San Mateo Superior Court Electronic Filing Rules
76 rules from official source documents
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions. This page is scoped to San Mateo Superior Court; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
Documents may not be transmitted directly to the Court and must be electronically filed through an authorized Electronic Filing Service Provider.
(c) No direct electronic transmission to the Court of any document for filing is allowed. Electronic filing of documents must be done through one of this Court’s authorized Electronic Filing Service Providers.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Family Code and Probate Code actions or proceedings.
(1) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all actions or proceedings brought under the Family Code, and all actions or proceedings to which the Probate Code applies, pursuant to CRC Rule 7.802.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Civil Limited and Civil Unlimited cases.
(2) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all Civil Limited cases and in all Civil Unlimited cases.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in specified civil class, coordinated, and complex actions.
(3) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all civil class actions, civil coordinated actions, civil actions provisionally complex under CRC Rule 3.400(c), and civil actions deemed complex pursuant to CRC Rule 3.403.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Small Claims Court actions.
(4) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all actions under the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.110 et seq.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Unlawful Detainer actions.
(5) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file documents in all Unlawful Detainer actions brought under Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1159 through 1179a.
Except for self-represented litigants and Traffic Court cases, all documents filed after the complaint must be electronically filed in felony, misdemeanor, and infraction criminal actions.
(6) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file all documents, subsequent to the filing of the Complaint, in all felony, misdemeanor, and infraction Criminal actions, except for Traffic Court cases.
Except for self-represented litigants, electronic filing is mandatory in all Adoption and Juvenile Court actions.
(7) Except for self-represented litigants, all parties are required to electronically file all documents in all actions for Adoption, and all actions under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.
Documents specified by Rule 2.1.8 cannot be electronically filed or lodged and must be submitted in paper form.
As an exception to Rule 2.1.5 and Rule 2.1.7, certain documents cannot be electronically filed (or lodged) with the Court, and must be filed by conventional means, i.e., paper documents.
The rule requires paper filing of specified ex parte filings, exhibits, records, writs, process documents, probate filings, Certificate of Fact forms, pre-complaint criminal documents, and specified family-law challenges.
At present, documents that cannot be electronically filed (or lodged) and must be submitted in paper form, include the following: (a) In All Actions: Ex parte applications (except probate ex parte filings that comply with Local Rule 4.7) and all other ex parte filings; trial exhibits; administrative records; writs; abstracts; subpoenas; bonds and undertakings; out-of-state commissions; out-of-state judgments; subpoenas for out-of-state actions; (b) In Probate actions: Wills; codicils; estate planning documents; documents lodged pursuant to Probate Code section 2620; letters of administration; letters of testamentary; certified copy of death certificate; letters of conservatorship, guardianship, or temporary guardianship or conservatorship; (c) In General Civil actions: Certificate of Fact form DL30; (d) In Criminal actions: documents filed before the Complaint; (e) In Family Law actions: Section 170.1 judicial challenge for cause.
Ex parte filings must be submitted and filed in paper form; electronic filing is prohibited.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings must be submitted and filed in paper form, and cannot be electronically filed.
- Applies to
- Ex parte filing
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and other ex parte filings must be electronically filed, but unrepresented individuals may file them in paper or electronic form.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings must be electronically filed, except that unrepresented individuals may submit and file such documents in paper form or electronically.
- Applies to
- Ex parte moving papers
The moving papers for a remote ex parte appearance must be submitted to the assigned judge in paper form.
Except as ordered by the court under subdivision (d), applicants seeking an ex parte order may appear remotely provided that the moving papers, including a proposed order, have been served on all parties, and submitted in paper form to the assigned judge, and the fee paid to the clerk’s office, by at least 10:00 a.m. two court days before the ex parte appearance.
Contested or potentially contested Unlawful Detainer ex parte filings must be filed in paper form and may not be electronically filed.
Ex parte applications, ex parte oppositions, and all other ex parte filings in Unlawful Detainer actions on contested or potentially contested applications/requests/motions must be submitted and filed in paper form, and cannot be electronically filed.
Temporary and permanent conservatorship petitions and later filings must be filed at the Probate Clerk's office before presentation to the court.
Both temporary and permanent conservatorship petitions and subsequent filings must be filed at the Probate Clerk’s office before presentation to the Court.
A represented party must have the regular-conservator petition electronically filed and accepted before filing the temporary-conservatorship petition.
Represented parties must ensure that the separate petition for the appointment of a regular conservator has been e-filed and accepted, prior to filing the petition for temporary conservatorship.
- Applies to
- Temporary guardianship documents
All documents must be filed at the Court Clerk’s Office, Room A, at the Probate counter at 400 County Center, 1st floor, Redwood City.
All documents shall be filed with the Court Clerk’s Office, Room A, at the Probate counter at 400 County Center, 1st floor, Redwood City.
- Applies to
- Regular conservator appointment petition
Represented parties must have the separate regular-conservator petition e-filed and accepted before filing for temporary conservatorship, while self-represented parties may present both sets at the clerk’s office.
Represented parties must ensure that the separate petition for the appointment of a regular conservator has been e-filed and accepted, prior to filing the petition for temporary conservatorship. Self-represented parties may present both sets of documents at the clerk’s office.
- Applies to
- Informal discovery conference correspondence
Informal Discovery Conference correspondence, including IDC briefs, off-calendar requests, and rescheduling requests, must be submitted electronically rather than on paper.
All correspondence regarding any Informal Discovery Conference, such as IDC letter briefs, requests to take matters off calendar, and requests for rescheduling, shall be submitted electronically, rather than paper, to the department email address for the Family Law Commissioner.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than 21 days before the Pretrial Conference.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Conference.
- Applies to
- Joint pretrial conference statement
The parties must electronically file a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.
The parties shall e-file with the Court a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference that contains the following:
- Applies to
- Settlement approval papers
A settling party must email all settlement papers to both designated Department 11 addresses.
the settlement, e.g., in matters such as class actions, shareholder derivative actions, or PAGA cases, the parties must notify Department 11 of the settlement; file preliminary and/or final settlement approval papers, and email all settlement papers to dept11@sanmateocourt.org and complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org; and contact the Clerk of Department 11 to request a preliminary and/or final approval hearing, as appropriate.
- Applies to
- Pleadings, motions, and briefs
Copies of all pleadings, motions, and briefs must be emailed to complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org, and that address must appear on the proof of service.
The parties must also email copies of all pleadings, motions, and briefs to complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org and include this email address on their proof of service.
Documents may not be submitted to the court through any type of file-sharing service.
The Court cannot receive documents through any type of file sharing.
- Applies to
- Pleadings
All pleadings must be emailed to Department 11 at the stated address on the date they are filed.
The requirement to submit courtesy copies is separate from the requirement to email all pleadings to Department 11 at complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org on the date of filing.
- Applies to
- Proposed order
An editable Word version of each proposed order, rather than a PDF, must also be emailed to both Department 11 addresses so the judge can modify it before signing.
You must also email an editable version of the Proposed Order in Word format (not PDF) to dept11@sanmateocourt.org and complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org so that the judge can modify it prior to signing, if needed.
All ex parte filings must be electronically filed unless the filing party is unrepresented.
Local Rule 3.500 has been revised mandating that all ex parte filings be e-filed unless a party is not represented by counsel.
- Applies to
- Motion in limine and opposition
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed at least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference, and replies require leave of court.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Conference. No replies will be permitted without leave of the Court.
- Applies to
- Joint pretrial conference statement
The parties must electronically file a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement with the Court.
The parties shall e-file with the Court a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement
Proposed orders must not be e-filed or sent as courtesy copies; they may be e-filed only after the matter is heard.
Please do not e-file nor send courtesy copies of proposed orders. Orders shall ONLY be e-filed AFTER the matter has been heard.
A party ordered to prepare a written order should e-file it and email the Word-format order to Department 2, copying the other parties.
When Judge McCannon orders a party to prepare a written order, that party should e-file the order. The party should also email the order in Word format to Department 2 at Dept2@sanmateocourt.org. That email must include the other parties.
All ex parte filings must be e-filed unless the filing party is unrepresented.
Local Rule 3.500 has been revised mandating that all ex parte filings be e-filed unless a party is not represented by counsel. Please review and comply with all requirements stated in the rule.
Beginning January 1, 2026, represented parties seeking an ex parte hearing must e-file their papers.
Effective 1/01/2026, Amended Local Rule 3.500(c) requires represented parties seeking an ex parte hearing to e-file their papers.
Paper copies of ex parte documents are required, while emailing those documents to the hearing department is encouraged.
Parties are encouraged to ALSO email their ex parte documents to the department hearing the ex parte, but paper copies are required as stated above.
All documents in Complex Civil actions must be filed electronically except the original documents identified in paragraph 8.
Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6, subdivision (c), all documents in Complex Civil actions (with the exception of the original documents specified in paragraph 8 below) must be filed electronically.
The listed original documents must continue to be filed or lodged as hardcopy paper with the Civil Clerk's Office.
Until further order of this Court, the following original documents must still be filed or lodged in hardcopy paper with the Civil Clerk’s Office located in the Hall of Justice, First Floor, Room A, 400 County Center, Redwood City, California:
- Applies to
- Ex parte application papers
Papers necessary to decide an ex parte application may be submitted by email to Department 2 and both listed addresses by noon on the preceding court day.
All papers necessary to the determination of the application, including any proposed pleading, motion, or order, must be submitted, preferably by email to both dept2@sanmateocourt.org and complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org, directly to Department 2 by noon the court day before the scheduled ex parte hearing date.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk's Office no later than three court days before the pretrial conference.
MILs and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later three (3) court days before the PTC.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk's Office no later than three court days before the pretrial conference.
43. MILs and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later three (3) court days before the PTC.
- Applies to
- Motion in limine
Motions in limine and oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than three court days before the pretrial conference.
34. MILs and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later three (3) court days before the PTC.
- Applies to
- Stipulation
After preliminary approval, the written stipulation must be e-filed before the hearing or trial date, and electronic signatures are permitted.
If preliminary approval is given, a written stipulation must be e-filed before the hearing or trial date. Electronic signatures on stipulations are permitted.
- Applies to
- All papers
All papers, including pleadings, motions, applications, and briefs, must be filed in compliance with the cited local rules unless exempted by statute or rule.
All papers including pleadings, motions, applications, and briefs, except those exempted by statute or rule, shall be filed in compliance with San Mateo County Superior Court Local Rules 2.1.7 and 2.1.8.
- Applies to
- Joint case management conference statement
The parties must electronically file a joint case management conference statement for each conference.
Accordingly, the 10 parties shall e-file a joint case management conference statement no later than ten (10) calendar days before the hearing for each conference
Documents may not be submitted to the Court through file-sharing services.
The Court cannot receive documents through any type of file sharing.
- Applies to
- Pleadings
All pleadings must be emailed to Department 20 on their filing date, independently of any courtesy-copy requirement.
The requirement to submit courtesy copies is separate from the requirement to email all pleadings to Department 20 at complexcivil@sanmateocourt.org on the date of filing.
- Applies to
- Proposed order
Proposed orders must be submitted electronically through the Clerk’s Office with the information required by California Rule of Court 3.1312.
Proposed Orders must be submitted electronically through the Clerk’s office with the information required by California Rule of Court, rule 3.1312.
- Applies to
- Ex parte application
All ex parte filings must be electronically filed except filings by parties not represented by counsel.
Local Rule 3.500 has been revised mandating that all ex parte filings be e-filed unless a party is not represented by counsel.
- Applies to
- Proposed order
A party ordered to prepare a written order should electronically file the order.
When Judge Mau orders a party to prepare a written order, that party should e-file the order.
- Applies to
- Motions in limine
Motions in limine must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than 21 days before the pretrial conference.
Motions in limine must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Conference.
- Applies to
- Oppositions
Oppositions to motions in limine must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than 14 days before the pretrial conference.
Oppositions, if any, must be e-filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference.
- Applies to
- Proposed motions in limine, proposed witness list, and proposed exhibit list
The proposed motions in limine, witness list, and exhibit list served 42 days before the Pretrial Conference must not be filed at that time.
At least forty-two (42) days before the Pretrial Conference each party must serve on all other parties (but NOT file) its proposed motions in limine, proposed witness list, and proposed exhibit list.
All ex parte filings must be electronically filed unless a party is unrepresented by counsel.
Local Rule 3.500 has been revised mandating that all ex parte filings be e-filed unless a party is not represented by counsel. Please review and comply with all requirements stated in the rule.
- Applies to
- Filing
All filings, including orders, must be submitted through the Civil Clerk’s office in Redwood City.
All filings, including orders, are to be done through the Civil Clerk's office in Redwood City.
The listed proposed pretrial documents must not be filed and must instead be served at least 42 days before the conference.
Each party must serve (but NOT file) at least 42 days before that Conference its proposed motions in limine, proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict form(s), proposed witness list, and proposed exhibit list.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office no later than 21 days before the Pretrial Conference.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Conference.
- Applies to
- Joint pretrial conference statement
The parties must electronically file a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.
The parties shall e-file with the Court a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference that contains the following:
The parties must email the proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, jury questionnaire, statement of the case, and proposed orders to the Court.
The parties must also email the proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict form(s), proposed jury questionnaire (if any), proposed statement of the case, and proposed orders in Word format to the Court at dept28@sanmateocourt.org.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk’s Office at least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference.
Motions in limine and their oppositions must be e-filed with the Clerk’ Office no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Conference.
- Applies to
- Joint pretrial conference statement
The parties must electronically file a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.
The parties shall e-file with the Court a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference that contains the following:
- Applies to
- Proposed order
The parties must email the proposed orders to the Court at dept28@sanmateocourt.org.
The parties must also email the proposed orders in Word format to the Court at dept28@sanmateocourt.org.
- Applies to
- Ex parte filing
All ex parte filings must be electronically filed unless the filing party is unrepresented.
Local Rule 3.500 has been revised mandating that all ex parte filings be e-filed unless a party is not represented by counsel.
- Applies to
- Proposed order
Proposed orders must be submitted electronically through the Clerk's Office and include the information required by California Rule of Court 3.1312.
Proposed Orders must be submitted electronically through the Clerk’s office with the information required by California Rule of Court, rule 3.1312.
The Court does not permit optional electronic filing in case types not covered by the mandatory rule.
(a) The Court does not presently have permissive electronic filing in other types of cases. (See Local Rule 2.1.7 for mandatory electronic filing of documents.)
A party subject to mandatory electronic filing must submit form EFS-007 and obtain a court order to receive an exemption.
(d) A party that is subject to mandatory electronic filing may seek to be excused therefrom by submitting a Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service, Judicial Council form EFS-007, and obtaining a court order granting the request.
Failure to bookmark exhibits may result in rejection of the party’s e-filing or continuance of the hearing on the related motion.
Failure to bookmark exhibits to electronically filed documents may result in rejection of the party’s e-filing by the Clerk of the Court or in continuance of the hearing by the Court on the related motion.
Parties are encouraged to email their ex parte documents as an additional submission, but the required paper copies must still be provided.
Parties are encouraged to ALSO email their ex parte documents to the department hearing the ex parte, but paper copies are required as stated above.
- Applies to
- Written order
A party ordered to prepare a written order should electronically file that order.
When Judge Silberman orders a party to prepare a written order, that party should e-file the order.
- Applies to
- Written order
A party ordered to prepare a written order should electronically file the order.
When Judge Fineman orders a party to prepare a written order, that party should e-file the order.
- Applies to
- Pretrial submissions
The listed proposed pretrial submissions must be served rather than filed at least 42 days before the Pretrial Conference.
At least forty-two (42) days before the Pretrial Conference each party must serve on all other parties (but NOT file) its proposed motions in limine, proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict form(s), proposed witness list, and proposed exhibit list.
- Applies to
- Written order
A party ordered to prepare a written order should electronically file it.
When Judge Healy orders a party to prepare a written order, that party should e-file the order.
- Applies to
- Clerks transcript
The court electronically transmits the completed clerk’s transcript by PDF or document link and does not produce a paper copy.
The completed, official Clerk’s Transcript will be electronically transmitted to the attorney(s) of record and/or appellant, via PDF or a link to the document. No paper copy will be produced by the court.
The authorized EFSPs and filing procedures are available online and at the Clerk's Office, and an EFSP may impose processing conditions and fees.
The Court’s electronic filing procedures and requirements, including identification of its Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSP), are available on this Court’s website at www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/ and available in print at the Clerk’s Office. An EFSP may require payment of a convenience fee and/or transaction fee and/or impose other reasonable requirements as conditions for processing the electronic filing of a document.
Self-represented parties are exempt from mandatory electronic filing but are permitted and encouraged to file electronically if they choose.
(c) Pursuant to CCP Section 1010.6(d)(4) and CRC Rule 2.253(b)(1), self- represented parties are exempt from any mandatory electronic filing requirements, but are permitted to and encouraged to electronically file documents, if they so choose.
The list of documents that must be filed in paper form is regularly updated on the Court's website as electronic filing expands.
A list of such documents is regularly updated on the Court’s website, as the Court continues to expand its electronic filing capabilities.
An uncontested ex parte application requiring neither notice nor a hearing may be filed electronically.
Uncontested ex parte applications in Unlawful Detainer actions that do not require notice or hearing may be electronically filed.
Self-represented parties may present the regular- and temporary-conservatorship document sets together at the clerk's office.
Self-represented parties may present both sets of documents at the clerk’s office.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Proposed orders must not be e-filed or sent as courtesy copies; they may be e-filed only after the matter is heard.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The parties must electronically file a Joint Pretrial Conference Statement at least 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All documents in Complex Civil actions must be filed electronically except the original documents identified in paragraph 8.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Papers necessary to decide an ex parte application may be submitted by email to Department 2 and both listed addresses by noon on the preceding court day.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Motions in limine and their oppositions must be electronically filed with the Clerk's Office no later than three court days before the pretrial conference.
Is electronic filing required in San Mateo Superior Court?
Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The parties must email the proposed orders to the Court at dept28@sanmateocourt.org.
Related categories
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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.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements.