptly be emailed to the assigned department and all parties to the action with the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.”
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 27 | RULE 8.10 INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES
A courtesy copy of the joint case management conference statement must be emailed to the assigned department’s email proxy at the time of filing.
A courtesy copy of the statement shall be emailed to the assigned department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom41@ventura.courts.ca.gov at the time of filing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 77 | F. PREPARING THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
When the petitioner already may inspect and copy the juvenile file, the petitioner must lodge two sealed confidential copies for Juvenile Court review—one unredacted copy and one redacted copy.
If Petitioner has the right without a court order to inspect and copy the juvenile case file at the time the Petition is filed, petitioner shall lodge two (2) copies of the document(s) requested in a sealed enveloped marked “confidential” with a notation that the copies are lodged for review by the Juvenile Court. 1. One (1) copy of the lodged documents shall be unredacted; 2. The second copy shall be submitted with redaction of any content that is not subject to the Petition, may be inappropriate for release, or identifies any other juvenile who is unrelated to the basis for the Petition.
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Page 57 | RULE 12.00.1 PROCEDURE FOR FILING PETITION FOR DISCLOSURE OF JUVENILE CASE FILE
Filing Bundling Requirements
An exhibit binder must be prepared for opposing counsel, the witness stand, the bench, and the clerk if the judge orders a clerk binder.
An ===== PAGE 8 ===== 9/14/2026 exhibit binder is needed for each of the following 1) opposing counsel(s), 2) witness stand, 3) bench, and 4) clerk (if ordered by the judge).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 7 | RULE 8.12(O) CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Custody, visitation, or combined disputes require legally mandated mediation through Ventura County Family Court Services.
Mediation of disputes over custody, visitation, or both, is required by law and provided by the Ventura County Family Court Services section of the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of Family Code Chapter 11, (Sections 3160 et seq.).
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Page 38 | RULE 9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A case disputing parental responsibilities, custody, or visitation must be referred for CCRC, and except for temporary orders pending CCRC, the session must precede any hearing on those issues.
Whenever a case involves a dispute over parental responsibilities or custody or visitation, the matter shall be referred to Family Court Services for CCRC. Except for temporary orders pending CCRC, the CCRC session must occur prior to any court hearing on the issues.
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Page 38 | RULE 9.31 MATTERS REQUIRING CCRC
Ex parte matters may be handled as a walk-through without arranging a set time in advance, provided appropriate notice is given under Rule 9.06(A).
Ex Parte matters may also be handled as a “walk-through” without a set time arranged in advance, with appropriate notice as set forth in Rule 9.06.A.
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Page 31 | RULE 9.05 DATES AND TIMES FOR HEARINGS
Relief from the contested-trial rules requires a motion and a showing of good cause.
Relief from the operation of these rules relating to contested trials may be had in appropriate cases, but only on motion and for good cause shown.
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Page 36 | RULE 9.19.C.2
Parties involved in a custody or visitation dispute must complete Family Court Orientation before mediation.
Additionally, the Ventura County Family Courts require parties involved in the dispute to participate in Family Court Orientation prior to any mediation.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 38 | RULE 9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A procedure or deadline may not be waived or extended by party agreement without court approval, a written application, a proposed order, and a showing of good cause, except as permitted by Government Code §68616.
No procedure or deadline established by these rules may be waived or extended by stipulation or agreement of the parties, except as permitted by Government Code §68616, unless approved by the court, upon written application and submission of proposed order and a showing of good cause.
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Page 15 | RULE 3.18 WAIVER OF RULES
Litigants must complete mediation by the deadline or request an extension, with failure to complete mediation potentially leading to an Order to Show Cause hearing and sanctions.
Litigants must complete mediation by the mediation completion deadline or request an extension. If mediation is not completed by the completion date, the matter will be referred to the trial court for the setting of an Order to Show Cause hearing regarding the failure to complete the mediation as ordered, and sanctions may be imposed.
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Page 17 | I. MEDIATION COMPLETION DEADLINE
Requests or notices to take a matter off calendar must be in writing and filed with the court.
B. All requests or notices to take a matter off calendar shall be in writing and filed with the Court.
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Page 27 | RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS
Law and Motion continuances must last at least two weeks and be requested by ex parte application or stipulation and order.
C. All continuances of Law and Motion matters shall be for not less than two (2) weeks and shall be by ex-parte application or stipulation and order.
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Page 27 | RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS
A stipulated hearing continuance requires immediate submission of a Request for Continuance, signed by both attorneys or pro per litigants, at least two court days before the hearing.
If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a hearing, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(E)(1)
After one hearing continuance, any further continuance requires a good-cause showing by declaration and a court order.
After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.12.E.1 above, any further continuance of the hearing will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(E)(2)
A continuance requested at least 30 days before a specially set evidentiary hearing may be granted only upon an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance.
A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(F)(1)(c)(1)
A continuance of a specially set evidentiary hearing must be requested by noticed motion or ex parte application supported by declarations.
A party seeking a continuance of the date set for a specially set evidentiary hearing, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(F)(1)(b)
A stipulated Mandatory Settlement Conference continuance requires a VN-230 request signed by both parties, submitted by facsimile or walk-through at least two court days before the hearing.
If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a Mandatory Settlement Conference, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing.
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Page 35 | RULE 9.19.A.4
After the first continuance, every further Mandatory Settlement Conference continuance requires a good-cause declaration and a court order.
After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.19.B.6 above, any further continuance of the Mandatory Settlement Conference will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court.
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Page 35 | RULE 9.19.A.5
A continuance requested less than 30 days before trial will be denied unless extraordinary circumstances exist and no alternative means can prevent substantial injustice to the parties.
A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the trial will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstance where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties.
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Page 37 | Grounds for Continuance
A trial continuance must be requested by noticed motion or ex parte application with supporting declarations as soon as practical after the need for continuance is discovered; no appearance is required for a stipulated ex parte application unless the court orders otherwise.
A party seeking a continuance of the date set for trial, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations. No appearances are required for an ex parte application supported by a stipulation and supporting declarations, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered.
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Page 37 | Motion or application for continuance of trial
A continuance requested at least 30 days before trial may be granted only upon an affirmative showing of good cause requiring it.
A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the trial date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance.
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Page 37 | Grounds for Continuance
A continuance sought within 14 days before the hearing must be requested through local form VN-135, a stipulation and proposed order, or a continuance motion, rather than informally through Legal Research.
Within the fourteen (14) days preceding the hearing, all continuances must be requested by a Request for Continuance (local form VN-135), a stipulation and proposed order, or a motion for continuance, and not by an informal request to Legal Research.
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Page 44 | RULE 10.00 G. CONTINUANCES, 1
A Notice of Continuance is ineffective unless both parties sign it.
A "Notice of Continuance," not signed by both parties, has no effect.
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Page 45
After Legal Research review, a matter generally may not be taken off calendar except by court order or when it is certain that it will not be recalendared.
Once the matter has been reviewed by Legal Research, it may not be taken off calendar, except by order of the court, or it is otherwise certain that the matter will not be re-calendared.
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Page 45
The moving or petitioning party must request any continuance or off-calendar matter with the opposing party's agreement.
All continuances or off calendar requests must be made by the moving or petitioning party and must be with the agreement of the opposing party.
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Page 45
A party using the Request for Continuance form must notify Legal Research no later than submitting the request to the court.
When utilizing a Request for Continuance form, the moving or petitioning party must notify Legal Research of the requested continuance no later than when the Request for Continuance is submitted to the court.
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Page 45
A non-stipulated continuance may be granted only through a noticed motion filed on an order shortening time.
A non-stipulated continuance will be granted only on noticed motion, made on an order shortening time.
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Page 45
After moving papers are served, a matter may not be taken off calendar without immediate telephone notice to the assigned judge’s clerk and the responding party; after responsive papers seeking affirmative relief are filed, written consent from the responding party is also required.
After service of the moving papers, no matter shall be taken off calendar without immediate telephonic notice both to the clerk of the assigned family law judge and to the responding party. Once responding papers requesting affirmative relief have been filed, no matter shall be taken off calendar without the written consent of the responding party.
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Page 10 | RULE 9.12 HEARINGS — K. MATTERS TAKEN OFF CALENDAR
A request for another continuance must include a declaration establishing good cause for the requested continuance.
The parties are requesting another continuance. Attached is a declaration that establishes good cause to continue.
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Page 1 | REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE / OFF CALENDAR
A motion, RFO, or MSC continuance request must be submitted no less than two court days before the currently scheduled date.
MOTION / RFO / MSC ONLY: [submit form no less than TWO COURT DAYS before date currently set]
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Page 1 | REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE / OFF CALENDAR
A mediation continuance requires obtaining a new mediation date or dates from Family Court Services before submitting the continuance form.
To continue a mediation, you must: obtain a new date(s) from Family Court Services at 805 289-8735 before submitting this form to the Court
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Page 1 | REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE / OFF CALENDAR
A continuance motion or application must be made as soon as practical after the need for the continuance is discovered.
The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered.
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Page 33 | RULE 9.12(F)(1)(b)
A continuance requested at the time of the hearing is strongly disfavored, and if a stipulated continuance is unavailable, a continuance motion must be made as early as possible before the hearing.
Requests for continuances made at the time of the hearing are strongly disfavored. If a stipulated continuance cannot be obtained, a motion for continuance shall be made at the earliest possible time prior to the hearing.
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Page 34 | RULE 9.12(G)
The party requesting a continuance must notify the court investigator's office when the continuance is obtained while an investigation report is being prepared.
When the attorney of record obtains a continuance in a conservatorship matter where the court investigator is completing a report, the court investigator's office shall be notified by the party requesting the continuance.
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Page 49 | G. CONTINUANCES
Parties should consult California Rules of Court rule 8.810 to identify the proper forum for an extension request, and extensions will rarely be granted when a party has both a pretrial appeal and a post-conviction right of appeal.
A. Parties should consult Rule 8.810 of the California Rules of Court to determine the proper forum for an extension request. B. Extensions will rarely be granted in the case of a pretrial appeal where the party also has a post-conviction right of appeal.
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After one continuance under Rule 9.12.E.1, any further continuance requires a good-cause declaration and a court order.
After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.12.E.1 above, any further continuance of the hearing will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court.
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Page 10 | RULE 9.12 HEARINGS — E. STIPULATED CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS
Litigants may request good cause to continue the mediation completion deadline by filing a joint stipulation and proposed order at least 14 days before the current deadline and including that deadline in the caption.
Litigants may file a joint stipulation and proposed order requesting to continue the mediation completion deadline for good cause. This stipulation and order must be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the mediation completion date and the caption of the stipulation and proposed order must include the current mediation completion deadline.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 17 | H. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUATION
A continuance request submitted fewer than ten days before the Small Claims Trial De Novo trial requires a showing of good cause for the late filing.
If the request is submitted less than ten (10) days before the trial, the requesting party must give the court good cause why the request is being filed later.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 27 | RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS
A continuance requested fewer than 30 days before a specially set evidentiary hearing is barred absent extraordinary circumstances and no alternative means of preventing substantial injustice.
A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstances where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 34 | RULE 9.12(F)(1)(c)(2)
A written stipulation received before the original hearing date does not overcome the post-Legal-Research restriction on continuances.
This applies even if a written stipulation is received prior to the original hearing date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 45
After Legal Research reviews a matter, the court generally will not grant a continuance without a court order.
Once the matter has been reviewed by Legal Research, no continuances will be granted, except by order of the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 45
Chambers Communication Rules
After responsive papers requesting affirmative relief are filed, a matter may not be taken off calendar without the responding party’s written consent.
Once responding papers requesting affirmative relief have been filed, no matter shall be taken off calendar without the written consent of the responding party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 34 | RULE 9.12(K)
After service of the moving papers, taking a matter off calendar requires immediate telephone notice to the assigned judge’s clerk and the responding party.
After service of the moving papers, no matter shall be taken off calendar without immediate telephonic notice both to the clerk of the assigned family law judge and to the responding party.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 34 | RULE 9.12(K)
Ex parte hearing dates and times may be obtained by telephoning the Judicial Secretary of the appropriate courtroom.
Specific dates and times for ex parte hearings may be obtained by telephonic request to the Judicial Secretary of the appropriate courtroom.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 31 | RULE 9.05 DATES AND TIMES FOR HEARINGS
Counsel or a self-represented party should call the assigned courtroom's Judicial Secretary to reserve the next available ex parte hearing date, which is ordinarily held at 8:30 a.m.
Counsel or a self- represented party seeking an ex parte hearing should call the Judicial Secretary of the assigned courtroom to reserve the next available ex parte hearing date. Unless otherwise ordered, all ex parte hearings are heard at 8:30 a.m.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
The party seeking an ex parte temporary-guardianship hearing should call the Courtroom J1 Judicial Secretary to reserve the next available hearing date.
The party seeking an ex parte hearing should call the Judicial Secretary for Courtroom J1 to reserve the next available ex parte hearing date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 46 | RULE 10.01 GUARDIANSHIP — C. EX PARTE HEARING FOR TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP OF A MINOR PERSON — 4.