Contra Costa Superior Court Document Format Requirements
164 rules from official source documents
Font, margin, spacing, and file format requirements for court filings. This page is scoped to Contra Costa Superior Court; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
- Format
- PAPER
Original case papers before a temporary judge must be filed with the clerk, and applicable fees must be paid on the same timing and payment basis as in an ordinary court trial.
A party must file all original papers with the Clerk of the Court and all applicable fees must be paid within the same time and in the same manner as would be required if the court were trying the case.
- Format
- PAPER
Documents filed by facsimile must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
- Format
- PAPER
Documents filed with the Court must be permanently legible plain-paper copies, and direct facsimile transmission to the Court or Court Clerk is not provided for.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies. There is no provision for direct facsimile transmission to the Court or Court Clerk.
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
Every fax-filed document must identify on its first page the attorney service that prepared it, including the service's name, address, and telephone number.
Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Attorneys filing exhibits that are untabbed or improperly tabbed may receive monetary sanctions, have their documents disregarded, or have a hearing dropped from calendar.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
The upper-right corner of the first page must state the estimated hearing time and hearing date and department, and must request a removal order when a defendant or necessary witness is in custody outside the Contra Costa County Jail.
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.
Except for DVPA restraining-order applications, applicants must submit the original application and two additional copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Unless the court grants prior leave for a different form or page limit, family-law pleadings must follow the form and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
A judgment, decree, or order must be complete on its own and must include necessary attachments rather than incorporating other documents by reference.
A judgment, degree or order shall be complete in itself, with attachments as necessary to avoid incorporating other documents by reference.
A confidential account statement must be filed as a separate document with a petitioner’s verified identifying statement and the word “CONFIDENTIAL” in all capital letters in the caption.
Any account statement submitted pursuant to Probate Code Section 2620 which is required by that section to be confidential shall be filed as a separate document complying with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., including a verified statement by the petitioner identifying the document. The caption of the document shall include the word “CONFIDENTIAL” in all capital letters.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq, and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing must comply with California Rule 2.300 and all Contra Costa local rules and must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Attorneys may face monetary sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents filed with the court must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
- Applies to
- Facsimile produced document
A facsimile filing that cannot accurately transmit required or referenced exhibits must include an insert page for each missing exhibit explaining its absence.
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.
- Applies to
- Facsimile filing
Each authorized facsimile filing must be accompanied by the Judicial Council Facsimile Filing Cover Sheet specified by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.304(b).
A facsimile filing shall be accompanied by a Judicial Council Facsimile Filing Cover Sheet as specified in California Rules of Court, Rule 2.304(b).
- Applies to
- Motion
If a facsimile transmission error or processing failure occurs, the filing party may move for nunc pro tunc filing by including proof of transmission with the motion.
the filing party may move the Court for an order filing the document nunc pro tunc by including the proof of transmission with the document.
Family-law pleadings must follow the form and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless prior leave is granted, and an optional memorandum may not exceed 15 pages.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court. Any optional Memorandum of Points and Authorities shall not exceed 15 pages. The Court may refuse to consider any pleading that does not comply with the form and page limits.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court Rules 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq, and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing must comply with California Rule of Court 2.300 and all Contra Costa Local Rules, and must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Every fax-filed document must bear the preparing attorney service's name, address, and telephone number on its first page.
(A) Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Exhibits in filed documents must be properly tabbed, and violations may result in monetary sanctions, disregard of the documents, or removal of a hearing from the calendar.
(C) Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
The first page’s upper-right corner must contain the hearing-time estimate, hearing date and department number, and a removal-order request when the defendant or necessary witness is in custody outside the county jail.
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.
Family-law pleadings must follow the forms and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless the court grants prior leave for a different form or limit.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
A fax filing party must use a machine that generates a transmission record and retain it for transmission or processing errors.
A party using facsimile transmission to file a document must utilize a machine that generates a transmission record and maintain that record in case there is an error in the transmission or the Court fails to process the document.
Every fax-filed document must bear the preparing attorney service’s name, address, and telephone number on its first page.
(A) Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Except for applications for restraining orders filed under the DVPA, applicants must submit the appropriate fee or fee waiver, the original application, and two (2) copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Parties must bring the original signed application or response, with all attachments, to the first hearing and produce it for inspection upon request.
Parties shall bring the original, signed application or response with all attachments to the first hearing on the case, at which time they shall produce it for inspection by the Court and all parties upon request.
Family-law pleadings must comply with the forms and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless the Court grants prior leave for a different form or page limit.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
Juvenile motions generally must be written, heard before jeopardy attaches, and set for hearing at least five court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise.
Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise.
A holographic instrument offered for probate must be accompanied by a photocopy and 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.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents filed with the Court must comply with the applicable rules and be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Every fax-filed document must be stamped on its first page with the preparing attorney service’s name, address, and telephone number.
Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Judicial Council Form DE-275 is mandatory for an ex parte petition seeking approval of a sale of personal property.
DE-275 Ex Parte Petition for Approval of Sale of Personal Property and Order (Mandatory)
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq, and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing must comply with California Rule 2.300 and all Contra Costa local rules and must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Attorneys may face monetary sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
Every document filed with the court must comply with California Rules of Court Rules 2.100 through 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
All filed documents must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
A facsimile filing with exhibits that cannot be accurately transmitted must include an insert page for each missing exhibit describing it and explaining its absence.
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.
Electronically filed documents must comply with California Rules of Court formatting requirements in Rule 2.100 and following.
Electronically-filed documents must comply with the format requirements of Rule 2.100 et seq. of the California Rules of Court.
The first page of every fax-filed document must be stamped with the preparing attorney service's name, address, and telephone number.
Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Except for DVPA restraining-order applications, every application must be submitted with the original and two copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Family-law pleadings must follow the forms and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless the Court grants prior leave to use a different form or limit.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
A motion to relieve counsel must comply with 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.
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.
All documents filed with the court must comply with California Rules of Court 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., and 3.1110.
Electronically filed documents must comply with California Rules of Court formatting requirements, and electronic signatures must comply with Rule 2.257.
Electronically-filed documents must comply with the format requirements of Rule 2.100 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. Signatures on electronic documents must comply with Rule 2.257 of the California Rules of Court.
Motions in limine must be written, consecutively numbered, and filed and served at least 10 calendar days before the Issue Conference; an index is required when a party files more than five motions.
All motions in limine must be in writing and are to be filed and served at least ten (10) calendar days before the conference. Motions in limine should be numbered consecutively and if a party files more than five (5) motions, an index must be provided.
Filed documents must have properly tabbed exhibits and, for electronically filed documents, properly bookmarked exhibits.
a large number of documents filed with the Court include exhibits that are not properly tabbed or ,where electronically filed, are not properly bookmarked.
A moving party must attach the Finding of Noncompliance as an exhibit to a formal discovery motion and may include a brief, factual, non-argumentative recitation of the non-compliance 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.
Discovery motion papers must include as their first exhibit a declaration that the parties completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and must attach the facilitator's recommendations and termination document within that exhibit.
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.
Except for DVPA restraining-order applications, applicants must submit the original application and two additional copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Unless the court grants prior leave for a different form or page limit, family-law pleadings must use the prescribed form and comply with the California Rules of Court and Local Rules page limits.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court and these Local Rules.
A judgment, decree, or order must be self-contained and include necessary attachments rather than incorporating documents by reference.
A judgment, decree or order shall be complete in itself, with attachments as necessary to avoid incorporating other documents by reference.
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.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court Rules 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq, and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing must comply with California Rule of Court 2.300 and all Contra Costa Local Rules, and must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Every fax-filed document must bear the preparing attorney service's name, address, and telephone number on its first page.
(A) Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Exhibits in filed documents must be properly tabbed, and violations may result in monetary sanctions, disregard of the documents, or removal of a hearing from the calendar.
(C) Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
The first page’s upper-right corner must contain the hearing-time estimate, hearing date and department number, and a removal-order request when the defendant or necessary witness is in custody outside the county jail.
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.
Family-law pleadings must follow the forms and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless the court grants prior leave for a different form or limit.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
- Format
- PAPER
Original case papers before a temporary judge must be filed with the clerk, and applicable fees must be paid on the same timing and payment basis as in an ordinary court trial.
A party must file all original papers with the Clerk of the Court and all applicable fees must be paid within the same time and in the same manner as would be required if the court were trying the case.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., and 3.1110.
A judge may authorize a longer memorandum upon application, and a memorandum that violates the limit generally will not be considered unless the court orders otherwise.
(D) On application, a judge may authorize filing of a longer memorandum. Except as otherwise ordered, any memorandum submitted in violation of this rule will not be considered.
- Format
- PAPER
Except for applications for restraining orders under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), applicants must submit the appropriate fee or fee waiver and the application’s original and two (2) copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Unless law provides otherwise or the Court orders otherwise, parties must make motions in writing and have them heard before jeopardy attaches, at least five (5) court days after notice.
Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise.
The court will not store dangerous, toxic, or bio-hazardous exhibits, and the introducing party must bring photographs on the intended introduction date for marking and substitution upon a finding of good cause.
The Court will not store dangerous, toxic or bio-hazardous materials as exhibits in any case, including but not limited to drugs, paraphernalia, paint, bodily fluids, urine and weapons. The party intending to introduce any of these above referenced materials shall bring photographs of the materials on the date they intend to introduce the materials in court. This photograph will be marked and substituted for the materials when the court finds good cause to do so.
Toxic exhibits posing a human health hazard must be introduced as photographic records accompanied by a chemical analysis certified by a competent authority, unless the court finds good cause to permit the actual exhibit, which the court will not store after introduction.
Exhibits toxic by nature that pose a health hazard to humans shall be introduced to the court in the form of a photographic records and written chemical analysis certified by a competent authority. Where the court finds that good cause exists to depart from this procedure, toxic exhibits may be brought into the courtroom and introduced. However, following introduction of the exhibit, the person or persons previously in possession of the exhibit shall take responsibility for it and the court shall not store the exhibit.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents filed with the Court must comply with the applicable rules and be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
The previously signed order must accompany the ex parte application or declaration as an attachment.
The previously signed order must be attached to the ex parte application or declaration.
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.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced documents filed with the court must be permanently legible plain-paper copies.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
- Applies to
- Facsimile produced document
A facsimile filing that cannot accurately transmit required or referenced exhibits must include an insert page for each missing exhibit explaining its absence.
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.
- Applies to
- Facsimile filing
Each authorized facsimile filing must be accompanied by the Judicial Council Facsimile Filing Cover Sheet specified by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.304(b).
A facsimile filing shall be accompanied by a Judicial Council Facsimile Filing Cover Sheet as specified in California Rules of Court, Rule 2.304(b).
- Applies to
- Motion
If a facsimile transmission error or processing failure occurs, the filing party may move for nunc pro tunc filing by including proof of transmission with the motion.
the filing party may move the Court for an order filing the document nunc pro tunc by including the proof of transmission with the document.
Family-law pleadings must follow the form and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless prior leave is granted, and an optional memorandum may not exceed 15 pages.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court. Any optional Memorandum of Points and Authorities shall not exceed 15 pages. The Court may refuse to consider any pleading that does not comply with the form and page limits.
All documents filed with the court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
Rule 2.70. Form of Documents Filed with the Court All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Facsimile-produced filings must be permanently legible plain-paper copies, and direct facsimile transmission to the Court or Clerk is not provided for.
All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies. There is no provision for direct facsimile transmission to the Court or Court Clerk.
Electronically filed documents must comply with California Rules of Court formatting requirements under Rule 2.100 et seq.
Electronically-filed documents must comply with the format requirements of Rule 2.100 et seq. of the California Rules of Court.
Every fax-filed document must bear the preparing attorney service’s name, address, and telephone number on its first page.
Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
Unless the Court grants prior leave, family-law pleadings must comply with prescribed forms and page limits, and an optional memorandum of points and authorities may not exceed 15 pages; noncompliant pleadings may be disregarded.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court and these Local Rules. Any optional Memorandum of Points and Authorities shall not exceed 15 pages. The Court may refuse to consider any pleading that does not comply with the form and page limits.
Confidential records must be enclosed in a sealed envelope between 7 by 10 inches and 8½ by 11 inches, with the case name, case number, and document identity displayed.
Confidential records, including medical, psychological, or educational reports concerning a minor child, or reports from Children and Family Services or Family Court Services, shall not be attached to filed pleadings. A party intending to rely on such reports at a hearing shall submit a copy to the courtroom clerk and to all parties no later than 5 calendar days before the scheduled hearing. The documents shall be submitted in a sealed envelope not smaller than 7 by 10 inches or larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches in size. The envelope must show the case name, case number and identity of the documents enclosed.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court Rules 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq., and 3.1110.
- Format
- PAPER
Documents filed through the facsimile process must be permanently legible plain-paper copies and comply with the cited filing rules.
Facsimile-produced documents submitted for filing with the Court shall comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.300, and all Contra Costa Local Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies.
Electronically filed documents and their signatures must comply with specified California Rules of Court formatting requirements.
Electronically-filed documents must comply with the format requirements of Rule 2.100 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. Signatures on electronic documents must comply with Rule 2.257 of the California Rules of Court.
Counsel should ensure that exhibits are properly tabbed because the Court may impose monetary sanctions, disregard the documents, or drop the hearing for untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits.
(C) Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
Family-law pleadings must use the form and page limits prescribed by the California Rules of Court unless the court grants prior leave to use a different form or limit.
Unless the Court has granted prior leave for a different form or page limit, all pleadings in family law matters shall be in the form, and comply with the page limits, prescribed in the California Rules of Court.
All motions subject to the rule must be in writing, be heard before attachment of jeopardy, and ordinarily be heard at least five court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise.
Except as provided by law, all motions shall be in writing, shall be heard before the attachment of jeopardy and shall be heard five (5) or more court days after notice unless the Court orders otherwise.
Briefs must be prepared, served, and filed under California Rules of Court 8.88 and must comply with Rules 8.883 and 8.884.
Briefs shall be prepared, served, and filed as provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 8.88. Briefs shall comply with the provisions of California Rules of Court 8.883 and 8.884.
At first appearance for trial, each party must provide at least three conforming, pre-marked trial-exhibit binders—one for the clerk, one for the witness stand, and one for the judge—and electronically index electronically submitted exhibits.
Each exhibit on the Master Exhibit List shall be designated by and pre-marked with a separate numerical identifier and indexed electronically, if submitted electronically through a thumb drive. At trial, the Court expects that when an exhibit is used it will already be marked and identified on the Master Exhibit List and that all Parties will have a pre-marked copy. Each Party is responsible for providing, at first appearance for trial, at least three binders, with copies of their trial exhibits (one for the Clerk of the Court, one for the witness ===== PAGE 6 ===== stand, and one for the Judge) conforming to the Master Exhibit List.
At first appearance for trial, each party must provide at least three conforming, pre-marked trial-exhibit binders—one for the clerk, one for the witness stand, and one for the judge—and electronically index electronically submitted exhibits.
Each exhibit on the Master Exhibit List shall be designated by and pre-marked with a separate numerical identifier and indexed electronically, if submitted electronically through a thumb drive. At trial, the Court expects that when an exhibit is used it will already be marked and identified on the Master Exhibit List and that all Parties will have a pre-marked copy. Each Party is responsible for providing, at first appearance for trial, at least three binders, with copies of their trial exhibits (one for the Clerk of the Court, one for the witness ===== PAGE 6 ===== stand, and one for the Judge) conforming to the Master Exhibit List.
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed verdict form must be submitted in hard-copy and electronic Word formats.
both in hard copy and an electronic version in Word.
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed verdict form must be submitted in hard-copy and electronic Word formats.
both in hard copy and an electronic version in Word.
A mini opening may not exceed two minutes or include an electronic presentation.
Mini Openings (pre voir dire) must not exceed 2 minutes in presentation time and may not include any electronic presentation.
- Format
- PAPER
A hard copy of the full printed CACI instruction text must be submitted without the Directions for Use notes.
a hard copy of the full text of printed instructions (excluding “Directions for Use” notes)
- Format
- DOCX
An electronic Word version of the printed CACI instructions must be submitted.
an electronic version of the printed instructions in Word.
Exhibit numbers must not be duplicated across plaintiffs, defendants, or joint exhibits.
Do not duplicate numbers, such as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 10 and Defendant’s Exhibit 10 and/or Joint Exhibit 10
Electronic exhibits must be viewable on a clean laptop with no internet access and only the programs necessary to view the files.
If you will be entering into evidence electronic exhibits (such as videos, electronic files), you must be prepared to provide to the jury a clean laptop with NO access to the internet, no other programs except what is necessary to view the files.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked and numbered, using numbers for Plaintiff, letters for Defendant, and numbers beginning at 500 for Respondent’s 27th and later exhibits.
The exhibits are to be pre-marked and shall be numbered. Use numbers for Plaintiff and letters for Defendant. Exhibits should be “Bates” stamped or numbered through some sequential numbering program. (PDF generated page numbers are acceptable); If Respondent intends to present more than 26 lettered exhibits, then starting with the 27th Exhibit, Respondent shall use numbers, starting with exhibit “R500, R501, R502, etc.,”
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
All documents filed with the court must comply with California Rules of Court 2.100 et seq. and 3.1110.
All documents filed with the Court must comply with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100 et seq, and 3.1110.
Motions in limine should be consecutively numbered, and a party filing more than five must provide an index.
Motions in limine should be numbered consecutively and if a party files more than five (5) motions an index must be provided.
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
Facsimile-produced signatures are treated as original signatures unless a timely request is made for the original document.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents shall be treated as original signatures unless a request is timely made to produce or substitute the original document.
- Applies to
- Facsimile filing
A party filing by facsimile must use a machine that generates a transmission record and retain that record to address transmission or processing errors.
A party using facsimile transmission to file a document must utilize a machine that generates a transmission record and maintain that record in case there is an error in the transmission or the Court fails to process the document.
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
- Required
- Always
Attorneys face sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing exhibits that are untabbed or improperly tabbed.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
Sensitive exhibits must be packaged and stored separately, and sharp objects must be specially wrapped and labeled for handler protection.
All controlled substances, guns, money, valuables, and other sensitive exhibits shall be packaged and stored separately from other exhibits. Sharp objects such as knives, needles and glass shall be specially wrapped and labeled for the handler’s protection.
A probate filing offering a holographic instrument must include a photocopy and an exact typewritten copy that reproduces the instrument line by line and shows 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.
Matters set on the short-cause calendar are limited to 20 minutes of hearing time.
All matters set on a short cause calendar are limited to 20 minutes of hearing time.
Facsimile-document signatures are treated as original signatures unless a timely request is made for the original or a substitute.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents shall be treated as original signatures unless a request is timely made to produce or substitute the original document.
The Court may refuse to consider a pleading that does not comply with the applicable form and page limits.
The Court may refuse to consider any pleading that does not comply with the form and page limits.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents are treated as original signatures unless a timely request is made to produce or substitute the original document.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents shall be treated as original signatures unless a request is timely made to produce or substitute the original document.
Exhibits included with court filings must be properly tabbed.
(3) Despite Rule 3.1110 of the California Rules of Court, subdivision (f), a large number of documents filed with the Court include exhibits that are not properly tabbed.
Administrative records should be submitted on a flash drive, unless the Court orders hard-copy submission.
Administrative records should be submitted on a flash drive, or by hard copy if ordered by the Court.
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
A party filing by facsimile must use a machine that generates a transmission record and retain it for possible transmission or processing errors.
A party using facsimile transmission to file a document must utilize a machine that generates a transmission record and maintain that record in case there is an error in the transmission or the Court fails to process the document.
Exhibits included in filed documents must be properly tabbed; the Court may sanction counsel, disregard the documents, or drop a hearing for an untabbing violation.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
The Court may refuse to consider a pleading that fails to comply with applicable form or page limits.
The Court may refuse to consider any pleading that does not comply with the form and page limits.
Matters set on the short-cause calendar are limited to 20 minutes of hearing time.
All matters set on a short cause calendar are limited to 20 minutes of hearing time.
Electronically filed documents must comply with specified California Rules of Court formatting and electronic-signature requirements.
Electronically-filed documents must comply with the format requirements of Rule 2.100 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. Signatures on electronic documents must comply with Rule 2.257 of the California Rules of Court.
Demurrers must be in writing and filed under the timing limitations in California Rules of Court, Rule 4.111.
All demurrers shall be made in writing and filed in accordance with the time limitations set forth in California Rules of Court, Rule 4.111.
The filing party must identify confidential documents, and specified confidential records must be marked confidential when submitted for filing, whether 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. 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.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents are treated as original signatures unless a timely request is made to produce or substitute the original document.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents shall be treated as original signatures unless a request is timely made to produce or substitute the original document.
Exhibits included with court filings must be properly tabbed.
(3) Despite Rule 3.1110 of the California Rules of Court, subdivision (f), a large number of documents filed with the Court include exhibits that are not properly tabbed.
Facsimile-produced signatures are treated as original signatures unless a timely request is made for the original document.
Signatures on facsimile-produced documents shall be treated as original signatures unless a request is timely made to produce or substitute the original document.
- Applies to
- Facsimile filing
A party filing by facsimile must use a machine that generates a transmission record and retain that record to address transmission or processing errors.
A party using facsimile transmission to file a document must utilize a machine that generates a transmission record and maintain that record in case there is an error in the transmission or the Court fails to process the document.
Memoranda and other papers supporting or opposing motions must comply with the California Rules of Court.
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.
- Required
- Always
Attorneys face sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing exhibits that are untabbed or improperly tabbed.
Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
Sensitive exhibits must be packaged and stored separately, and sharp objects must be specially wrapped and labeled for handler protection.
All controlled substances, guns, money, valuables, and other sensitive exhibits shall be packaged and stored separately from other exhibits. Sharp objects such as knives, needles and glass shall be specially wrapped and labeled for the handler’s protection.
A probate filing offering a holographic instrument must include a photocopy and an exact typewritten copy that reproduces the instrument line by line and shows 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.
A facsimile filing with exhibits that cannot be transmitted accurately must include an insert page for each missing exhibit describing it and explaining the omission.
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.
Repeated filing by an attorney service of documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits will be referred to the Presiding Judge for appropriate action.
If a particular attorney service repeatedly files documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, the matter will be referred to the Presiding Judge for appropriate action.
Attorneys may face monetary sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing exhibits that are untabbed or improperly tabbed.
The Court has and will continue to impose monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents with untabbed or improperly tabbed exhibits, regardless of whether such documents were fax-filed through an attorney service, and in some instances will disregard those documents or drop a hearing from calendar based on the rule violation.
A judge may authorize a longer memorandum upon application, but an over-limit memorandum generally will not be considered absent a contrary order.
On application, a judge may authorize filing of a longer memorandum. Except as otherwise ordered, any memorandum submitted in violation of this rule will not be considered.
Every fax-filed document must identify on its first page the attorney service that prepared it for filing, including the service's name, address, and telephone number.
(A) Every fax-filed document shall be stamped on the first page with the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney service that prepared the document for filing.
- Format
- PAPER
Except for DVPA restraining-order applications, all applications must include the original and two copies.
With the exception of applications for restraining orders filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), all applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee or fee waiver, and the original and two (2) copies of the application.
Department 16 prefers electronic copies on a thumb drive or other USB-compatible solid-state memory device and does not accept CD or DVD ROM discs.
Department 16 prefers electronic copies of documents loaded on a thumb drive or other solid state memory device that may be plugged into a USB port. (No CD or DVD ROM discs.)
Digital courtesy copies may be submitted on a preferred thumb drive and must be prepared with indices for easy access to motions and exhibits.
If the Parties wish to submit digital copies of the Binders on a thumb drive (preferred), please ensure that the digital copies are prepared with an index or indices for easy access to the motions and/or all exhibits.
Proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms must be divided into two sets for the court.
The proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms shall be divided into two sets for the Court.
Each party's authorities concerning contested jury instructions must be noted on the instructions or verdict forms.
Each Party’s authorities on contested jury instructions are to be noted on the instructions or verdict forms.
Duplicate proposed jury instructions or verdict forms should not be provided.
No duplicates should be provided.
Blank or incomplete proposed jury instructions and verdict forms should not be provided.
No “blank” or incomplete jury instructions or jury verdict forms should be provided.
Department 16 prefers electronic copies on a thumb drive or other USB-compatible solid-state memory device and does not accept CD or DVD ROM discs.
Department 16 prefers electronic copies of documents loaded on a thumb drive or other solid state memory device that may be plugged into a USB port. (No CD or DVD ROM discs.)
Digital courtesy copies may be submitted on a preferred thumb drive and must be prepared with indices for easy access to motions and exhibits.
If the Parties wish to submit digital copies of the Binders on a thumb drive (preferred), please ensure that the digital copies are prepared with an index or indices for easy access to the motions and/or all exhibits.
Proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms must be divided into two sets for the court.
The proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms shall be divided into two sets for the Court.
Each party's authorities concerning contested jury instructions must be noted on the instructions or verdict forms.
Each Party’s authorities on contested jury instructions are to be noted on the instructions or verdict forms.
Duplicate proposed jury instructions or verdict forms should not be provided.
No duplicates should be provided.
Blank or incomplete proposed jury instructions and verdict forms should not be provided.
No “blank” or incomplete jury instructions or jury verdict forms should be provided.
- Format
- DOCX
The electronic exhibit-list submission must be formatted as a Word document.
Exhibit list to be submitted in both hard copy and electronically submitted to court as a Word Document.
- Format
- DOCX
The electronic exhibit-list submission must be formatted as a Word document.
Exhibit list to be submitted in both hard copy and electronically submitted to court as a Word Document.
The trial brief must contain tabbed sections.
Five court days prior to the Issue Conference, each party must file and serve a TRIAL BRIEF with tabbed sections containing:
The trial binder must include a tabbed section containing the party's motions in limine and the opposition to them.
You must include your own MILs and the opposition thereto in a tabbed section of your trial binder.
The stipulation requesting a pre-trial discovery conference should not include other pleadings, exhibits, declarations, or attachments.
No other pleadings, exhibits, declarations or other attachments should be attached or included.
All exhibits presented by both parties must use unified numbering.
There is to be unified numbering of the exhibits.
Exhibits for both parties must follow consecutive numbering, although gaps between the parties' assigned ranges are acceptable.
All exhibits for both parties must bear consecutive numbering. Gaps are acceptable, such that, for example Plaintiff(s) may have exhibits 1-50, and Defendant(s) may have exhibits 100-150.
Each exhibit must have a separate numerical identifier and pre-marking on the Master Exhibit List; used exhibits are expected to be pre-marked, identified, and available in pre-marked copies.
Each exhibit on the ===== PAGE 4 ===== Master Exhibit List shall be designated by and pre-marked with a separate numerical identifier. At trial, the Court expects that when an exhibit is used it will already be marked and identified on the Master Exhibit List and that all Parties will have a pre- marked copy.
Designations and declarations must be provided in a binder and lodged at the first appearance for trial.
designations and declarations which shall be provided in a binder and lodged at first appearance for trial.
Courtesy copies must be file-endorsed because Department 34 will discard non-file-endorsed copies.
Any courtesy copies provided should be file endorsed copies. Non-file endorsed copies will be discarded.
Department 16 prefers electronic or digital copies of referenced pretrial documents, downloaded onto a thumb drive and properly indexed for the Court's access.
It is Department 16’s preference to accept Digital Exhibits electronic or digital copies of documents referred in these pre-trial orders. The term “binder” or “binders” used herein also refers to and includes to electronic or digital copies of the documents requested downloaded onto a thumb drive and properly indexed for easy access by the Court.
Department 16 prefers electronic or digital copies of referenced pretrial documents, downloaded onto a thumb drive and properly indexed for the Court's access.
It is Department 16’s preference to accept Digital Exhibits electronic or digital copies of documents referred in these pre-trial orders. The term “binder” or “binders” used herein also refers to and includes to electronic or digital copies of the documents requested downloaded onto a thumb drive and properly indexed for easy access by the Court.
Parties may identify uncontested motions through a notation on the binder index.
Uncontested motions may be indicated by a notation on the binder index.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Contra Costa Superior Court?
Contra Costa Superior Court's formatting rule includes file format paper. Original case papers before a temporary judge must be filed with the clerk, and applicable fees must be paid on the same timing and payment basis as in an ordinary court trial.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Contra Costa Superior Court?
Contra Costa Superior Court's formatting rule includes file format docx and hard copy. The proposed verdict form must be submitted in hard-copy and electronic Word formats.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Contra Costa Superior Court?
Contra Costa Superior Court's formatting rule includes exhibits must be properly tabbed. Attorneys face sanctions, document disregard, or removal of a hearing from the calendar for filing exhibits that are untabbed or improperly tabbed.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.