Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Dean J. Kitchens's rules

Does Judge Dean J. Kitchens require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Ex parte applications must comply with CRC 3.1200 et seq. and are heard Monday-Friday at 8:30 a.m.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

What page or word limits apply to statement before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

Judge Dean J. Kitchens' rule states these limits: 2 pages. Excludes exhibits. Parties must e-file a 2-page statement at least 5 court days before an informal discovery conference; no exhibits allowed.

View ruleSource: page 2, section DISCOVERY MOTIONS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

Judge Dean J. Kitchens' formatting rule includes binding three ring binder and at least 5 copies of exhibits in 3-ring binders should be provided on the first day of trial.. At least 5 copies of exhibits in 3-ring binders should be provided on the first day of trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section EXHIBITS

What must be included with declaration filings before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If any defendant is not served by the case management conference, plaintiff must file a declaration 5 days before the hearing explaining service efforts.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

What must be included with notice of appearance filings before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must comply with CRC 3.672 to give notice of intent to appear remotely.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

How may parties contact Judge Dean J. Kitchens' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Dean J. Kitchens' chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Plaintiff/cross-complainant must immediately notify the court if they will file a first amended complaint instead of opposing a demurrer.

View ruleSource: page 2, section MOTIONS

How does Judge Dean J. Kitchens handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Dean J. Kitchens. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Sealing documents must comply with CRC 2.550 and 2.551; noncompliance may result in rejection and delay.

View ruleSource: page 2, section MOTIONS

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

Judge Dean J. Kitchens's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request. Trial continuance requests must be made by noticed motion or ex parte application.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

A fee is required for covered filings. Daily jury fees must be paid and proof provided to the clerk by the next day for trial to resume.

View ruleSource: page 4, section JURY SELECTION

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

The rule states that filing is treated as on submission. Case management statement must be filed at least 15 days before the case management conference hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Dean J. Kitchens?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Exhibits must be exchanged at the final status conference unless otherwise agreed.

View ruleSource: page 5, section EXHIBITS
Complete rules summary for Judge Dean J. Kitchens

Ex parte applications must comply with CRC 3.1200 et seq. and are heard Monday-Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Trial continuance requests must be made by noticed motion or ex parte application.

Case management statement must be filed at least 15 days before the case management conference hearing.

Exhibits must be exchanged at the final status conference unless otherwise agreed.

If any defendant is not served by the case management conference, plaintiff must file a declaration 5 days before the hearing explaining service efforts.

Jury fees must be posted by the case management conference.

Remote appearances via LACourtConnect are permitted; participants must check in 15 minutes before the hearing.

Parties must comply with CRC 3.672 to give notice of intent to appear remotely.

A hearing date must be reserved through the court reservation system for any motion.

All motion documents must include the reservation number.

Plaintiff/cross-complainant must immediately notify the court if they will file a first amended complaint instead of opposing a demurrer.

Sealing documents must comply with CRC 2.550 and 2.551; noncompliance may result in rejection and delay.

Counsel may submit on a tentative ruling by emailing the courtroom at smcdept400@lacourt.ca.gov.

Moving party must immediately notify the court if a motion is taken off-calendar or continued.

Parties are strongly encouraged to participate in an informal discovery conference before filing a motion to compel.

Parties must e-file a 2-page statement at least 5 court days before an informal discovery conference; no exhibits allowed.

Statement for informal discovery conference must be e-filed at least 5 court days before the conference.

Participating in an informal discovery conference does not extend the deadline to file a motion to compel.

Trial documents must be filed and served 5 days before the final status conference.

Motions in limine must be filed with statutory notice for hearing at the final status conference.

Requests for more than 35 jurors or prescreening must be made at least 20 days before trial.

Objections to jury questions or requests for additional questions must be submitted in writing by the final status conference.

Daily jury fees must be paid and proof provided to the clerk by the next day for trial to resume.

Counsel must inform opposing counsel of next day's witnesses and order of testimony at the end of each court day.

Each party must prepare a numbered exhibit list in the attached form.

At least 5 copies of exhibits in 3-ring binders should be provided on the first day of trial.

Jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

Special verdict form should be submitted 5 days before the final status conference.

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