Butte Superior Court Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Factual declaration

When a default judgment lacks an attached written custody and visitation agreement, the factual declaration must state the specific contact the defaulting party will have with the children if joint custody is sought.

Where the Judgment is taken by default, and there is no attached written agreement of the parties concerning custody and visitation, an attached factual declaration shall set forth the following: 5. Where the party is seeking joint custody, what specific contact with the child(ren) the defaulting party shall have.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court investigator information sheet

Must include

proposed order

For a Review Hearing, the conservator must submit Form PR.030 with the Court Investigator Information Sheet.

In cases in which the matter is scheduled for a Review Hearing, the conservator is required to submit a proposed Order Continuing Conservatorship (Form PR.030) at the time of the filing of the Court Investigator Information Sheet.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Non documentary exhibit

The Clerk’s Office may accept non-documentary exhibits or attachments only after prior authorization from a judicial officer.

Exhibits or Attachments or other non-documentary items no matter how labeled, of a non-documentary nature, may be accepted by the Clerk’s Office only after receiving prior authorization from a judicial officer.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Non documentary exhibit

Non-documentary exhibits or attachments must be pre-marked and attached to a coversheet identifying the item, case, related pleading or motion, pending hearing date and time, and contents.

Said non-documentary Exhibits or Attachments must be pre-marked and attached to a coversheet describing the Exhibit or Attachment, the case name and number and the pleading or motion to which the item is related, the pending hearing date and time, and contents of the Exhibit or Attachment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for court reporter

A party with a granted fee waiver who requests a court reporter must file form FW-020 at least 10 calendar days before the hearing.

A party, with a fee waiver granted and requesting a Court reporter, must file with the Court at least ten (10) calendar days prior to a hearing Judicial Council form FW-020, Request for Court Reporter by Party with a Fee Waiver.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Memorandum to set case for trial

When a case is ready for trial, form GR.010 must be filed in civil harassment, extraordinary writ, and specified asset forfeiture cases.

When a case is ready for trial (at-issue), a Memorandum to Set Case for Trial (form GR.010) shall be filed in the following cases: Civil Harassment, Extraordinary Writs, and Asset Forfeiture cases under Health and Safety Code §11470.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Memorandum to set case for trial

The memorandum to set case for trial must contain the information specified in form GR.010.

The memorandum to set case for trial shall contain the information as set forth in Memorandum to Set Case for Trial (form GR.010).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial memorandum

For a court trial requiring more than two hours of presentation, the parties must file a trial memorandum stating their positions and citing all legal authority on which they intend to rely.

For any Court trial which is to take in excess of two hours for presentation by all sides, the parties are required to file a trial memorandum setting forth their respective positions, together with citations to all legal authority upon which the parties intend to rely.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial readiness conference statement

Form GR.020 must be filed at least five court days before the Trial Readiness Conference, and a copy must be provided to opposing counsel.

A Trial Readiness Conference Statement (form GR.020) must be filed at least five (5) Court days prior to the TRC, and a copy must be provided to opposing counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supporting declaration

The supporting declaration must state specific facts establishing the necessity of appointing an elisor.

The declaration supporting the application must include specific facts establishing the necessity for the appointment of an elisor.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for remote appearance

A criminal remote-appearance request must be submitted in writing using the Court's GR-060 form.

The Court may authorize remote appearances in select circumstances and proceedings pursuant to Penal Code § 977.3. Parties must submit a written request using the Court's Request for Remote Appearances and Order (GR- 060) form at least five (5) calendar days before the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for judicial notice

A request for judicial notice must be separately captioned, list the specific items requested, and attach those items as indexed and paginated exhibits.

Any request for judicial notice shall be made in a separately captioned document, listing the specific items of which notice is requested. Copies of those items shall be attached to the request as exhibits and shall be indexed and paginated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for audio visual equipment

Parties requesting Court-provided audio/visual equipment must complete and submit form GR.030 to the Clerk's Office.

Parties who require the use of the Court’s audio/visual presentation equipment shall complete a Request/Notification for Courtroom Audio/Visual Presentation Equipment (form GR.030) and submit the completed form to the Clerk’s Office no later than five (5) Court days before the date the equipment is to be utilized. In the event the Court date is set less than five (5) Court days before the hearing, the request must be made at the time the hearing is set or by the close of business on that day.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for audio visual equipment

Parties using non-Court-provided equipment must complete and submit form GR.030 to the Clerk's Office.

Parties who require the use of non-Court provided equipment must complete a Request/Notification for Courtroom Audio/Visual Presentation Equipment (form GR.030) and submit the completed form to the Clerk’s Office no later than five (5) Court days before the date the equipment is to be utilized.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Elisor application and proposed order

An elisor application and proposed order must designate the specified clerk or designee as the elisor.

When applying for the appointment of an elisor, the application and proposed order must designate “The Clerk of the Superior Court, County of Butte [Name of Clerk of the Court] or the Clerk’s Designee” as the elisor.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Elisor application

Must include

proposed order

An application for appointment of an elisor must be filed with a proposed order.

An application for appointment of an elisor shall be made by filing an application and proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Elisor application

An elisor application must attach a sample of each document to be signed, highlight the signature locations, and print beneath each signature line the requested language identifying the elisor’s signature.

The Application for Appointment of Elisor shall have as an attachment a sample copy of the document(s) to be signed by the elisor. The sample copy shall be highlighted in the location(s) where the elisor is to sign his/her name. Beneath the signature line(s) on the sample copy the moving party shall print the language being requested to identify the elisor’s signature.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

An elisor proposed order must identify each document, specify the type of deed, list escrow documents separately, state the exact signature locations, and name the party for whom the elisor signs.

The proposed order shall clearly identify the document(s). A deed must state the type of deed (i.e. grant deed, interspousal transfer deed, etc.) Escrow documents must be listed separately (i.e. Escrow Instruction Dated…, Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship, Hazards Report, etc.). The order shall describe the exact location(s) in the document(s) where the elisor is to sign and identify the name of the party for whom the elisor is signing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written hardship request

A written hardship request will be considered only if signed under penalty of perjury; using the Jury Commissioner’s form is preferred.

Written Requests for Hardships will only be considered if signed under penalty of perjury, preferably on the Form provided to the Juror by the Jury Commissioner.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment or order

A judgment or order submitted to the Court must be self-contained and may not incorporate by reference a document that is not physically part of it.

1. JUDGMENT. Each judgment or order submitted to the Court shall be self- contained; that is, it may not incorporate by reference any instrument or document that is not made a physical part of the judgment or order itself.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion petition or demurrer

Must include

proposed order

The moving party on a motion, petition, or demurrer must provide a proposed form of order, ruling, or judgment consistent with the requested relief.

2. The moving party on any motion, petition, or demurrer is to provide a form of order, ruling, or judgment consistent with the relief requested in the moving papers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte requesting party must show that exigent circumstances will result unless the matter is heard ex parte.

The requesting party must show that exigent circumstances will result unless the matter is heard ex parte.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte declaration

An ex parte declaration must contain the information specified in form LM.010 and must be filed and served with the moving papers.

An ex parte declaration shall contain the information as set forth in Declaration Re: Notice of Ex Parte Application for Orders and/or Orders Shortening Time (form LM.010). Such declaration shall be filed and served with the moving papers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication must conform to Code of Civil Procedure §437c.

All motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication must conform to the requirements of Code of Civil Procedure §437c. These requirements will be strictly enforced by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Privilege log

When privilege is the basis for withholding documents, a privilege log must identify all sending and receiving entities and provide enough detail to explain the privilege basis.

Where privilege is a basis for refusal to produce documents, privilege logs must be provided. The privilege log must include an identification of all sending and receiving entities, as well as details of the information sufficient to apprise the opposing party of the basis for the privilege.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Special referee order

If a hearing judge appoints a special referee, the moving party must prepare an order containing the six specified provisions.

In the event that the hearing judge appoints a special referee, the moving party shall prepare an order containing the following: 1. A provision granting the referee power to set the date, time, and place for all hearings determined by the referee to be necessary; to direct the issuance of subpoenas; to preside over hearings; to take evidence; and to Rule on objections, motions, and other requests made during the course of the hearings, all with the same power as if the Court were to preside thereat (except for the power of contempt which is specifically reserved to the Court). 2. A provision requiring the referee to submit a written report to the parties and to the Court within twenty (20) calendar days after the completion of the hearing, containing a proposed order and proposed sanctions if deemed appropriate. 3. A provision that objections to the report shall be filed with the Court no later than ten (10) calendar days after the date of mailing the report to counsel, which objections shall notice a hearing; copies of the objections and responses thereto shall be served upon the special referee. 4. A provision setting forth the hourly fee to be paid to the referee and stating that the fees for the referee and Certified Shorthand Reporter shall be paid equally by the parties within ten (10) calendar days of billing. 5. A provision that directs the special referee to recommend that one or more of the parties pay more than an equal share of the fees. 6. A provision that the Court reserve jurisdiction to make such other and further orders with respect to the special referee as may be just and proper.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The withdrawal petition must be verified by the guardian, conservator, or trustee, and by a competent minor who is at least 12 years old.

A petition for withdrawal of money deposited in a bank, trust company or savings and loan association on behalf of a minor or incompetent person shall be verified by the guardian, conservator or trustee and, in the case of a competent minor, by such minor if [s]he is at least twelve (12) years of age.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

An ex parte petition to appoint a guardian ad litem must include an attached statement of non-involvement.

In each case where an ex parte petition to appoint a guardian ad litem is filed, the petitioning party shall attach a statement of non-involvement to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Uninsured motorist case request

Counsel must promptly file an uninsured-motorist-case request containing the specified insurance, coverage, and counsel statements.

Promptly upon learning that an action is to proceed as an uninsured motorist case, counsel for plaintiff[s] shall file a request setting forth the information upon which such a determination has been made. The request shall include: a statement that coverage exists under an uninsured motorist's insurance policy, the name of the carrier, and limits of coverage. It shall also include a statement that counsel believes that the limits of coverage are adequate to compensate for known loss or damage; that plaintiff[s] will promptly pursue such remedy and that it is counsel's present intention to assign the claim or dismiss the pending action upon receipt of a recovery by settlement or award;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Uninsured motorist case request

Must include

proposed order

The request must use the specified caption and include a form of order.

The request shall be captioned "Request for Temporary Exemption - Uninsured Motorist Case"; and contain a form of order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Further declaration

The further declaration must provide a status report and, if needed, a request supported by justification for additional time.

If a dismissal has not been filed, counsel for plaintiff[s] must file a further declaration ten (10) Court days prior to the review hearing date, provide a status report, and, if necessary, a request with supporting justification for additional time to conclude the case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order for service by publication or posting must state the date by which service will be completed.

Any proposal for an order for service by publication, or posting, presented to the Court shall contain the date by which such service will be completed.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation statement

Parties must prepare and provide case information to the mediator and other parties at least five (5) Court days before the mediation hearing; statements may use form ADR.010 or their own paper and must not exceed five (5) pages.

Parties must prepare and give information about their case to the mediator and other parties at least five (5) Court days before the mediation hearing. Parties may use the local Court form entitled Mediation Statement (form ADR.010) or write this information on their own paper. Mediation statements must not be longer than five (5) pages and must contain the following information:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application to change child living situation or access

Applications to change a child’s living situation or deny access before a full hearing must include the specified custody, residence, and proposed-plan information.

Any application to change the child(ren)'s living situation or to deny access of any person, who has legal right to custody or access to the child(ren), to the child(ren) prior to a full hearing shall include the following: a. reference to the terms of any existing Court orders bearing on custody or visitation of the child(ren) (if any); b. the current time-sharing schedule or agreement (if any), and how long the schedule has been in effect; c. any changes in the child(ren)'s place of residence in the past 120 days and the circumstances, including the dates and reasons for all such changes; d. what time-sharing program is proposed; e. the reasons for any proposed changes in the child(ren)'s living situation; and f. other relevant information.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written private family code 3111 evaluation

Private Family Code §3111 evaluations must include a Recommended Order and notice of the procedures in subsection (e).

All written evaluations private evaluators made pursuant to Family Code §3111 shall be served with proof of service upon the parties or their attorneys, pursuant to Family Code §3111(a). The evaluations shall include a Recommended Order and notice of the procedures contained in (e) below.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objection notice

A written objection notice must identify the challenged language, explain the objections, and state the proposed modification.

The written notice shall state: [1] the specific paragraph(s) and language in the Recommended Order objected to by the party; [2] the reason(s) for the objection(s); and [3] the proposed modification to the Recommended Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Factual declaration

The default declaration must state when the parties separated, who was the primary caretaker during the past six months, and the non-caretaker parent’s contact with the children during that period.

In preparing the declaration, the party shall inform the Court when the parties were separated, who has been the primary caretaker of the child(ren) during the past six (6) months and the extent of contact between the child(ren) and the non-caretaker parent during that time.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Foreign decree

The parties must provide the Court with properly certified copies of any foreign decrees.

The parties shall provide to the Court properly certified copies of any foreign decrees.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Uniform child custody and jurisdiction act declaration

Each party must file Judicial Council Form FL-105/GC-120, the Declaration under the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Act.

Each party shall file a Declaration under the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Act, Judicial Council Form FL-105/GC-120.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Confirming letter

A confirming letter is required for the notice, and counsel must submit it via eFile.

A confirming letter is required for notice; counsel are required to submit the letter via eFile.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status update

A final-distribution status update must state why the petition cannot be filed, when it will be filed, and the requested continued-hearing date.

The status update shall address the reasons that the petition for final distribution cannot be filed, when the petition will be filed, and the date requested for the continued hearing on final distribution.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court filing

Must include

proposed order

For all matters, the attorney or self-represented party must submit supporting documents and proposed orders, with the hearing time and date typed under the front-page caption.

It is the duty of the attorney (or the party appearing without an attorney) to prepare and submit the supporting documents and proposed orders for all matters. All such documents shall include the time and date of the hearing typed under the caption of the front page.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition or motion

Must include

proposed order

Each petition or motion for relief must include a proposed order, or it will not be calendared until the order is submitted.

A proposed form of order is to be submitted with each petition or motion for relief. Any petition or motion filed without such proposed form of order will not be calendared for hearing until such time as the proposed form of order is submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte petition

A petition for a contested ex parte matter must identify that the matter is contested.

If the ex parte matter is contested the petition shall so specify.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte application must list all filed requests for special notice or allege that none has been requested.

All applications for ex parte orders must contain a list of any and all requests for special notice which have been filed in the proceedings or contain an allegation that no special notice has been requested.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for confirmation of sale

A petition to confirm a real-property sale must state the bond in force and the estate property required to be covered; it should state if no additional bond is required or bond is waived.

Petitions for confirmation of sale of real property shall set forth the amount of bond in force at the time of the sale and the amount of property in the estate which is required to be covered by a bond. (See Probate Code §8482) If no additional bond is required or if bond is waived, that fact should be alleged in the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of sale

The sale terms must be consistent with the terms stated in the notice.

The terms of the sale shall be consistent with the terms stated in the notice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petition must fully disclose extraordinary costs the estate will incur because of the sale.

The petition shall include a full disclosure of all extraordinary costs which the estate will incur as a result of the sale. Such costs include, but are not limited to, termite and other repairs, lender’s “point,” loan fees and nonrecurring closing costs.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Listing agreement

The listing agreement must comply with the stated conditions and detail the broker’s duties, including MLS listing, signage, and newspaper advertising.

The listing agreement must conform to the conditions set forth above and shall further set forth in detail the obligations and duties of the broker, including but not limited to the requirement to list on Multiple Listing Service(s), place signs and advertise in newspaper[s].

CRITICAL

Applies to

Verified petition for authorization of securities sale

A verified securities-sale petition must address any request for special notice and compliance with it, and include at least one of the specified allegations or statements.

A verified petition for authorization of sale of stocks, bonds or other securities described in Probate Code §10200 must contain an allegation regarding any request for special notice and compliance with such request and one or more of the following:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Fee request

Fee requests for services performed must identify attorney and paralegal time, each person's or classification's hourly rate, and any paralegal's qualifications.

When requests for fees are for services performed, the detail must reflect that time which was spent by the attorney and that spent by a paralegal. For each such person performing services for which compensation is being requested, the hourly rate charged for each such person or classification is to be set forth. The qualifications of a “paralegal” are to be set forth whenever fees are requested for services performed by a paralegal.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A personal representative's contingency fee contract must be submitted to the Court for advance approval, with a copy attached to the approval petition.

All contingency fee contracts to which the personal representative is a party, shall be submitted to the Court in advance for approval. A copy of the contingency fee contract shall be attached to the petition requesting approval.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for extraordinary compensation

Extraordinary-service fee applications must include detailed factual support, itemized amounts and service descriptions, categorized time and rate information, and declarations under penalty of perjury; itemized time sheets alone ordinarily are insufficient.

Applications for fees or commissions for extraordinary services shall be accompanied by a complete statement of facts upon which such application is based and shall specify the amount requested for each item of service, not merely a “reasonable amount.” The services claimed to be extraordinary shall be described in detail, including dates, time spent, necessity for the work, complexity of legal and/or factual issues and results accomplished. Submission of itemized time sheets by themselves will ordinarily not be sufficient to establish a claim for extraordinary services. Each specific area or item of extraordinary service should be segregated into different categories, such as litigation, sale of real property (or where applicable two categories for two sales of real property), preparation of federal estate tax return, other tax work, etc. Where applicable, each category of extraordinary service should be segregated into subcategories such as correspondence, discovery, settlement discussions, trial proceedings, etc. For each category of service, specify the total number of hours spent by each attorney or paralegal and specify the hourly rate of each individual and provide some description of the experience and expertise of each individual providing extraordinary service. All information should be provided in a declaration or declarations under penalty of perjury.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Spousal or community property petition

Spousal and/or community property petitions must include a supporting memorandum of points and authorities.

Spousal and/or Community Property Petitions must be accompanied by a Memorandum of Points and Authorities setting forth the information supporting the requests made in the Petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written assurance

The required written assurance must be filed before the Court orders a distribution under Probate Code §3401.

Before the Court will order such a distribution under Probate Code §3401, the written assurance required under Probate Code §3401(c)(2) must be filed with the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Receipt

The personal representative must file a financial institution-acknowledged receipt showing cash was deposited into a blocked account.

The personal representative shall file a receipt acknowledged by the financial institution indicating the deposit of cash into a blocked account.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

When the minor turns 18, an ex parte application may seek direct release of the funds, and the petition must include a certified birth certificate.

When the minor reaches age eighteen (18), ex parte application may be made to the Court for an order to release the funds directly to the beneficiary. A certified copy of the birth certificate shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for appointment of conservator

In every case, the petitioner or attorney must submit a completed Court Investigator Information Sheet to the Clerk’s Office when filing the conservator appointment petition.

In all cases, the petitioner or his or her attorney must submit a completed Court Investigator Information Sheet to the Clerk’s Office at the time of the filing of the petition for appointment of a conservator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conservatorship filing

Originals of the listed documents are required at filing for Court Investigator review; the list is cut off in the provided text.

An original of each of the following are required at the time of filing for review by the Court Investigator: Petition for Appointment, Confidential Supplemental

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary conservatorship petition

A temporary conservatorship petition may proceed ex parte only if the legal notice requirements are satisfied by notice to the proposed conservatee or a declaration establishing good cause to eliminate or alter notice, and the listed information is submitted.

The petition for appointment of a temporary conservator may be brought ex parte, provided that the provisions for notice to proposed conservatee required by law are satisfied, either by giving notice to the proposed conservatee or by submission of a declaration showing facts sufficient to allow the Court to determine that good cause exists to eliminate or alter the notice requirements and provided that the following information is submitted:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary conservatorship petition

Must include

proposed order

An ex parte temporary conservatorship petition must be submitted with an original and copy of the petition and proposed order, detailed facts establishing necessity, and an endorsed, filed copy of the permanent conservatorship petition.

a. The original and copy of the petition and proposed order; b. A detailed statement of facts in the petition establishing the necessity for the temporary conservatorship; and c. An endorsed, filed copy of the petition for appointment of the permanent conservator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for appointment

The completed Duties of Conservator and Confidential Conservator Screening forms must be filed with the appointment petition.

A completed form “Duties of Conservator” and “Confidential Conservator Screening Form” (JC Form GC-348 and GC-314) shall be filed simultaneously with the petition for appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conservatorship termination filing

Before termination of a conservatorship of the person, the conservator must file Form GC-399 with a death certificate copy that redacts the conservatee’s social security number.

The conservator shall file Judicial Council Form GC-399, and attach thereto a copy of the conservatee’s death certificate with the conservatee’s social security number redacted, prior to termination of a conservatorship of the person.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Documents submitted for conformance

Documents submitted for conformance for mailed return must include a sufficiently stamped self-addressed envelope; items without one are held and destroyed if unclaimed within 30 days.

A self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage affixed is required for the mailed return of all documents submitted for conformance. Copies submitted for conformance without an envelope will be placed in the “hold drawer” in the office of the Clerk of the Court. Items not picked up from these boxes within thirty (30) days will be destroyed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Papers filed for hearing

Must include

caption

When the hearing date is known, papers filed for consideration must show the hearing date and time below the action number in the caption and include the hearing court’s address.

When the date of the hearing for any Law and Motion, Family Law, Criminal or Probate matter is known, all papers filed for consideration at the hearing shall contain the hearing date and time in the caption of the case below the action number. The papers shall also show the address of the Court in which the hearing will be held. Failure to comply with this Rule may result in documents not being before the Court at the time of the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supplemental documents

Must include

caption, case number

Supplemental documents filed after a hearing on a matter taken under submission must show the submission date and department below the case number in the caption.

When supplemental documents are filed after hearing relating to matters taken under submission, the date the matter was submitted and the department in which the matter stands submitted shall be included in the caption of the case below the case number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Form of order for authorization

Before incurring investigative, expert, or other costs, the authorization order must include the applicable financial form, a supporting declaration, and the stated language.

Prior to incurring investigative, or other expert fees and/or other costs, the form of order presented for authorization must be accompanied by an Income and Expense Declaration form (FL-150) in family matters, or a Financial Information form (GR.050) for all other matters, and a declaration in support thereof, and shall contain the following language: 1. “The cost(s) and expense(s) of such service(s) or examination(s) shall not exceed ________ (which is the dollar amount indicated by the Court on each Ex Parte Appointment Order). The Court finds that the cost(s) for expert service(s) is/are a legitimate expense of the County of Butte and will be paid by the County of Butte upon written certification by the Butte County Superior Court that the expenses have been incurred.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Butte County Claim for Professional Services

A reimbursement claim must include itemized billing, expense receipts, the authorizing court order, specified case and billing information, and be presented to the County Administrative Office.

A request for reimbursement shall be paid upon presentation of an itemized billing attached to or listed on a completed Butte County Claim for Professional Services, with attached receipts for expenses, and a copy of the Court order that previously authorized the expenditure(s). The Claim must specify the case number, an hourly rate, the number of hours billed, and shall not to exceed the total amount previously authorized by the Court. The attorney shall then present the claim to the County's Administrative Office for processing for payment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Butte County Claim Form

Except in privately retained counsel cases, the attorney who subpoenas a witness must prepare a Butte County Claim Form, have the witness sign it, and present it to the County Administrative Office.

Other than in privately retained counsel cases, it is the obligation of the attorney subpoenaing a witness to obtain and prepare a Butte County Claim Form and have the witness sign the claim. The attorney shall then present the claim to the County's Administrative Office for processing for payment.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Late claim

Late claims must include a letter explaining the delay; the Court may consider it when deciding whether to pay, and will not pay late claims without a letter.

Claims submitted after the deadline listed in subsections A(1) and A(2) of this rule may not be paid by the Court. Any such late claims must be accompanied by a letter explaining the reason(s) for the delay, which the Court will take into consideration when determining if payment will occur. Late claims without a letter will not be paid.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration supporting investigative or expert fees and costs

The supporting declaration must be authored by the expert or investigator, include specified work and cost estimates, attach a resume or CV, and include the attorney’s inquiry and relevance statement.

The declaration in support of investigative and/or expert witness fees and costs will be (1) authored by the expert or investigator attesting to the nature of work to be done, the number of hours expected, anticipated costs, hourly rate(s) depending on the nature of the work and (2) have a resume or curriculum vitae attached along with (3) a statement by the attorney detailing they have made the inquiry as detailed in the declaration and describing the relevance of the information or services sought.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration supporting investigative or expert fees and costs

The declaration must include the stated language limiting costs and expenses to the amount requested for authorization.

The declaration shall contain the following language: “The cost(s) and expense(s) of such service(s) or examination(s) shall not exceed $___________________ (the dollar amount the attorney is requesting the Court authorize on each Ex Parte Appointment Order).”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for reimbursement

Must include

proposed order

The attorney must submit the reimbursement request with a proposed order containing the stated reimbursement language.

The request for reimbursement must be submitted by the attorney and include a proposed form of order that includes the following language: “The Court finds that the cost(s) for expert or investigative service(s), as detailed in the declaration, is/are a legitimate expense of the Superior Court of California, County of Butte and such costs will be reimbursed to the attorney by the Court upon written certification of the attorney that the expenses have been incurred.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Claim for professional services

A reimbursement claim must include itemized billing, receipts, the authorizing court order, and specified case, rate, hours, and amount information.

A request for reimbursement of costs incurred shall be paid to the attorney upon the attorney’s presentation of an itemized billing attached to or listed on a completed Butte County Superior Court Claim for Professional Services, with attached receipts for expenses and a copy of the Court order that previously authorized the expenditure. The claim must specify the case number, an hourly rate consistent with that expressed in the declaration or ordered by the Court, whichever is less, the number of hours billed, and shall not exceed the total amount previously authorized by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary declaration of disclosure

A Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure must include a completed Income and Expense Declaration, a completed Schedule of Assets and Debts, and other information required by Family Code section 2104.

The Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure shall include a completed Income and Expense Declaration, a completed Schedule of Assets and Debts, and any other information that is required pursuant to Family Code section 2104.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte restraining order request

A workplace-violence ex parte restraining-order request requires reasonable proof of unlawful violence or a credible threat and that great or irreparable harm would result to an employee.

The required showing in a workplace violence action is reasonable proof that the employee suffered unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence by the defendant and that great or irreparable harm would result to an employee. Code of Civil Procedure §527.8(e).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for order

Requests for temporary orders in the referenced actions must include a declaration with the information in form FL.010 and explain why an order shortening time for service and hearing will not suffice.

All requests for temporary orders in the actions referenced in (B) above must include a declaration containing the information as set forth in Declaration Re: Notice of Ex Parte Application for Orders (form FL.010) and the reasons why an order shortening time for service and hearing will not suffice in lieu of an ex parte order pending hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte custody visitation request

Ex parte custody or visitation requests require a clear showing of immediate risk and a supporting affidavit or declaration with specified incident details, the existing arrangement and requested change, and any existing order’s date and provisions.

Ex parte requests for modification of existing custody and visitation orders or for custody and visitation orders will not issue absent a clear showing of risk of immediate harm to the child(ren), or immediate risk the child(ren) will be removed from the State of California. The showing must be made by affidavit or declaration and shall include a full, detailed description of the most recent incident(s) of physical harm, threats of harm or threats to remove the child(ren) from the state and must specify the date of each incident. There is an absolute duty to advise the Court what the existing custody and visitation arrangement is and how it will be changed by the requested ex parte order. Further, if there is an existing Court order relative to child custody and visitation, the date and provisions of that order must be set forth as part of the supporting declaration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for order and supporting declarations

Applications for order and supporting declarations must state the facts on which the moving or responding party relies.

The application for order and supporting declarations and all other declarations in support shall set forth facts upon which the moving or responding party relies.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and expense declaration or financial statement

In hearings involving requests for support, attorney’s fees, or other financial relief, each party must file a fully completed, current financial declaration at least 10 days before the hearing, unless the stated no-change-in-six-months exception applies.

Unless there has been no change in the Income and Expense Declaration [Judicial Council Form FL150] or Financial Statement (Simplified), if eligible, [Judicial Council Form FL155] of a party within the six (6) months preceding the hearing, a fully completed, current (within thirty (30) days, of actual hearing), Income and Expense Declaration or Financial Statement (Simplified), if eligible, shall be filed at least ten (10) days before hearing by each party in all hearings involving requests for support, attorney's fees or other financial relief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

If there has been no material change, a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that fact since the last financial declaration or statement must be submitted.

If there has been no material change, a declaration under penalty of perjury that there has been no material change since the last Income and Expense Declaration or Financial Statement (Simplified) shall be submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and expense declaration

An Income and Expense Declaration must include documents reflecting all required income, identifying its sources and amounts, deductions and net income, and specifying depreciation and other non-cash business expenses.

An Income and Expense Declaration is not fully completed unless it contains the following: a. Documents which reflect all income of a party wherever required (including all business income, commission income, rental income, interest income, etc.). These documents shall completely set forth the source of income, total gross income, an itemization of all deductions, and the net income after deductions. Business expense documents shall identify depreciation and any other non-cash expenses.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and expense declaration

The Expense Declaration must have a completed attorney’s fees section, and the Income Declaration must have a completed other property owned section.

A fully completed “attorney’s fees” section on the Expense Declaration and a completed “other property owned” section on the Income Declaration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

A declaration arguing that guideline support is inappropriate must state the proposed amount and supporting reasons within Family Code §4057; it must state pertinent facts if a party is disabled, unemployed, retired, or incarcerated, and the party’s attorney may sign it.

If it is contended by either party that the Guideline support is inappropriate, the declaration supporting such contention shall set forth the party's amount alleged to be proper. Such declaration shall include any reasons or justifications urged by the party for varying from the Guideline support. The reasons and justifications cited by the party must be within the limitations of Family Code §4057. If any party is disabled, unemployed, retired or incarcerated, all pertinent facts shall be set forth in the declaration. The declaration may be signed by the attorney for the party on whose behalf it is made.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation

Stipulations must be written and submitted to the Court; a stipulation reached during a hearing must be submitted in writing before the hearing concludes, and parties may use local form FL.070.

All stipulations, whether reached before or during the hearing, shall be in writing and submitted to the Court. If a stipulation is reached during a hearing, it must be submitted in writing prior to the conclusion of the hearing. The parties may use local form Written Stipulation and Agreement (FL.070) for this purpose.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Every motion for change of venue in a family law matter must state the proposed county of venue hearing dates and times.

Contained in every motion for change of venue, shall be the proposed county of venue hearing dates and times for family law matters.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of issues and contentions

Parties must file a Statement of Issues and Contentions within one day of the RFO calendar or be restricted to the pleadings and the opposing party’s statement.

The parties are required to file, within one (1) day of the RFO calendar, a Statement of Issues and Contentions or the party will be restricted to the four walls of the pleadings filed by both parties and the Statement of Issues and Contentions filed by opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit lists and witness lists

Exhibit lists and witness lists must be exchanged no later than five days before the long cause hearing.

Exhibit Lists and Witness Lists shall be exchanged no later than five (5) days before the long cause hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration regarding service of final declaration of disclosure

A Declaration Regarding Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure is required only in dissolution, legal separation, and nullity cases, unless the Court specifically orders it.

Declaration Regarding Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure [Judicial Council Form FL.141]. Only required in Dissolution, Legal Separation, and Nullity cases, unless specifically ordered by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of issues contentions and proposed disposition

The Statement of Issues, Contentions, and Proposed Disposition must give the factual basis for each contention and cover all issues to be raised at trial, including the listed topics where appropriate.

Statement of Issues, Contentions, and Proposed Disposition, with a full and complete statement of the factual basis in support of each contention. The statement shall cover all issues to be raised at trial, including, where appropriate:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert witness statement

An expert witness’s written statement must be a separate document titled “Declaration in Lieu of Testimony,” made under penalty of perjury, and include the expert’s address and telephone number.

The written statement of any expert witness, prepared as a separate document, encaptioned “Declaration in Lieu of Testimony,” made by affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury, and including the expert’s address and telephone number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

At issue memorandum

An At-Issue Memorandum must be accompanied by all previously listed materials or it will be returned and the case will not be set for trial.

An At-Issue Memorandum that is not accompanied by all of the foregoing will be returned and the case will not be set for trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

A Trial Brief setting forth the applicable law is required.

A Trial Brief setting forth the applicable law is required.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Meet and confer declaration

Each party, or its attorney if represented, must file a declaration confirming that they met and conferred to attempt to settle all issues before trial.

Meet and Confer Statement: Each party (or their attorney, if represented) is required to file a declaration that they in fact met and conferred in an attempt to settle any and all issues prior to trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supplemental statement of issues and contentions

If the meet-and-confer effort resolves issues, the parties must note the resolutions in their Supplemental Statement of Issues and Contentions.

If the meet and confer effort resolves issues, the parties shall so note in their Supplemental Statement of Issues and Contentions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Property settlement agreement

A property settlement agreement may be approved or incorporated into a judgment only if the specified petition, stipulation, endorsement, signature, and acknowledgment requirements are met.

No property settlement agreement shall be approved by the Court or incorporated by reference in a judgment unless: 1. The petition refers to the property settlement agreement, or the agreement or a separate stipulation signed and filed by the parties and their respective attorneys provides that the agreement may be presented for Court approval and incorporation, or both parties and their attorneys have endorsed approval of the agreement on the form of the stipulation for judgment; B. The agreement is signed and acknowledged by the parties; and 1. If both parties are represented by counsel, the agreement is signed by bothattorneys, or 2. If only one party is represented by counsel, the attorney for that party signs the agreement and the other party signs and acknowledges the agreement. 3. If neither party is represented by counsel, both parties shall sign and acknowledge the agreement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Property settlement agreement

When either party has applied for or receives public assistance, or has requested enforcement, the proposed property settlement agreement must be approved by the Butte County Department of Child Support Services before presentation to the Court.

If either or both parties have applied for and/or are receiving public assistance, or have requested enforcement, then the proposed Property Settlement Agreement shall be presented to the Butte County Department of Child Support Services for approval prior to its presentation to the Court for approval.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment of nullity

A judgment of nullity of a marriage or domestic partnership requires a Court hearing, and Mandatory Form FL.120 must be filed.

Judgments of Nullity of Marriage or Nullity of a Domestic Partnership require a Court hearing (Mandatory Form FL.120 must be filed).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Default custody and visitation declaration

A petitioner seeking a default judgment in the specified cases must complete, file, and serve Form FL.030 at least 15 calendar days before judgment submission if the child-related conditions apply.

If Petitioner is asking for a default Judgment in a dissolution, legal separation, or in a parentage or custody and support case, and has a child with the other parent and one or more of the following apply: a. Does not already have a custody and visitation order, b. Did not file a Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment (Judicial Council Form FL-311) or a specific proposed order with the Petition, c. Does not already have a Marital Settlement Agreement or Stipulated Judgment, then the Petitioner shall complete, file and serve by mail or in person a Declaration for Default Custody and Visitation Orders (form FL.030) at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the Judgment is submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support declaration

A default judgment without an attached child-support agreement must include a declaration with specified support and financial information; a guideline-calculation printout may substitute for the calculation portion.

Where Judgment is obtained by default and there is no attached written agreement concerning child support, an attached Declaration shall state the effective date of the order sought, the amount of support sought per child and in total, the gross and net income of each party, the name and birth date of each child, and the amount of support for each child as calculated according to California child support guidelines. A computerized printout of the guideline calculations, including the findings page, may be substituted for the support portion of this Declaration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

If the recipient receives public assistance or DCSS enforces existing orders, the Judgment must state that fact, reserve the issue for DCSS enforcement, and list the Court case number on the DCSS action.

Where a child support order is sought and the party to whom support is to be paid is receiving public assistance or the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is enforcing existing child support orders, that fact shall be set out in the Judgment and the issue shall be reserved for enforcement by DCSS. The party shall further list the Court case number on the DCSS action.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

The Judgment must address spousal or partner support for each party by stating a requested amount, terminating support, or reserving the issue.

The issue of spousal or partner support for each party must be addressed in the Judgment. A support amount may be requested, spousal or partner support may be terminated, or the issue of spousal or partner support may be reserved.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Spousal support declaration

For the specified default requests without an attached written support agreement, the Petitioner must file and mail-serve a declaration containing the listed information at least 15 calendar days before filing the Judgment.

If a request is made for: a. Establishing by default a permanent spousal or partner support for Petitioner or Respondent, or b. Terminating by default spousal or partner support for the Respondent, in a "marriage of long duration" (as defined in Family Code §4336(b)), and there is no attached written agreement concerning spousal or partner support, Petitioner shall file and serve by mail a Declaration at least fifteen (15) calendar days before filing the Judgment stating the following: 1) The effective date of the order sought 2) The proposed duration of support sought 3) The amount of support sought 4) The gross and net income of both parties 5) Information regarding relevant factors under Family Code §4320

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

A Judgment referring to real property must describe it by its complete common address and/or legal description.

All real property referred to in a Judgment shall be described by its complete common address and/or legal description.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

Applicable custody, visitation, support, and attorney-fee orders must appear in the body of the Judgment and cannot be stated by reference to an attached written agreement.

All orders concerning child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support and attorney fees, as applicable, shall be set forth in the body of the judgment. As to these specific matters, reference to an attached written agreement of the parties is not acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jointly agreed judgment or marital settlement agreement

Both parties’ signatures on a jointly agreed Judgment or marital settlement agreement must be notarized or otherwise authenticated.

Any jointly agreed-upon judgment or marital settlement agreement shall have the signatures of both parties notarized, or otherwise authenticated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order after hearing

A proposed Order After Hearing must be prepared and submitted pursuant to California Rule of Court, Rule 5.125.

The preparation and submission of the proposed Order After Hearing shall be pursuant to California Rule of Court, Rule 5.125.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

A Judgment’s restraining orders issued under the cited Family Code sections must be followed by their expiration dates.

All restraining orders in a judgment issued pursuant to Family Code §§2045(a) and 6322 must be followed by the date of expiration of such order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order after hearing

After a contempt hearing, the moving party must prepare an order for the Court’s signature and submit it directly to the Court, except that an order must be submitted to represented opposing counsel for approval.

After the contempt hearing, it shall be the responsibility of the moving party to prepare an order for the signature of the Court, setting forth the findings and orders of the Court. Such an order will be submitted directly to the Court, without approval as to form and content by the self-represented litigant. If the responding party is represented by counsel, it shall be submitted to counsel for approval.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order after hearing

An Order After Hearing in a contempt matter must include specified findings about the underlying order, knowledge, violation, and willfulness, followed by the contempt and sentencing orders; the Court will not sign a noncompliant order.

The party or attorney preparing the Order After Hearing must set forth all findings of the Court including factual findings of the existence and current validity of a described order, knowledge of the contemptor of that order, the violation of that order, and the willfulness of that violation. Thereafter, there shall be set forth the orders of the Court with regard to the finding of contempt, and the sentencing. No contempt order will be signed by the Court without compliance with the foregoing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting coordinator appointment order

The order appointing a Parenting Coordinator must specify the fee arrangement and each party’s responsibility for the fee.

The order appointing the Parenting Coordinator shall clearly specify the fee arrangement and each party's responsibility for the fee, as determined by the Court or by stipulation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to terminate parental rights

Must include

proposed order

A petition to terminate parental rights must be filed with appropriate forms of order, or it will not be filed.

Any party or attorney seeking to file a petition to terminate parental rights and free a minor from the custody or control of a parent, pursuant to California Family Code §7881 et seq., must present to the Court clerk appropriate forms of order at the time the petition is filed. Petitions presented without appropriate forms of order will not be filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption

Before an adoption hearing will be calendared, the Court clerk must receive the Adoption Request, Adoption Agreement, and Adoption Order forms.

Any party, agency or attorney seeking an order of adoption must present to the Court clerk an Adoption Request (Judicial Council Form ADOPT-200), Adoption Agreement (Judicial Council Form ADOPT-210) and an Adoption Order (Judicial Council Form ADOPT-215) before a hearing for an order of adoption will be calendared.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting coordinator stipulation and order

The Parenting Coordinator must act under a written stipulation and order defining the role, duties, and fees, and the Parenting Coordinator must approve the order form.

The Parenting Coordinator shall act pursuant to a written stipulation and order defining his or her role, duties, and fees. The form of order shall be approved by the Parenting Coordinator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of qualifications

A proposed Parenting Coordinator must complete and file Form FL.110, the Certificate of Qualifications to Serve as a Parenting Coordinator.

The proposed Parenting Coordinator shall complete and file with this Court a Certificate of Qualifications to Serve as a Parenting Coordinator, Butte County Superior Court Local Rule, Form FL.110.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting coordinator appointment order

The appointment order must spell out the Parenting Coordinator’s ability to recommend fee reallocation as a sanction for obstructive behavior.

The Parenting Coordinator shall also have the ability to recommend a reallocation of fees as a sanction for obstructive behavior; this power shall also be spelled out in the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation and order appointing parenting coordinator

Parties stipulating to appoint a Parenting Coordinator must submit the specified form, although the Court and counsel may fashion an individual order for a unique situation.

Parties who stipulate to the appointment of a Parenting Coordinator shall submit a Stipulation and Order Appointing Parenting Coordinator (Butte County Superior Court Local Rule, Form FL.100). Court and counsel may fashion individual orders for unique situations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of competency

An attorney relying on the training requirement must submit Form JV.010 with documentation of successful course completion attached.

For an attorney who relies on Butte County Superior Court Local Rules, Rule 17.5(a)(1) to meet the minimum standards of competency, a Certificate of Competency to Practice in Juvenile Dependency Court (Butte County Superior Court Local Rule, Form JV.010) shall be completed by the attorney of record for the dependency matter and submitted to the Court within 10 days of his or her first appearance in a dependency matter. Documentation from the provider of successful completion of the course work must be attached to the Certificate of Competency.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of competency

An attorney relying on the experience requirement must complete Form JV.010 with details of the qualifying appearances.

For an attorney who relies on Butte County Superior Court Local Rules, Rule 17.5(a)(2) to meet the minimum standards of competency, a Certificate of Competency to Practice in Juvenile Court (Butte County Superior Court Local Rule, Form JV.010) shall be completed by the attorney of record for the dependency matter and submitted to the Court within 10 days of his or her first appearance in a dependency matter. The form will detail the Court in which the six (6) months of regular appearances were made, the time frame of those appearances and the name of the judge(s) presiding over those matters, and whether the appearances were appointments, retained, or pro bono.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

Authorized persons or agencies seeking to inspect or copy juvenile case files without a court order must submit Form JV.030 in the Juvenile Division with proper photo identification.

A. Individuals and agencies authorized under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 to inspect and/or copy Juvenile case files must submit a Declaration in Support of Request to Inspect and/or Copy Juvenile Court Records Without a Court Order (Form JV.030). The declaration must be filed in the Juvenile Division with proper photo identification.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

A noticed discovery motion must explain the relevance and materiality of the requested information and why informal discovery was inadequate.

Any noticed motion shall state the relevancy and materiality of the information sought and the reasons why informal discovery was not adequate to secure that information.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family or juvenile order

An order permitting contact between a restrained person and their children must provide for safe exchange and must not violate a criminal court no-contact order.

Any order that permits contact between the restrained person and his or her children shall provide for the safe exchange of the children and shall not contain language either printed or handwritten that violates a “no contact order” issued by a criminal Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family or juvenile order

A family or Juvenile Court order must specify the time, day, place, and manner of the child’s transfer.

The family or Juvenile Court order shall specify the time, day, place, and manner of transfer of the child, as provided in Section 3100 of the Family Code.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Witness lists and evidence lists must be filed separately from the trial brief.

Witness lists and evidence lists are to be filed separately from the trial brief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Local form

Applicable local forms adopted for mandatory use must be used.

Local forms adopted for mandatory use shall be used, whenever applicable.

WARNING

Applies to

Stipulation

The Court may accept brief oral stipulations on routine procedural matters, but stipulations affecting significant rights or complex matters must be written and submitted under section A.

The Court may, in its discretion, accept brief oral stipulations placed on the record during the hearing. Such stipulations are generally limited to routine matters such as continuances, temporary scheduling agreements, or other procedural issues. Any stipulations affecting significant rights such as custody, visitation, support, or property division, or any other stipulation that is complex in nature, must be reduced to writing and submitted in accordance with section A.

WARNING

Applies to

Request for order

The RFO should detail the facts supporting the request and include relevant certificates or completion letters.

2. The RFO should detail the facts on which the requesting party intends to rely, along with copies of any relevant certificates or letters of completion of necessary services or programs.

WARNING

Applies to

Pre motion conference request

No pleadings or attachments other than a required privilege log will be accepted for the conference request procedure.

Excepting a privilege log, if required pursuant to subsection (c), below, no other pleadings, including but not limited to exhibits, declarations, or attachments, will be accepted.

WARNING

Applies to

Jurisdictional hearing submissions

Counsel should provide written points and authorities and supporting declarations or affidavits at the hearing on jurisdictional contentions.

Counsel should provide written points and authorities and declarations or affidavits in support of their jurisdictional contentions at the time of hearing.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice of sale

The notice of sale should disclose that the property is being sold subject to an encumbrance, if applicable.

If the property is being sold subject to an encumbrance, the notice should so state.

WARNING

Applies to

Petition to appoint personal representative

A petition to appoint a personal representative should state the estimated values of real and personal property and the estimated annual income from all property.

A petition to appoint a personal representative should set forth the estimated value of real property, personal property, and the estimated annual income from all property.

WARNING

Applies to

Petition for reduced bond

Facts supporting a requested reduced bond should be stated in the original appointment petition or a separate petition heard at the same time.

The facts upon which the reduced bond is sought should be set forth, either in the original petition for appointment or in a separate petition to be heard simultaneously.

WARNING

Applies to

Reappraisal for sale

The specified appraisal-date phrases should be inserted immediately after the property’s legal description in the reappraisal for sale.

The following phrases should be inserted in the reappraisal for sale immediately after the legal description of the real property: Appraised as of date of death [insert month, day and year] $ _______________ Appraised as of [insert CURRENT month, day and year] $ _______________

WARNING

Applies to

Petition for confirmation of sale or open court request

The petition or open-court request should state the reasons for a lower deposit.

The petition for confirmation of sale or the request made in open Court should state the reasons for the lower deposit (e.g., all-cash financing by the Veteran’s Administration, or by Cal-Vet or by some other governmental agency.)

WARNING

Applies to

Notice and return of sale

Notices and returns of sale should include common and legal property descriptions and the Assessor’s Parcel Number.

Notices and returns of sale should provide a common as well as a legal description of the property sold, as well as the Assessor’s Parcel Number.

WARNING

Applies to

Verified petition for authorization of securities sale

A securities-sale petition may state heirs’ consent or request; if the securities are specifically bequeathed, it should identify that fact and the legatee’s written consent should be filed.

b. Consent or request of heirs; if the securities are specifically bequeathed, the petition should so allege and the written consent of the legatee should be filed.

WARNING

Applies to

Accounting or compensation approval request

When commissions or fees were paid before court authorization, the accounting or compensation-approval request ordinarily must be accompanied by counsel's appearance or a declaration explaining why.

Where commissions or fees are paid in advance of Court authorization, at the time of the accounting or other request for approval of compensation, the Court ordinarily will require an appearance by counsel or declaration stating the reasons therefore.

WARNING

Applies to

Petition for progress payment

When public disclosure of required details may harm the estate's interest in ongoing litigation, a progress-payment petition may explain the omission and state that the details are concurrently filed confidentially with a request for in camera inspection.

Where the attorney or personal representative requesting a progress payment prior to completion of extraordinary work believes that public disclosure of the information required by subparagraph 2 immediately above may adversely affect the estate’s interest in ongoing litigation, the petitioner may include an allegation in the petition stating why the detailed information has been deleted from the petition and that said detailed information is concurrently being filed with the Court as a confidential document with a request for an in camera inspection.

WARNING

Applies to

Court investigator information sheet

The Court Investigator must be informed immediately of address changes for the conservatee, conservator, or any attorney of record; a new information sheet may be submitted for this purpose.

The Court Investigator must be informed immediately of any change of address for the conservatee, the conservator or any attorney of record. This may be accomplished by submitting a new Court Investigator Information Sheet.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice of deposition

When counsel elects to bifurcate a party deposition, the intention must be stated in the Notice of Deposition and on the record at the deposition’s outset.

Whenever deposing counsel elects to conduct a deposition of a party in a bifurcated fashion, [s]he shall make such intention known in the Notice of Deposition and at the beginning of the deposition by stating same on the record.

WARNING

Applies to

Uncontested or default family law judgment

Uncontested and default family-law judgments are generally obtained by declaration, but a hearing may be set at a party’s request or by Court order.

Generally uncontested and default family law Judgments shall be obtained by declaration. However, a hearing may be set upon request of a party or by a Court order.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed default or uncontested judgment

The applicable judgment checklist should be completed and filed with a proposed default or uncontested judgment submitted to the Clerk’s Office, along with all documents listed in the checklist.

A Judgment Checklist: Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council form FL- 182) or Family Law Parentage Judgment Checklist (form FL.050) should be completed and filed with any proposed default or uncontested Judgment that is submitted to the Clerk's Office pursuant to Family Code §2336. All documents described in those checklists should also be submitted.

WARNING

Applies to

Judgment

A Judgment may restore a party’s former name only upon that party’s written request or request in open Court.

Restoration of a party's former name shall be ordered in a Judgment only upon that party's written request or request in open Court.

WARNING

Applies to

Parenting coordinator stipulation and order

The written stipulation and order should describe the Parenting Coordinator's role, powers, duties, term, and incidental matters.

The Parenting Coordinator's role, powers, duties, term, and incidental matters should be set forth in a written stipulation and order.

WARNING

Applies to

Parenting coordinator recommendation

The Parenting Coordinator’s recommendations are submitted to the Court for possible approval and entry as orders.

The recommendations shall be submitted to the Court, which may approve them and enter them as Court orders.

INFO

Applies to

Notice of sale

The notice is advised to call for cash or cash with credit terms and conditions approved by the Court.

It is advisable that the notice call for “[c]ash or cash and such credit terms and conditions as the Court may approve.”

INFO

Applies to

Default custody and visitation declaration

A petitioner obtaining judgment by default hearing is not required to file or serve the Declaration for Default Custody and Visitation Orders.

If Petitioner is obtaining the Judgment by default hearing, the Petitioner does not have to file and serve the Declaration for Default Custody and Visitation Orders

INFO

Applies to

Judgment

The division of the community estate and confirmation of separate property may appear in the Judgment’s body or in an attached agreement incorporated by reference.

The division of the community estate and confirmation of separate property, as applicable, may be set forth either in the body of the judgment or in an attached agreement incorporated in the judgment by reference.

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

Applies to

Request for order

1. The party seeking to prove the presumption against custody has been rebutted must file a noticed request for order (RFO), alerting the Court and opposing party, and minor’s counsel, if any, of the request.

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

Applies to

Notice of remote appearance ?

Parties must also file a proposed Order Regarding Remote Appearance (RA-020) form with the Court along with (RA-010).

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

Applies to

Request to appear remotely ?

Parties must also file a proposed Order Regarding Remote Appearance (RA-020) along with the (RA-025).

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

Applies to

Request for remote appearance

The Court may authorize remote appearances. Parties must submit a written request using the Court’s Request for Remote Appearance and Order (GR- 060) form at least five (5) calendar days before the hearing.

Summary: A juvenile justice remote-appearance request must be submitted in writing using the Court's GR-060 form.

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

Applies to

Pre motion conference request ?

Any Request for a Pretrial Discovery Conference must be filed with the Clerk’s Office on the approved form LM.020, must include a brief summary of the dispute, and must be served on opposing counsel on or before the date it is filed with the Court.

Summary: A conference request must use approved form LM.020, briefly summarize the dispute, and be served on opposing counsel no later than filing.

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The moving papers must show that notification has been provided as required by California Rules of Court, Rules 3.1200-3.1207.

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Pre motion conference request ?

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order LM.040 must also be submitted.

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Pre motion conference opposition ?

Any Opposition to a Request for a Pretrial Discovery Conference must also be filed on an approved form LM.030, must include a brief summary of why the requested discovery should be denied, must be filed within five (5) Court days of service of the Request for a Pretrial Discovery Conference, extended five (5) calendar days for service by mail, and must be served on opposing counsel.

Summary: An opposition must use approved form LM.030 and briefly explain why the discovery should be denied.

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Pre motion conference opposition ?

If the party opponent has any opposition to the dispute as stated in the request described in paragraph no. 1 above, a written opposition on the approved form shall be timely filed.

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Where the Judgment is taken by default, and there is no attached written agreement of the parties concerning custody and visitation, an attached factual declaration shall set forth the following: 6. Where the party is seeking to deny visitation between the child(ren) and the defaulting party, the reason(s) visitation should not be ordered.

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Declaration or affidavit

These declarations or affidavits shall contain a history of any other state's involvement with the case.

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Ex parte petition ?

If any such notice has been requested, a waiver must accompany the petition.

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Deposit receipt ?

A receipt for the deposit must be obtained from the depositary and filed with the Clerk.

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Petition and order ?

The exact amounts required or the maximum which the estate will be required to pay shall be disclosed in the petition and included in the order.

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Petition

The above amounts shall be set forth in an attachment to the petition.

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Exclusive listing petition and proposed order ?

The petition and proposed order shall also include the name of the broker, address of the property, the fact that the Court sets commissions and that they are payable only if the sale is confirmed, and that all commissions are payable in accordance with Probate Code §10160 et seq. The duration of the contract must be specified.

Summary: An exclusive-listing petition and proposed order must identify the broker and property, state the commission conditions and governing statute, and specify the contract duration.

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Verified petition for authorization of securities sale ?

a. Statement as to necessity for sale, giving reasons, i.e., taxes, expenses of administration, indivisible number of shares, etc.

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Verified petition for authorization of securities sale ?

c. An allegation that a power of sale is conferred by the will.

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Application for compensation for extraordinary services must include detail of what was done, and how much time was spent by whom, in performing services for the ordinary fee.

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Final distribution

Distribute or transfer all property of the estate as required by the Final Distribution Order,

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Receipt

File receipts evidencing all distributions or transfers, and

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Ex parte petition for final discharge

File an Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order.

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Requests to waive interim accountings under Probate Code §2628 may be made on an ex parte basis. All such requests must be submitted on the Mandatory Butte County Local Form PR.040.

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Ex parte restraining order request ?

The required showing in a domestic violence, elder abuse and dependent adult abuse action is reasonable proof of a past act or acts of abuse by the defendant against the plaintiff. Family Code §6300, Welfare & Institution Code §15657.03(c).

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Ex parte restraining order request ?

The required showing in a civil harassment action is reasonable proof of harassment of the plaintiff by the defendant and that great or irreparable harm would result to the plaintiff. Code of Civil Procedure §527.6(c).

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Income and expense declaration ?

Where bonuses have been received, attach a document setting forth the amount and date of the most recent bonus, the date on which the next bonus is expected to be received, and the amount (if known or the estimated amount if not known) of the next bonus.

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Preliminary trial papers

All of the following papers, which shall be known collectively as Preliminary Trial Papers, shall be served and filed with, or no more than thirty (30) days prior to, the At-Issue Memorandum:

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Income and expense declaration

Fully completed current Income and Expense Declaration. (See Butte County Superior Court Local Rules, Rule 16.12.)

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Uccjea declaration form

UCCJEA Declaration Form.

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Final trial papers

C. FINAL TRIAL PAPERS (Not Applicable to Long Cause Hearings) 1. At least five (5) Court days before the trial, each party shall serve and file all of the following, which shall be known collectively as Final Trial Papers: a. A statement summarizing undisputed issues and disputed issues, with an updated estimate of trial time; b. Current Income and Expense Declaration; c. Updated Statement of Assets and Debts, if appropriate; d. Supplemental Statement of Issues, Contentions, and Proposed Disposition, detailing any changes or additions since the initial Statement of Issues. No party shall be allowed to raise at trial any issue not adequately disclosed in that party’s initial or supplemental Statement of Issues. e. A statement identifying each witness the party reasonably anticipates it is likely to call at trial; however, this does not apply to rebuttal witnesses. Only witnesses so listed will be permitted to testify at trial, except for good cause shown. The statement shall specify the name, address, and telephone number of each witness, a general statement of the issues that will be addressed by the testimony of the witness, and a time estimate for the direct examination of the witness. f. A list of exhibits, rather than the exhibits themselves, shall be filed with the Court. Parties shall exchange legible copies of all exhibits the party reasonably anticipates will be introduced at trial. Only disclosed exhibits will be permitted to be offered at trial, except for good cause shown. The parties are encouraged to have their exhibits premarked. The exhibits are to be exchanged between the parties, not just a list of exhibits, unless the parties stipulate that the exhibit list is sufficient, with only the exhibit list going to the Court. g. A complete set of attorney’s bills and statements to date, if attorney’s fees are in issue.

Summary: Except for long cause hearings, each party must prepare Final Trial Papers containing the specified trial statements, declarations, witness information, exhibit information, and, when attorney’s fees are at issue, bills and statements.

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Final trial papers ?

A list of exhibits, rather than the exhibits themselves, shall be filed with the Court.

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A copy of the filed Declaration and proof of service (Judicial Council Form FL-330/FL-335) shall be submitted to the Court with any proposed Judgment.

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Competency documentation ?

Any privately retained attorney must submit to the Court, at their first appearance or within 10 days thereafter, either (a) a statement of competency with attachments described in 17.5, or (b) documentation they advised their client in writing of their right to be represented by competent counsel and that the client is waiving that right by electing to retain an attorney who does not meet the competency requirements as listed in California Rule of Court, Rule 5.6660 and as further detailed in Butte County Superior Court Local Rules.

Summary: A privately retained attorney must submit a competency statement with the attachments described in Rule 17.5, or documentation of the client's written advice and waiver.

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Notice

B. Notice to the Court may be given by the filing of Judicial Council form JV-180 or by the filing of a declaration. The person giving notice shall set forth the nature of the interest or right which needs to be protected or pursued, the name and address, if known, of the administrative agency or judicial forum in which the right or interest may be affected, and the nature of the proceedings being contemplated or conducted there.

Summary: A notice filed on form JV-180 or by declaration must identify the child’s interest or right, the relevant agency or forum and its address if known, and the proceedings contemplated or underway there.

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Subsequent petition for reduced bond ?

If not, a subsequent petition should be filed.

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Exclusive listing petition ?

A copy of the listing agreement should be submitted with the petition.

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Procedural stipulation for jury trial

Parties are encouraged to obtain a stipulation containing the information as set forth in Procedural Stipulations for Jury Trial (form GR.040).

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Exhibits

The parties are encouraged to have their exhibits premarked.