Rule 8.701. Filing and service
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.701
Current text effective January 1, 2017.
#(a) Service
Except when the court orders otherwise under (b) or as otherwise provided by law, all documents that the rules in this chapter require be served on the parties must be served by personal delivery, electronic service, express mail, or other means consistent with Code of Civil Procedure sections 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1013 and reasonably calculated to ensure delivery of the document to the parties not later than the close of the business day after the document is filed or lodged with the court.
#(b) Electronic filing and service
#(1) In accordance with rule 8.71, all parties except self-represented parties are required to file all documents electronically except as otherwise provided by these rules, the local rules of the reviewing court, or court order. Notwithstanding rule 8.71(b), a court may order a self-represented party to file documents electronically.
#(2) All documents must be served electronically on parties who have consented to electronic service or who are otherwise required by law or court order to accept electronic service. All parties represented by counsel are deemed to have consented to electronic service. All self-represented parties may so consent.
(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2017.)
#(c) Exemption from extension of time
The extension of time provided in Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6 for service completed by electronic means does not apply to any service in actions governed by these rules.
#History
Rule 8.701 amended effective January 1, 2017; adopted effective July 1, 2014.
What this rule requires
Electronic Filing Rules
(1) In accordance with rule 8.71, all parties except self-represented parties are required to file all documents electronically except as otherwise provided by these rules, the local rules of the reviewing court, or court order.
Notwithstanding rule 8.71(b), a court may order a self-represented party to file documents electronically.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The extension of time provided in Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6 for service completed by electronic means does not apply to any service in actions governed by these rules.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Unless the court orders otherwise under (b) or law otherwise provides, documents required to be served under this chapter must be served by an authorized method calculated to ensure delivery to the parties by the close of the business day after filing or lodging.
The rule's wording
Except when the court orders otherwise under (b) or as otherwise provided by law, all documents that the rules in this chapter require be served on the parties must be served by personal delivery, electronic service, express mail, or other means consistent with Code of Civil Procedure sections 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1013 and reasonably calculated to ensure delivery of the document to the parties not later than the close of the business day after the document is filed or lodged with the court.
(2) All documents must be served electronically on parties who have consented to electronic service or who are otherwise required by law or court order to accept electronic service. All parties represented by counsel are deemed to have consented to electronic service. All self-represented parties may so consent.
Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.