Contra Costa Superior Court Document Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An objection to a second or subsequent Discovery Facilitator may be made only by an ex parte application stating good cause.

Objections to the second, or succeeding, Discovery Facilitators may only be made by ex parte application to the Court setting forth good cause for the objection.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

The Issue Conference Statement must contain the parties' facts, law, and contentions concerning liability, detailed damages, injuries, anticipated trial issues, and possible stipulations.

A statement of the facts, law and respective contentions of the parties regarding liability, damages (with specific dollar details), nature and extent of injuries, any unusual evidentiary or legal issues anticipated at trial, and all matters of fact believed by any party to be appropriate for stipulation;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Earning assignment or income withholding order

A proposed earning assignment or income withholding order must be accompanied by a copy of the judgment or current child, partner, spousal, or family-support order.

A copy of the judgment or current order for child, partner, spousal or family support shall be submitted with any proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

In a contested matter, the parties must timely meet and confer about selecting a qualified court reporter, and the procuring party must provide a proposed CV-311 order appointing the reporter for the Court's signature at the proceeding.

For contested matters, the parties must meet timely and confer as to the selection of a qualified court reporter and, at the time of the proceeding to be reported, the party procuring the qualified court reporter must provide a proposed order appointing the reporter on form CV-311 for the Court’s signature (see Government Code sections 68086 and 70044).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Facsimile document

Must include

exhibit list

A facsimile document with exhibits that cannot be accurately transmitted must include an insert page for each missing exhibit describing the exhibit and why it is missing.

In the event that a proper facsimile-produced document submitted for filing requires or refers to attached exhibits which, because of the nature of such exhibits cannot be accurately transmitted via facsimile transmission, such documents shall be filed with an insert page for each missing exhibit describing the exhibit and why it is missing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Facsimile filing cover sheet

A facsimile-filing cover sheet must state the time, location, and department of the scheduled detention hearing.

(4) In addition to any other required information, the Facsimile Filing cover sheet shall indicate the time, location and department of the scheduled detention hearing in the matter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Uninsured motorist declaration

The uninsured-motorist declaration must carry the specified caption.

The declaration shall be captioned "Request for Temporary Exemption - Uninsured Motorist Case."

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management statement

The required Case Management Statement must be completed using Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Each appearing party shall file and serve the completed Case Management Statement, (Judicial Council Form CM-110), at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the First Case Management Conference as provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.725.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Early case management conference request

An early case management conference request must state that all parties join, or if they do not, provide a brief and clear explanation of the benefits of advancing the conference date.

The request shall either recite that all parties join in the request or, if not, must provide a brief but clear explanation of the benefits of advancing the conference date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

Limited Civil Case parties must use Local Court Form CV-659(c) for the Issue Conference Statement.

In Limited Civil Cases only, use of the local Issue Conference Statement form (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) is mandatory.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement statement

Each party must lodge a compliant settlement statement with the assigned department when filing the Issue Conference Statement.

Each party shall lodge with the assigned department, at the time of filing of the Issue Conference Statement, a settlement statement in the form and content described in Local Rule 3.101.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written objection

A party contesting an ex parte application must file a written objection stating its reasons within forty-eight hours after the notice.

If the allegedly defaulting party wishes to contest the application, it must file a written objection, stating the reasons for the objection. Any such objection must be filed within forty-eight (48) hours of the notice given pursuant to paragraph (a)(2).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Post hearing order

After a hearing, the prevailing party must prepare the resulting order in compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

The prevailing party must prepare an order after hearing in accordance with the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

For writs of mandate other than those naming the Department of Motor Vehicles as respondent, the filing party must take the petition and a proposed order to the assigned department during ex parte hours after assignment.

The following rule applies to all writs of mandate except those in which the Department of Motor Vehicles is named as respondent. After the Petition is filed in the Clerk’s Office and a department is assigned, the filing party shall take a copy of the petition along with a proposed order to the assigned department during ex parte hours.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Name change application

Name change applications must be submitted using Judicial Council Forms NC-100 and NC-110.

Name change applications are submitted on the Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-100) and Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Forms NC-110).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Name change petition

The applicant must personally present the name change petition at the civil division clerk’s Probate window with a completed NC-120, photographic identification, proof of Contra Costa County residency, and, for minors, a birth certificate.

The petition must be presented personally by the applicant to the clerk at the Probate window in the civil division’s clerk’s office and shall be accompanied by the following: (Rule 3.51(2) revised effective 1/1/16) (A) A completed Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-120) that will be signed by the judge. (B) Photographic proof of identification (California Driver’s License or ID, or similar). (C) Proof of residency in Contra Costa County (e.g. recent utility bill or tax bill); and (D) For minors, a birth certificate.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Supporting affidavits, declarations, points-and-authorities memoranda, and similar documents must be attached to the notice of motion, order to show cause, or other moving papers when filed.

All supporting affidavits, declarations, memoranda of points and authorities, and similar documents shall be attached to the notice of motion, or order to show cause, or other moving papers, when filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Uncontested matter

An uncontested hearing will not be set until all requisite pleadings and documents are filed and default has been entered; when court entry of default is required, the return of service must be filed before requesting the hearing.

No hearing will be set on an uncontested matter until all requisite pleadings and documents have been filed and the Clerk has entered the default, unless it is a matter requiring court entry of default, in which case the Return of Service must be filed before the request for hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written order

In a contested matter with appearing opposing counsel, the prevailing party must prepare and serve the written order, and opposing counsel must review it.

In any contested matter, where opposing counsel appears, a written order shall be prepared and served by the prevailing party and reviewed by the opposing party, in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written order

A written order must be prepared regardless of whether the court specifically requests it.

The order shall be prepared whether or not specifically requested by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement notice

Counsel must immediately notify the court in writing when a civil case settles.

Whenever a civil case has settled, counsel shall immediately notify the Court in writing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Selection of ADR Panel Member form

Within 14 calendar days after referral to arbitration, unless the judge sets another deadline, the parties must agree on an arbitrator, complete Form ADR-201, and forward it to the ADR Programs office.

All parties must agree on an arbitrator and complete a Selection of ADR Panel Member (Local Court Form ADR-201) fourteen (14) calendar days of the matter being referred to Arbitration, unless the judge sets a different selection deadline. Parties must forward this form to the ADR Programs office.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must identify each attendee by name and title or relationship to the case.

(1) The name and title (or relationship to the case) of all people who will attend arbitration;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must briefly identify the legal and factual issues and the party’s views on liability and damages.

(2) A brief statement of the legal and factual issues in the case, and the party's views on liability and damages; and,

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must include copies of documents that will help the arbitrator understand the disputed issues.

(3) Copies of any documents that will help the arbitrator understand the issues in dispute.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

If a formal discovery motion is filed after a Finding of Noncompliance, the moving party must attach the finding as an exhibit and may include a brief factual, non-argumentative account of the noncompliance.

In the event a formal Discovery Motion is subsequently filed, the moving party shall attach a copy of the Finding of Noncompliance to its papers as an exhibit and may submit a brief, factual, non-argumentative recitation of the facts regarding the non-compliance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

The discovery motion papers must include a first-exhibit declaration of completion of the Discovery Facilitator Program and attach the facilitator's recommendations in that exhibit.

Those moving papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration that the parties have completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and shall attach the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator as part of the exhibit.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

The formal discovery motion papers must include a first-exhibit declaration regarding the facilitator's failure to serve the notice.

the discovery dispute, which papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration regarding the failure of the Facilitator to serve the Notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

A judgment must address all matters within the court’s jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication or expressly reserve jurisdiction over matters not being disposed of at that time.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 5.401(c) and 5.411(b), Judgments shall include all matters subject to the court’s jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication, or an explicit reservation of jurisdiction over any matter not proposed for disposition at that time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A defendant’s suppression motion must precisely identify the evidence, challenged acts or omissions, Fourth Amendment theory, proof the People must address, and any claimed inadequacy in the search-and-seizure justification.

The defendant must specify the precise grounds for suppression of the evidence, including the identification both of the evidence for which suppression is sought and of any and all acts and omissions by law enforcement or others that are asserted to constitute a Fourth Amendment violation, briefly but with sufficient precision to put the People on notice regarding what they are called upon to prove and including any claimed inadequacy for any justification for the search and seizure;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Opposition

When lack of a warrant is the defendant’s sole suppression ground, the People’s opposition must specify the justification for the warrantless search.

If the defendant’s motion alleges the lack of a warrant as the sole basis for suppression, the People’s opposition shall specify the justification for the warrantless search;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil assessment petition

Must include

specific language

A defendant seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition and may use Local Form TR-125.

Defendants seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court requesting such relief. Defendants may use Local Form TR-125 for this purpose.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ability to pay petition

A defendant seeking an ability-to-pay determination must submit a written petition and may use Local Form TR-125.

Defendants seeking an ability-to-pay determination must submit a written petition to the court. Defendants may use Local Form TR-125 for this purpose.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation or agreed order

Every pre-hearing agreement, stipulation, or agreed-upon order must be written, signed by all applicable parties and counsel, and submitted to the court for signature before the hearing begins.

All agreements, stipulations, or agreed-upon orders reached before hearing shall be in writing, signed by all parties and counsel (where applicable) and submitted to the Court for signature before the hearing on the matter begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

Parties in dissolution-of-marriage and legal-separation cases must use Judicial Council Form FL-182, the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation.

For Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation cases, parties shall use the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte order application

Must include

proposed order

An ex parte order application must be accompanied by a separate, self-contained order.

Applications for ex parte orders must be accompanied by a separate order complete in itself.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for authority to borrow money

A petition for authority to borrow money must state the bond amount and the loan proceeds eligible for bond coverage, or allege that no additional bond is required or that bond is waived.

Petitions for authority to borrow money shall set forth the amount of bond in force and the amount of loan proceeds eligible to be covered by bond. If no additional bond is required, or if bond is waived, that fact shall be alleged.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Amended order

An attorney- or party-caused error requires an ex parte application to correct the order, while court error may be corrected with a supporting declaration.

If the modification to the order is the result of an error by an attorney or party, an ex parte application is required. If modification is the result of court error, a declaration in support of the amended order is sufficient.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Nunc pro tunc order judgment or decree

A nunc pro tunc order, judgment, or decree must be a complete amended document, and the previously signed document must be attached to the ex parte application or declaration.

A nunc pro tunc order, judgment or decree must take the form of a complete amended order, judgment or decree. The previously signed order must be attached to the ex parte application or declaration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting report

The report accompanying an accounting must include a statement regarding the bond.

The report accompanying an accounting shall include a statement regarding the bond. This shall include the following:

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting report

If no bond is posted, the accounting report must state why no bond was required, such as because there were no assets subject to disposition or bond was waived in the will.

If no bond is posted, a statement of why no bond was required (e.g., “At the time of appointment, there were no assets subject to disposition by the fiduciary” or “Bond was waived in the will”).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting report

When bond is required, the accounting report must state specified information concerning personal property, estimated annual income, sellable real property, and public benefits for guardianship or conservatorship accounts.

If bond is required, the report shall state: (A) the current value of all personal property subject to the petitioner’s control; (B) the amount of the estimated annual income for the next year; (C) the fair market value, less encumbrances, of any real property which the fiduciary can sell without prior court order; and (D) the amount of any public benefits regarding accounts for guardianships and conservatorships being received by or for the benefit of the ward or conservatee, including the identity of the person receiving the benefit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Every petition must identify the name, address, and relationship of each person entitled to notice.

All petitions shall identify the names, addresses, and relationships of all persons entitled to notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Attachment 8 of the petition must state when a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or failed to survive the designated survival period.

If a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or did not survive the designated survival period, that fact must be stated in Attachment 8 of the Petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

If Attachment 8 identifies a person who is deceased as of the petition date, the petition must state that person’s date of death.

If Attachment 8 includes a spouse or any other person who is deceased as of the date of the petition, the petition shall state that person’s date of death.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

When an heir’s or beneficiary’s address is unknown, a declaration detailing the specific locating efforts must be submitted before the court will excuse notice or prescribe an alternative notice method.

If the address of an heir or beneficiary is unknown, the Court requires a declaration stating specifically what efforts were made to locate such heir or beneficiary before the Court will dispense with notice or prescribe an alternate form of notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order confirming sale

An order confirming a real-property sale must state the total broker commissions allowed and any allocation agreed between the brokers.

The order confirming sale must show the total commissions allowed and any allocation agreed upon between the brokers.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A petition for distribution must detail all property to be distributed and state the amount of cash on hand, either in the petition or in an incorporated accounting schedule; an inventory reference alone is insufficient.

The petition for distribution must list and describe in detail all property to be distributed, either in the body of the petition or in the prayer, or by a schedule in the accounting, and incorporated in the petition by reference. This includes a statement of the amount of cash on hand. A description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

If an intestate decedent who survived a spouse leaves no issue, the applicability of Probate Code Section 6402.5 must be alleged and necessary tracing must be completed as far as possible.

If an intestate decedent who survived his or her spouse leaves no issue, the applicability of Probate Code Section 6402.5 must be alleged and the necessary tracing must be carried out as far as is possible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written election

A qualifying surviving-spouse probate must be supported by a timely written election that acknowledges the alternative procedures and the possibility of additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Formal probate of community, quasi-community, or separate property passing or confirmed to a surviving spouse in a decedent’s estate pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 must be supported by a timely written election expressing acknowledgement of a consideration of the alternative procedures available pursuant to Probate Code Section 13650. Written elections pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 shall contain an express acknowledgment that the inclusion of property passing to or belonging to the surviving spouse in the probate estate could result in additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for extraordinary fees

A petition for extraordinary fees must be supported by a compliant declaration from each person requesting approval.

Petitions for compensation for extraordinary services under Probate Code § 10811 shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guidelines from each individual requesting approval of extraordinary fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

A distribution order must separately and completely list each beneficiary’s cash and non-cash assets, state the total consistently with Schedule F, and may not describe the distribution merely by reference to the inventory.

The distribution of property must be separately stated in detail, listing non-cash assets to be distributed as described in the Inventory and Appraisal, as well as the amount of cash to be distributed, under the name of each beneficiary. The order must be complete in itself and the total estate distributed must agree with property on hand as shown on Schedule F of the Summary of Account. Description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

An order distributing real property must include its legal description, street address if any, and assessor’s parcel number.

For real property to be distributed, the order must include the legal description, the street address, if any, and the assessor’s parcel number.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

When estate income will be paid by a trustee to trust beneficiaries, the order must allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

When any part of the estate is to be distributed to a trustee, and the accumulated income is to be paid by the trustee to the trust beneficiaries, the order shall allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for final distribution

A petition for final distribution must show that all creditors received the prescribed notice at least 75 calendar days before the hearing, were paid, or that no creditors were known.

The Petition for Final Distribution must show that all of decedent’s creditors received a Notice of Administration to Creditors (Judicial Council Form DE-157) at least seventy-five (75) calendar days before the hearing, or were paid or that there were no known creditors of decedent.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

When federal estate-tax proration is required, the petition for distribution must include a schedule showing the computation.

When proration of federal estate taxes is required by Probate Code Section 20110 et seq., the petition for distribution shall include a schedule showing the computation of the proration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary distribution

A bond must be required from distributees when preliminary distribution occurs before the creditor-claim filing period expires.

In the event of a preliminary distribution made before the time for filing creditor’s claims has expired, a bond MUST be required of the distributees (Probate Code Section 11622).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex petition for final discharge and order

An ex parte petition for final discharge must include a copy of the final-distribution order and copies of distributee receipts.

All Ex Parte Petitions for Final Discharge and Order (Judicial Council Form DE-295) shall be submitted with a copy of the order of final distribution, and copies of any receipts from distributees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex petition for final discharge and order

When the distribution order requires funds to be placed in a blocked account, the final-discharge request must include Judicial Council Form MC-356.

If the order requires distribution of funds to a blocked account, the request for final discharge shall be accompanied by a completed Receipt and Acknowledgment of Order for the Deposit of Money Into Blocked Account (Judicial Council Form MC-356).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order of final distribution

When the final-distribution order distributes real property, the copy submitted with the final-discharge request must show that the order was recorded in the appropriate county.

If the order distributes real property, the copy of the order submitted with the request for final discharge shall show that the order has been recorded in the appropriate county.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for final distribution or termination

A petition for final distribution or termination must state that all listed charges have been paid.

A petition for final distribution or to terminate the proceeding must expressly state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Letters of guardianship

Before Letters of Guardianship are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign, and file Judicial Council Form GC-250.

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign and file a Letters of Guardianship (Probate-Guardianships and Conservatorships) (Judicial Council Form GC-250) provided by the Judicial Council.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Account

The general conservator's first account must cover at least nine months after appointment and must also include any period of temporary appointment.

The first account shall be for a minimum period of nine months from the date of appointment of the general conservator and shall also include any period of temporary appointment of the person as conservator or guardian.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting

A separate accounting must be provided for each ward or conservatee in a consolidated guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.

Where there are multiple wards or conservatees joined in a single guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, a separate accounting shall be provided for each of them.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Account

Except for an account ending upon a conservatee's death, an account's ending date may be no more than three months before the filing date.

The ending date of an account, except an account ending upon the death of a conservatee, shall not be more than three months before the date it is filed with the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final account

The final estate account after termination of a guardianship or conservatorship must state that specified charges have been paid.

The final account following termination of a guardianship or conservatorship of the estate must state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

If unable to file the final account within six months, the fiduciary must file a status report explaining the delay and the additional time needed.

If the conservator or guardian is unable to file the final account with the six-month period, the conservator or guardian shall file a status report setting forth the reasons for the delay and how much additional time is needed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Compensation petition

Each compensation petition for a guardian, conservator, or their attorney must be supported by a declaration complying with the specified Probate Court guideline.

Petitions for compensation of guardians and conservators and their attorneys shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guideline Attachment #2 from each individual requesting approval of fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Independent powers request

A request for an independent power must include a detailed declaration explaining the need for the specific power sought.

Because of the broad scope of this section, the Court requires a detailed declaration as to the necessity for the specific independent power desired.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Independent powers request

A request for independent powers may not describe the powers solely by incorporating the governing statute by reference.

When independent powers are requested and granted, it is not sufficient to incorporate by reference the statute or its subsections.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Ex parte application for order to shorten time

An ex parte application for an Order to Shorten Time will be considered only if accompanied by the proposed moving papers.

Ex Parte applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Ex parte application for order to shorten time

An ex parte application for an Order to Shorten Time ordinarily must be accompanied by proposed moving papers, but the Court may otherwise order in its discretion.

(3) (A) Ex Parte Applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers, unless, in its discretion, the Court otherwise orders.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 615 notice of termination of appointment of discovery facilitator

Form ADR-615, the Notice of Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator, is mandatory.

ADR-615 Notice of Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Probate order

Probate orders, judgments, or decrees must identify all matters decided, the relief granted, affected persons, and the complete legal descriptions of property or amounts of money affected.

All probate orders, judgments or decrees shall set forth all matters actually passed on by the Court, giving the relief granted, the names of the persons affected, and the full legal description of any real property (including Assessor’s Parcel Number), or the amounts of money affected.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte application must include a separate, self-contained proposed order rather than an order merely granting the application.

Applications for ex parte orders must be accompanied by a separate order complete in itself. It is not sufficient for such an order to provide merely that the application has been granted, or that the sale of property set forth in the petition has been approved.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte application must be verified and supported by sufficient evidentiary facts and a foundation for the petitioner’s personal knowledge, rather than conclusions or ultimate-fact statements alone.

An application for an ex parte order must be verified and must contain sufficient evidentiary facts to justify issuing the order. Conclusions or statements of ultimate facts are not sufficient and a foundation should be shown for the petitioner’s personal knowledge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Final discharge petition

An ex parte petition for final discharge and order must be submitted with the final-distribution order and any distributee receipts.

All Ex Parte Petitions for Final Discharge and Order (Judicial Council Form DE-295) shall be submitted with a copy of the order of final distribution, and copies of any receipts from distributees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Final discharge petition

When final distribution is to a blocked account, the final-discharge request must include completed Judicial Council Form MC-356.

If the order requires distribution of funds to a blocked account, the request for final discharge shall be accompanied by a completed Receipt and Acknowledgment of Order for the Deposit of Money Into Blocked Account (Judicial Council Form MC-356).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

In contested matters, the party procuring a qualified court reporter must provide a proposed Form CV-311 order appointing the reporter for the Court’s signature at the proceeding.

For contested matters, the parties must meet timely and confer as to the selection of a qualified court reporter and, at the time of the proceeding to be reported, the party procuring the qualified court reporter must provide a proposed order appointing the reporter on Form CV-311 for the Court’s signature (see Government Code sections 68086 and 70044).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Attorney fee application

Every attorney-fee application must be accompanied by an itemized statement of the services rendered.

Every application for compensation for extraordinary services rendered by an attorney in any case mentioned in this rule and every application in any other case, as authorized by law, for allowance, fixing or recovery of attorney's fees, shall be accompanied by an itemized statement of the services rendered.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Notice of first case management conference and adr forms

When serving the summons and complaint, or a cross-complaint naming a new party, the responding party must be served with specified First Case Management Conference and ADR forms.

At the time of serving the Summons and Complaint (and a cross-complaint upon a new party), the responding party shall be served with the Notice of the First Case Management Conference and an ADR Case Management Stipulation and Order (Local Court Form CV- 655(b)) for unlimited jurisdiction civil cases, and the ADR Case Management Stipulation.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Motion for exemption from mandatory electronic filing and service

An exemption motion must be filed on Judicial Council form EFS-007, state supporting facts under penalty of perjury, and be accompanied by form EFS-008.

The motion shall be made on Judicial Council form EFS-007, Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service, on which the applicant shall state facts supporting the request under penalty of perjury, and shall by accompanied by EFS-008, Order of Exemption from Electronic Filing and Service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Uninsured motorist declaration

Plaintiff's counsel must promptly file a declaration when an action is to proceed as an uninsured motorist case.

Promptly upon learning that an action is to proceed as an uninsured motorist case, plaintiff's counsel shall file a declaration setting forth the information upon which such a determination has been made.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Uninsured motorist declaration

The uninsured motorist declaration must state that coverage exists, identify the carrier and coverage limits, state that those limits adequately compensate known loss or damage, and confirm that plaintiff will promptly pursue recovery and intends to assign the claim or dismiss after recovery by settlement or award.

The declaration 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.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Uninsured motorist declaration

The uninsured motorist declaration must have the specified caption.

The declaration shall be captioned "Request for Temporary Exemption - Uninsured Motorist Case."

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Case management statement

Each appearing party must file and serve a completed Judicial Council Form CM-110 at least 15 calendar days before the First Case Management Conference.

(e) File and serve Case Management Statement Each appearing party shall file and serve the completed Case Management Statement, (Judicial Council Form CM-110), at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the First Case Management Conference as provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.725.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Issue conference statement

In limited civil cases, parties must use the local Issue Conference Statement form.

In limited civil cases only, use of the local Issue Conference Statement form (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) is mandatory.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Settlement statement

Each party must lodge the required settlement statement with the assigned department when filing the Issue Conference Statement.

Each party shall lodge with the assigned department, at the time of filing of the Issue Conference Statement, a settlement statement in the form and content described in Local Rule 3.101.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Memo to set case for trial

When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff must file a memo to set the case for trial using Judicial Council Form UD-150.

(4) When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff shall file a memo to set the case for trial, and shall use Judicial Council Form UD-150 for this purpose.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Pleading

A pleading seeking relief under CEQA must clearly identify the matter as a CEQA action in its title.

The title of any pleading seeking relief under the California Environmental Quality Act, whether by petition or complaint, shall clearly identify that the matter is a CEQA action [e.g., “CEQA claim: Complaint for Damages”].

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Memorandum and other support or opposition papers

Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.

(2) All memoranda and other papers filed in support of, and in opposition to, motions shall comply with the requirements of the California Rules of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Post hearing order

Must include

proposed order

After the hearing, the prevailing party must prepare the order in compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

(3) The prevailing party must prepare an order after hearing in accordance with the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Name change application

A name-change application must be submitted using Judicial Council Form NC-100 and Attachment Form NC-110.

(1) Name change applications are submitted on the Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-100) and Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Forms NC-110).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Name change application

A name-change application must include a completed Judicial Council Form NC-120 Order to Show Cause for signature by the judge.

(A) A completed Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-120) that will be signed by the judge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Name change application

A name-change application must include proof of residency in Contra Costa County.

(C) Proof of residency in Contra Costa County (e.g. recent utility bill or tax bill); and

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Minor name change application

A minor’s name-change application must include a birth certificate.

(D) For minors, a birth certificate.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Motion

Supporting affidavits, declarations, memoranda, and similar documents must be attached to the notice of motion, order to show cause, or other moving papers when filed.

All supporting affidavits, declarations, memoranda of points and authorities, and similar documents shall be attached to the notice of motion, or order to show cause, or other moving papers, when filed. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be deemed cause for taking the matter off calendar.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Uncontested matter hearing request

An uncontested matter will not receive a hearing until all requisite pleadings and documents are filed and default has been entered; when court entry of default is required, the Return of Service must precede the hearing request.

No hearing will be set on an uncontested matter until all requisite pleadings and documents have been filed and the clerk has entered the default, unless it is a matter requiring court entry of default, in which case the Return of Service must be filed before the request for hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order placing judgment or settlement proceeds into a special needs trust must include a place for the Court to assign the first annual review date in the Probate Department.

Proposed orders for the placing of the proceeds of a court judgment or settlement into a special needs trust must provide a place for the Court to assign a date in the Probate Department for the first annual review of the operation of the trust.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Written order

In a contested matter where opposing counsel appears, the prevailing party must prepare and serve the written order, and opposing counsel must review it in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

In any contested matter, where opposing counsel appears, a written order shall be prepared and served by the prevailing party and reviewed by the opposing party, in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Settlement conference statement

At a settlement conference, each party must have a written statement of the specified facts, law, claims, damages, injuries, wage loss, and future medical or earnings-loss information endorsed by the clerk and served on all parties five court days before the conference.

Have endorsed by the Clerk of the Court and served on all parties five (5) court days before the conference, a written statement of the facts, law and respective contentions of the parties to prove or disprove the right of recovery, items and amount of special damages, nature and extent of injuries incurred and claimed residuals documented by medical report when possible, any wage loss claim showing methods of computation, and any claim for future medical expenses and earnings loss;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Discovery motion

If a formal discovery motion is filed after a Finding of Non-Compliance, the moving party must attach the finding as an exhibit and may include a brief, factual, nonargumentative statement of the noncompliance facts.

In the event a formal Discovery Motion is subsequently filed, the moving party shall attach a copy of the Finding of Noncompliance to its papers as an exhibit and may submit a brief, factual, non-argumentative recitation of the facts regarding the non-compliance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Recommendations of discovery facilitator and termination of appointment

The unresolved-hearing recommendations document must be titled “Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” and use Local Court Form ADR-616.

If the discovery dispute is not completely resolved at the hearing, the Discovery Facilitator shall, within ten (10) days of the completion of the hearing, serve a document on the parties entitled “Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” (Local Court Form ADR-616).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Discovery motion

A discovery motion is timely under the statutory deadline, including any agreed tolling period, and its moving papers must place the program-completion declaration and the Facilitator’s recommendations in the first exhibit.

The motion filing deadline shall be per statute including any tolling period agreed to by the parties. Any moving papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration that the parties have completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and shall attach the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator as part of the exhibit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Reply brief

A reply brief on an inadequacies-of-justification issue is permitted and must be served by email, fax, or personal service at least two court days before the hearing.

The defendant may then file a reply specifying the inadequacies of the justification. Any such reply brief must be served (by email, facsimile or personal service) at least two court days before the hearing;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Motion to suppress evidence

A defendant's motion to suppress must identify the evidence, challenged conduct, Fourth Amendment theory, and any claimed justification inadequacy with sufficient precision.

The defendant must specify the precise grounds for suppression of the evidence, including the identification both of the evidence for which suppression is sought and of any and all acts and omissions by law enforcement or others that are asserted to constitute a Fourth Amendment violation, briefly but with sufficient precision to put the People on notice regarding what they are called upon to prove and including any claimed inadequacy for any justification for the search and seizure;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Opposition to motion to suppress evidence

When lack of a warrant is the sole suppression ground, the People's opposition must specify the justification for the warrantless search.

If the defendant’s motion alleges the lack of a warrant as the sole basis for suppression, the People’s opposition shall specify the justification for the warrantless search;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Shortened time motion papers

Must include

proposed order

All papers in shortened-time motions, including opposition and reply papers, must be accompanied by a proposed order.

All papers, including opposition and reply papers, filed in motions brought on an order shortening time, shall be accompanied by a copy of the proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Remote appearance request

A defendant requesting a remote arraignment and trial appearance must submit Local Court Form TR-128 in person at least five court days before the due date.

A defendant may request to appear remotely for an arraignment and/or trial. A defendant who requests to appear remotely for an arraignment and trial must fill out Local Court Form TR-128 and submit it to the court in person at least five (5) court days before the due date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Document

Must include

caption

Every document filed after the collaborative law stipulation and order must include “Collaborative Law Case” in its caption.

The term “Collaborative Law Case” is to be included in the caption of any document filed with the Court from and after the filing of the collaborative law stipulation and order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition to reduce or vacate civil assessment

A defendant seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition requesting that relief.

Defendants seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court requesting such relief.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Counsel appearance

Counsel must file Form MC-050 or Form FL-950 before appearing for a party at a hearing.

Counsel shall not appear on behalf of a party unless counsel has filed a Substitution of Attorney (Form MC-050) or a Notice of Limited Scope Representation (Form FL-950) before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Moving and responsive papers

A current Income and Expense Declaration, or Simplified Financial Statement when appropriate, must accompany moving and responsive papers in financial-relief hearings unless an I&E was filed within 90 calendar days of the hearing and no significant financial changes occurred.

(2) A fully completed, current Income and Expense Declaration (I&E) (or Simplified Financial Statement, when appropriate) shall be filed and served with moving and responsive papers in all hearings involving requests for support, attorney’s fees, costs, or other financial relief, unless the party has filed an I&E within 90 calendar days of the date of the hearing and there have been no significant changes in the party’s income, assets or expenses.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Request for order

In a Request for Order seeking modification of a prior order, the moving party must attach the prior order or specify its file date.

(3) On a Request for Order to modify a prior order, the moving party shall attach a copy of the prior order to the moving papers or specify the file date of the prior order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Confidential records

Confidential records, including specified reports concerning children and family-service agencies, must be marked confidential when submitted for filing.

Confidential records, including but not limited to medical, psychological, or educational reports concerning a minor child, or reports from Children and Family Services or Family Court Services, must be marked confidential when submitting for filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Formal order

Formal orders, judgments, and decrees must state their full effect and attach or reference necessary documents rather than incorporating the petition by reference.

Formal orders, judgment and decrees shall be drawn so that their full effect may be determined without reference to the petition on which they are based. As necessary for this purpose, documents shall be attached to, and referenced in, the order, judgment or decree, instead of referring to the other document by reference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Motion to be relieved as counsel

A motion to relieve counsel must comply with California Rules of Court 3.1362 and use Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052, and MC-053.

Motions to be relieved as counsel shall be made in conformity with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1362 using Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052 and MC-053.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Mandatory settlement conference

At least seven calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference, a party must file either a declaration confirming service of the final disclosures or a stipulation waiving that service.

At least 7 calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement conference, the parties shall: (A) File with the Court a Declaration re: Service of Final Declarations of Disclosure, or alternatively, file a stipulation to waive service of final declarations of disclosure.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Joint statement of contested issues

Parties must file a Joint Statement of Contested Issues describing all disputed issues, including applicable proposals for dividing property and debts and a calculation spreadsheet when late or missing payments are claimed; if they cannot agree, each party must instead file and serve a separate statement containing the required information.

(C) File a Joint Statement of Contested Issues describing all issues that remain in dispute. That statement shall include, where it is an issue, the parties’ respective proposals for the division of property and debts. If late or missing payments are claimed, a calculation spreadsheet shall also be attached. If the parties are unable to agree upon a Joint Statement of Contested Issues, then each party shall file and serve a Separate Statement of Contested Issue which includes all of the information required for a Joint Statement of Contested Issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Mandatory settlement conference statement

A Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement, and any other filings the Court requires, must be filed.

(D) File a Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement or other such filings as may be required by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Settlement agreement

Any settlement agreement reached at the Mandatory Settlement Conference must be written, signed by the parties, and submitted to the Court within 10 days after the conference.

Any agreement reached in an MSC shall be reduced to writing, signed by the parties, and submitted to the Court within 10 days of the MSC.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Request for case management conference

A Request for Case Management Conference may be filed only after a response is filed and will not be accepted until all parties serve their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and file the corresponding proof of service, or obtain a court order waiving that requirement under Family Code Section 2107.

If no hearings are scheduled, a party may initiate the trial setting process by filing a Request for Case Management Conference (Local Court Form FamLaw-112). The Request for Case Management Conference may only be filed after a response has been filed, and will not be accepted for filing until all parties have served their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and filed the Declaration Re Service of Declaration of Disclosure, or obtained a court order waiving this requirement per Family Code Section 2107.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Order prepared after hearing

An attorney directed to prepare a post-hearing order must submit it on the day of the hearing when feasible and otherwise must comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 5.125.

Where feasible, attorneys directed to prepare an order after hearing shall prepare and submit the order to the Court on the day of the hearing. If that is not feasible, the parties shall comply with the timing requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 5.125.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Order after hearing

An attorney ordered to prepare an Order After Hearing must submit it before filing a substitution of attorney or obtaining relief as counsel.

If an attorney, even if appearing in limited scope, has been ordered by the court to prepare an Order After Hearing, the attorney must submit the order before a substitution of attorney is filed, or before an order to be relieved as counsel is granted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Stipulation

Agreements, stipulations, and agreed-upon orders must be written, signed by all applicable parties and counsel, and submitted for the court's signature before the hearing begins.

All agreements, stipulations, or agreed-upon orders reached before hearing shall be in writing, signed by all parties and counsel (where applicable) and submitted to the Court for signature before the hearing on the matter begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Earning assignment order or income withholding order

A proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order must be accompanied by the judgment or current support order.

A copy of the judgment or current order for child, partner, spousal or family support shall be submitted with any proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Judgment

A judgment must address all matters within the court's jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication or expressly reserve jurisdiction over matters not then proposed for disposition.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 5.401(c) and 5.411(b), judgments shall include all matters subject to the court’s jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication, or an explicit reservation of jurisdiction over any matter not proposed for disposition at that time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Judgment checklist

Parties in dissolution of marriage and legal separation cases must use Judicial Council Form FL-182.

For Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation cases, parties shall use the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Default judgment

The defaulting party's signature on a signed default judgment submitted as a default with agreement must be notarized.

If the parties submit a signed default judgment (“default with Agreement”), the signature of the defaulting party shall be notarized.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Proposed judgment

When DCSS provides case services, a proposed judgment may not be submitted until DCSS has approved its child support provisions in writing.

If DCSS is providing services in a case, a proposed judgment shall not be submitted without DCSS's written approval of the child support provisions of the judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Elisor application and proposed order

An elisor application and proposed order must designate the Clerk of the Court or Clerk's Designee and identify the person served and 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 Court or Clerk’s Designee’ as the elisor and indicate for whom the elisor is being appointed and in what capacity they are to sign the document.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Elisor document

The original document presented to the elisor for signature must match the copy attached to the proposed order.

The original document, presented for signature by the elisor, must match the copy of the document attached to the proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Elisor supporting declaration

The supporting declaration must state specific facts establishing why appointment of an elisor is necessary.

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

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Elisor application

When an elisor must sign notarized documents, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present during signing.

If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present when the elisor signs the document(s).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Order appointing child custody evaluator

The appointing order must be filed and delivered to the evaluator before the custody evaluation begins.

An Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator (Judicial Council Form FL-327) shall be filed and given to the Evaluator before the evaluation begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Declaration of private child custody evaluator qualifications

The appointed evaluator must file Judicial Council Form FL-326.

The Evaluator shall file a Declaration of Private Child Custody Evaluator Regarding Qualifications (Judicial Council Form FL-326).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Notice of change of address or other contact information

An attorney or party must promptly file and serve Judicial Council form MC-040 when specified contact information changes.

An attorney or party whose mailing address, telephone number, fax number or e-mail address changes shall promptly file and serve on all parties a Notice of Change of Address or Other Contact Information (Judicial Council form MC-040). Addresses and other contact information will not be updated in the Court’s case management system without the filing of this form.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Minor trust fund withdrawal application

A minor's trust-fund withdrawal application must use the clerk-provided form, be signed under penalty of perjury, and state the account status, withdrawal purpose and need, and why the parents cannot provide the funds.

An application for an order authorizing withdrawals of funds on deposit for the benefit of a minor shall be made by completing a form provided by the clerk of the Court for this purpose. The application shall be signed under penalty of perjury and shall set forth the status of the account, the purpose for which the funds are to be withdrawn, the need for the withdrawal, and the reasons why the parents or parent are unable to provide the needed funds.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order must assume that the petition and requested fees will be granted.

The proposed order shall be prepared on the assumption the petition will be granted, including requested fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Family allowance petition

A family-allowance petition must include a detailed statement of the proposed recipient’s income and expenses.

A petition for the family allowance under Probate Code Section 6540 et seq. must include a detailed statement of proposed recipient’s income and expenses.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Borrow money petition

A petition for authority to borrow money must state the bond amount and the loan proceeds it covers, or allege that no additional bond is required or that bond was waived.

Petitions for authority to borrow money shall set forth the amount of bond in force and the amount of loan proceeds eligible to be covered by bond. If no additional bond is required, or if bond is waived, that fact shall be alleged.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition

Every petition must identify the names, addresses, and relationships of all persons entitled to notice.

All petitions shall identify the names, addresses, and relationships of all persons entitled to notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Holographic instrument

A photocopy of a holographic instrument offered for probate must be accompanied by an exact, line-by-line typewritten copy showing crossed-out words.

When a holographic instrument is offered for probate, a photocopy of the instrument must be accompanied by an exact typewritten copy of the instrument, reproducing the instrument line by line and showing any words crossed out.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Attachment 8

Attachment 8 of the petition must state when a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or failed to survive the designated period.

If a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or did not survive the designated survival period, that fact must be stated in Attachment 8 of the Petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition

When Attachment 8 identifies a spouse or other person who is deceased, the petition must state that person's date of death.

If Attachment 8 includes a spouse or any other person who is deceased as of the date of the petition, the petition shall state that person’s date of death.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition

The petition must identify all of the decedent's heirs-at-law and state each person's relationship to the decedent.

Whether or not a decedent died with a will, the petition must contain the names and relationships of all of the decedent’s heirs-at-law.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Declaration

Before dispensing with notice or authorizing alternate notice for an heir or beneficiary of unknown address, the court requires a declaration detailing the search efforts made.

If the address of an heir or beneficiary is unknown, the Court requires a declaration stating specifically what efforts were made to locate such heir or beneficiary before the Court will dispense with notice or prescribe an alternate form of notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 602 stipulation to participate in discovery facilitator program

Form ADR-602, the Stipulation to Participate in Discovery Facilitator Program, is mandatory.

ADR-602 Stipulation to Participate in discovery Facilitator Program (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Creditors claim

A creditor's claim submitted by a personal representative or the personal representative's attorney must be identified as such.

A creditor’s claim of the personal representative or attorney shall be noted as such.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A petition for distribution must list and describe in detail all property to be distributed, state the cash on hand, and may not describe the property merely by reference to the inventory.

The petition for distribution must list and describe in detail all property to be distributed, either in the body of the petition or in the prayer, or by a schedule in the accounting, and incorporated in the petition by reference. This includes a statement of the amount of cash on hand. A description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A waiver of account by residuary beneficiaries alone is sufficient only if the distribution petition enumerates specific bequests and devises, shows sufficient assets, and requests their distribution.

The waiver of account by the residuary beneficiaries alone is sufficient, even though there may be specific legatees and devisees, if the petition for distribution enumerates the specific bequests and devises, shows that there are sufficient assets to satisfy such bequests and devises, and prays that they be distributed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Written election

Formal probate of specified property passing to a surviving spouse requires a timely written election acknowledging the available alternative procedures and expressly acknowledging possible additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Formal probate of community, quasi-community, or separate property passing or confirmed to a surviving spouse in a decedent’s estate pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 must be supported by a timely written election expressing acknowledgment of a consideration of the alternative procedures available pursuant to Probate Code Section 13650. Written elections pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 shall contain an express acknowledgment that the inclusion of property passing to or belonging to the surviving spouse in the probate estate could result in additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for extraordinary fees

Each individual requesting approval of extraordinary fees must support the petition with a compliant declaration.

Petitions for compensation for extraordinary services under Probate Code § 10811 shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guidelines from each individual requesting approval of extraordinary fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Distribution order

An order distributing property must separately and specifically list each beneficiary's cash and non-cash distributions.

The distribution of property must be separately stated in detail, listing non-cash assets to be distributed as described in the Inventory and Appraisal, as well as the amount of cash to be distributed, under the name of each beneficiary.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Distribution order

A distribution order must be self-contained, must agree with Schedule F, and may not describe property merely by reference to the inventory.

The order must be complete in itself and the total estate distributed must agree with property on hand as shown on Schedule F of the Summary of Account. Description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Distribution order

A distribution order for real property must include its legal description, street address if any, and assessor's parcel number.

For real property to be distributed, the order must include the legal description, the street address, if any, and the assessor’s parcel number.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Distribution order

When accumulated trust income is to be paid to beneficiaries, the order must allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

When any part of the estate is to be distributed to a trustee, and the accumulated income is to be paid by the trustee to the trust beneficiaries, the order shall allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for final distribution

A Petition for Final Distribution must establish that creditors received the required notice at least 75 calendar days before the hearing, were paid, or were unknown.

The Petition for Final Distribution must show that all of decedent’s creditors received a Notice of Administration to Creditors (Judicial Council Form DE-157) at least seventy-five (75) calendar days before the hearing, or were paid or that there were no known creditors of decedent.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for accounting or final distribution

Unless accounts are waived, a petition must address all five Probate Code Section 11005 elements when estate funds paid a debt or funeral expense without a creditor claim.

Unless accounts are waived, if a decedent’s debt or funeral expense was paid from the estate without the filing of a creditor claim, the petition shall address the five elements (including timeliness of payment) of Probate Code Section 11005.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for distribution

When federal estate-tax proration is required, the petition for distribution must include a schedule showing its computation.

When proration of federal estate taxes is required by Probate Code Section 20110 et seq., the petition for distribution shall include a schedule showing the computation of the proration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Distribution order

When an estate-tax return is required, the final-distribution order must prohibit final discharge until the estate-tax liability is finally resolved.

If an estate tax return is required, the order for final distribution shall include a provision that there will be no final discharge until final resolution of the estate tax liability (e.g. receipt of closing letter).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Final discharge petition

When the final-distribution order distributes real property, the copy submitted with the final-discharge request must show that the order was recorded in the appropriate county.

If the order distributes real property, the copy of the order submitted with the request for final discharge shall show that the order has been recorded in the appropriate county.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for final distribution or termination

A petition for final distribution or termination must expressly state that specified administration charges have been paid.

A petition for final distribution or to terminate the proceeding must expressly state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A petition requesting waiver of distributee bond must include a clear and concise explanation of why bond should not be required.

If the petition requests that no bond be required of the distributees, a clear and concise statement showing why bond should not be required must be included in the petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Letters of guardianship

Before Letters of Guardianship are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign, and file Judicial Council Form GC-250.

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign and file a Letters of Guardianship (Probate-Guardianships and Conservatorships) (Judicial Council Form GC-250).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Accounting

A separate accounting is required for each ward or conservatee in a joint guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.

Where there are multiple wards or conservatees joined in a single guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, a separate accounting shall be provided for each of them.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Final account

The final account must state that specified estate charges have been paid.

The final account following termination of a guardianship or conservatorship of the estate must state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Status report

If the final account cannot be filed within six months, the conservator or guardian must file a status report explaining the delay and the additional time needed.

If the conservator or guardian is unable to file the final account with the six-month period, the conservator or guardian shall file a status report setting forth the reasons for the delay and how much additional time is needed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Compensation petition

Each petition for guardian or conservator compensation, and each petition for their attorneys’ compensation, must be supported by a declaration complying with the specified guideline.

Petitions for compensation of guardians and conservators and their attorneys shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guideline Attachment #2 from each individual requesting approval of fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 614 discovery facilitator program finding of non compliance

Form ADR-614, the Discovery Facilitator Program Finding of Non-Compliance, is mandatory.

ADR-614 Discovery Facilitator Program Finding of Non-Compliance (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Independent power request

An independent-power request or grant must describe the power in sufficient detail rather than merely incorporating the governing statute by reference.

When independent powers are requested and granted, it is not sufficient to incorporate by reference the statute or its subsections. The power must be described in sufficient detail so that any person reading the document can determine the nature of the power requested or granted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 201 selection of adr panel member pre adr discovery plan form

Form ADR-201, the Selection of ADR Panel Member Pre-ADR Discovery Plan Form, is mandatory.

ADR-201 Selection of ADR Panel Member Pre-ADR Discovery Plan Form (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 202 selection form

Form ADR-202, the Selection Form, is mandatory.

ADR-202 Selection Form (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 616 recommendations of discovery facilitator and termination of appointment of discovery facilitator

Form ADR-616, the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator, is mandatory.

ADR-616 Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Adr 618 notice to deponent and deposition officer of assignment to discovery facilitator program and stay of business records production date

Form ADR-618, the Notice to Deponent and Deposition Officer of Assignment to Discovery Facilitator Program and Stay of Business Records Production Date, is mandatory.

ADR-618 Notice to Deponent and Deposition Officer of Assignment to Discovery Facilitator Program and Stay of Business Records Production Date (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Cr 114 criminal records copies request

Form CR-114, the Criminal Records Copies Request, is mandatory.

CR-114 Criminal Records Copies Request (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Cr 147 criminal record search request

Form CR-147, the Criminal Record Search Request, is mandatory.

CR-147 Criminal Record Search Request (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Cv 130 civil bench warrant

Form CV-130, the Civil Bench Warrant, is mandatory.

CV-130 Civil Bench Warrant (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Cv 659d adr case management stipulation

Form CV-659d, the ADR Case Management Stipulation for limited jurisdiction civil cases, is mandatory.

CV-659d ADR Case Management Stipulation (Limited Jurisdiction Civil Cases) (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Proposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Cv 659c issue conference statement

Form CV-659c, the Issue Conference Statement, is mandatory.

CV-659c Issue Conference Statement (Mandatory)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Court filing

Must include

certificate of service

Where required, the complete document must be served on all parties within applicable time limits and accompanied by a certificate of that service.

The complete document must, where required, be served on all parties in accordance with applicable time limits, and a certificate to that effect must accompany the filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

If a formal discovery motion is filed after a Finding of Noncompliance, the moving party must attach that finding as an exhibit and may include a brief factual, non-argumentative statement of the noncompliance facts.

In the event a formal Discovery Motion is subsequently filed, the moving party shall attach a copy of the Finding of Noncompliance to its papers as an exhibit and may submit a brief, factual, non-argumentative recitation of the facts regarding the non-compliance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Attorney fee application

Every legally authorized application for extraordinary services or attorney’s fees must include an itemized statement of the services rendered.

Every application for compensation for extraordinary services rendered by an attorney in any case mentioned in this rule and every application in any other case, as authorized by law, for allowance, fixing or recovery of attorney's fees, shall be accompanied by an itemized statement of the services rendered.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

For contested matters, the parties must meet and confer about selecting a qualified court reporter, and the procuring party must provide a proposed Form CV-311 order appointing the reporter for the Court’s signature at the proceeding.

For contested matters, the parties must meet timely and confer as to the selection of a qualified court reporter and, at the time of the proceeding to be reported, the party procuring the qualified court reporter must provide a proposed order appointing the reporter on Form CV-311 for the Court’s signature (see Government Code sections 68086 and 70044).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

New authority

An attorney who identifies new authority after briefing is closed and wishes to present it at a hearing must provide a copy to the Court and all opposing counsel by the hearing.

If, after all briefing allowed by law or the Court has been submitted, an attorney locates new authority that s/he desires to bring to the Court’s attention at a hearing on the matter, a copy of such new authority shall be provided to both the Court and to all opposing counsel in the case at or before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

Must include

caption

The uninsured motorist declaration must use the caption "Request for Temporary Exemption - Uninsured Motorist Case."

The declaration shall be captioned "Request for Temporary Exemption - Uninsured Motorist Case."

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

If dismissal has not been filed, plaintiff's counsel must file a further declaration and provide a status report at least five court days before the review hearing, with a justified request for additional time if necessary.

If a dismissal has not been filed, plaintiff's counsel must file a further declaration five (5) court days before the review hearing date and provide a status report and, if necessary, a request with supporting justification for additional time to conclude the case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management statement

Each appearing party must file and serve a completed Judicial Council Form CM-110 at least 15 calendar days before the first case management conference.

Each appearing party shall file and serve the completed Case Management Statement, (Judicial Council Form CM-110), at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the First Case Management Conference as provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.725.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

Use of Local Court Form CV-659(c) is mandatory in limited civil cases.

In limited civil cases only, use of the local Issue Conference Statement form (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) is mandatory.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

Must include

legal argument, statement of facts

The Issue Conference Statement must include the specified party contentions, witness and exhibit lists, trial information, proposed jury statements and questions, and proposed jury instructions.

The following shall be included in the Issue Conference Statement and will be considered at the Issue Conference: (1) A statement of the facts, law and respective contentions of the parties regarding liability, damages (with specific dollar details), nature and extent of injuries, any unusual evidentiary or legal issues anticipated at trial, and all matters of fact believed by any party to be appropriate for stipulation; (2) A witness list, including only those witnesses that each party actually expects to have testify, with a brief statement of anticipated testimony, and exhibit list; (3) A trial length estimate and a proposed statement of the case to be read to the jury, and proposed voir dire questions; and (4) A list (index) of proposed CACI jury instructions, as required by California Rules of Court, 2.1055, and copies of any proposed special instructions

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement statement

Each party must lodge a settlement statement with the assigned department when filing the Issue Conference Statement.

Each party shall lodge with the assigned department, at the time of filing of the Issue Conference Statement, a settlement statement in the form and content described in Local Rule 3.101.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury questionnaire

The written jury questionnaire must be submitted with the Issue Conference Statement, and unresolved questions requiring a court ruling must be clearly identified.

The questionnaire shall be submitted with the Issue Conference Statement with any unresolved questions requiring a ruling by the Court clearly identified;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Memo to set trial

When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff must file a memo to set trial using Judicial Council Form UD-150.

When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff shall file a memo to set the case for trial, and shall use Judicial Council Form UD-150 for this purpose.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

Any pleading seeking relief under CEQA must have a title that clearly identifies the matter as a CEQA action.

The title of any pleading seeking relief under the California Environmental Quality Act, whether by petition or complaint, shall clearly identify that the matter is a CEQA action [e.g., “CEQA claim: Complaint for Damages”].

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Post hearing order

Must include

proposed order

The prevailing party must prepare a post-hearing order in compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

The prevailing party must prepare an order after hearing in accordance with the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for change of name

Name change applications must be submitted using Judicial Council Form NC-100 and Attachment to Petition for Change of Name Form NC-110.

Name change applications are submitted on the Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-100) and Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Judicial Council Forms NC-110).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for change of name

The applicant must personally present the name change petition at the Probate window and provide Form NC-120, photographic identification, proof of Contra Costa County residency, and, for minors, a birth certificate.

The petition must be presented personally by the applicant to the clerk at the Probate window in the Civil Division’s Clerk’s Office and shall be accompanied by the following: (Rule 3.51(2) revised effective 1/1/16) (A) A completed Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Judicial Council Form NC-120) that will be signed by the judge. (B) Photographic proof of identification (California Driver’s License or ID, or similar). (C) Proof of residency in Contra Costa County (e.g. recent utility bill or tax bill); and (D) For minors, a birth certificate.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order placing judgment or settlement proceeds into a special needs trust must provide a place for the court to enter the first annual review date.

Proposed orders for the placing of the proceeds of a court judgment or settlement into a special needs trust must provide a place for the Court to assign a date in the Probate Department for the first annual review of the operation of the trust.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement disposition request

Following written notice of settlement, counsel must file a request for dismissal, stipulated judgment, or conditional settlement within 45 calendar days.

File a request for dismissal, stipulated judgment, or conditional settlement within forty-five (45) calendar days of the written notice of settlement.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference statement

Five court days before a settlement conference, each party must have the clerk endorse and serve on all parties a written statement covering the specified facts, legal contentions, damages, injuries, wage loss, and future medical and earnings claims.

Have endorsed by the Clerk of the Court and served on all parties five (5) court days before the conference, a written statement of the facts, law and respective contentions of the parties to prove or disprove the right of recovery, items and amount of special damages, nature and extent of injuries incurred and claimed residuals documented by medical report when possible, any wage loss claim showing methods of computation, and any claim for future medical expenses and earnings loss;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation statement

Parties must provide mediation information at least five court days before mediation, using Form ADR-304 or their own paper.

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 Mediation Statement (Local Court Form ADR-304), or write this information on their own paper.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

Parties must provide an arbitration statement or equivalent written information to the judicial arbitrator and other parties at least five court days before the arbitration hearing.

Parties must prepare and give information about their case to the judicial arbitrator and other parties at least five (5) court days before the arbitration hearing. Parties may use the Arbitration Statement (Local Court Form ADR-404) or write this information on their own paper. This form is available online at www.cc-courts.org/adrforms. This information must not be longer than five (5) pages and must include:

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Formal discovery-motion papers must include a first-exhibit declaration confirming completion of the Discovery Facilitator Program and must attach the facilitator recommendations within that exhibit.

Those moving papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration that the parties have completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and shall attach the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator as part of the exhibit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Formal discovery-motion papers filed after the facilitator fails to serve must include, as the first exhibit, a declaration explaining that failure.

If for any reason the Discovery Facilitator fails to serve the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator, the moving party shall have forty (40) days from the completion of the discovery hearing to file formal discovery motion papers regarding the discovery dispute, which papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration regarding the failure of the Facilitator to serve the notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Papers

All papers must include hearing-time, hearing-date, department-number, and, when applicable, out-of-county custody removal-order information in the first page's upper-right corner.

(6) All papers shall contain in the upper right-hand corner of the first page, the filing party's estimate of the overall time required for the hearing of the matter, date and department number of the hearing, and a request for a removal order if a defendant or necessary witness is in custody outside the Contra Costa County Jail.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All papers, including opposition and reply papers, in motions brought on shortened time must include a copy of the proposed order.

All papers, including opposition and reply papers, filed in motions brought on an order shortening time, shall be accompanied by a copy of the proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for relief from bail forfeiture

Relief from bail forfeiture without the defendant’s personal appearance requires a timely written motion by the bail agent or surety stating specific grounds and providing at least ten calendar days’ notice to the District Attorney and County Counsel.

Relief from bail forfeiture without the personal appearance of the defendant will be considered only upon a timely written motion by the bail agent or surety, stating the specific grounds upon which relief is sought, with not less than ten (10) calendar days’ notice to both the District Attorney and the County Counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Clerks minute order

The Clerk’s Minute Order must identify both the person consenting to bond continuation and the method used to communicate that consent.

The Clerk’s Minute Order shall identify the person giving consent to continuation of the bond, and the method of communicating it.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A defendant seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must file a written petition requesting that relief.

Defendants seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court requesting such relief.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A defendant seeking an ability-to-pay determination must submit a written petition.

Defendants seeking an ability-to-pay determination must submit a written petition to the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Document in collaborative law case

Every document filed after the collaborative law stipulation and order must include “Collaborative Law Case” in its caption.

(C) The term “Collaborative Law Case” is to be included in the caption of any document filed with the Court from and after the filing of the collaborative law stipulation and order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary restraining order application

When the applicant for a temporary restraining order is under 12, the application must be accompanied by an application and order appointing a guardian ad litem.

If the applicant for Temporary Restraining Orders is a minor under 12 years of age, an application for appointment of Guardian Ad Litem and order appointing a Guardian Ad Litem shall accompany the application.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Orders shortening time application

All applications for orders shortening time for service or hearing must be presented as ex parte applications to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit.

All applications for Orders Shortening Time (OST) for service or for hearing shall be presented as ex parte applications to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Income expense declaration

In hearings involving support, attorney’s fees, costs, or other financial relief, a current Income and Expense Declaration, or Simplified Financial Statement when appropriate, must be filed and served with the moving and responsive papers, unless a recent I&E with no significant financial changes was filed within 90 calendar days of the hearing.

A fully completed, current Income and Expense Declaration (I&E) (or Simplified Financial Statement, when appropriate) shall be filed and served with moving and responsive papers in all hearings involving requests for support, attorney’s fees, costs, or other financial relief, unless the party has filed an I&E within ninety (90) calendar days of the date of the hearing and there have been no significant changes in the party’s income, assets or expenses.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to modify prior order

A party moving to modify a prior order must attach a copy of that prior order to the moving papers.

On a Request for Order to modify a prior order, the moving party shall attach a copy of the prior order to the moving papers.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

A party seeking live testimony from nonparty witnesses must file and serve all parties with a witness list describing the anticipated testimony.

Pursuant to Family Code section 217, a party seeking to present live testimony from all witnesses other than the parties shall file and serve all parties with their witness list with a brief description of the anticipated testimony.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to be relieved as counsel

Motions to be relieved as counsel must follow California Rules of Court Rule 3.1362 and use Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052, and MC-053.

Motions to be relieved as counsel shall be made in conformity with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1362 using Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052 and MC-053.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Mandatory settlement conference statement

The parties must file the Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement and any other filings required by the Court.

File a Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement or other such filings as may be required by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment submission

Parties must follow Judicial Council Form FL-182 to complete the steps and pleadings necessary to submit a dissolution or legal-separation judgment.

Parties shall follow the checklist set forth by the Judicial Council in the Judgment Checklist – Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182) to complete the steps and pleadings necessary to submit a judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order after hearing

An attorney directed to prepare an order after hearing should submit it on the hearing day when feasible and otherwise must comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 5.125; transcript-dependent delays must be reported to the bench officer, and noncompliance may result in sanctions.

Where feasible, attorneys directed to prepare an order after hearing should prepare and submit the order to the Court on the day of the hearing. If that is not feasible, the Court will expect the parties’ full compliance with the timing requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 5.125. If a court reporter was present at the hearing, and the parties cannot comply with the timing requirements of Rule 5.125 because they require a transcript of the proceedings to resolve disputes over the form of order, the parties shall advise the bench officer that the transcript has been ordered and the expected date of availability of the transcript. Failure to submit Orders After Hearing in accordance with Rule 5.125 may result in the imposition of sanctions.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management conference statement

Each party must file a Case Management Conference Statement using Local Court Form FamLaw-113.

No less than seven (7) calendar days before the date set for the Case Management Conference (CMC) each party shall file and serve a Case Management Conference Statement (Local Court Form FamLaw-113).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written settlement offer

At least 14 calendar days before the conference, the parties must exchange sufficiently specific written settlement offers that would resolve all remaining disputes if accepted.

At least fourteen (14) calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference, the parties shall: (A) Exchange written offers of settlement in sufficient specificity to be enforceable that, if accepted, would resolve all issues remaining in dispute.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration re service of final declarations or waiver stipulation

At least 7 calendar days before the conference, a party must file a declaration regarding service of the Final Declarations of Disclosure or, alternatively, a stipulation waiving service.

At least seven (7) calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement conference, the parties shall: (A) File with the Court a Declaration re: Service of Final Declarations of Disclosure, or alternatively, file a stipulation to waive service of final declarations of disclosure.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Joint or separate statement of contested issues

The parties must file a joint statement identifying all disputed issues, including proposed property and debt divisions where relevant and a payment-calculation spreadsheet for claimed late or missing payments; if they cannot agree, each party must file and serve a separate statement containing the same required information.

File a Joint Statement of Contested Issues describing all issues that remain in dispute. That statement shall include, where it is an issue, the parties’ respective proposals for the division of property and debts. If late or missing payments are claimed, a calculation spreadsheet shall also be attached. If the parties are unable to agree upon a Joint Statement of Contested Issues, then each party shall file and serve a Separate Statement of Contested Issue which includes all of the information required for a Joint Statement of Contested Issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference meeting and confer

At least 5 calendar days before the conference, the parties and their counsel, if represented, must meet and confer in person, by telephone, or as ordered by the Court in a good-faith effort to resolve all issues.

At least five (5) calendar days before the date of the settlement conference, the parties and, if they are represented, their counsel, shall meet and confer either in person, by telephone or as ordered by the Court to attempt in good faith to resolve all issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation

Agreements, stipulations, and agreed-upon orders reached before a hearing must be written, signed by all parties and applicable counsel, and submitted to the court for signature before the hearing begins.

All agreements, stipulations, or agreed-upon orders reached before hearing shall be in writing, signed by all parties and counsel (where applicable) and submitted to the Court for signature before the hearing on the matter begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed earning assignment order

A proposed earning assignment order must be accompanied by a copy of the judgment or current child, partner, spousal, or family support order.

A copy of the judgment or current order for child, partner, spousal or family support shall be submitted with any proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

A judgment must either address all matters within the court's jurisdiction that a party seeks to adjudicate or expressly reserve jurisdiction over matters not being disposed of at that time.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 5.401(c) and 5.411(b), judgments shall include all matters subject to the court’s jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication, or an explicit reservation of jurisdiction over any matter not proposed for disposition at that time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

Parties in dissolution of marriage and legal separation cases must use Judicial Council Form FL-182, the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation.

For Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation cases, parties shall use the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

When parties submit a signed default judgment labeled “default with Agreement,” the defaulting party's signature must be notarized.

If the parties submit a signed default judgment (“default with Agreement”), the signature of the defaulting party shall be notarized.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed judgment

When DCSS provides services in a case, a proposed judgment may not be submitted without DCSS's written approval of its child support provisions.

If DCSS is providing services in a case, a proposed judgment shall not be submitted without DCSS's written approval of the child support provisions of the judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Elisor application and proposed order

An elisor application and proposed order must identify the Clerk or Clerk’s Designee, the person for whom the elisor is appointed, and 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 Court or Clerk’s Designee’ as the elisor and indicate for whom the elisor is being appointed and in what capacity they are to sign the document.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Document for elisor signature

The original document presented for the elisor’s signature must match the copy attached to the proposed order.

The original document, presented for signature by the elisor, must match the copy of the document attached to the proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Supporting declaration

The supporting declaration must state specific facts showing that appointment of an elisor is necessary.

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

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notarized document for elisor signature

When an elisor will sign documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present during signing.

If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present when the elisor signs the document(s).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation and order for private child custody recommending counselor

When parties jointly retain a private mediator, they must submit the completed FamLaw-300 stipulation and order to the court for approval.

Parties may jointly agree to retain a private mediator pursuant to Family Code section 3164. The parties shall complete and submit to the court the Stipulation and Order for Private Child Custody Recommending Counselor (local court Form FamLaw-300) for approval.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order appointing child custody evaluator

The court-appointed child custody evaluator's Form FL-327 order must be filed and delivered to the evaluator before the evaluation begins.

An Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator (Judicial Council Form FL-327) shall be filed and given to the Evaluator before the evaluation begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Private child custody evaluator qualifications declaration

The appointed child custody evaluator must file the required Judicial Council Form FL-326 qualifications declaration.

The Evaluator shall file a Declaration of Private Child Custody Evaluator Regarding Qualifications (Judicial Council Form FL-326).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must assume that the petition will be granted and include the requested fees.

The proposed order shall be prepared on the assumption the petition will be granted, including requested fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition determining the characterization or disposition of a decedent’s interest must disclose the asset’s Title of Record when it differs from the interest alleged in the petition.

If a Title of Record for a decedent’s interest in an asset is different than the decedent’s interest is alleged to be in a petition determining the characterization or disposition of the decedent’s interest, the petition shall disclose to the Court what the Title of Record is for the asset.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Formal order

Formal orders, judgments, and decrees must state their full effect without requiring reference to the underlying petition.

Formal orders, judgment and decrees shall be drawn so that their full effect may be determined without reference to the petition on which they are based.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

Must include

proposed order

An application for an ex parte order must be accompanied by a separate, self-contained order.

Applications for ex parte orders must be accompanied by a separate order complete in itself.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte order application must be verified, supported by sufficient evidentiary facts, and show a foundation for the petitioner’s personal knowledge; conclusions or ultimate-fact statements are insufficient.

An application for an ex parte order must be verified and must contain sufficient evidentiary facts to justify issuing the order. Conclusions or statements of ultimate facts are not sufficient and a foundation should be shown for the petitioner’s personal knowledge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Family allowance petition

A family allowance petition must include a detailed statement of the proposed recipient’s income and expenses.

A petition for the family allowance under Probate Code Section 6540 et seq. must include a detailed statement of proposed recipient’s income and expenses.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

When Attachment 8 identifies a spouse or other person deceased by the petition date, the petition must state that person’s date of death.

If Attachment 8 includes a spouse or any other person who is deceased as of the date of the petition, the petition shall state that person’s date of death.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petition must list the names and relationships of all heirs-at-law, regardless of whether the decedent had a will.

Whether or not a decedent died with a will, the petition must contain the names and relationships of all of the decedent’s heirs-at-law.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

Before dispensing with notice or prescribing alternate notice for an heir or beneficiary with an unknown address, the court requires a declaration specifying the search efforts made.

If the address of an heir or beneficiary is unknown, the Court requires a declaration stating specifically what efforts were made to locate such heir or beneficiary before the Court will dispense with notice or prescribe an alternate form of notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for final distribution or termination

A petition for final distribution or proceeding termination must expressly state that specified administration charges have been paid.

A petition for final distribution or to terminate the proceeding must expressly state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written election

A qualifying written election must be timely, acknowledge consideration of the alternative procedures, and expressly acknowledge possible additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Formal probate of community, quasi-community, or separate property passing or confirmed to a surviving spouse in a decedent’s estate pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 must be supported by a timely written election expressing acknowledgment of a consideration of the alternative procedures available pursuant to Probate Code Section 13650. Written elections pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 shall contain an express acknowledgment that the inclusion of property passing to or belonging to the surviving spouse in the probate estate could result in additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Extraordinary fees petition

An extraordinary-fee petition must be supported by a compliant declaration from each person requesting approval.

Petitions for compensation for extraordinary services under Probate Code § 10811 shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guidelines from each individual requesting approval of extraordinary fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Document requesting or granting independent powers

A document requesting or granting independent powers must describe each power in sufficient detail rather than merely incorporating the governing statute by reference.

When independent powers are requested and granted, it is not sufficient to incorporate by reference the statute or its subsections. The power must be described in sufficient detail so that any person reading the document can determine the nature of the power requested or granted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

The order must separately and specifically list non-cash assets and cash for each beneficiary, be complete in itself, and agree with Schedule F of the Summary of Account; inventory reference alone is insufficient.

The distribution of property must be separately stated in detail, listing non-cash assets to be distributed as described in the Inventory and Appraisal, as well as the amount of cash to be distributed, under the name of each beneficiary. The order must be complete in itself and the total estate distributed must agree with property on hand as shown on Schedule F of the Summary of Account. Description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

An order distributing real property must include its legal description, street address if any, and assessor’s parcel number.

For real property to be distributed, the order must include the legal description, the street address, if any, and the assessor’s parcel number.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

When estate income is paid by a trustee to beneficiaries, the order must allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

When any part of the estate is to be distributed to a trustee, and the accumulated income is to be paid by the trustee to the trust beneficiaries, the order shall allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

When federal estate-tax proration is required, the distribution petition must include a schedule showing the computation.

When proration of federal estate taxes is required by Probate Code Section 20110 et seq., the petition for distribution shall include a schedule showing the computation of the proration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte petition for final discharge and order

An ex parte petition for final discharge and order must include a copy of the final distribution order and copies of distributee receipts.

All Ex Parte Petitions for Final Discharge and Order (Judicial Council Form DE-295) shall be submitted with a copy of the order of final distribution, and copies of any receipts from distributees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A petition for distribution seeking additional trustee powers not granted by the will must provide notice under Probate Code Section 17203.

Notice must be given under Probate Code Section 17203 where the Petition for Distribution requests the Court to grant a trustee additional powers not conferred by the Will.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Inventory and appraisal

The Inventory and Appraisal must provide a complete description of every estate asset.

Provide complete descriptions of each asset in the estate.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Inventory and appraisal

Each real-property parcel in the Inventory and Appraisal must include its legal description, street address or an “unimproved” notation, and APN.

The legal description, street address (or a notation that the property is “unimproved”) and APN shall be shown for each parcel of real property.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Termination of guardianship information

A termination-of-guardianship investigation begins only after the petitioner submits a complete Local Court Form GC-21.

The Probate Investigations Unit will initiate a termination of guardianship investigation only after the petitioner(s) has submitted a complete Termination of Guardianship Information (Local Court Form GC-21).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Letters of guardianship form

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign, and file Judicial Council Form GC-250.

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign and file a Letters of Guardianship (Probate-Guardianships and Conservatorships) (Judicial Council Form GC-250).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Account

A separate accounting must be provided for each ward or conservatee in a joint guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.

Where there are multiple wards or conservatees joined in a single guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, a separate accounting shall be provided for each of them.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final account

The final account must state that specified charges have been paid.

The final account following termination of a guardianship or conservatorship of the estate must state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

The final account should be filed within six months after termination; if that cannot be done, the guardian or conservator must file a status report explaining the delay and the additional time needed.

The final account following the termination of a conservatorship or guardianship of the estate should be filed within six (6) months of the termination date (e.g., the death of the conservatee or age the ward attains majority). If the conservator or guardian is unable to file the final account with the six-month period, the conservator or guardian shall file a status report setting forth the reasons for the delay and how much additional time is needed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Compensation petition

Compensation petitions for guardians, conservators, and their attorneys must include a compliant declaration from each person requesting fee approval.

Petitions for compensation of guardians and conservators and their attorneys shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guideline Attachment #2 from each individual requesting approval of fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trust

Except in special circumstances, a trust established by court order for an incapacitated person must contain provisions requiring bond posting, court accountings, compliance with investment and asset-transfer limitations, priority for the trustor’s needs, prior approval of specified fees and trustee changes, and prior approval of sales of the beneficiary’s personal residence.

Absent special circumstances, whenever a trust is to be established by court order for the benefit of an incapacitated person, the trust shall contain the following provisions: Protector of Trustor: Regardless of any other provision of the trust, in administering the trust, the trustee shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as a conservator of the estate during the lifetime of the trustor, including but not limited to: (1) Posting bond for assets and income of the trust. (2) Accounting to the Court (to be filed in this proceeding). (3) Abiding with investment limitations. (4) Adhering to limitations on gifts, pledge or sales of assets (including returns for confirmation and overbids). (5) Providing for the trustor’s needs without regard for the interest of the remainder beneficiaries. (6) Obtaining prior court approval for payment of fees to attorneys, conservators and trustees. (7) Obtaining prior court approval of any change of trustee during the trustor’s lifetime. (8) Obtaining prior court approval for sale of beneficiary’s personal residence, regardless of whether or not the residence was previously property of a conservatorship estate

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Formal order

The formal trust order must prohibit the trustee from receiving assets or acting until a bond in the amount set by the court is filed.

The formal order shall provide that the trustee may not receive assets or otherwise act until the filing of a bond in the amount set by court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Fee request

A request for an attorney’s legal-assistant fees must state compliance with California Rules of Court Rule 7.703(e), including Business and Professions Code section 6450(a).

Requests for fees for attorney’s legal assistants must be in compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 7.703(e) which includes compliance with Business and Professions Code § 6450(a). The request shall state such compliance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Fee request

Fiduciary and staff fee requests should describe the biller’s experience, education, and other qualifications or benefits supporting the requested compensation.

Fee requests for fiduciaries and staff should include the qualifications of the biller, such as number of years of experience as a fiduciary or in a related field, education, and any other special skills or benefits that justify the billing rate and/or need for the provided services.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Fee request

Unless calculated as a percentage of assets or below the maximum amount requiring no declaration, a fee request must state the attorney hours spent explaining and justifying both attorney and, if applicable, fiduciary compensation.

Fee requests, except those calculated using a percentage of the assets (see paragraph G below) and those below the maximum amount without a declaration (see subparagraph F.4 below), shall state the number of hours expended by the attorney in preparing the explanation and justification of the attorney’s compensation, and also the number of hours expended by the attorney in preparing the explanation and justification of the fiduciary’s compensation, if applicable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading or paper

Every pleading or paper filed by the Clerk must include the attorney’s or party’s name, address, and phone number on the first page.

(a) Every pleading or paper filed by the Clerk of the Court must include the name, address and phone number of the attorney or party on the first page (see California Rules of Court, Rule 2.100).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Substitution of party

A substitution of a party appearing in person for an attorney may not be filed unless it contains that party’s mailing address and phone number.

(b) No substitution of a party appearing in person in place of an attorney shall be filed unless the mailing address and phone number of such party is contained in such substitution.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for exemption from electronic filing and service

A party may move for exemption from mandatory electronic filing and service using form EFS-007 with supporting facts under penalty of perjury, accompanied by form EFS-008.

Any party may move the Court for an order exempting it from the provisions of this Rule. The motion shall be made on Judicial Council form EFS-007, Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service, on which the applicant shall state facts supporting the request under penalty of perjury, and shall by accompanied by EFS-008, Order of Exemption from Electronic Filing and Service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in limine must be written, filed, and served at least 10 calendar days before the Issue Conference.

All motions in limine must be in writing and are to be filed and served at least ten (10) calendar days before the conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

Parties must file an Issue Conference Statement with the court and serve it on all parties.

Parties must file with the court and serve all parties an Issue Conference Statement (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) of not more than ten (10) pages at least five (5) court days before the Issue Conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

In limited civil cases, parties must use Local Court Form CV-659(c) for the Issue Conference Statement.

In limited civil cases only, use of the local Issue Conference Statement form (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) is mandatory.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Issue conference statement

The Issue Conference Statement must address liability, itemized damages, injuries, anticipated evidentiary or legal issues, and potential stipulations.

A statement of the facts, law and respective contentions of the parties regarding liability, damages (with specific dollar details), nature and extent of injuries, any unusual evidentiary or legal issues anticipated at trial, and all matters of fact believed by any party to be appropriate for stipulation;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement statement

Each party must lodge a Rule 3.101 settlement statement with the assigned department when filing the Issue Conference Statement.

Each party shall lodge with the assigned department, at the time of filing of the Issue Conference Statement, a settlement statement in the form and content described in Local Rule 3.101.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Memo to set case for trial

When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff must file a memo to set it for trial using Judicial Council Form UD-150.

(4) When an unlawful detainer case is ready for trial, the plaintiff shall file a memo to set the case for trial, and shall use Judicial Council Form UD-150 for this purpose.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and expense declaration

A fully completed and current I&E, or an appropriate Simplified Financial Statement, must be filed and served with moving and responsive papers for financial-relief hearings unless an I&E was filed within the preceding 90 calendar days and the party's financial circumstances have not significantly changed.

A fully completed, current Income and Expense Declaration (I&E) (or Simplified Financial Statement, when appropriate) shall be filed and served with moving and responsive papers in all hearings involving requests for support, attorney’s fees, costs, or other financial relief, unless the party has filed an I&E within 90 calendar days of the date of the hearing and there have been no significant changes in the party’s income, assets or expenses.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

CEQA pleading

Any CEQA pleading filed by petition or complaint must have a title that clearly identifies the matter as a CEQA action.

The title of any pleading seeking relief under the California Environmental Quality Act, whether by petition or complaint, shall clearly identify that the matter is a CEQA action [e.g., “CEQA claim: Complaint for Damages”].

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Consent to appointment and declaration regarding qualifications

Within 10 court days after receiving the appointment order, the private mediator must file local court Form FamLaw-301 and serve it on all parties.

Within 10 court days of receiving the order of appointment by the court, the private mediator shall file and serve on all parties the Consent to Appointment as Private Confidential Mediator or Child Custody Recommending Counselor and Declaration Regarding Qualifications (local court Form FamLaw-301).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order placing judgment or settlement proceeds into a special needs trust must provide a place for the court to assign the first annual review date.

Proposed orders for the placing of the proceeds of a court judgment or settlement into a special needs trust must provide a place for the Court to assign a date in the Probate Department for the first annual review of the operation of the trust.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidential record

Confidential records, including specified reports concerning minors or from Children and Family Services or Family Court Services, must be marked confidential when submitted for filing.

Confidential records, including but not limited to medical, psychological, or educational reports concerning a minor child, or reports from Children and Family Services or Family Court Services, must be marked confidential when submitting for filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must identify each person attending arbitration by name and title or relationship to the case.

(1) The name and title (or relationship to the case) of all people who will attend arbitration;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must briefly identify the legal and factual issues and the party's views on liability and damages.

(2) A brief statement of the legal and factual issues in the case, and the party's views on liability and damages; and

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration statement

The arbitration statement must include copies of documents that will help the arbitrator understand the disputed issues.

(3) Copies of any documents that will help the arbitrator understand the issues in dispute.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Neutral case evaluation statement

The neutral case evaluation statement must identify conference attendees, state important issues and liability and damages views, identify legal or factual issues to be resolved, and include helpful court or other documents.

This information must not be longer than five (5) pages and must include: (1) The name and title (or relationship to the case) of all people who will attend the neutral case evaluation conference; (2) A brief statement of the important issues in the case, and the party's views on liability and damages; (3) The legal or factual issues to be resolved; and, (4) Copies of any court or other documents that will help the evaluator understand the issues in dispute.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery facilitator program participation forms

Parties electing to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program must complete the ADR-602 stipulation and ADR-610 request before participating.

Parties to a Discovery Motion who wish to use the Program must first complete: 1) a Stipulation to Participate in Discovery Facilitator Program and Toll Related Filing Deadlines (Local Court Form ADR-602); and 2) a Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

A formal Discovery Motion must attach the Finding of Noncompliance as an exhibit and may include a brief, factual, non-argumentative account of the non-compliance.

If a formal Discovery Motion is subsequently filed, the moving party shall attach a copy of the Finding of Noncompliance to its papers as an exhibit and may submit a brief, factual, non-argumentative recitation of the facts regarding the non-compliance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Moving papers must include as their first exhibit a declaration that the parties completed the Discovery Facilitator Program.

Any moving papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration that the parties have completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and shall attach the Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator as part of the exhibit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to be relieved as counsel

A motion to relieve counsel must comply with CRC 3.1362 and use Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052, and MC-053.

Motions to be relieved as counsel shall be made in conformity with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1362 using Judicial Council Forms MC-051, MC-052 and MC-053.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Shortened time motion papers

Must include

proposed order

All papers in a motion brought on shortened time, including opposition and reply papers, must include a copy of the proposed order.

All papers, including opposition and reply papers, filed in motions brought on an order shortening time, shall be accompanied by a copy of the proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

A defendant requesting a remote arraignment or trial appearance, or both, must complete Local Court Form TR-128 and submit it in person to the court at least five court days before the due date.

A defendant may request to appear remotely for an arraignment and/or trial. A defendant who requests to appear remotely for an arraignment and trial must fill out Local Court Form TR-128 and submit it to the court in person at least five (5) court days before the due date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote trial appearance request

After requesting a remote arraignment appearance, a defendant must submit any later remote trial request on Local Court Form TR-128 at least five court days before trial.

If only a request to appear remotely for arraignment was filed, any subsequent request to appear remotely for trial shall be submitted on Local Court Form TR-128 at least five (5) court day before the trial date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A defendant seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court.

Defendants seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court requesting such relief.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petition must include the facts and circumstances leading to the defendant’s failure to appear or pay.

The petition must include the relevant facts and circumstances leading to the defendant’s failure to appear or pay.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Any document filed in collaborative law case

Every document filed after the collaborative-law stipulation and order must include “Collaborative Law Case” in its caption.

The term “Collaborative Law Case” is to be included in the caption of any document filed with the Court from and after the filing of the collaborative law stipulation and order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation for temporary judge appointment

Parties must submit the stipulation and proposed order appointing a privately compensated temporary judge.

Parties must submit the stipulation and proposed order for appointment of a privately compensated temporary judge to the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary judge order

Signed orders issued by the temporary judge must be filed with the court.

Signed orders of the temporary judge shall be filed with the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

A judgment must dispose of all matters within the court’s jurisdiction that a party seeks to adjudicate or expressly reserve jurisdiction over matters not then proposed for disposition.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 5.401(c) and 5.411(b), judgments shall include all matters subject to the court’s jurisdiction for which a party seeks adjudication, or an explicit reservation of jurisdiction over any matter not proposed for disposition at that time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary restraining order application

For a minor applicant under age 12, the application must include an application and order appointing a guardian ad litem.

If the applicant for Temporary Restraining Orders is a minor under 12 years of age, an application for appointment of Guardian Ad Litem and order appointing a Guardian Ad Litem shall accompany the application.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order shortening time application

All applications for orders shortening time for service or hearing must be presented as ex parte applications to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit.

All applications for Orders Shortening Time (OST) for service or for hearing shall be presented as ex parte applications to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte order shortening time application

Ex parte OST applications must comply with the application and notice requirements governing ex parte applications under Local Court Rule 5.2.

All ex parte applications for an OST shall be submitted in compliance with the application and notice requirements for ex parte applications as set forth in Local Court Rule 5.2.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for order to modify prior order

A party moving to modify a prior order must attach a copy of that order to the moving papers.

On a Request for Order to modify a prior order, the moving party shall attach a copy of the prior order to the moving papers.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

A party seeking live testimony from nonparty witnesses must file and serve every party with a witness list containing brief descriptions of the anticipated testimony.

Pursuant to Family Code section 217, a party seeking to present live testimony from all witnesses other than the parties shall file and serve all parties with their witness list with a brief description of the anticipated testimony.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for leave to exceed page limit

A request to exceed the attachment page limit must explain why the additional attachments are relevant and necessary and may be submitted in advance by ex parte declaration using Local Form FamLaw-131.

Any request for leave to exceed this page limit shall state reasons why the additional attachments are relevant and necessary and may be submitted in advance by ex parte declaration. Local Form FamLaw-131 may be used for such requests.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidential document

The filing party must identify documents considered confidential regardless of whether they are filed electronically or otherwise.

(7) Whether filed electronically or otherwise, it is the responsibility of the filing party to identify any documents that are considered confidential.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment submission

Parties must follow Judicial Council Form FL-182 to complete the steps and pleadings necessary to submit a dissolution or legal-separation judgment.

Parties shall follow the checklist set forth by the Judicial Council in the Judgment Checklist – Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182) to complete the steps and pleadings necessary to submit a judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for case management conference

A Request for Case Management Conference will not be accepted until all parties have served their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and filed the Declaration re Service of Declaration of Disclosure, unless a court waives that requirement under Family Code Section 2107.

The Request for Case Management Conference will not be accepted for filing until all parties have served their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and filed Declaration re: Service of Declaration of Disclosure, or obtained a court order waiving this requirement per Family Code Section 2107.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management conference statement

Each party must file and serve Local Court Form FamLaw-113 at least seven calendar days before the Case Management Conference.

No less than 7 calendar days before the date set for the Case Management Conference (CMC) each party shall file and serve a Case Management Conference Statement (Local Court Form FamLaw-113).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Mandatory settlement conference

Rule 5.7 concerns a mandatory settlement conference.

Rule 5.7. Mandatory Settlement Conference

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed earning assignment or income withholding order

A proposed earning-assignment or income-withholding order must be accompanied by a copy of the judgment or current family-support order.

A copy of the judgment or current order for child, partner, spousal or family support shall be submitted with any proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration re service of final declarations of disclosure

At least seven calendar days before the conference, a party must file either a declaration concerning service of final disclosures or a stipulation waiving that service.

At least 7 calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement conference, the parties shall: (A) File with the Court a Declaration re: Service of Final Declarations of Disclosure, or alternatively, file a stipulation to waive service of final declarations of disclosure.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Joint statement of contested issues

The parties must file a joint statement describing all disputed issues, including property and debt proposals where relevant and a spreadsheet for claimed late or missing payments; if they cannot agree, each must file and serve a separate statement with the same information.

(C) File a Joint Statement of Contested Issues describing all issues that remain in dispute. That statement shall include, where it is an issue, the parties’ respective proposals for the division of property and debts. If late or missing payments are claimed, a calculation spreadsheet shall also be attached. If the parties are unable to agree upon a Joint Statement of Contested Issues, then each party shall file and serve a Separate Statement of Contested Issue which includes all of the information required for a Joint Statement of Contested Issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment

Parties in dissolution-of-marriage and legal-separation cases must use Judicial Council Form FL-182.

For Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation cases, parties shall use the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

The defaulting party’s signature on a signed default judgment with agreement must be notarized.

If the parties submit a signed default judgment (“default with Agreement”), the signature of the defaulting party shall be notarized.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation

The parties must submit a written stipulation to the court when they reach a complete custody and visitation agreement before scheduling Family Court Services.

If the parties reach a complete agreement regarding custody and visitation before scheduling a Family Court Services appointment, they shall submit a written stipulation to the Court

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written notice of witness appearance

A written notice requesting a custody counselor's witness appearance must state the hearing date and time and expected witness-call time and must reach Family Court Services at least 5 court days before the hearing.

The notice shall state the date and time of the hearing, and the time when the Custody Counselor is expected to be called as a witness and shall be provided to Family Court Services at least 5 court days before the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation and order for private child custody recommending counselor

Must include

proposed order

Parties electing a private mediator must submit local court Form FamLaw-300 to the court for approval.

Parties may jointly agree to retain a private mediator pursuant to Family Code section 3164. The parties shall complete and submit to the court the Stipulation and Order for Private Child Custody Recommending Counselor (local court Form FamLaw-300) for approval.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order appointing child custody evaluator

Judicial Council Form FL-327 must be filed and delivered to the evaluator before the custody evaluation begins.

An Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator (Judicial Council Form FL-327) shall be filed and given to the Evaluator before the evaluation begins.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for final discharge

When the distribution order covers real property, the copy submitted with the final-discharge request must show that the order was recorded in the appropriate county.

If the order distributes real property, the copy of the order submitted with the request for final discharge shall show that the order has been recorded in the appropriate county.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for minor fund withdrawal

A minor-beneficiary trust-fund withdrawal application must use the clerk-provided form, be signed under penalty of perjury, and state the account status, withdrawal purpose and need, and why the parent or parents cannot provide the funds.

An application for an order authorizing withdrawals of funds on deposit for the benefit of a minor shall be made by completing a form provided by the clerk of the Court for this purpose. The application shall be signed under penalty of perjury and shall set forth the status of the account, the purpose for which the funds are to be withdrawn, the need for the withdrawal, and the reasons why the parents or parent are unable to provide the needed funds.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order must state the hearing date.

The hearing date shall be stated in the order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must assume that the petition will be granted and include the requested fees.

The proposed order shall be prepared on the assumption the petition will be granted, including requested fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Fee petition

An early fee petition may be filed only after an Inventory and Appraisal showing sufficient assets has been filed, except where an Inventory and Appraisal is not required, such as in trust administration.

A petition before an accounting may be filed to determine compensation as long as the Inventory and Appraisal has been filed showing sufficient assets to pay the requested compensation (this condition does not apply to cases, such as trust administration, where an Inventory and Appraisal is not required to be filed).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleadings

When a declarant lacks the qualifications needed to offer a credible statutory opinion, the pleadings must state the facts establishing compliance with the code section.

Declarations which merely recite or incorporate reference to code sections do not provide an evidentiary basis for action by the Court absent evidence that the declarant is an attorney or otherwise has sufficient expertise to express a credible opinion as to the operation of the code section. Absent such expertise, facts evidencing necessary compliance with a code section shall be stated in the pleadings.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Formal orders judgments and decrees

Formal orders, judgments, and decrees must be self-contained, with necessary documents attached and referenced, and probate rulings must state the matters decided, relief, affected persons, and full property or money descriptions.

Formal orders, judgment and decrees shall be drawn so that their full effect may be determined without reference to the petition on which they are based. As necessary for this purpose, documents shall be attached to, and referenced in, the order, judgment or decree, instead of referring to the other document by reference. All probate orders, judgments or decrees shall set forth all matters actually passed on by the Court, giving the relief granted, the names of the persons affected, and the full legal description of any real property (including Assessor’s Parcel Number), or the amounts of money affected.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

Must include

proposed order

An ex parte application must include a separate self-contained order and a verified application supported by sufficient evidentiary facts, not merely conclusions or ultimate facts.

Applications for ex parte orders must be accompanied by a separate order complete in itself. It is not sufficient for such an order to provide merely that the application has been granted, or that the sale of property set forth in the petition has been approved. An application for an ex parte order must be verified and must contain sufficient evidentiary facts to justify issuing the order. Conclusions or statements of ultimate facts are not sufficient and a foundation should be shown for the petitioner’s personal knowledge.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte order dispensing with notice

An order dispensing with notice must be supported by a declaration stating the exceptional circumstances justifying the lack of notice.

Orders dispensing with notice must be supported by a declaration setting forth the exceptional circumstances that justify dispensing with notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An amended order resulting from an attorney’s or party’s error requires an ex parte application.

If the modification to the order is the result of an error by an attorney or party, an ex parte application is required.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration in support of amended order

A declaration supporting the amended order is sufficient when the modification results from court error.

If modification is the result of court error, a declaration in support of the amended order is sufficient.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Nunc pro tunc order judgment or decree

A nunc pro tunc order, judgment, or decree must be submitted as a complete amended instrument.

A nunc pro tunc order, judgment or decree must take the form of a complete amended order, judgment or decree.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application or declaration

The previously signed order must be attached to the ex parte application or declaration.

The previously signed order must be attached to the ex parte application or declaration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment decree or order

A judgment, decree, or order must be self-contained and include necessary attachments rather than incorporating other documents by reference.

A judgment, decree or order shall be complete in itself, with attachments as necessary to avoid incorporating other documents by reference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting

Accountings submitted for court approval must comply with Probate Code section 1060 and following.

Accountings submitted for court approval shall comply with Probate Code Section 1060 et seq.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting report

An accounting report must include a statement regarding the bond.

The report accompanying an accounting shall include a statement regarding the bond.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting report

When no bond is posted, the accounting report must explain why no bond was required.

If no bond is posted, a statement of why no bond was required (e.g., “At the time of appointment, there were no assets subject to disposition by the fiduciary” or “Bond was waived in the will”).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Every petition must identify the names, addresses, and relationships of every person entitled to notice.

All petitions shall identify the names, addresses, and relationships of all persons entitled to notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Attachment 8 of the petition must state when a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or failed to survive the designated survival period.

If a named beneficiary predeceased the decedent or did not survive the designated survival period, that fact must be stated in Attachment 8 of the Petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petition must state the date of death for any spouse or other deceased person listed in Attachment 8.

If Attachment 8 includes a spouse or any other person who is deceased as of the date of the petition, the petition shall state that person’s date of death.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

A petition for distribution must list and describe all property to be distributed, including cash on hand, and may not rely on a reference to the inventory.

The petition for distribution must list and describe in detail all property to be distributed, either in the body of the petition or in the prayer, or by a schedule in the accounting, and incorporated in the petition by reference. This includes a statement of the amount of cash on hand. A description by reference to the inventory is not acceptable.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

Residuary beneficiaries alone may waive an account if the distribution petition enumerates specific bequests and devises, shows sufficient assets, and requests their distribution.

The waiver of account by the residuary beneficiaries alone is sufficient, even though there may be specific legatees and devisees, if the petition for distribution enumerates the specific bequests and devises, shows that there are sufficient assets to satisfy such bequests and devises, and prays that they be distributed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written election

Formal probate of specified property passing to a surviving spouse must be supported by a timely written election acknowledging consideration of the alternative procedures under Probate Code Section 13650.

Formal probate of community, quasi-community, or separate property passing or confirmed to a surviving spouse in a decedent’s estate pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 must be supported by a timely written election expressing acknowledgment of a consideration of the alternative procedures available pursuant to Probate Code Section 13650.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written election

A written election under Probate Code Section 13502 must expressly acknowledge that including the spouse's property in the probate estate could result in additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Written elections pursuant to Probate Code Section 13502 shall contain an express acknowledgment that the inclusion of property passing to or belonging to the surviving spouse in the probate estate could result in additional appraisal fees, commissions, and attorney fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for extraordinary fees

A petition for extraordinary fees must be supported by a compliant declaration from each person requesting approval.

Petitions for compensation for extraordinary services under Probate Code § 10811 shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guidelines from each individual requesting approval of extraordinary fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

An order distributing estate property must separately detail each beneficiary’s non-cash assets and cash distribution.

The distribution of property must be separately stated in detail, listing non-cash assets to be distributed as described in the Inventory and Appraisal, as well as the amount of cash to be distributed, under the name of each beneficiary.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

The distribution order must stand on its own and the total distributed estate must match Schedule F of the account summary.

The order must be complete in itself and the total estate distributed must agree with property on hand as shown on Schedule F of the Summary of Account.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

A real-property distribution order must include the property’s legal description, street address if any, and assessor’s parcel number.

For real property to be distributed, the order must include the legal description, the street address, if any, and the assessor’s parcel number.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution order

When accumulated trust income will be paid to beneficiaries, the order must allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

When any part of the estate is to be distributed to a trustee, and the accumulated income is to be paid by the trustee to the trust beneficiaries, the order shall allocate receipts and disbursements between principal and income.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Unless accountings are waived, the petition must explain why any funeral expense or decedent’s debt paid more than four months after letters with general powers issued was not barred, or the personal representative may be surcharged with interest.

Unless accountings are waived, if any funeral expense or debt of the decedent was paid more than four months after letters with general powers issued, the petition shall show why the claim was not barred or the personal representative may be surcharged with interest for the payment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for distribution

When federal estate-tax proration is required, the distribution petition must include a schedule showing the computation.

When proration of federal estate taxes is required by Probate Code Section 20110 et seq., the petition for distribution shall include a schedule showing the computation of the proration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final distribution

Final distribution may proceed only after required estate-tax returns are filed and the tax is paid.

An estate is not ready for final distribution until the estate tax returns have been filed, and the tax paid, unless no estate tax return is required to be filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final distribution order

When an estate-tax return is required, the final-distribution order must prohibit final discharge until the estate-tax liability is finally resolved.

If an estate tax return is required, the order for final distribution shall include a provision that there will be no final discharge until final resolution of the estate tax liability (e.g. receipt of closing letter).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition requesting that distributees provide no bond must include a clear and concise statement explaining why bond should not be required.

If the petition requests that no bond be required of the distributees, a clear and concise statement showing why bond should not be required must be included in the petition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte petition for final discharge and order

An ex parte petition for final discharge and order must include the final distribution order and copies of distributee receipts.

All Ex Parte Petitions for Final Discharge and Order (Judicial Council Form DE-295) shall be submitted with a copy of the order of final distribution, and copies of any receipts from distributees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for final discharge

A final-discharge request involving distribution to a blocked account must include the completed Judicial Council Form MC-356.

If the order requires distribution of funds to a blocked account, the request for final discharge shall be accompanied by a completed Receipt and Acknowledgment of Order for the Deposit of Money Into Blocked Account (Judicial Council Form MC-356).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for final distribution or termination

A petition for final distribution or termination must expressly state that specified administration charges have been paid.

A petition for final distribution or to terminate the proceeding must expressly state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed guardians information

The Probate Investigations Unit will initiate a guardianship investigation only after the petitioner submits a complete GC-20 form, unless the court specifically directs otherwise.

The Probate Investigations Unit will initiate a guardianship investigation except when the court specifically directs otherwise, only after the petitioner(s) has submitted a complete Proposed Guardian(s) Information (Local Court Form GC-20).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Termination of guardianship information

The Probate Investigations Unit will initiate a termination-of-guardianship investigation only after the petitioner submits a complete GC-21 form.

The Probate Investigations Unit will initiate a termination of guardianship investigation only after the petitioner(s) has submitted a complete Termination of Guardianship Information (Local Court Form GC-21).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Letters of guardianship

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign, and file Judicial Council Form GC-250.

Before Letters are issued, each guardian or conservator must complete, sign and file a Letters of Guardianship (Probate-Guardianships and Conservatorships) (Judicial Council Form GC-250).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A separate petition for appointment of a general guardian or conservator must be presented for filing before the Court will consider a petition for a temporary guardian or conservator.

A separate petition for the appointment of a general guardian or conservator must be presented to the Court to be filed before a petition for a temporary guardian or conservator will be considered.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Accounting

A separate accounting is required for each ward or conservatee joined in the same guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.

Where there are multiple wards or conservatees joined in a single guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, a separate accounting shall be provided for each of them.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final account

A final account after termination must state that specified guardianship or conservatorship charges have been paid.

The final account following termination of a guardianship or conservatorship of the estate must state that all charges for legal advertising, bond premiums, probate referee’s services and costs of administration have been paid.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

A conservator or guardian unable to file the final account within six months must file a status report explaining the delay and the additional time needed.

If the conservator or guardian is unable to file the final account with the six-month period, the conservator or guardian shall file a status report setting forth the reasons for the delay and how much additional time is needed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Compensation petition

Compensation petitions must include a Guideline Attachment #2-compliant declaration from each fee-seeking individual.

Petitions for compensation of guardians and conservators and their attorneys shall be supported by a declaration, complying with Contra Costa Probate Court Guideline Attachment #2 from each individual requesting approval of fees.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Independent powers request

A request for an independent probate power must include a detailed declaration explaining the need for the specific power requested.

Because of the broad scope of this section, the Court requires a detailed declaration as to the necessity for the specific independent power desired.