Contra Costa — Proposed Changes to Local Rules – January 1, 2027

Source: https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/january-2027-local-rules-redline.pdf

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA

LOCAL RULES OF COURT

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026JANUARY 1, 2027

Contra Costa Superior Court July 1, 2026January 1, 2027 Local Rules Rule Effective Dates

Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date

1.1 1/1/24 2.60 1/1/16 1.2 1/1/24 2.70 1/1/15 1.3 1/1/15 2.71 1/1/16 1.4 1/1/26 2.72 7/1/18 1.5 1/1/15 2.73 1/1/19 1.6 7/1/20 2.87 1/1/27 1.20 1/1/15 2.90 1/1/15 1.21 1/1/15 2.91 1/1/15 1.22 7/1/26 2.120 1/1/16 1.23 1/1/15 2.121 1/1/15 1.24 1/1/16 2.122 1/1/15 1.25 1/1/16 2.123 1/1/16 1.26 1/1/15 2.124 1/1/16 1.27 1/1/18 2.150 7/1/21 2.160 7/1/23 2.1 1/1/24 2.170 1/1/22 2.2 1/1/24 2.180 1/1/25 2.3 1/1/16 2.4 1/1/16 3.1 1/1/15 2.5 1/1/24 3.2 1/1/15 2.6 1/1/24 3.3 1/1/15 2.7 1/1/24 3.4 1/1/16 2.8 1/1/24 3.5 1/1/16 2.9 1/1/24 3.6 1/1/15 2.30 1/1/24 3.7 1/1/26 2.31 1/1/274 3.8 1/1/17 2.32 1/1/24 3.9 1/1/16 2.33 1/1/24 3.10 1/1/15 2.34 1/1/24 3.11 1/1/17 2.35 1/1/15 3.12 1/1/18 2.36 1/1/26 3.13 1/1/19 2.40 1/1/15 3.14 1/1/20 2.41 1/1/16 3.15 1/1/18 2.42 1/1/15 3.16 1/1/25 2.43 1/1/15 3.17 1/1/18 2.44 1/1/16 3.18 1/1/18 2.50 1/1/276 3.19 1/1/24 2.51 1/1/19 3.40 1/1/24 2.52 1/1/270 3.41 1/1/24 2.53 1/1/270 3.42 1/1/24 2.54 1/1/19 3.43 1/1/272

Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date

3.44 1/1/16 4.44 1/1/24 3.45 1/1/19 4.45 1/1/24 4.46 1/1/24 3.46 1/1/277/1/25 4.60 1/1/24 3.47 7/1/25 4.61 1/1/24 3.48 7/1/25 4.62 1/1/24 3.49 7/1/25 4.63 1/1/24 3.50 7/1/25 4.64 1/1/24 3.51 7/1/25 4.80 1/1/24 3.52 7/1/25 4.81 1/1/15 3.53 7/1/25 3.54 7/1/25 5.0 1/1/23 3.80 1/1/16 5.1 7/1/25 3.90 1/1/18 5.2 7/1/25 3.100 7/1/23 5.3 1/1/23 3.101 1/1/16 5.4 7/1/231/1/27 3.102 1/1/15 5.5 1/1/271/1/23 3.103 1/1/15 5.6 1/1/231/1/27 3.200 1/1/25 5.7 1/1/23 3.201 1/1/25 5.8 1/1/23 3.202 1/1/25 5.9 1/1/23 3.203 1/1/17 5.10 1/1/23 3.204 1/1/25 5.11 1/1/18 3.205 1/1/19 5.12 1/1/23 3.206 1/1/16 5.13 1/1/23 3.300 1/1/24 5.14 1/1/18 3.301 1/1/24 5.15 1/1/18 5.16 1/1/19 4.01 1/1/276 5.17 1/1/231/1/27 4.1 1/1/26 5.18 1/1/277/1/25 4.2 1/1/24 5.19 1/1/23 4.3 1/1/24 5.20 1/1/22 4.4 1/1/24 5.21 1/1/23 4.5 REPEALED 5.50 1/1/21 4.6 1/1/18 5.51 1/1/21 4.7 1/1/15 5.52 1/1/21 4.8 1/1/20 5.53 1/1/18 4.10 1/1/21 5.54 1/1/21 4.11 1/1/24 5.55 1/1/21 4.12 1/1/24 5.56 REPEALED 4.40 1/1/15 5.57 1/1/15 4.41 1/1/15 5.58 1/1/21 4.42 1/1/24 5.59 1/1/26 4.43 1/1/24 5.60 REPEALED

Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date

5.61 1/1/21 7.107 1/1/16 5.62 REPEALED 7.108 1/1/15 5.63 1/1/21 7.109 1/1/15 5.64 1/1/21 7.110 1/1/15 5.65 1/1/21 7.111 1/1/16 5.66 1/1/21 7.112 1/1/15 5.67 REPEALED 7.113 REPEALED 5.68 1/1/21 7.114 REPEALED 5.69 1/1/21 7.150 1/1/15 5.70 1/1/21 7.151 1/1/15 5.71 1/1/19 7.152 1/1/16 5.72 1/1/19 7.153 1/1/16 5/73 7/1/20 7.154 1/1/15 5.74 7/1/20 7.155 1/1/15 5.75 7/1/20 7.156 1/1/15 7.200 1/1/15 7.1 1/1/25 7.201 REPEALED 7.2 7/1/26 7.202 1/1/15 7.3 1/1/15 7.203 1/1/15 7.4 7/1/26 7.250 1/1/15 7.5 1/1/19 7.251 1/1/15 7.50 1/1/16 7.252 1/1/15 7.51 1/1/17 7.253 1/1/16 7.52 1/1/16 7.254 REPEALED 7.53 1/1/15 7.255 1/1/15 7.54 1/1/15 7.256 1/1/15 7.55 1/1/16 7.257 1/1/15 7.56 1/1/15 7.300 1/1/16 7.57 REPEALED 7.301 1/1/15 7.58 1/1/15 7.302 1/1/15 7.59 1/1/23 7.303 1/1/15 7.60 1/1/15 7.304 REPEALED 7.61 1/1/16 7.305 1/1/15 7.62 1/1/16 7.306 1/1/16 7.63 1/1/15 7.307 1/1/15 7.64 1/1/15 7.308 1/1/15 7.65 1/1/16 7.309 1/1/16 7.100 REPEALED 7.310 1/1/15 7.101 1/1/15 7.311 1/1/15 7.102 1/1/15 7.312 1/1/15 7.103 REPEALED 7.313 1/1/15 7.104 1/1/23 7.314 1/1/15 7.105 1/1/15 7.315 1/1/15 7.106 1/1/15 7.316 1/1/18

Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date Rule Number New/Revised/Effective Date

7.317 1/1/15 7.520 1/1/18 7.350 1/1/23 8.1 7/1/21 7.351 1/1/15 7.400 1/1/15 Guideline Attachment 1 7/1/06 7.401 1/1/15 Guideline Attachment 2 1/1/23 7.402 1/1/15 Guideline Attachment 3 1/1/16 7.403 1/1/15 Guideline Attachment 4 1/1/18 7.404 1/1/15 7.405 1/1/16 Forms List 7/1/26 7.406 1/1/17 7.411 1/1/17 7.412 1/1/23 7.413 1/1/16 7.414 1/1/15 7.415 1/1/15 7.416 1/1/23 7.417 1/1/21 7.419 REPEALED 7.420 REPEALED 7.421 REPEALED 7.422 1/1/15 7.423 1/1/15 7.424 1/1/15 7.425 1/1/15 7.426 7/1/21 7.427 1/1/15 7.428 1/1/15 7.429 1/1/15 7.450 1/1/16 7.451 1/1/16 7.452 1/1/23 7.501 1/1/15 7.502 REPEALED

Local Rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title One. General Governance of Judicial and Non-Judicial Court Operations ................16

Chapter 1. Administrative Rules ...........................................................................................16

Rule 1.1. Adoption and Amendment of Rules ................................................................................ 16

Rule 1.2. Department Designations ................................................................................................ 16

Rule 1.3. Presiding Judge ............................................................................................................... 16

Rule 1.4. Executive Committee ...................................................................................................... 16

Rule 1.5. Definition of Vacation for Judge ...................................................................................... 17

Rule 1.6. Activities Prohibited on Courthouse Grounds .................................................................. 17

Chapter 2. Media Coverage ...................................................................................................17

Rule 1.20. Media Coverage ............................................................................................................ 17

Rule 1.21. Requests for Coverage ................................................................................................. 18

Rule 1.22. Limitation on Coverage ................................................................................................. 18

Rule 1.23. Prohibited Coverage...................................................................................................... 18

Rule 1.24. Parking Limitations for Media Vehicles ......................................................................... 19

Rule 1.25. Areas in Court Facilities Where Media Activities are Authorized ................................. 19

Rule 1.26. Video Recording and Still Photography ........................................................................ 20

Rule 1.27. Body Worn Cameras ..................................................................................................... 20

Title Two. General and Administrative Rules .......................................................................21

Chapter 1. Jurors ...................................................................................................................21

Rule 2.1. Selection of Prospective Jurors ....................................................................................... 21

Rule 2.2. Juror Source Lists............................................................................................................ 21

Rule 2.3. Determining Juror Qualifications, Excluding Prospective Jurors .................................... 21

Rule 2.4. Statutory Excusals of Jurors ........................................................................................... 21

Rule 2.5. Temporary Deferment of Service .................................................................................... 22

Rule 2.6. Employment While Serving as Juror ............................................................................... 22

Rule 2.7. Period of Juror Service .................................................................................................... 22

Rule 2.8. Juror Telephone Standby ................................................................................................ 22

Rule 2.9. Jury Assembly Room ...................................................................................................... 22

Chapter 2. Grand Jury ...........................................................................................................23

Rule 2.30. Grand Jury Impanelment ............................................................................................... 23

Rule 2.31. Solicitation for Grand Jury Applications ........................................................................ 23

Rule 2.32. Grand Jury Qualifications .............................................................................................. 23

Rule 2.33. Grand Jury Selection Committee .................................................................................. 23

Rule 2.34. Additional Grand Jury .................................................................................................... 24

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Rule 2.35. Sealing of Grand Jury Transcript .................................................................................. 24

Chapter 3. Attorney’s Fees and Appointment of Counsel ...................................................24

Rule 2.40. Attorney's Fee Schedule ............................................................................................... 24

FEE SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................................25

Rule 2.41. Schedule for Use Entering Default Judgment .............................................................. 25

Rule 2.42. Setting Attorney Fees in Contested Case..................................................................... 25

Rule 2.43. Attorney Fees in Foreclosure Cases ............................................................................ 25

Rule 2.44. Itemization of Extraordinary Services ........................................................................... 26

Chapter 4. Court Reporting Services ....................................................................................26

Rule 2.50. Electronic Recording ..................................................................................................... 26

Rule 2.51. Notice of Availability of Court Reporting Services ......................................................... 26

Rule 2.52. Unavailability of Court-Provided Court Reporters and Procurement of Outside Private Reporters .................................................................................................................................... 26

Rule 2.53. Court-Provided Court Reporters in Cases Involving Fee Waiver Litigants ................... 28

Rule 2.54. Transcripts and Electronic Recording ............................................................................ 29

Chapter 5. Sanctions .............................................................................................................29

Rule 2.60. Sanctions ....................................................................................................................... 29

Chapter 6. Information and Forms ........................................................................................30

Rule 2.70. Form of Documents Filed with the Court ...................................................................... 30

Rule 2.71. Identifying Information on Filed Documents ................................................................. 30

Rule 2.72. Retention of Completed Copy Requests ...................................................................... 30

Rule 2.73. Access/View a Court File .............................................................................................. 30

Chapter 7. Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service ............................................................30 Rule 2.87. Adoption of Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service; Exceptions. ............................... 30

Chapter 8. Standards of Professional Courtesy ..................................................................32

Rule 2.90. Consideration of History of Breaches in Professional Courtesy ................................... 32

Rule 2.91. Standards of Professional Courtesy ............................................................................. 32

Rule 2.120. Scheduling ................................................................................................................... 33

Rule 2.121. Discovery ..................................................................................................................... 35

Rule 2.122. Conduct Towards Other Attorneys, the Court and Participants ................................. 35

Rule 2.123. Candor to the Court and Opposing Counsel .............................................................. 37

Rule 2.124. Efficient Administration ................................................................................................ 37

Rule 2.150. Committee on Bias ...................................................................................................... 38

Chapter 9. Setting of Local Court Fees .................................................................................41

Rule 2.160. Authorized Local Fees ................................................................................................ 41

Chapter 10. Communication of Concerns ............................................................................41

Rule 2.170. Concerns ..................................................................................................................... 41

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Chapter 11. Remote Appearances ........................................................................................42

Rule 2.180. Remote Appearances .................................................................................................. 42

Title Three. Civil Rules ............................................................................................................45

Chapter 1. Administration of Civil Litigation ........................................................................45

Rule 3.1. Applicability ...................................................................................................................... 45

Rule 3.2. Definitions as Used in Title Three ................................................................................... 45

Rule 3.3. Transferred Cases ........................................................................................................... 45

Rule 3.4. Policy ............................................................................................................................... 45

Rule 3.5. Venue, Filing and Form of Papers .................................................................................. 47

Rule 3.6. Challenge to Assigned Judge ......................................................................................... 49

Rule 3.7. Service of Summons, Complaint, Cross-Complaint, Responsive Pleadings and Default Judgments .................................................................................................................................. 49

Rule 3.8. Case Management Conference Procedure (Formerly Referred to as Status Conference) ................................................................................................................................ 50

Rule 3.9. Telephone Appearances ................................................................................................. 52

Rule 3.10. Sanctions ....................................................................................................................... 52

Rule 3.11. Issue Conference .......................................................................................................... 52

Rule 3.12. Jury Fees ....................................................................................................................... 54

Rule 3.13. Reporting of Court Proceedings in Civil Fast Track Departments ............................... 54

Rule 3.14. Unlawful Detainer Trial Setting ...................................................................................... 55

Rule 3.15. Relief Following Breach of a Settlement Agreement in Limited Jurisdiction Cases .... 56

Rule 3.16. Complex Litigation Cases ............................................................................................. 57

Rule 3.17. CEQA Claims ................................................................................................................ 58

Rule 3.18. Conforming Copies........................................................................................................ 58

Rule 3.19. Unlawful Detainer Process ............................................................................................. 58

Chapter 2. Civil Law and Motion ...........................................................................................59

Rule 3.40. Law and Motion Calendar ............................................................................................. 59

Rule 3.41. Hearing Dates................................................................................................................ 59

Rule 3.42. Papers to Comply with State Rules .............................................................................. 60

Rule 3.43. Tentative Ruling............................................................................................................. 60

Rule 3.44. Remote Appearances for Law and Motion ................................................................... 61

Rule 3.45. Reporting of Law and Motion ........................................................................................ 61

Rule 3.46. Civil Ex Parte Orders ..................................................................................................... 61

Rule 3.47. Original Orders to Show Cause .................................................................................... 62

Rule 3.48. Continuances................................................................................................................. 63

Rule 3.49. Calendar Matters Heard in Law and Motion Department ............................................. 63

Rule 3.50. Name Change Applications .......................................................................................... 63

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Rule 3.51. Motions .......................................................................................................................... 63

Rule 3.52. Uncontested Calendars ................................................................................................. 64

Rule 3.53. Written Orders ............................................................................................................... 65

Rule 3.54. Number of Attorneys Examining a Witness .................................................................. 65

Chapter 3. Receivers ..............................................................................................................66

Rule 3.80. Receivers ....................................................................................................................... 66

Chapter 4. Elisors ..................................................................................................................66

Rule 3.90. Elisors ............................................................................................................................ 66

Chapter 5. Settlements and Settlement Conferences (Not Applicable To Family Law and Probate Matters) .................................................................................................................66

Rule 3.100. Settlements .................................................................................................................. 66

Rule 3.101. Settlement Conferences.............................................................................................. 67

Rule 3.102. Special Needs Trusts .................................................................................................. 67

Rule 3.103. Special Bench Bar Settlement Conferences (BBSC) ................................................. 67

Chapter 6. ADR .......................................................................................................................68

(Not Applicable to Family Law Matters and Probate Matters) ..............................................68

Rule 3.200. Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs ................................................................... 68

Rule 3.201. Mediation ..................................................................................................................... 70

Rule 3.202. Judicial Arbitration ....................................................................................................... 73

Rule 3.203. Settlement Mentors ..................................................................................................... 75

Rule 3.204. Neutral Case Evaluation ............................................................................................. 76

Rule 3.205. Temporary Judge Trial - Civil Division ........................................................................ 78

Rule 3.206. Ethical and Practice Standards for ADR Panel Members .......................................... 79

Chapter 7. Discovery Motions and the Optional Discovery Facilitator Program ...............81

Rule 3.300. Optional Discovery Facilitator Program ...................................................................... 81

Rule 3.301. Discovery Motions and the Discovery Facilitator Program ......................................... 82

Title Four. Criminal Rules ......................................................................................................87

Division 1. Criminal ................................................................................................................87

Chapter 1. Criminal Department ............................................................................................87

Rule 4.01. Electronic Recording in Misdemeanor and Infraction Cases ........................................ 87

Rule 4.1. Motions ............................................................................................................................ 87

Rule 4.2. Discovery ......................................................................................................................... 92

Rule 4.3. Applications on Behalf of Inmates ................................................................................... 92

Rule 4.4. Violations of Probation..................................................................................................... 92 Rule 4.5. Reserved [REPEALED 1/1/18] ....................................................................................... 93 Rule 4.6. Relief from Forfeiture of Bail in Misdemeanor and Felony Cases. ................................. 93

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Rule 4.7. Submitting Sensitive Exhibits .......................................................................................... 94

Rule 4.8. Withdrawal of Time Waivers in Misdemeanor Cases ..................................................... 94

Chapter 2. Felony Direct Calendaring ...................................................................................94

Rule 4.10. Direct Calendaring in Felony Matters............................................................................. 95

Rule 4.11. Arraignments; Assignment for All Purposes ................................................................. 95

Rule 4.12. Reassignment by Presiding Judge ................................................................................ 95

Division 2. Infractions .............................................................................................................95

Chapter 1. Infraction Rules ....................................................................................................95

Rule 4.40. Filing .............................................................................................................................. 95

Rule 4.41. Court Sessions .............................................................................................................. 95

Rule 4.42. Arraignments; Remote Appearance for Arraignments ................................................. 96

Rule 4.43. Demurrers ...................................................................................................................... 96

Rule 4.44. Withdrawal of Time Waivers in Infraction Cases .......................................................... 96

Rule 4.45. Continuances................................................................................................................. 96

Rule 4.46. Juvenile Traffic Infraction Matters ................................................................................. 97

Chapter 2. Adjudication of Infraction Matters ......................................................................97

Rule 4.60. Trial by Declaration for Traffic Infractions ..................................................................... 97 Rule 4.61. Clerks’ Authority in Infraction Cases. ............................................................................ 97

Rule 4.62. Prohibited Requests in Traffic Matters .......................................................................... 98

Rule 4.63 Request for Ability to Pay Consideration and Civil Assessment Waiver ........................ 98

Rule 4.64. Appeals .......................................................................................................................... 99

Chapter 3. Collections Program for Traffic Infraction Cases ............................................ 100

Rule 4.80. Court Collections Program .......................................................................................... 100

Rule 4.81. Application of Overpayment ........................................................................................ 100

Title Five. Family and Juvenile Rules .................................................................................. 101

Division 1. Family Law Matters ............................................................................................ 101

Chapter 1. Family Law Department ..................................................................................... 101

Rule 5.0. Application of Rules and Definitions.............................................................................. 101

Rule 5.1. Assignment of Departments and Matters ..................................................................... 101

Rule 5.2. Obtaining Temporary Restraining Orders /Ex Parte Orders ........................................ 104

Rule 5.3. Orders Shortening Time (OST) ..................................................................................... 105

Rule 5.4. Hearings ........................................................................................................................ 106

Rule 5.5. Procedures to Complete Dissolution/Legal Separation ................................................ 110

Rule 5.6. Case Management Conference / Family Centered Case Resolution Conference (FCCRC) ................................................................................................................................... 110

Rule 5.7. Mandatory Settlement Conference ............................................................................... 113

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Rule 5.8. Recommendation Conference ...................................................................................... 115

Rule 5.9. Trials .............................................................................................................................. 115 (g) Removing Matter from Calendar .............................................................................................. 117

Rule 5.10. Preparation and Presentation of Orders ..................................................................... 117

Rule 5.11. Judgments ................................................................................................................... 118

Rule 5.12. Appointment of Elisor .................................................................................................. 119

Rule 5.13. Confidentiality .............................................................................................................. 120

Rule 5.14. Family Law Facilitator .................................................................................................. 120

Rule 5.15. Temporary Spousal or Partner Support ...................................................................... 120

Rule 5.16. Presence of Children in Courtroom............................................................................ 121

Rule 5.17. Family Court Services Appointments (Mediation, Information Gathering and Child Custody Recommended Counseling) ...................................................................................... 121

Rule 5.18. Child Custody Evaluations .......................................................................................... 128 Rule 5.19. Court Communication for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders (Adopted Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 5.445) ................................................................. 131 Rule 5.20. Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute. ............................................................................. 132

Division 2 – Juvenile Matters ............................................................................................... 133

Chapter 1. Juvenile Department .......................................................................................... 133

Rule 5.50. Adoption, Construction and Amendment of Rules ..................................................... 133

Rule 5.51. Juvenile Judge............................................................................................................. 133

Rule 5.52. Juvenile Court Commissioner ..................................................................................... 135

Rule 5.53. Motions ........................................................................................................................ 136

Rule 5.54. Appointment of Juvenile Court Appointed Counsel .................................................... 136

Rule 5.55. Minute Order ................................................................................................................ 137 Rule 5.56. REPEALED ................................................................................................................. 137

Rule 5.57. Public Hearings ........................................................................................................... 137

Rule 5.58. Records access by Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)................................ 137

Rule 5.59. Inter-Agency Exchange of Information ....................................................................... 137 Rule 5.60. REPEALED ................................................................................................................. 138

Rule 5.61. Experience, Training, Education ................................................................................. 138

Rule 5.62. Screening for Competency.......................................................................................... 139

Rule 5.63. Mediation ..................................................................................................................... 140

Rule 5.64. Reciprocal Discovery ................................................................................................... 140

Rule 5.65. Disclosure of Victim or Witness Contact Information.................................................. 140

Rule 5.66. Notice Regarding Change in Placement for Dependents of the Court ...................... 141 Rule 5.67. REPEALED ................................................................................................................. 142

Rule 5.68. Notice to Caregiver ...................................................................................................... 142

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Rule 5.69. Notice to Minor’s Counsel Regarding Subpoenas ...................................................... 142

Rule 5.70. Probation Reports Reporting Confirmed Information on AIDS and AIDS-Related Diseases ................................................................................................................................... 142

Rule 5.71. Court Appointed Special Advocates Program Guidelines .......................................... 142

Rule 5.72. Submission, Copying, and Distribution of CASA Reports; Access to CASA Reports 143

Rule 5.73. Assignment of Transfer Hearings ............................................................................... 143

Rule 5.74. Service of JV-790 on Victim ........................................................................................ 143

Rule 5.75. Presence at Juvenile Proceedings.............................................................................. 144

Title Six. Reserved ............................................................................................................... 145

Title Seven. Probate Rules .................................................................................................. 145

Chapter 1. General Provisions ............................................................................................ 145

Rule 7.1. Probate Matters ............................................................................................................. 145

Rule 7.2. Judicial Commitments ................................................................................................... 145

Rule 7.3. Trust Fund Withdrawals ................................................................................................ 145

Rule 7.4. Probate Rules ................................................................................................................ 145

Rule 7.5. Reporting of Court Reporting in Probate....................................................................... 146

Chapter 2. Probate Court Proceedings ............................................................................... 147

Rule 7.50. Probate Calendar ........................................................................................................ 147

Rule 7.51. Contested Matters ....................................................................................................... 147

Rule 7.52. Appearances ............................................................................................................... 148

Rule 7.53. Verifications ................................................................................................................. 149

Rule 7.54. Submission of Proposed Order Before Date of Hearing ............................................ 149

Rule 7.55. Responses to Tentative Rulings ................................................................................. 150

Rule 7.56. Continuances to Cure Defective Pleadings or Procedures ........................................ 150 Rule 7.57. JUDICIAL COUNCIL FORMS. REPEALED (See CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT,

RULE 7.101) ............................................................................................................................. 150

Rule 7.58. Discretion to Waive...................................................................................................... 150

Rule 7.59. Fees ............................................................................................................................. 150

Rule 7.60. Record Title ................................................................................................................. 151

Rule 7.61. Court Ordered Fees for Fiduciaries and Attorneys ..................................................... 151

Rule 7.62. Factual Allegations ...................................................................................................... 152

Rule 7.63. Guardian ad Litem ....................................................................................................... 152

Rule 7.64. Special Notice to Attorneys and Clients ...................................................................... 152

Rule 7.65. Coordination of Fee Petitions with Accountings ......................................................... 153

Chapter 3. Petitions, Orders and Notices ........................................................................... 154 Rule 7.100. Titles for Petitions and Orders [Repealed 1/1/03] ..................................................... 154

Rule 7.101. Material to be Included in Formal Rulings ................................................................ 154

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Rule 7.102. Written Response ...................................................................................................... 154 Rule 7.103. Reserved. [REPEALED 1/1/03] ............................................................................... 154

Rule 7.104. Applications for Ex Parte Orders ............................................................................... 154

Rule 7.105. Petitions for Family Allowance .................................................................................. 155

Rule 7.106. Bond on Petitions for Authority to Borrow Money ..................................................... 155

Rule 7.107. Nunc Pro Tunc Orders Correcting Clerical Errors .................................................... 155

Rule 7.108. General Notice Requirements................................................................................... 156

Rule 7.109. Probate Hearing Once Noticed Cannot be Advanced.............................................. 156

Rule 7.110. Orders, etc., to be Complete ..................................................................................... 156

Rule 7.111. Accounts and Reports ............................................................................................... 156

Rule 7.112. Petitions to Show who is Entitled to Notice ............................................................... 157 Rule 7.113. Identity or Whereabouts Unknown [Repealed 1/1/03] (see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.52) ................................................................................................................................. 157 Rule 7.114. Notice Regarding Interests of Deceased Persons [Repealed 1/1/03] (see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.51(e)) ................................................................................................... 157

Chapter 4. Appointment of Executors and Administrators ............................................... 157

Rule 7.150. Notice re: Special Letters .......................................................................................... 157

Rule 7.151. Petitions for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary; for Letters of Administration; or for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed .......................................... 158

Rule 7.152. Notice ......................................................................................................................... 158

Rule 7.153. Requirements of Publication for Notice of Petition to Administer Estate ................. 160

Rule 7.154. Court Discretion Regarding Bond ............................................................................. 160

Rule 7.155. Continuance to Permit Filing of Contest ................................................................... 160

Rule 7.156. Multiple Representatives ........................................................................................... 160

Chapter 5. Creditors’ Claims ............................................................................................... 161

Rule 7.200. Nature and Form of Claims ....................................................................................... 161 Rule 7.201. Claims Filed with Clerk and Mailed to Personal Representative [Repealed 1/1/03] (see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.401; Probate Code 9150) ........................................... 161

Rule 7.202. Claims of Personal Representatives and Attorneys ................................................. 161

Rule 7.203. Funeral Claims .......................................................................................................... 162

Chapter 6. Sales ................................................................................................................... 162

Rule 7.250. Sales of Real Property not under IAEA .................................................................... 162

Rule 7.251. Return of Private Sale ............................................................................................... 162

Rule 7.252. Broker’s Commissions .............................................................................................. 163

Rule 7.253. Broker’s Commissions in Overbid Situation ............................................................. 163 Rule 7.254. Exclusive Listings for Sale of Property (Probate Code Section 10150(c) [Repealed 1/1/03] (see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.453) ................................................................. 163

Rule 7.255. Condominiums, Community or Cooperative Apartments ......................................... 163

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Rule 7.256. Purchase of Estate Property by Personal Representative or His or Her Attorney ... 163

Rule 7.257. Tangible Personal Property....................................................................................... 164

Chapter 7. Accounts, Fees and Petition for Distribution ................................................... 164

Rule 7.300. Notice of Petition for Distribution ............................................................................... 164

Rule 7.301. Property to be Distributed must be Listed ................................................................. 164

Rule 7.302. Form of Accounting ................................................................................................... 165

Rule 7.303. Waiver of Account ..................................................................................................... 165 Rule 7.304. Statutory Fees and Allowable Costs [Repealed 1/1/03] (see California Rules of Court, Rule 7.705) .................................................................................................................... 165

Rule 7.305. Inheritance by Surviving Spouse .............................................................................. 165

Rule 7.306. Extraordinary Fees .................................................................................................... 166

Rule 7.307. The Order .................................................................................................................. 166

Rule 7.308. Segregating Trust Income and Principal................................................................... 166

Rule 7.309. Creditor’s Claims ....................................................................................................... 166

Rule 7.310. Federal Estate Taxes ................................................................................................ 167

Rule 7.311. Specifically Devised Property.................................................................................... 167

Rule 7.312. Distribution to Minors ................................................................................................. 168

Rule 7.313. Preliminary Distribution ............................................................................................. 168

Rule 7.314. Procedure to be Followed by a Personal Representative in Actions for Damages Following Wrongful Death of Decedent or Other Actions that Survive the Death of Decedent .................................................................................................................................................. 168

Rule 7.315. Grant of Additional Powers to Testamentary Trustee .............................................. 169

Rule 7.316. Application for Final Discharge ................................................................................. 169

Rule 7.317. Payment of Costs of Administration .......................................................................... 169

Chapter 8. Inventory and Appraisal .................................................................................... 169

Rule 7.350. Preparation of Inventory and Appraisal .................................................................... 169

Rule 7.351. Waiver of Appraisal by Probate Referee .................................................................. 170

Chapter 9. Guardianships and Conservatorships ............................................................. 170

Guardianships ....................................................................................................................... 170

Rule 7.400. Initiation of Guardianship Investigation ..................................................................... 170

Rule 7.401. Temporary Guardianships ........................................................................................ 170

Rule 7.402. Consultation with Other Departments re: Custody or Dependency Proceedings .... 171

Rule 7.403. Guardianships for Dependent Children .................................................................... 171

Rule 7.404. Restriction on Parental Use of Minor’s Estate .......................................................... 171

Rule 7.405. Final Account of Guardian ......................................................................................... 171

Rule 7.406. Setting guardianship hearing when a temporary guardianship has NOT been granted 172

Rule 7.407. – Rule 7.410. Intentionally Omitted ........................................................................... 172

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Rule 7.411. Appointment of Conservator ..................................................................................... 172

Rule 7.412. Ex Parte Petitions for Appointment of Temporary Conservatorships....................... 173

Rule 7.413. Specific Medical Treatment and Placement ............................................................. 173

Rule 7.414. Termination ................................................................................................................ 174

Rule 7.415. Accounts of Conservator ........................................................................................... 174

Rule 7.416. Orientation Class Requirements for Unlicensed Conservators ................................ 174 Rule 7.417. Release of Information by Court Investigator for Benefit of Conservatees. ............. 175

Rule 7.418. Intentionally Omitted ................................................................................................... 175 Rule 7.419. Warning on Order [Repealed 1/1/03] ........................................................................ 175

Rule 7.420. Copies for Court Investigator .................................................................................... 175 Rule 7.421. Intentionally Omitted and Reserved [Repealed 1/1/13] ............................................ 175

Rule 7.422. Temporary Guardian or Conservator ........................................................................ 175

Rule 7.423. Instructions Regarding General Duties and Conflicts of Guardian or Conservator . 175

Rule 7.424. Bonds of Conservators and Guardians .................................................................... 175

Rule 7.425. Accounts .................................................................................................................... 175

Rule 7.426. Conservator and Guardian Compensation and Attorney’s Fees ............................. 176

Rule 7.427. Independent Exercise of Powers .............................................................................. 177

Rule 7.428. Investments by Guardian or Conservator (Probate Code Section 2570 et seq.) .... 177

Rule 7.429. Account Statements with Accountings...................................................................... 178

Chapter 10. Trusts................................................................................................................ 178

Rule 7.450. Trustee Compensation, and Attorney’s Fees ........................................................... 178

Rule 7.451. Establishment of a Trust............................................................................................ 178

Rule 7.452. Establishment of Special Needs Trust from Inheritance by Court Order ................. 179

Chapter 11. Protective Proceedings ................................................................................... 179

Rule 7.501. Proceeding for Spousal Property Transaction .......................................................... 179 Rule 7.502. Establishment of a Trust [Repealed 1/1/13].............................................................. 180

Chapter 12. Elisors............................................................................................................... 180

Rule 7.520. Elisors ........................................................................................................................ 180

Chapter 13. Guidelines for Probate Rules - Attachments ................................................. 181 Guideline, Attachment 1 – The ABCs of Dividing the Commission Pie in Probate Sales (includes chart) ......................................................................................................................................... 181 Guideline, Attachment 2 – Probate Department Fees and Costs Guidelines .............................. 182 FEES .............................................................................................................................................. 182 COSTS AND EXPENSES ............................................................................................................. 185 Guideline, Attachment 3 – Fee Declaration Template .................................................................. 186 Guideline, Attachment 4 – Probate Department Operations ........................................................ 188

Title Eight. Appellate Rules ................................................................................................. 190

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Chapter 1. General Provision .............................................................................................. 190

Rule 8.1. Appellate Division .......................................................................................................... 190

JUDICIAL COUNCIL FORMS: ............................................................................................... 200

APPENDIX A: STANDING ORDERS ..................................................................................... 203

NOTE: Standing Orders are subject to change. Orders included with the Local Rules are current as of 1/1/2025. For a current version of all standing orders, please see the Court’s Local Rules webpage: ......................................................................................... 203

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Title One. General Governance of Judicial and Non-Judicial Court Operations

Chapter 1. Administrative Rules

Rule 1.1. Adoption and Amendment of Rules

(a) Rules

(1) These rules shall be known and cited as the Local Rules for the Superior Court of
California, County of Contra Costa.

(2) These rules may be amended in accordance with the California Rules of Court.

(b) Good cause

The Court, for good cause, may waive the application of these rules in an individual case.

(Rule 1.1(b) revised effective 7/1/02)

(Rule 1.1 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 1.2. Department Designations

Certain departments shall operate under the following designations: Presiding Judge, Probate, Civil Litigation, Criminal, Juvenile, and Family Law, and they shall exercise the particular functions provided herein. There may be other departments as designated by the Presiding Judge.

(Rule 1.2 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 1.3. Presiding Judge

The Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge shall be selected and have the authority as provided in the California Rules of Court and shall serve for a term of two calendar years.

(Rule 1.3 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.4. Executive Committee

(a) The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of: the Presiding Judge, the Assistant Presiding Judge, the Supervising Judge of the Civil, Criminal, Juvenile, Family Law, and Probate Divisions; the Supervising Judges in branch court locations, and the immediate past Presiding Judge. The Presiding Judge shall preside over the proceedings of the Executive Committee, but shall not be entitled to vote except to break ties.

(Rule 1.4(a) revised effective 1/1/24)

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(b) Duties of the Executive Committee

(1) The Executive Committee shall review, in its discretion, the decisions and actions
of the Presiding Judge and the Executive Officer and, where appropriate,
recommend Court policy and procedures for implementation by the Presiding
Judge and assist the Presiding Judge on all matters related to court administration.

(2) With the assistance of the Executive Officer, the Executive Committee shall adopt
an annual budget and salary schedule for submission to the Judicial Council.

(3) The Executive Committee shall review and approve the organizational structure
for the administration of the Court under the Court’s Executive Officer.

(4) The Executive Committee shall review and recommend major personnel and
administrative policies. Adoption of these policies shall be subject to the approval
of a majority of the judges of the Superior Court.

(Rule 1.4(b) revised effective 1/1/26)

(Rule 1.4 revised effective 1/1/26)

Rule 1.5. Definition of Vacation for Judge

“A day of vacation” for a judge of the Contra Costa Superior Court is an approved absence of one full business day. Other absences from the court listed in California Rules of Court, Rule 10.603(c)(2) are excluded from this definition.

(Rule 1.5 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.6. Activities Prohibited on Courthouse Grounds

(1) Commercial solicitation and distribution, posting, and displaying of commercial circulars and handbills inside any courthouse or court walkway is prohibited.

(2) No non-judicial foreclosure sale may be conducted on courthouse grounds. Courthouse grounds includes a courthouse itself, the steps of a courthouse, the sidewalk leading to an entrance to a courthouse on the same block as the courthouse, and any other path of pedestrian movement to a courthouse from a roadway or parking lot adjacent to that courthouse. Violations of this rule subject the offending party to sanctions in an amount up to $1,500 per violation pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 177.5.

(Rule 1.6 new effective 7/1/20)

Chapter 2. Media Coverage

Rule 1.20. Media Coverage

These procedures are adopted by the Court for the protection of all parties to ensure the secure and efficient handling of cases and events in all courtrooms of the Superior Court for Contra Costa

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County and related facilities including all buildings containing courtrooms. No filming, photography or electronic recording is permitted in the courthouses except as permitted in the courthouse or the courtroom consistent with California Rules of Court, Rule 1.150 and this Local Court Rule. Violation of this rule may result in termination of media coverage, removal of equipment, contempt of court proceedings, or monetary sanctions as provided by law.

(Rule 1.20 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.21. Requests for Coverage

Requests for any type of video, still photography, or audio coverage, including pool cameras, must be made in compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 1.150(e)(1), and submitted to the judicial officer assigned to hear the case on the, “Media Request to Photograph, Record, or Broadcast,” (Judicial Council Form MC-500) accompanied by the, “Order on Media Request to Permit Coverage” (Judicial Council Form MC-510). For such requests that do not involve a courtroom, they must be submitted to the Presiding Judge on the same forms.

(Rule 1.21 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.22. Limitation on Coverage

The following limitations apply, unless an exception is expressly permitted by statute, written judicial order, or as permitted by rule 1.25.

(1) Videotaping, photographing, or electronic recording by the media and/or the general public is not permitted in any part of the courthouse, including but not limited to, lobby areas, halls, stairs, elevators, clerks’ windows, or meeting rooms.

(2) Videotaping, photographic equipment, and electronic recording devices must be turned off while transporting them in any area of the Court.

(3) All audible electronic devices must be turned off when they are in courtrooms.

(4) Any photography of the interior of a courtroom through glass door windows or from between the two sets of doors to a courtroom is prohibited, even if an exception is granted for courthouse areas outside of the courtroom.

(5) When audio and/or video recording is not permitted by the judicial officer assigned to hear a case, electronic recording devices may be taken into the courtroom, only if they are not turned on and remain inside an enclosed case, bag or other container, unless otherwise prohibited by the judicial officer assigned to the case.

(Rule 1.22 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.23. Prohibited Coverage

In no event will coverage be allowed as to any of the following: [see California Rule or Court 1.150(e)(6)]

(1) A proceeding closed to the public (e.g., juvenile cases);

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(2) Jurors or spectators;

(3) Jury selection;

(4) Conferences between an attorney and client, witness, or aide;

(5) Conferences between attorneys;

(6) Conferences between counsel and a judicial officer at the bench (“sidebars”); or

(7) Proceedings held in chambers.

(Rule 1.23 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.24. Parking Limitations for Media Vehicles

No media vehicles may be parked in an unauthorized place surrounding the courthouse except with permission from the Presiding Judge. If at any time any vehicle is parked improperly, without such permission, the order permitting photographic and/or electronic coverage, in regard to the operator of that vehicle, may be revoked without further hearing.

(Rule 1.24 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 1.25. Areas in Court Facilities Where Media Activities are Authorized

Photos, news conferences, and on-camera statements to members of the media or the general public are allowed only in areas specified for that purpose. The following areas are allowed unless otherwise ordered by the Presiding Judge. Requests for exceptions must be made to the Presiding Judge.

(1) Wakefield Taylor Courthouse [725 Court Street, Martinez]. Front steps and sidewalk area as long as entering or exiting through the related doorways is not blocked in any way.

(2) A. F. Bray Courthouse [1020 Ward Street, Martinez]. Northwest end of the courthouse near the flag pole and the southeast end of the courthouse near the wooden bench.

(3) A. F. Bray Courthouse - Court Annex [entrance southeast of entry to courthouse]. Exterior entry to courtrooms or jail as long as access to the exterior entrance to the courthouse is not blocked in any way.

(4) Peter L. Spinetta Family Law Center [751 Pine Street, Martinez]. Front plaza and outside stairs as long as access to the exterior entrance to the courthouse is not blocked in any way.

(5) Richard E. Arnason Justice Center [1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg]. Area outside front foyer as long as the entrance is not blocked in any way.

(6) George D. Carroll Courthouse [100 37th Street, Richmond]. Courtyard in front of entrance to the courthouse as long as the entrance is not blocked in any way. [Access to adjacent County Health Building also may not be blocked or impacted in any way.]

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(7) Walnut Creek Superior Court [640 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek]. Southside sidewalk area to the west of the entry doors as long as the entrance is not blocked in any way.

Access to the courthouse means that a person or persons entering or leaving the building can pass by easily maintaining a distance of at least five feet between himself or herself and the media, interviewee, and any spectators to the media interview or conference.

(Rule 1.25 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 1.26. Video Recording and Still Photography

Unless otherwise specifically prohibited by a judicial officer, video recording and still photography are allowed for non-adversarial proceedings such as weddings or adoptions.

(Rule 1.26 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 1.27. Body Worn Cameras

Police officers with body worn cameras shall not activate the recording function of the camera in the courthouse unless involved in a law enforcement activity that involves conducting or assisting in an arrest.

(Rule 1.27 new effective 1/1/18)

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Title Two. General and Administrative Rules

Chapter 1. Jurors

Rule 2.1. Selection of Prospective Jurors

Jury service, unless expressly excused by law, is a responsibility of citizenship. It is the court’s obligation to employ all necessary and appropriate means to assure that citizens fulfill this vital civic function. Persons qualified to perform the public duty of jury service shall not be excused from such service except for the causes specified by Code of Civil Procedure Section 204.

In accordance with Code of Civil Procedure §190, et seq., there is hereby established one county-wide geographical selection area for the purpose of producing juror summons lists for the court.

The Jury Commissioner shall be fair and impartial in the selection of prospective jurors, using the methods and processes under the supervision and control of the Court, best suited for these purposes. No prospective juror shall be rejected because of political affiliation, religious faith, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, social or economic status, occupation, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

(Rule 2.1 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.2. Juror Source Lists

The names of prospective trial jurors shall be taken from the last published and available registered voters list of Contra Costa County, the Franchise Tax Board, and the Department of Motor Vehicles list (see California Code of Civil Procedure §197(b)). The name of each prospective trial juror shall be taken by random selection from the merged source lists. The program for random selection may be designed and maintained by a third-party vendor, with approval of the Jury Commissioner (Code of Civ. Proc. §195(a)), to ensure the random selection of a fair cross section of the persons residing in Contra Costa County.

(Rule 2.2 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.3. Determining Juror Qualifications, Excluding Prospective Jurors

The Jury Commissioner shall determine the statutory qualifications of each prospective juror and the existence of any illness or ailments which would impair due performance of jury duty. The Jury Commissioner shall exclude from service those who are not competent to serve by law.

(Rule 2.3 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.4. Statutory Excusals of Jurors

The Jury Commissioner may grant an excuse from jury service prospective jurors who qualify for excusal pursuant to statute and the California Rules of Court. Before granting or refusing any excuse from jury service, the Jury Commissioner shall fairly weigh and consider all pertinent data, documents and information submitted by or on behalf of the prospective juror and may require

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any person to answer under oath, orally or in written form, questions necessary to determine the person’s qualifications and ability to serve as a prospective trial juror.

(Rule 2.4 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.5. Temporary Deferment of Service

It is the intent of these rules and the policy of the court that, if a juror is excused for a reason that is temporary in nature, jury service must be deferred to future date when the excuse no longer applies.

(Rule 2.5 new effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.6. Employment While Serving as Juror

The Court, counsel and litigants are entitled to the full attention of jurors and therefore jurors are not permitted to engage in any employment or occupation that would affect their ability to properly serve as jurors. Jurors should attend work on days that court is not in session. The Court is unable to pay or provide a work certificate on days jurors were not ordered to be present.

(Rule 2.6 revised and renumbered effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.7. Period of Juror Service

Jurors and prospective jurors shall be excused from further service or further call after they have appeared for one day or served upon a jury, unless otherwise directed by the Court, until summoned again.

(Rule 2.6 revised and renumbered effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.8. Juror Telephone Standby

The Jury Commissioner shall utilize telephone standby for prospective jurors whenever practicable. Prospective jurors placed on telephone standby shall be given credit for service. Telephone standby jurors will not receive compensation. Jurors placed on telephone standby will not receive a work certificate unless a request is received from the juror's employer stating they would like documentation the juror was on phone standby.

(Rule 2.7 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.9. Jury Assembly Room

A jury assembly room has been provided for prospective jurors. Attorneys, litigants or witnesses are not permitted in the jury assembly room.

(Rule 2.8) revised effective 1/1/24)

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Chapter 2. Grand Jury

Rule 2.30. Grand Jury Impanelment

A Grand Jury shall be drawn and impaneled once each fiscal year by the appointed Grand Jury Supervising Judge.

(Rule 2.30 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.31. Solicitation for Grand Jury Applications

(1) On or before the first court day in March, the Jury Commissioner shall seek
applications for appointment to the Grand Jury as follows:

(A) Mail or email notices to all relevant media outlets and public agencies;

(B) Post the application and information about grand jury service on the court’s
website at: https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil/civil-grand-jury
www.cc-courts.org/grandjury

(C) Solicit referrals from social, community and political groups; and

(D) Solicit referrals from Judges and former Grand Jurors.

(2) All persons who submit an application are to receive a formal questionnaire which
must be returned no later than April 15 of that year. This questionnaire will be
available to anyone upon request from the Superior Court’s Executive Office.

(Rule 2.31(2) revised effective 1/1/274)

(Rule 2.31 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.32. Grand Jury Qualifications

The Grand Jury Supervising Judge will assess the qualifications of each application according to the criteria specified under Part 2, Title 4, Chapter 2, Articles 1 and 2 of the Penal Code, and the referenced sections of the Code of Civil Procedure. The Grand Jury Supervising Judge shall make such preliminary investigation of the applicants as may be directed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee.

(Rule 2.32 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.33. Grand Jury Selection Committee

The Grand Jury shall be selected in accordance with the standards and requirements of law. Accordingly, the Presiding Judge will appoint a Grand Jury Selection Committee of at least four (4) Judges. The selection process will be administered as follows:

(1) The Selection Committee will oversee the process by which applications are selected, making every reasonable effort to ensure proportional representation from supervisorial districts and sociological group representation.

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(2) The Selection Committee Judges will interview applicants, allotting fifteen (15) minutes to each applicant. After all interviews are conducted, the Grand Jury Supervising Judge will prepare a final list of thirty (30) nominees.

(3) The thirty (30) nominees will be invited to an Impanelment ceremony where their names will be randomly drawn by the Court. The nineteen (19) Civil Grand Jurors selected, and alternates, will be sworn on the same day. The names shall constitute the Grand Jury list which shall be filed with the County Clerk and made a public record.

(Rule 2.33 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.34. Additional Grand Jury

The Grand Jury Supervising Judge may order and direct the impanelment, at any time, of one additional Grand Juror (see Penal Code Section 904.6).

(Rule 2.34 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 2.35. Sealing of Grand Jury Transcript

The filing party must serve all Motions to Seal a Grand Jury Transcript on all parties and the court reporter(s). When an Order is issued by the Court to seal a Grand Jury transcript, in whole or in part, the prevailing party must serve the Order on all parties and the court reporter(s).

(Rule 2.35 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.36. Recruitment for Alternates

In the event that no alternate grand jurors are available or the number of alternates is insufficient to ensure the continued function of the Civil Grand Jury, the Court shall initiate efforts to recruit and select additional qualified individuals to serve as alternates. Alternates must meet all eligibility requirements set forth for regular grand jurors and shall be selected in accordance with applicable statutes and local procedures. Alternate grand jurors may be impaneled to serve in place of regular jurors who are unable to complete their term due to disqualification, recusal, resignation, or other cause.

(Rule 2.36 new effective 1/1/2026)

Chapter 3. Attorney’s Fees and Appointment of Counsel

Rule 2.40. Attorney's Fee Schedule

The following fee schedule is established for all cases where the obligation sued provides for attorney's fees, EXCEPT in Unlawful Detainer actions. This schedule will be used by the Clerk

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and the Court respectively to fix attorney's fees in default judgments entered pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 585 or judgment by the Court pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 437c.

In Unlawful Detainer actions, and Judgments pursuant to Section 437c, the attorney's fee shall be fixed at the sum of $375.00 or at a fee set pursuant to the schedule, whichever is greater.

FEE SCHEDULE

MINIMUM AMOUNT MAXIMUM AMOUNT FEE

$1.00 TO $500.00 $150.00

501.00 TO 1,000.00 $150 plus 30% on amount over $500

1,001.00 TO 2,000.00 $300 plus 25% on amount over $1,000

2,001.00 TO 5,000.00 $550 plus 10% on amount over $2,000

5,001.00 TO 10,000.00 $850 plus 6% on amount over $5,000

10,001.00 TO 50,000.00 $1,150 plus 3% on amount over $10,000

50,001.00 TO 100,000.00 $2,350 plus 2% on amount over $50,000

100,001.00 and over $3,350 plus 1% on amount over $100,000 (Rule 2.40 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.41. Schedule for Use Entering Default Judgment

When the Clerk is authorized by statute to enter judgment in an action upon a contract providing for an attorney's fee, the foregoing schedule of attorney's fees in default cases shall be used by the Clerk in determining the amount to be included in the judgment, but in no event shall the amount included by the Clerk exceed the amount of attorney's fees requested.

(Rule 2.41 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.42. Setting Attorney Fees in Contested Case

The judge shall have complete discretion in setting attorney's fees contingent upon all the attendant circumstances.

(Rule 2.42 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.43. Attorney Fees in Foreclosure Cases

When an attorney's fee is allowed on the foreclosure of a mortgage or trust deed, a reasonable attorney's fee shall be deemed to be that computed as provided in Local Court Rule 2.40, increased by ten (10) percent.

(Rule 2.43 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Rule 2.44. Itemization of Extraordinary Services

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

(Rule 2.44 revised effective 1/1/16)

Chapter 4. Court Reporting Services

Rule 2.50. Electronic Recording

Pursuant to Government Code section 69957, in limited civil actions and criminal misdemeanor and infraction proceedings, the court, at its sole discretion, may utilize electronic recording as a means of generating a verbatim record of proceedings. In those instances, court reporters will not be provided. Electronic recording may also be used for indigent litigants in any case pursuant to Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts (August 10, 2026, S288176).Electronic recording may also be used as permitted by the General Order re: Use of Electronic Recording Equipment.

(Rule 2.50 revised effective 1/1/276)

Rule 2.51. Notice of Availability of Court Reporting Services

General information concerning the availability of court reporters is set forth in the Court’s Notice of Availability of Court Reporting Services, which is posted in the Clerk’s Office and on the Court’s website.

(Rule 2.51 renumbered and revised effective 1/1/19)

Rule 2.52. Unavailability of Court-Provided Court Reporters and Procurement of Outside Private Reporters

(a) Rule 2.52, subsections (b), (c), and (d) shall not apply to 1) any proceeding for which a timely request for a court-provided court reporter has been received from a litigant who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq.; or 2) any request for a verbatim record from an indigent litigant pursuant to Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts (August 10, 2026, S288176).any proceeding for which a timely request for a court-provided court reporter has been received from a litigant who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq.

(b) Unavailability of court reporters by case type

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Unless required by law or otherwise noted in the Court’s Notice of Availability, pursuant to
California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956, the Court does not provide court reporters for
hearings in the following civil case types:

(1) Unlimited and Limited Civil

(2) Probate

(2)(3) Family

(c) Procurement of private court reporter

For matters where the court does not provide a court reporter due to unavailability, any party who desires a verbatim record of a court proceeding from which a transcript can later be prepared, may procure the services of a private certified court reporter pro tempore to report any scheduled hearing or trial (see Government Code section 70044 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956). The Court does not provide referrals to private court reporting service providers and does not have any contractual or employment obligation related to pro tempore reporters hired by the parties for this purpose. It is the party’s responsibility to arrange for and pay the outside reporter’s fee for attendance at the proceedings but the expense may be recoverable as part of the costs, as provided by law. (See California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956(c).)

(d) Requirement to meet and confer to select court reporter

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

(1) The reporter must be licensed as a Certified Shorthand Reporter in California and
comply with all California statutory and rule provisions for reporting court
proceedings. The court reporter pro tempore must provide their name, CSR
number, business address, phone number, and e-mail address to the courtroom
clerk and all parties present on the day of the hearing in the event of an appeal or
if a party wishes to procure a transcript from the reporter (see California Rules of
Court, Rule 2.950).

(2) The court reporter pro tempore must execute the court’s required written
agreement as to the obligations of the court reporter in accepting the reporting
assignment.

(3) If court reporters become available and at the court’s discretion are provided by
the court for any civil hearings (including family law and probate matters), the
parties will be required to pay the applicable reporter attendance fee provided for

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in Government Code sections 68086(a)(1)(A) and (B) in a timely manner, except

any party who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq.

(Rule 2.52(d) revised effective 7/1/2619)

Rule 2.53. Court-Provided Court Reporters in Cases Involving Fee Waiver Litigants

Upon receipt of a timely request from a litigant who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq., the Court shall provide a court reporter as followsif available. Parties are encouraged to make the request at the earliest practicable opportunity and shall use Judicial Council form FW-020 for this purpose. In all such instances, parties who have not been granted a fee waiver will be required to pay any applicable court reporter attendance fee, pursuant to Government Code section 68086.In cases where a court reporter is not available, fee waiver litigants may request electronic recording of the hearing as indigent litigants pursuant to Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts (August 10, 2026, S288176), which request may be made up until the time of the hearing and need not be made by use of the form.

(a) Unlimited Civil Cases

(1) Case Management Conferences. A request for a court-provided court reporter is timely if it is made three or more calendar days before the case management conference is to be held. The request must be made by filing Local Court Form MC-30.

(2) Law and Motion Hearings. A request for a court-provided court reporter is timely if it is made at or before 4:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the hearing. The request may be made by e-mail, fax, or telephone to the department holding the hearing. The Court will not provide a court reporter for any law and motion hearing where the tentative ruling has not been contested.

(3) Issue Conferences. A request for a court-provided court reporter is timely if it is made three or more calendar days before the issue conference is to be held. The request must be made by filing Local Court Form MC-30.

(4) Trials. A request for a court-provided court reporter should be made at the issue conference. A request for a court-provided court reporter otherwise is timely if it is made on Local Court Form MC-30 three calendar days before trial is scheduled to begin.

(5) All Other Proceedings. A request for a court-provided court reporter is timely if filed on Local Court Form MC-30 at least three calendar days before the scheduled date of the proceeding.

(6) Continuances. Failure to timely request a court reporter pursuant to these rules shall not, standing alone, constitute grounds to continue any proceeding, absent good cause shown.

(b) Probate Cases

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(1) Requests. A request for a court-provided court reporter is timely if received by 4:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the hearing. The request must be made on Local Court Form MC-30, and can be sent to the department hearing the matter by fax or e-mail.

(2) Continuances. If, in the exercise of due diligence, a litigant would not have been able to ascertain that a proceeding would be contested in time to make a timely request under Local Rule 2.53(c)(1), and that litigant has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq., the court may grant a continuance so that a court- provided court reporter may be provided.

(c) Enlargement of Time During Staff Shortages

During periods of staff shortages when the Clerk’s Office may be unable to meet all of the court reporting requests and requirements that are pending, the Clerk of the Court may enlarge the periods during which a request for a court-provided court reporter may be deemed timely. Any such change to the periods will be posted in the Notice of Availability of Court Reporting Services (referenced in Rule 2.51) at least three calendar days before the effective date of any modifications to Rule 2.53, subdivisions (a), (b), and (c). The change may be effective for no more than five calendar days, after which the time periods specified under Rule 2.53, subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) will be restored.

(Rule 2.53 revised 1/1/270)

Rule 2.54. Transcripts and Electronic Recording

Whenever a party requests a court reporter to furnish a transcript of all or a part of a trial or proceedings, the reporter shall immediately inform all other parties of such request and inquire whether any party desires a copy of the transcript.

Parties shall be responsible for all transcript costs listed in Government Code section 69953.

If a proceeding has been electronically recorded pursuant to Government Code section 69957 and Local Rule 2.50, the parties to such proceeding may obtain a copy of the recording at Court Records. Parties will be responsible for all associated fees and costs.

(Rule 2.54 revised and renumbered effective 1/1/19)

Chapter 5. Sanctions

Rule 2.60. Sanctions

A violation of any of these rules may result in sanctions and penalties including, but not limited to, dropping a matter from the calendar, vacating a trial date, dismissal for lack of prosecution, imposition of a fine or imposition of costs payable to the Court, actual expenses and counsel fees, witness fees and jury fees arising as a result of such violation payable to opposing counsel.

(Rule 2.60 revised effective 1/1/16)

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Chapter 6. Information and Forms

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.

(Rule 2.70 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.71. Identifying Information on Filed Documents

(a) Every pleading or paper filed by the Clerk of the Court must include the name, address and phone number of the attorney or party on the first page (see California Rules of Court,

Rule 2.100).

(b) No substitution of a party appearing in person in place of an attorney shall be filed unless the mailing address and phone number of such party is contained in such substitution.

(Rule 2.71 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.72. Retention of Completed Copy Requests

All copy orders completed by the Court Records Division for Civil and/or Family law matters will be retained for sixty (60) days from the date when the customer is notified that the copy request has been completed. If the order is not claimed and any outstanding fee is not paid by the end of the 60-day period, the copied records may be destroyed.

(Rule 2.72 new effective 7/1/18)

Rule 2.73. Access/View a Court File

The public may request and view a file by filling out the required form and providing a valid state or federally issued photo identification that the clerk will retain during the review process. Upon return of the court file to the clerk, the clerk will return the tendered identification.

All files must be reviewed within the Court Clerk’s Office and/or Court Records Department. Files cannot be removed from the Court. Any person who willfully removes, destroys or alters any court record is subject to the penalties imposed by Government Code Sections 6200 and 6201.

(Rule 2.73 new effective 1/1/19)

Chapter 7. Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service

Rule 2.87. Adoption of Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service; Exceptions.

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(a) Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service.

Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1010.6(d) and Rules 2.252 and 2.253 of the California Rules of Court, the Court adopts mandatory electronic filing and service in Designated Cases. Designated Cases will be announced on the Court’s website at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/.www.cc-courts.org. The Court anticipates initially listing Designated Cases in approximately March 2022, to include the majority of case types excluding Criminal and Juvenile matters. Represented parties in Designated Cases must file documents and allow for service electronically.

At the time the Court includes a case type among Designated Cases, this Rule shall supersede any other rules herein which may refer to filing by other-than-electronic means, except that those other rules shall apply to parties excepted from this rule as set forth below.

(b) Exceptions

(1) Self-Represented Litigants.

This rule shall not apply to self-represented litigants, but self-represented litigants
are permitted and encouraged to electronically file and serve documents if they
so elect.

(2) Motion for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service

Any party may move the Court for an order exempting it from the provisions of
this Rule. The motion shall be made on Judicial Council form EFS-007, Request
for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Filing and Service, on which the
applicant shall state facts supporting the request under penalty of perjury, and
shall by accompanied by EFS-008, Order of Exemption from Electronic Filing and
Service.

(c) Designated Vendors

A list of approved vendors for electronic filing and service will be published to the Court’s website.

(d) Electronic Service Address; Obligation to Update

Each represented party – and self-represented party upon election to participate in electronic filing and service – must provide an electronic address for service on the first occasion that party files any paper electronically. A party whose electronic service address changes while their case is pending must promptly notify the Court and all parties by electronically filing a notice of change of electronic service address or Judicial Council form EFS-010, Notice to Change Electronic Service Address.

(e) Format of Electronically-Filed Documents; Electronic Signatures

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.

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(f) Parties Responsible for Redaction

Rule 1.201 of the California Rules of Court applies to redaction of electronically-filed documents other than documents which are filed in their entirety either confidentially or under seal. Parties and their counsel are solely responsible for redacting personally- identifiable, confidential, or privileged information from documents filed electronically where redaction is required. The Clerk will not review electronically-filed documents for compliance with redaction requirements of any kind. The Court may impose sanctions for violations of this rule.

(g) Documents That Cannot Be Electronically Filed

Upon announcing any Designated Cases, the Court will also list any documents that cannot be electronically filed in the respective case type(s). Such documents shall be filed as otherwise provided in these Rules.

(Rule 2.87, revisednew effective 1/1/272)

Chapter 8. Standards of Professional Courtesy

Rule 2.90. Consideration of History of Breaches in Professional Courtesy

The Court acknowledges that the Contra Costa County Bar Association has adopted "Standards of Professional Courtesy," which are incorporated in these Local Court Rules.

In any motion filed pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 128, 128.7, 177 and 177.5 and various local rules, the Court may take into consideration counsel's history of breaches of these standards in deciding what, if any, sanctions to impose.

(Rule 2.90 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.91. Standards of Professional Courtesy

(a) Purpose of these standards

Attorneys are most often retained to represent their clients in disputes. The practice of law is largely an adversarial process. Attorneys are ethically bound to zealously represent and advocate their clients' interest. Nonetheless, there exist certain standards of professional courtesy that are observed, and certain duties of professionalism are owed by attorneys to their clients, opposing parties and their counsel, the Courts and other tribunals, and the public as a whole. Members of the Contra Costa County Bar Association have practiced law with a level of professionalism that goes well beyond the requirements of the State Bar mandated Code of Professional Conduct. The following standards of

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professional courtesy describe the conduct preferred and expected by a majority of attorneys practicing in Contra Costa County in performing their duties of civility, professional integrity, personal dignity, candor, diligence, respect, courtesy, cooperation and competence. These standards are not meant to be exhaustive. They should, however, set a tone or guide for conduct not specifically mentioned in these standards.

(b) Professional courtesy standards

These standards have been codified to make the level of professionalism reflected in them the standard for practice within Contra Costa County, with the hope that their dissemination will educate new attorneys and others who may be unfamiliar with the customary local practices. These Standards have received the approval of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. They have also been endorsed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County, who expect professional conduct by all attorneys who appear and practice before them. They will be considered by those judges in their rulings pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 128, 128.7, 177, and 177.5, as provided for in Local Court Rule 2.90.

All attorneys conducting any practice of law in Contra Costa County are encouraged to comply with the spirit of these standards and not simply blindly adhere to the strict letter of them. The goals stated and inherent herein are equally applicable to all attorneys regardless of area of practice.

(c) Conformity with other statutes or rules

This Code is not a substitute for the statutes and rules, and no provision of this Code is intended to be a method to extend time limitations of statutes and rules, including fast track time limitations, without appropriate court order.

(Rule 2.91 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.120. Scheduling

(a) Advance notice of scheduling activities

(1) Attorneys should communicate with opposing counsel before scheduling
depositions, hearings, meetings and other proceedings and make reasonable
efforts to schedule such meetings, hearings, depositions, and other proceedings
by agreement whenever possible, at all times attempting to provide opposing
counsel, parties, witnesses and other affected persons, sufficient notice.

(2) Where such advanced efforts at scheduling are not feasible (for example, in an
emergency, or in other circumstances compelling more expedited scheduling, or
upon agreement of counsel) an attorney should not arbitrarily or unreasonably
withhold consent to a request for scheduling accommodations that do not prejudice
their clients or unduly delay a proceeding.

(b) Sufficient time to complete proceedings

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In all cases an attorney should attempt to reserve sufficient time for the completion of the proceeding to permit a complete presentation by counsel for all parties.

(c) Avoid continuances or undue delays in scheduling

An attorney should not engage in delay tactics in scheduling meetings, hearings and discovery. An attorney should not seek extensions or continuances for the purpose of harassment or solely to extend litigation.

(d) Notice of scheduling conflicts

Attorneys should notify opposing counsel, the Court and others affected, of scheduling conflicts as soon as they become apparent and shall cooperate in canceling or rescheduling. An attorney should notify opposing counsel and, if appropriate, the Court or other tribunal, as early as possible of any resolutions between the parties that renders a scheduled hearing, position or meeting unnecessary or otherwise moot.

(e) Requests for time extensions

Consistent with existing law and court orders, attorneys should grant reasonable requests by opposing counsel for extensions of time within which to respond to pleadings, Discovery and other matters when such an extension will not prejudice their client or unduly delay a proceeding.

(f) Disclosure of identity of witnesses

Attorneys should cooperate with opposing counsel during trials and evidentiary hearings by disclosing the identities of all witnesses reasonably expected to be called and the length of time needed to present their entire case, except when a client’s material rights would be adversely affected. They should also cooperate with the calling of witnesses out of turn when the circumstances justify it.

(g) Time and manner of service of papers

The timing and manner of service of papers should not be calculated to disadvantage, overwhelm or embarrass the party receiving the papers. An attorney should not serve papers simply to take advantage of an opponent’s known absence from the office or at a time or in a manner designed to inconvenience the adversary, such as late in the day (after normal business hours), or so close to a court appearance that it inhibits the ability of opposing counsel to prepare for that appearance or to respond to the papers (if permitted by law), or in such other way as would unfairly limit the other party’s opportunity to respond to those papers or other matters pending in the action.

(Rule 2.120 revised effective 1/1/16)

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Rule 2.121. Discovery

(a) Purpose of Discovery

Attorneys should pursue discovery requests that are reasonably related to the matter at issue. Attorneys should not use Discovery for the purpose of harassing, embarrassing or causing the adversary to incur unnecessary expenses, as a means of delaying the timely, efficient and cost-effective resolution of a dispute, or to obtain unfair advantage.

(b) Response to requests for discovery

Attorneys should ensure that responses to reasonable discovery requests are timely, organized, complete and consistent with the obvious intent of the request. Attorneys responding to document demands and interrogatories should not do so in an artificial manner designed to assure that answers and responses are not truly responsive or solely to attempt to avoid disclosure.

(c) Discovery questions

Attorneys should avoid repetitive or argumentative questions, questions asked solely for purposes of harassment, or questions which are known to the questioner to be an invasion of the rights of privacy of third parties not present or represented at the deposition.

(d) Conduct of deposition proceedings

Attorneys should bear in mind that depositions are to be taken as if the testimony was being given in court, and they should therefore not engage in any conduct during the deposition that would not be allowed in the presence of a judicial officer. An attorney should avoid, through objections or otherwise, improper coaching of the deponent or suggesting answers.

(e) Requirement to meet and confer on discovery

Attorneys should meet and confer on Discovery requests in a timely manner and make good faith attempts to actually resolve as many issues as can possibly be resolved before proceeding with motions concerning the discovery. Before filing a motion concerning discovery, or otherwise, an attorney should engage in more than a mere pro forma effort to resolve the issue(s).

(Rule 2.121 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.122. Conduct Towards Other Attorneys, the Court and Participants

(a) Professional conduct

Attorneys must remember that conflicts with opposing counsel are professional and not personal, that vigorous advocacy is not inconsistent with professional courtesy, and that they should not be influenced by ill feelings or anger between clients in their conduct, attitude, or demeanor toward opposing attorneys.

(b) Service of papers

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An attorney should never use the mode, timing or place of serving papers primarily to embarrass a party or witness.

(c) Filing of motions

Motions should be filed sparingly, in good faith and when the issue(s) cannot be otherwise resolved. An attorney should not engage in conduct which forces opposing counsel to file a motion and then not oppose the motion, or provide information called for in the motion only after the motion is filed.

(d) Professional demeanor

Attorneys should refrain from disparaging or denigrating the Court, opposing counsel, parties or witnesses before their clients, the public or the media.

(e) Conduct of clients and witnesses

Attorneys should be, and should impress upon their clients and witnesses the need to be, courteous and respectful and not rude or disruptive with the Court, court personnel, opposing counsel, parties and witnesses.

(f) Instructions to attorneys on witnesses

Attorneys should make an effort to explain to witnesses the purpose of their required attendance at depositions, hearing or trial. They should further attempt to accommodate the schedules of witnesses when setting or resetting their appearance, and promptly notify them of any cancellations. Dealings with nonparty witnesses should always be courteous and designed to leave them with an appropriately good impression of the legal system. Attorneys should instruct their clients and witnesses that they are not to communicate with the Court on the pending case except with all counsel or parties present in a reported proceeding.

(g) Notification to opposing party regarding ex parte

Where applicable laws or rules permit an ex parte application or communication to the Court, before making such an application or communication, an attorney should make diligent efforts to notify opposing party or opposing counsel known to represent or likely to represent the opposing party, should make reasonable efforts to accommodate the schedule of such attorney or party to permit the opposing party to be represented, and should avoid taking advantage of an opponent’s known absence from the office.

(h) Drafting court documents

Attorneys should draft agreements and other documents promptly and so as to fairly reflect the true intent of the parties.

(i) Prohibiting bias

No attorney shall engage in any act of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental impairment, religion, or race bias while engaging in the practice of law in Contra Costa County.

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(Rule 2.122 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 2.123. Candor to the Court and Opposing Counsel

(a) Accuracy of written and oral statements

Attorneys should not knowingly misstate, misrepresent or distort any fact or legal authority to the Court or to the opposing counsel, and shall not mislead by inaction or silence.

Written materials and oral argument to the Court should accurately state current law and fairly represent the party’s position without unfairly attacking the opposing counsel or opposing party.

(b) Manner to present new information

If, after all briefing allowed by law or the Court has been submitted, an attorney locates

new authority that s/he desires to bring to the Court’s attention at a hearing on the matter, a copy of such new authority shall be provided to both the Court and to all opposing counsel in the case at or before the hearing.

(c) Proposed orders

Attorneys should draft proposed orders promptly, and the orders should fairly and adequately represent the ruling of the Court. When proposed orders are submitted to counsel for approval, attorneys should promptly communicate any objections to the party preparing the proposed order so that good faith discussions can be had concerning the language of the proposed order.

(d) Court rulings

Attorneys should respect and abide by the spirit and letter of all rulings of the Court.

(e) Opposing letters to counsel

An attorney should not draft letters assigning to an opposing party or opposing counsel a position that party or counsel has not taken or to create a “record” of events that have not occurred.

(Rule 2.123 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.124. Efficient Administration

(a) Avoid unnecessary action

Attorneys should refrain from actions which cause unnecessary expense, or delay the efficient and cost-effective resolution of a dispute.

(b) Stipulate to facts and legal authority

Attorneys should, whenever appropriate, stipulate to all facts and legal authority not reasonably in dispute.

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(c) Encourage negotiation and resolution

Attorneys should encourage principled negotiations and efficient resolution of disputes on their merits.

(d) Punctuality and preparedness

Attorneys should be punctual in communications with others, and punctual and prepared for all scheduled appearances.

(e) Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In every case, and as soon as the case can be reasonably evaluated, an attorney should consider whether the client’s interest could be adequately served and the case more expeditiously and economically disposed of by settlement, arbitration, mediation or other form of alternative dispute resolution.

(f) Make legitimate objections during deposition or trial

An attorney in making objections during a deposition, trial or hearing should do so for legitimate and good faith reasons and should not make such objections only for the purpose of making a speech, harassment or delay. All remarks, argument, objections and requests by counsel during trial shall be addressed to the Court rather than directly to adversaries. Objections should be in legal form and without argument, unless directed to make argument by the Court.

(g) Arrange witness appearance to eliminate delay

An attorney shall arrange for the appearance of witnesses during presentation of their case so as to eliminate delay caused by waiting for witnesses who have been placed on call.

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION JUNE 1993.

(Rule 2.124 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 2.150. Committee on Bias

The Superior Court, in cooperation with the Contra County Bar Association, re-establishes a Committee on Bias, and adopts the procedures and stated purpose that are in these Local Rules of Court (see Title 10, Standard 10.20, Standards of Judicial Administration).

(a) Informal complaint process defined

The Judges of the Superior Court and the Contra Costa County Bar Association have agreed upon an informal complaint procedure addressing issues of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, national origin and race bias in the Courts (see Title 10, Standard 10.20, Standards of Judicial Administration).

(b) Intent of procedure

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The intent of this procedure is not to discipline, but to educate with the purpose of improving the problem and preserving the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system.

(c) Education

The Committee on Bias shall sponsor or support educational programs designed to eliminate bias within the court and legal communities, including, but not limited to, bias based on disability, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

(d) Complaint procedure

(1) Notify Committee on Bias. If a participant (participant includes, but is not limited to
counsel, witnesses, parties or jurors) believes a bench officer has engaged in an
act of bias or otherwise failed to ensure that proceedings are conducted in a
manner that is fair and impartial to all participants, such person may send a written
complaint to the Committee on bias either: 1) via letter addressed to the Committee
on Bias, 2300 Clayton Rd., Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520; or 2) by email to
bias@cccba.org.

i. Form of Complaint. Anonymous complaints will not be considered.
Complaints are limited to behavior or conduct occurring in courtroom
proceedings. Complainants submitting non-conforming complaints shall be
advised of the parameter of the complaints considered by the Committee
as well as the confidentiality of the complainant’s identity.

ii. Disclosure of Identity of Complainant. The Committee shall keep the
identity of the complainant confidential and shall not disclose it to
individuals outside the Committee unless the conditions under subsection
(d)(5) of this rule have been met.

(2) Review of Committee on Bias. The Committee on Bias will hold a meeting to review the complaint within 30 days of receipt of a written complaint. If the complaint pertains to a judicial officer who is a member of the bias committee, that judicial officer shall be disqualified from all proceedings involving the complaint. The Committee’s focus will be on incidents that do not warrant discipline but that should be corrected. The Committee’s responsibility is to evaluate and investigate written complaints against judicial officer. The committee will strive to complete the investigation within 90 days of receipt of a complaint. If additional time is required, appropriate notice will be provided to all concerned with that complaint. If the Committee substantiates a written complaint by determining it raises the appearance of bias, the Committee will refer the matter to the Presiding Judge, who will meet with the judicial officer who is the subject of the complaint and take appropriate corrective action.

(3) Conduct of Committee on Bias. In determining whether a complaint raises an
appearance of bias, the Committee may conduct its own investigation which may
include contacting the complainant for additional information.

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(4) Investigation of Committee on Bias. Any investigation conducted shall be
undertaken with the utmost care not to violate the confidentiality of the
complainant.

(5) Resolution of Complaint. It is hoped that making the bench officer aware of the
complaint will resolve the issue if one exists. If both the bench officer and the
complainant wish to confer about the matter, or try to further resolve any
outstanding problems, they may do so. However, this would be subject to the
agreement of both and to the complainant’s decision to waive any confidentiality.

(6) Allegation of Retaliation. Any allegation of retaliation against an individual making
a claim to the Committee will be taken seriously, and is subject to investigation by
the Committee under these provisions.

(7) Return of Complaint to Committee. After the Presiding Judge informs the
Committee that the bench officer who is the source of the complaint has been
contacted, the complaint will be returned to the Committee for destruction.
However, for educational purposes, the Committee may maintain data as to the
types of complaints received.

(8) No Referral to Commission on Judicial Performance. Matters referred to the
Committee will not be used as a basis for a referral by the Committee of a judicial
officer to the Commission on Judicial Performance.

(9) Notification to Complainant. With respect to those incidents that, if substantiated,
would warrant discipline, the Committee will advise the complainant of the
appropriate disciplinary authority.

(e) Committee membership and length of service

(1) Composition of Committee. The Committee on Bias is to be composed of
representative members of the court community, including but not limited to,
judges, lawyers, court administrators, representatives and individuals from
minority, women’s and gay and lesbian bar associations, representatives from the
County’s District Attorney and Public Defender offices, and from organizations that
represent persons with disabilities.

(2) Number of Members on Committee. The total number of members on the
Committee shall not exceed 15. The Committee on Bias will consist of 5 members
appointed by the President of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. The
remaining members shall include: 1) at least one judge appointed by the Presiding
Judge; 2) one administration officer appointed by the Presiding Judge; and 3) up
to 8 representatives from Contra Costa legal organizations representing people of
color, the LGBTQ community, and the disabled, appointed by the Presiding Judge
or her/his designee. If a judge appointed to the committee is the subject of a
complaint, or a member of the Committee is a witness or the complainant in a
pending complaint, said judge or member shall be precluded from participating in
the review of that complaint.

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(3) Term of Committee members. Committee members will serve for staggered terms.
A quorum will be necessary for meetings and a majority vote of those in attendance
will be required before any action can be taken.

(Rule 2.150, revised effective 7/1/21)

Chapter 9. Setting of Local Court Fees

Rule 2.160. Authorized Local Fees

Pursuant to Government Code section 70631 and California Rule of Court 10.815, the Court charges the following local fees:

Court forms $0.50 per page

Packet of Court forms $1.25

Recording of court proceedings where applicable on a $25.00
media determined by the Court

Envelopes and postage $0.60

Non-professional supervised visitation training $25.00 – Parent

$10.00 – Supervisor

Child Custody Counseling Appointment No Show Fee $100.00

Postage and mailing of CDs $4.65

(Rule 2.160, revised effective 7/1/23)

Chapter 10. Communication of Concerns

Rule 2.170. Concerns

(a) Judges and Subordinate Judicial Officers

Concerns regarding judges and subordinate judicial officers must be submitted in writing, except where oral submissions may be permitted by Rule 10.703 of the California Rules of Court. Each concern will be considered carefully, and a written response will be issued. Written concerns must be signed, include an address where the court's response can be sent, and addressed to the Presiding Judge, P.O. Box 431, Martinez, CA 94553. Concerns about judges and subordinate judicial officers may not be submitted via email.

(b) Court Employees and Services

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Concerns regarding court services or personnel, other than those related to a particular court case, must be submitted in writing. Each concern will be considered carefully, and a written response will be issued. Written concerns must be signed, include an address where the court's response can be sent, and addressed to the Court Executive Officer at:

Email: mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov

Or

Mail: P.O. Box 431, Martinez, CA 94553

(Rule 2.170 revised effective 1/1/22)

Chapter 11. Remote Appearances

Rule 2.180. Remote Appearances

(a) This Local Rule is adopted pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75 and California Rule of Court, rule 3.672. Requirements for notice are set forth in Rule 3.672 and below. The subsection concerning remote hearings in domestic violence and gun violence restraining order matters is adopted pursuant to Family Code §6308(b) and Penal Code § 18123(b). Where they conflict, these rules supersede other previously-enacted rules, emergency rules, or directives concerning remote appearances. This rule does not apply to remote appearances covered by Code of Civil Procedure section 367.76.

(b) General Provisions Regarding Remote Appearances

(1) The Court has uses Zoom (audio and video) as its sole remote appearance
platform.

(2) Remote appearances in contested hearings, excluding those described in
subsection (c), shall be by video. Audio-only appearances shall not be permitted
for such hearings unless specifically permitted by the judicial officer.

(3) A remote hearing is subject to all laws governing confidentiality, photographing
and recordings of proceedings in a courtroom. No one appearing remotely may
record, photograph or reproduce any hearing, or any part of a hearing, including
any screenshots. Any person who violates this provision shall be subject to all
sanctions provided under the law for a like action in an in-person hearing.

(4) A judicial officer may order that a specific hearing be conducted by remote
appearance. If that hearing is an evidentiary hearing or trial, parties objecting to
the remote hearing shall file their objection as provided in Rule 3.672(h).

(5) In any hearing not specifically set by the court to be conducted by remote
appearance, a party who has failed to provide a notice of remote appearance
may appear remotely upon a judicial officer’s finding under Rule 3.672(j)(2) of
good cause, unforeseen circumstances, or that the remote appearance would
promote access to justice.

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(6) A judicial officer may elect to terminate a remote hearing and continue the matter
to a later in-person appearance should the judicial officer find that any of the
criteria of Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75(b) and/or Rule of Court
3.672(d) are met.

(c) Civil Case Management, Law & Motion, and Ex Parte Hearings; Short-Cause Family Matters

(1) Parties in civil case management, civil law and motion, civil ex parte (not
including domestic violence restraining orders), and short-cause family law
matters may stipulate either orally or in writing to waive notice of other parties’
remote appearance.

(2) The Court waives notice of parties appearing remotely for these matters. Parties
do not need to file a Notice of Remote Appearance, but must serve the notice as
set forth in Rule 3.672 unless the parties have stipulated to waive notice.

(d) Civil Evidentiary Hearings, Settlement Conferences, and Trials

(1) For evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, and bench or jury trials, parties
must appear in person unless the Court has granted prior express written
authorization for a remote appearance.

(2) The time frames and procedures for remote appearance requests and
oppositions are set forth in Rule 3.672(h).

(3) Courtesy copies of any requests or oppositions shall be filed with the department.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require personal appearance of an
expert witness unless the judicial officer has previously found good cause for the
expert witness to appear in person.

(e) Probate Matters

(1) For probate hearings other than evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences,
and trials, parties may stipulate either orally or in writing to waive notice of other
parties’ remote appearance.

(2) The Court waives notice of parties appearing remotely for these matters. Parties
do not need to file a Notice of Remote Appearance, but must serve the notice as
set forth in Rule 3.672 unless the parties have stipulated to waive notice.

(3) For evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, and trials, the provisions of
subsection (d) shall apply.

(f) Juvenile Dependency Matters.

(1) The provisions of Rule 3.672(i) shall apply to Juvenile Dependency matters.

(2) All confidentiality requirements applicable to in-person Juvenile Dependency
proceedings shall apply equally to remote hearings. In the event the Court

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cannot ensure that a remote appearance will have the privacy and security necessary to preserve the confidentiality of the proceeding, the judicial officer may order any person to appear in-person, and may elect to terminate a remote hearing and continue the matter for a later in-person appearance.

(g) Special Rules for Domestic Violence and Gun ViolenceRemote Appearances for Restraining Orders

(1) Instructions for remote appearances, including in domestic violence and gun
violence restraining order hearings, will be posted to the Court’s restraining order
webpage: https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/self-help/restraining-
orders.https://www.cc-courts.org/restraining-orders/restraining-orders.aspx.

(2) The Court designates the departmental phone number for the department
hearing each respective order as the phone number for the public to call to obtain
assistance regarding a remote appearance. The designated departmental phone
numbers will be posted on the restraining order webpage above. These phone
numbers will be staffed from 30 minutes prior to the start of the court session at
which the hearing will take place and during that court session.

(Rule 2.180 revised effective 1/1/275)

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Title Three. Civil Rules

Chapter 1. Administration of Civil Litigation

Rule 3.1. Applicability

Unless otherwise specified, this rule applies to all civil cases except Juvenile, Probate and Family Law cases, extraordinary writs, Asset Forfeiture cases under Health and Safety Code Section 11470 et seq., and Limited Jurisdiction Collections Cases under provisions of California Rules of Court, Rule 3.740. Special provisions are made for expediting Unlawful Detainer cases (see Rule 3.12).

(Rule 3.1 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.2. Definitions as Used in Title Three

As used in Title 3:

(1) The term "counsel” includes parties representing themselves.

(2) The term "plaintiff" also includes cross-complainant.

(3) The term "defendant" also includes cross-defendant.

(Rule 3.2 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.3. Transferred Cases

Unless excluded under Rule 3.8(c), all cases transferred from another jurisdiction are subject to this Rule.

(Rule 3.3 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.4. Policy

(a) Civil case management

It is the policy of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County to track and manage all cases

from the moment the complaint is filed until disposition and to conclude all civil cases as expeditiously as possible within the limits of available funding and staffing.

(Rule 3.4(a) revised effective 1/1/13)

(b) Disposition goals

(1) It is the goal of the Court to conclude 75% of all Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil cases
and 90% of Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases filed within 12 months of the filing of
the complaint, 85% of all Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil cases and 98% of all Limited
Jurisdiction Civil cases filed within 18 months of the filing of the complaint, and
100% of all civil litigation cases within 24 months of the filing of the complaint.

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(Rule 3.4(b)(1) revised effective 1/1/13)

(2) It is the policy of the Court that all civil cases, not court-designated as “complex,”
are presumed to be appropriate for a disposition goal of 12 months. The Court
may modify this disposition goal at any time upon the showing of good cause or
insufficient staffing due to lack of funding.

(Rule 3.4(b)(2) revised effective 1/1/13)

(c) Hearings

It is the policy of the Court that unnecessary hearings, which tend to delay the progress of

litigation, be avoided. The Court urges counsel to meet and confer on disputed issues before motions are filed.

(Rule 3.4(c) revised effective 1/1/01)

(d) Assignment of Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil cases

All Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil cases subject to this rule will be assigned to one judge for all purposes unless otherwise determined by the Presiding Judge for good cause.

(Rule 3.4(d) revised effective 1/1/13)

(e) Uninsured motorists

The following policy applies to uninsured motorist cases:

(1) Promptly upon learning that an action is to proceed as an uninsured motorist case,
plaintiff's counsel shall file a declaration setting forth the information upon which
such a determination has been made. The declaration shall include: A statement
that coverage exists under an uninsured motorist's insurance policy; the name of
the carrier and limits of coverage. It shall also include a statement that counsel
believes that the limits of coverage are adequate to compensate for known loss or
damage; that plaintiff(s) will promptly pursue such remedy and that it is counsel's
present intention to assign the claim or dismiss the pending action upon receipt of
a recovery by settlement or award.

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

(3) Upon review of the declaration, the Court may designate the action as an
uninsured motorist case in which event the time requirements under this Rule will
be suspended for up to 270 days from the date the complaint was filed or from
such other date the Court, in its discretion, shall fix. The case will be monitored by
the setting of a review hearing at the end of the suspension period. If a dismissal
has not been filed, plaintiff's counsel must file a further declaration five (5) court
days before the review hearing date and provide a status report and, if necessary,
a request with supporting justification for additional time to conclude the case.

(Rule 3.4(e) revised effective 1/1/16)

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(f) Dismissal of “DOES” upon disposition

It is the policy of the Court that each case be completely disposed. At the time of

adjudication of the case, by request for dismissal or request for entry of judgment, all remaining parties including DOES, will be dismissed by the Court unless otherwise specified. (Rule 3.4(f) revised effective 1/1/16)

(g) Exception order

Nothing in this Rule shall be interpreted to prevent the Court in an individual case from issuing an Exception Order based on a specific finding that the interest of justice requires a modification of the routine procedures as prescribed by this Local Court Rule.

(Rule 3.4(g) revised effective 1/1/13)

(h) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

It is the policy of the Court to encourage the parties in all cases to consider the use of
appropriate alternative dispute resolution options as a means of resolving their disputes
without trial. The Court encourages parties who can agree to use ADR before the first
Case Management Conference to use the appropriate local court form:

(1) CV-655b – ADR Case Management Stipulation and Order (Unlimited Jurisdiction
Civil Cases)

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

(Rule 3.4(h) revised effective 1/1/13)

(i) Notice to court upon disposition

It is the policy of the Court that proper notice be given to the Court of the disposition of

cases. (Refer to Rule 3.100 for settlements) (Rule 3.4(i) revised effective 1/1/13)

(Rule 3.4 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 3.5. Venue, Filing and Form of Papers

(a) Unlimited and Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases:

All new Unlimited and Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases (excluding Limited Jurisdiction Unlawful Detainer and Small Claims cases), and any subsequent papers shall be filed in Martinez (see California Rules of Court, Rule 2.100 for form of papers).

(Rule 3.5(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases filed before January 1, 2006:

(1) All Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases filed before January 1, 2006, in Richmond or
Pittsburg Branch Courts shall remain in the branch court where the complaint was
filed and any subsequent papers filed in such matters shall only be filed in the
originating branch court.

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(2) All Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases filed before January 1, 2006 in Concord or
Walnut Creek are transferred to Martinez effective January 1, 2013, and any
subsequent papers filed in such matters shall only be filed in Martinez. All hearings
that are scheduled to occur in Limited Jurisdiction cases after January 1, 2006, will
be held in Martinez.

(Rule 3.5(b) revised effective 1/1/16)

(c) Limited Jurisdiction Unlawful Detainer cases

(1) All Limited Jurisdiction Unlawful Detainer cases, and all subsequent filings in these
cases, must be filed in the appropriate court location based upon the location of
the property in question with the exception of those that currently fall under the
jurisdiction of the Concord/Mt. Diablo and Walnut Creek branch courts.

(2) Effective January 1, 2013, Limited Jurisdiction Unlawful Detainer cases where the
property is located in the following cities and adjacent unincorporated areas must
be filed in the Martinez Clerk’s Office at 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA:

Avon, Alamo, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord,
Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Rheem,
Rossmoor, San Ramon, St. Mary’s College, Walnut Creek, Ygnacio Valley and
adjacent unincorporated areas.

(Rule 3.5(c)(2) revised effective 1/1/13)

(d) Small Claims cases

(1) All Small Claims cases must be filed in one of the following locations. All
subsequent filings must be filed in that same location.

(A) The locality where one or more of the defendants resides; or

(B) If the action arises from operation of a business by one or more defendants,
the location where such a defendant has his, her, or its principal place of
business; or

(C) The locality where a substantial part of the events in question occurred; or

(D) If there is no appropriate locality under any of the preceding provisions, in
any locality.

(2) The geographic territory for filing in the appropriate court location effective January
1, 2013 is as follows

(A) Martinez: Avon, Alamo, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Canyon, Clayton,
Clyde, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco,
Pleasant Hill, Rheem, Rossmoor, San Ramon, St. Mary’s College, Walnut
Creek, Ygnacio Valley and adjacent unincorporated areas.

(B) Pittsburg: Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery
Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, Pittsburg and adjacent unincorporated areas.

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(C) Richmond: Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Kensington, North
Richmond, Pinole, Point Richmond, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo,
Rollingwood, San Pablo, Tilden Park North and adjacent unincorporated
areas.

(Rule 3.5(d)(2) revised effective 1/1/13)

(Rule 3.5 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 3.6. Challenge to Assigned Judge

In both Unlimited and Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases (which are assigned to one judge for all purposes), a challenge to the assigned judge pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6 must be made in accordance with the time requirements set forth in that section. Upon acceptance of a proper challenge under Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6, the case will be reassigned.

(Rule 3.6 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.7. Service of Summons, Complaint, Cross-Complaint, Responsive Pleadings and Default Judgments

(1) Counsel are to be familiar with and follow with particularity the rules set forth in California Rules of Court, Rule 3.110 as to service and filing of pleadings and proofs of service and the notice of default judgments.

(2) Upon failure to serve the complaint and file a proof of service as required, an Order to Show Cause shall issue as to why counsel shall not be sanctioned for failure to comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.110.

(3) Responsive papers to the Order to Show Cause must be filed and served no less than five (5) court days in advance of the hearing.

(4) For purposes of Code of Civil Procedure section 415.20(b), a party shows reasonable diligence in attempting personal service by attempting personal delivery in good faith on at least three occasions. The party's attempts at personal service must occur on at least two different days of the week, and if service is at a dwelling, at least one attempt must occur on a Saturday or Sunday. If a party meets these requirements, a court clerk will find that the reasonable diligence requirement is met. Litigants with approved fee waivers who rely on a sheriff’s office for service may seek an exception to the weekend service requirement from the judicial officer if the sheriff’s office does not serve process on weekends. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prevent a judicial officer from exercising discretion to find reasonable diligence based on the facts of a case.

(Rule 3.7 revised effective 1/1/26)

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Rule 3.8. Case Management Conference Procedure (Formerly Referred to as Status Conference)

(a) Filing of complaint

Upon filing a complaint, which includes a completed Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial
Council Form CM-010), the plaintiff will receive the following from the Clerk or Court
support staff:

(1) Summons and Complaint and notification of the assigned department for Superior
Court cases;

(2) Notice and date of the First Case Management Conference (This court-generated
notice includes the assigned date, time, and department);

(3) Notice to Defendants (Local Court Form CV-655(d) for Unlimited Civil Jurisdiction
cases and Form CV-659(b) for Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases);

(4) A blank Case Management Statement (Judicial Council Form CM-110) and an
Alternative Dispute Resolution Information Sheet (Local Court Form CV-655(c) for
Unlimited Civil Jurisdiction cases and Form CV-659(e) for Limited Jurisdiction Civil
cases);

(5) In Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases only, the Case Questionnaire for Limited Civil
Cases (Judicial Council Form DISC-010) and a blank Issue Conference Statement
(Local Court Form CV-659(c));

(6) Plaintiffs in unlimited civil jurisdiction cases will also receive an ADR Case
Management Stipulation and Order (Local Court Form CV-655(b) for Unlimited
Jurisdiction Civil cases and plaintiffs in Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases will receive
an ADR Case Management Stipulation (Local Court Form CV-659(d)).

(Rule 3.8(a) revised effective 1/1/17)

(b) Case questionnaire for Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases

Any cross-complainant naming any new party in a limited jurisdiction civil case will also be served with a blank Case Questionnaire for Limited Civil Cases (Judicial Council Form DISC-010).

(c) Setting the Case Management Conference for transfer-ins

If a case is transferred from another jurisdiction after a responsive pleading has been filed,
the First Case Management Conference will be set within forty-five (45) calendar days
from the Order of Transfer. If no responsive pleading has been filed, the First Case
Management Conference will be set within ninety (90) calendar days from the Order of
Transfer. In all other particulars, the plaintiff in a transfer case will receive the same
information and items as described above.

(d) Notice of first CMC

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At the time of serving the Summons and Complaint (and a cross-complaint upon a new party), the responding party shall be served with the Notice of the First Case Management Conference and an ADR Case Management Stipulation and Order (Local Court Form CV- 655(b)) for unlimited jurisdiction civil cases, and the ADR Case Management Stipulation. The responding party in unlimited jurisdiction civil cases and plaintiffs in limited jurisdiction civil cases will receive an ADR Case Management Stipulation (Local Court Form CV- 659(d)) for Limited Jurisdiction Civil cases. The responding party in limited jurisdiction civil cases will also receive a blank Case Questionnaire for Limited Civil Cases (Judicial Council form DISC-010).

(e) File and serve Case Management Statement

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

Rule 3.8(e) revised effective 7/1/02)

(f) Request for early Case Management Conference

One or more parties to a civil action may request that the assigned department advance
the date of the first case management conference in the action, subject to the following:

(Rule 3.8(f) revised effective 1/1/09)

(1) Requests must be in writing, but may be informal, such as in letter format. They
should be lodged (rather than filed) with the department assigned the matter.

(2) Such requests must be served upon all parties that have appeared in the action.

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

(4) Any party opposing a request shall lodge and serve an informal statement of
opposition, with reasons, within five (5) calendar days of receiving the request.

(5) The Court reserves the discretion to determine whether such an early conference
would be beneficial and whether the department’s calendar can accommodate the
request.

(g) First Case Management Conference

The First Case Management Conference shall be conducted in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.721. Counsel are required to be thoroughly familiar with and abide by that Rule.

(Rule 3.8(g) revised effective 7/1/02)

(h) Subsequent Case Management Conference

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Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a party need not file a Case Management Statement (Judicial Council Form CM-110) for subsequent conferences unless that party has not previously filed that form. Parties are welcome to file narrative status conference statements with proper material that they believe would be helpful to the Court.

(Rule 3.8(h) revised effective 9/1/04)

(Rule 3.8 revised effective 1/1/17)

Rule 3.9. Telephone Appearances

The Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil Departments (fast track departments) generally use Zoom for remote appearances, whether video and audio or audio only. The Court reserves the right in any matter to require a personal appearance as permitted by law.

(Rule 3.9 revised effective 7/1/23)

Rule 3.10. Sanctions

If the Court finds that any party has not proceeded with due diligence or has otherwise failed to comply with this Rule, sanctions may be imposed.

(Rule 3.10 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.11. Issue Conference

(a) Time and purpose of Issue Conference

Within fourteen (14) calendar days before the trial date, unless otherwise ordered, an Issue Conference will be held during which all matters necessary to be resolved before trial will be before the Court. All trial counsel must be present, along with all principals or clients and claims representatives with settlement authority.

(Rule 3.11(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Motions in limine

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. Any objections
to motions in limine must be filed and served five (5) calendar days before the conference,
with a copy lodged with the chambers of the department to which the case is assigned.
Parties should not submit motions in limine upon the following topics as each fast track
trial department will issue orders sua sponte as follows:

(Rule 3.11(b) revised effective 1/1/16)

(1) No witness may be called, except with Court permission in exceptional
circumstances, unless notice has been given to all parties of the date when the
witness will testify. Such notice shall be given no later than at the end of the court
day preceding the court day when the witness is to testify.

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(2) All witnesses will be excluded from the courtroom, unless otherwise ordered,
excepting those for whom an exception exists at law (e.g., parties and corporate
representatives).

(3) Evidence of, or reference to, settlement negotiations, mediation, and materials
which are privileged under the evidence code or by agreement of the parties shall
not be allowed.

(Rule 3.11(b)(3) revised effective 1/1/16)

(4) Evidence of, or reference to, insurance, or the fact that an attorney is employed
by, or has been compensated by, an insurance company, shall not be allowed.

(5) Evidence of, or reference to, other claims or actions against any party to the
litigation shall not be allowed without permission from the Court.

(6) Evidence of, or reference to, the financial position or wealth, or lack thereof, of any
party to the litigation, shall not be allowed without permission from the Court.

(Rule 3.11(b)(6) revised effective 9/1/04)

(c) Issue Conference Statement

Parties must file with the court and serve all parties an Issue Conference Statement (Local
Court Form CV-659(c)) of not more than ten (10) pages at least five (5) court days before
the Issue Conference. In limited civil cases only, use of the local Issue Conference
Statement form (Local Court Form CV-659(c)) is mandatory. The following shall be
included in the Issue Conference Statement and will be considered at the Issue
Conference:

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

(2) A witness list, including only those witnesses that each party actually expects to
have testify, with a brief statement of anticipated testimony, and exhibit list;

(3) A trial length estimate and a proposed statement of the case to be read to the jury,
and proposed voir dire questions; and

(4) A list (index) of proposed CACI jury instructions, as required by California Rules of
Court, 2.1055, and copies of any proposed special instructions [note: copies of
CACI instructions should not be submitted with the Issue Conference Statement.

(Rule 3.11(c) revised effective 1/1/17)

(d) Settlement statement

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

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(Rule 3.11(d) revised effective 1/1/08)

(e) Jury questionnaires

(1) If any party intends to request that a specific written questionnaire be submitted to
the jury, said party shall, no later than twenty (20) court days before the Issue
Conference, serve a proposed questionnaire on the other parties;

(2) Any party objecting to any question or proposing additional questions, shall serve
said objections or proposals on all other parties no later than fifteen (15) court days
before the Issue Conference;

(3) All parties shall meet and confer to attempt resolution of objections and proposals
no later than ten (10) court days before the Issue Conference;

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

(5) If the Court approves a questionnaire, it shall be the responsibility of the party
submitting a questionnaire to have an adequate number of copies delivered to the
office of the Jury Commissioner no later than two (2) court days before the
scheduled commencement of trial, and to arrange and pay for prompt copying and
distribution of the completed questionnaire to the Court and other parties in the
order in which jurors will be called; and

(6) Failure to comply with the requirements of Local Rule 3.11(e)(4) and (5) may result
in an order that the case be tried without the use of a written questionnaire.

(Rule 3.11(e) revised effective 1/1/16)

(Rule 3.11 revised effective 1/1/17)

Rule 3.12. Jury Fees

Jury fees shall be deposited and may be refunded as provided in Code of Civil Procedure Sections 631 and 631.3. A nonrefundable jury fee of $150.00 is due on or before the date scheduled for the initial case management conference in the action or at such other time as permitted by statute. No refund of the jury fees deposited shall be made unless the party making the deposit has given the Jury Commissioner written notice of settlement, of the granting of a motion for continuance, or of the waiving of a jury, at least two (2) court days before the date set for trial, or by Order of Court.

(Rule 3.12 new effective 1/1/18)

Rule 3.13. Reporting of Court Proceedings in Civil Fast Track Departments

(1) Except as otherwise provided by Local Rule 2.53, official court reporters employed by the court are unavailable in the Unlimited/Limited Civil Fast Track Departments effective January 1, 2013 until further notice. Consult the Notice of Availability on the court’s website for current status and any changes.

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(Rule 3.13(1) revised effective 1/1/19)

(2) Except as otherwise provided by Local Rule 2.53, any party who desires a verbatim record of the proceedings from which a transcript can later be prepared, may procure the services of an outside private certified court reporter pro tempore to report any scheduled hearing or trial (see Government Code section 70044 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956).

(Rule 3.13(2) revised effective 1/1/19)

(3) Parties electing to procure the services of an outside reporter must comply with Local Rule 2.52.

(Rule 3.13(3) revised effective 1/1/19)

(4) Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956(d), if a party arranges and pays for the attendance of a certified shorthand reporter at a hearing in a civil case because of the unavailability of the services of an official court reporter, none of the parties will be charged the reporter’s attendance fee provided for in Government Code Sections 68086(a)(1)(A) or (B).

(5) If court reporters become available and in the court’s discretion are provided by the court for any civil hearings, or if a court reporter is provided pursuant to Local Rule 2.53, any party who has not been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq. will be required to pay the applicable reporter attendance fee provided for in Government Code sections 68086(a)(1)(A) or (B).

(Rule 3.13(5) revised effective 1/1/19)

(6) Parties shall be responsible for all transcript costs pursuant to Government Code Section 69953.

(Rule 3.13(6) revised effective 1/1/13)

(7) For all proceedings less than thirty minutes in length, the Appellate Division elects to authorize the use of an official electronic recording, where available, as the record of the oral proceeding instead of obtaining a corrected statement on appeal from the judicial officer who presided over the proceeding before the Appellate Division, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 8.835(c).

(Rule 3.13(7) new effective 1/1/19)

(Rule 3.13 revised effective 1/1/19)

Rule 3.14. Unlawful Detainer Trial Setting

(1) Within forty-five (45) calendar days from the filing of the complaint, unlawful detainer cases entitled to expedited handling shall be either adjudicated, or a memo to set trial or conditional settlement shall have been filed. This time limit may be stayed or extended by a judicial officer or commissioner for good cause shown.

(2) If an unlawful detainer case entitled to expedited handling has not been adjudicated, or had a memo to set trial or conditional settlement filed within the 45-day period (or such

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extended time as may be set by a judicial officer or commissioner), an order to show cause re: sanctions or dismissal directed to the plaintiff shall issue.

(3) In the event an order to show cause re: sanctions or dismissal is issued, any responsive papers to such order to show cause must be filed at least five (5) court days before the hearing date on the order to show cause.

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

(5) If the procedures set forth in this rule result in setting a trial date that is less than ten (10) court days after an answer is filed, the answering party may request a continuance of the trial date, and such a request may be granted.

(Rule 3.14 revised effective 1/1/20)

Rule 3.15. Relief Following Breach of a Settlement Agreement in Limited Jurisdiction Cases

(a) Unlawful Detainer cases

A settlement agreement may provide that, in the event of default, the non-defaulting party
may seek additional relief from the Court by filing an ex parte application. If it does, then:

(1) An ex parte application filed pursuant to this provision must comply with California
Rules of Court, Rules 3.1201 through 3.1207, unless otherwise stipulated by the
parties.

(2) Such an application, except in emergency situations, will be heard in each
department at times designated by the assigned judge or commissioneras
provided in the Standing Order on Civil Ex Partes and Motions for Summary
Judgment..

(3) If a settlement agreement does not contain a provision as described in paragraph
(a), then the non-defaulting party seeking additional relief must file a motion to
obtain that relief. Applications for Orders Shortening Time will be viewed with
presumptive favor in unlawful detainer cases seeking possession and other cases
in which time is of the essence.

(b) Non-Unlawful Detainer cases

(1) A settlement agreement may provide that, in the event of default, the non-
defaulting party may seek additional relief from the Court. However, the non-
defaulting party will not be granted additional relief without notice to the
defaulting party.

(2) The proper form for seeking additional relief is a noticed motion. The parties may
agree, in advance, to an Order Shortening Time for the hearing of such a motion,
provided that (except in exceptional cases, for good cause shown) the time for
noticing the motion shall not be less than ten (10) court days.

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(3) If the settlement agreement does not provide for shortened time, as described in
paragraph (b)(2), then a party may file an ex parte application to have the motion
heard on shortened time. Any such application must comply with the California
Rules of Court, Rule 3.1200 .

(4) If, at the time of the default, the defaulting party stipulates in writing to further relief,
the Court will entertain an application for entry of an order upon stipulation without
need for formal motion. Nothing in this rule shall preclude a party from seeking to
enforce the terms of a settlement agreement (as opposed to seeking additional
relief for breach) by an appropriate motion pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure
Section 664.6 or other controlling authority.

(Rule 3.15(b)(4) revised effective 1/1/05)

(Rule 3.15 renumbered effective 1/1/18)

Rule 3.16. Complex Litigation Cases

(1) There shall be designated a Complex Civil Litigation Department to which cases covered by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.400 shall be assigned, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

(2) Counsel for plaintiffs shall use the most current form of civil cover sheet to indicate whether a matter is or is not deemed complex. Other parties may counter-designate at or before the time for the filing of a first appearance (see California Rules of Court, Rule 3.402).

(Rule 3.16(2) revised effective 1/1/16)

(3) Complex cases are subject to the procedures outlined on the Court’s website concerning Complex Litigation as well as the Court’s Electronic Case Filing Standing Order. See https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil/complex-litigation.http://www.cc- courts.org/civil/complex-litigation.aspx.

(Rule 3.16(3) new effective 17/1/270)

(4) In making any determination whether a case is complex or noncomplex under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.402 or Rule 3.403, the Department making the determination may consider any other related or other case pending in this court that it may think relevant to the designation as complex or noncomplex. Whether or not any such case is deemed complex, the Department may also make any other orders that it deems conducive to effective administration and determination of any or all such cases, such as consolidating some or all of them, transferring some or all of them to a common Department, or deeming some or all of them related.

(Rule 3.16(4) new effective 1/1/25)

(5) If any hearing concerning whether a case is complex or noncomplex is held pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 3.402 or Rule 3.403, notice of such hearing shall also be

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given in any other such cases under consideration under Rule 3.16(4), and the attorneys or parties in such cases may participate therein.

(Rule 3.16(5) new effective 1/1/25)

(6) The determination (with or without hearing) as to whether a case is complex or noncomplex will be made by the Complex Civil Litigation Department. If any such case is assigned for all purposes to a different Department, the Complex Civil Department’s decision of such determination shall not constitute assignment of the case to that Department for all purposes. However, if the court determines that the case is complex, the case should forthwith be transferred for all purposes to the Complex Civil Litigation Department.

(Rule 3.16(6) new effective 1/1/25)

(7) In the event that the Judge assigned as the Complex Civil Litigation Department is disqualified from hearing a case for purposes of the determination called for in Rule 3.16(6), that determination shall be made by the Department to which the case is assigned for all purposes, as though no Complex Civil Department existed.

(Rule 3.16(7) new effective 1/1/25)

(Rule 3.16 revised effective 1/1/25)

Rule 3.17. CEQA Claims

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

(Rule 3.17 renumbered effective 1/1/18)

Rule 3.18. Conforming Copies

The Superior Court Clerk will conform a maximum of two copies of any document at the time of filing. Additional copies will be provided by photocopying and the standard Superior Court Clerk fee for copies will be charged.

(Rule 3.18 renumbered effective 1/1/18)

Rule 3.19. Unlawful Detainer Process

Unlawful Detainer cases are heard by qualified court commissioners. In the event a party chooses not to stipulate to the hearing of an unlawful detainer matter by a commissioner, the hearing shall be referred to the Supervising Judge of the division in which the matter is pending (Pittsburg, Richmond, or Martinez).

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The Supervising Judge may hear the matter or refer it to any other judge of this court. This does not affect the court’s authority, under Code of Civil Procedure section 259(b), to direct a commissioner to take proof and report findings therein as to any matter of fact upon which information is required by the court, where properly specified pursuant to section 259(b).

(Rule 3.19, revised 1/1/24)

Chapter 2. Civil Law and Motion

Rule 3.40. Law and Motion Calendar

There shall be a Civil Litigation Division (which includes a Discovery Commissioner when available funding permits) which will handle civil law and motion matters:

(1) Each judge in the Civil Litigation Division shall designate one day of the week for his or her Law and Motion matters.

(2) Each judge in the Civil Litigation Division shall designate the day(s) of the week and time(s) that discovery matters and ex parte applications will be heard in their department.

(3) Exceptions

a. All law and motion matters relating to Family Law shall be heard in the Family Law Departments.

b. Motions in Unlawful Detainer cases shall be heard in the appropriate court or department scheduled.

c. As provided in Local Rule 7.1, most law and motion regarding probate matters shall be heard in the Probate Department.

(Rule 3.40 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 3.41. Hearing Dates

With the exception of motions brought pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 128.7, all other motion hearing dates will be assigned by the Clerk’s Office at the time the motion is filed unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Dates cannot be reserved or given over the telephone.

(Rule 3.41 revised effective 1/1/24)

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Rule 3.42. Papers to Comply with State Rules

(1) Moving, opposing and reply papers must be filed and served with the Court and parties within the time prescribed by law. The Court will not consider late filed papers unless good cause is shown at the hearing.

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

(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 or ,where electronically filed, are not properly bookmarked. The purpose of this rule is to discourage such rule violations, which impose a substantial burden on judges and staff.

(A) If a particular attorney service repeatedly files documents lacking proper tabs or
bookmarks where required, the matter will be referred to the Presiding Judge for
appropriate action.

(B) Counsel of record should take note the Court has and will continue to impose
monetary sanctions on attorneys who file documents lacking proper tabs or
bookmarks where required, 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.

(Rule 3.42 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 3.43. Tentative Ruling

(1) The Civil Litigation Division shall operate a tentative ruling system for Unlimited Civil law and motion. The tentative rulings can be obtained beginning at 1:30 p.m. the court day preceding the hearing. Phone numbers and tentative rulings for Martinez are available on the court website https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/.www.cc-courts.org. If the website is down, or for some reason cannot be accessed by the litigant or counsel, the number to call, during business hours is (925) 608-1000. Tentative rulings will be posted on the Court’s website for a minimum of 120 days, after which they may be removed.

(Rule 3.43(1) revised effective 1/1/272)

(2) The tentative ruling will become the Court's ruling unless by 4:00 p.m. of the court day preceding the hearing, counsel or self-represented parties call or email the department rendering the decision to request argument. If a judge so indicates in the instructions accompanying the tentative ruling, the parties may also be required to specify what issues are to be argued.

Calling counsel or self-represented parties requesting argument must advise all other affected counsel and self-represented parties by no later than 4:00 p.m. of his or her

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decision to appear and of the issues to be argued. Failure to timely advise the Court and counsel or self-represented parties will preclude any party from arguing the matter.

(Rule 3.43(2) revised effective 7/1/23)

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

(Rule 3.43(3) revised effective 1/1/01)

(Rule 3.43 revised effective 1/1/277/1/23)

Rule 3.44. Remote Appearances for Law and Motion

If the judge hearing a matter determines on an individual case that a personal appearance is necessary (i.e. that a remote appearance will not be allowed), the tentative ruling will so indicate unless the Court has previously been advised.

(Rule 3.44 revised effective 7/1/23)

Rule 3.45. Reporting of Law and Motion

Law and motion oral arguments are not reported in Civil Fast Track Departments until further notice, except as provided by Local Rule 2.53. Otherwise, parties may procure the services of an outside reporter as set forth in Local Rule 2.52.

(Rule 3.45 revised effective 1/1/19)

Rule 3.46. Civil Ex Parte Orders

(1) Civil ex parte motions will be heard as provided in the Standing Order on Civil Ex Partes and Motions for Summary Judgment, except in Family, Probate, or Unlawful Detainer matters. Ex Parte applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers. Orders to Shorten Time will be filed only when the motion has been previously filed or is simultaneously filed.

(1) Martinez Civil Fast Track ex parte motions, except in emergency situations, will be
heard in each department at times designated by the assigned judge. Consult the court’s
website for designated times. Ex parte motions include applications for restraining orders,
writs of mandate and prohibition (see ex parte process for writs of mandate below), other
extraordinary writs, and appointment of receivers. Applications for such orders must
comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1203 (except temporary restraining orders
under Code of Civil Procedure Section 527.6).

(2) (Rule 3.46(1)renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(3) (A) Ex Parte Applications for Orders to Shorten Time will be considered only when accompanied by the proposed moving papers, unless, in its discretion, the Court otherwise orders. Orders to Shorten Time will be filed and calendared for hearing only when the motion has been previously filed or is simultaneously filed (see signed order for compliance).

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(4) (Rule 3.46(1)(A) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(5)(2) (B) Status Conference and Briefing Schedules for Writs of Mandate. The following rule applies to all writs of mandate except those in which the Department of Motor Vehicles is named as respondent. After the Petition is filed in the Clerk’s Office and a department is assigned, the filing party shall take a copy of the petition along with a proposed order to the assigned department during ex parte hours. Following filing of the petition, the filing party shall submit an ex parte application to set a briefing schedule. A status conference for the establishment of a hearing date and briefing schedule for writs of mandate will be set by the assigned judge during the designated ex parte hours. The petitioner must comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1203 concerning notice to opposing counsel or unrepresented party of the intent to present an ex parte application to the Court. The petitioning party need not notify the Court before presenting the application to set hearing date and briefing schedule. Once the order is signed and a briefing schedule assigned, the party shall present the order to the Clerk’s Office for filing.

(Rule 3.46(1)(B) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(C) A copy of the resulting order concerning the writ is to be delivered to the department in which the writ will be heard as well as to the Research Attorney’s Office.

(Rule 3.46(1)(C) r renumbered effective 7/1/25

(2) Sufficient notice should be given to all parties in the time and manner provided by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1203.

(3) Ex parte applications will be heard only after each party with papers to present has given them to the Court and other counsel who appear, and after both Court and counsel have had adequate time to review them. Therefore, whenever practicable, moving papers should be served on the affected party or that party’s attorney by personal delivery, telecopy (fax), express mail, messenger, or similar means before the hearing.

(Rule 3.46(3) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(34) Guardian ad litem. Requests in cases of Unlimited Jurisdiction, for appointment of a Guardian ad litem should normally not seek appointment of a person that has a claim arising from the same event or conduct. The proposed appointee normally should not be a person that has a possible adverse or conflicting interest with that of the minor.

(Rule 3.47(4) r renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(Rule 3.46 renumbered effective 7/1/25evised effective 1/1/27)

Rule 3.47. Original Orders to Show Cause

When an Order to Show Cause has been signed, the original shall be filed immediately in the Clerk’s Office and service shall be effected by a certified copy, for which no charge shall be made.

(Rule 3.47 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

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Rule 3.48. Continuances

Requests for continuance of Law and Motion matters may be by written motion or stipulation. Moving papers must be filed and submitted by 12:00 noon of the court day before the scheduled hearing.

(Rule 3.48 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.49. Calendar Matters Heard in Law and Motion Department

All motions to consolidate cases, bifurcate issues of liability or other issues, such as statute of limitations or other special defense, or sever consolidated cases or causes of action for trial may be heard in Law and Motion, or may be reserved for the trial department. Motions to consolidate must be noticed for hearing in the department which is assigned to the lowest numbered case of those cases proposed for consolidation.

(Rule 3.49 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.50. Name Change Applications

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

(2) The petition must be presented personally by the applicant to the clerk at the Probate window in the Civil Division’s Clerk’s Office and shall be accompanied by the following:

(Rule 3.50(2) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

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

(B) Photographic proof of identification (California Driver’s License or ID, or similar).

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

(D) For minors, a birth certificate.

(Rule 3.50 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.51. Motions

(a) Proof of Service

Unless otherwise ordered, all returns of Proof of Service of Notice of Motions and Orders to Show Cause shall be filed in the Clerk’s Office not less than two (2) calendar days preceding the time set for hearings.

(Rule 3.51(a) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(b) Failure to appear

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Failure of counsel to appear at the time set in the department to which the matter is assigned, unless excused by the judge, shall be deemed cause for placing such matter off calendar, for proceeding to hear the matter in the absence of counsel, or for assessment of costs and sanctions as the Court in its discretion may determine.

(Rule 3.51(b) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(c) Motions after trial

All motions after trial until judgment is final shall be heard before the judge who presided over the trial, unless such judge is absent, unavailable or unable to act, in which case the Presiding Judge shall assign an alternate judge; this includes such matters as motions to reopen, motions for new trial, motions for judgment notwithstanding a verdict and hearings on statements of decision.

(Rule 3.51(c) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(d) Papers on file

All supporting affidavits, declarations, memoranda of points and authorities, and similar documents shall be attached to the notice of motion, or order to show cause, or other moving papers, when filed. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be deemed cause for taking the matter off calendar. All responsive and opposing documents shall be filed by respondents at least five (5) court days before the day set for hearing. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be deemed cause for acting on the matter without the consideration of documents not so filed. The application of this rule shall not apply to responsive and opposing documents where the moving party has obtained an order shortening time for hearing. This rule shall not be applicable where other time limits are required or provided by law, as in Code of Civil Procedure Section 659a.

(Rule 3.51(d) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(Rule 3.51 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.52. Uncontested Calendars

(a) Request for hearing

Applications for Default Prove Up Hearings, Minor’s Compromises, Adoptions and other uncontested matters requiring hearing shall be made in writing to the Clerk of the Court not less than five (5) calendar days before the hearing.

(Rule 3.52(a) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(b) Completion of file

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No hearing will be set on an uncontested matter until all requisite pleadings and documents have been filed and the clerk has entered the default, unless it is a matter

requiring court entry of default, in which case the Return of Service must be filed before the request for hearing.

(Rule 3.52(b) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(Rule 3.52 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.53. Written Orders

(a) Preparation of order

Whenever a Judge rules upon a motion, order to show cause, or similar matter, and the matter is uncontested, within ten (10) calendar days, a written order shall be prepared, presented to the Judge for signature, and filed. In any contested matter, where opposing counsel appears, a written order shall be prepared and served by the prevailing party and reviewed by the opposing party, in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1312. The order shall be prepared whether or not specifically requested by the Court.

(Rule 3.53(a) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(b) Judge's signature

Counsel shall not approach the bench for the purpose of obtaining a Judge's signature, during a hearing or trial; documents requiring a Judge's signature shall be presented during recess or given to the Bailiff while the Judge is on the bench.

(Rule 3.53(b) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(c) Subsequent applications for orders

When an application for an order has been made to the Court or a Judge and has been refused in whole or in part, any subsequent application for the same character of relief, although made upon an alleged different state of facts, shall be made before the Judge making the original order in the case, unless the Judge is absent or unable to act, or shall request the Judge of another department to entertain such application; in all such instances, a full disclosure shall be made to such Judge of any and all such prior applications. See Code of Civil Procedure Section 1008.

(Rule 3.53(c) renumbered effective 7/1/25)

(Rule 3.53 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

Rule 3.54. Number of Attorneys Examining a Witness

Except by stipulation of opposing counsel or by express permission of the Court, only one lawyer representing the same party may examine or cross-examine a witness.

(Rule 3.54 renumbered effective 7/1/25)

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Chapter 3. Receivers

Rule 3.80. Receivers

Appointment of receivers:

(1) In proper cases for the appointment of a receiver or a commissioner, and the Court determines that the appointment of an independent third party is unnecessary and no active management is necessary, court clerks may be appointed to such a position.

(2) Court clerks may not be appointed as a receiver or commissioner by stipulation of counsel.

(3) Attention is invited to California Rules of Court, 3.1175-3.1184 for provisions relating to appointment of receivers.

(Rule 3.80 revised effective 1/1/16)

Chapter 4. Elisors

Rule 3.90. Elisors

For rules and procedure regarding the appointment of an elisor, please refer to Local Rule 5.12.

(Rule 3.90 new effective 1/1/18)

Chapter 5. Settlements and Settlement Conferences (Not Applicable To Family Law and Probate Matters)

Rule 3.100. Settlements

Whenever a civil case has settled, counsel shall immediately notify the Court in writing. If a hearing, conference, or trial is imminent, notice must be given orally to the assigned department followed by a confirmation in writing. The writing must specify when all closing papers will be filed with the Court. If a case settles within five (5) calendar days of the trial date, counsel shall have on file a dismissal, stipulated judgment, or conditional settlement or make an appearance at the time and place designated for trial to place the settlement terms on the record. If a case settles before that time, counsel shall:

(1) Immediately give written notice to the Court, and;

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

If a request for dismissal, stipulated judgment, or conditional settlement is not filed within forty-five (45) calendar days, an Order to Show Cause shall issue as to why sanctions

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should not be imposed. Responsive papers to the Order to Show Cause must be filed five (5) court days in advance of the hearing. See California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1385.

(Rule 3.100(2) revised effective 1/1/16)

(Rule 3.100 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 3.101. Settlement Conferences

On the Court's own motion, all cases, other than short causes, may be calendared for mandatory settlement conferences, upon written or oral notice to all parties involved. At this conference, all parties shall:

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

(2) Have in attendance all principals or clients. Claims representatives shall be in attendance, unless excused in writing, by the Presiding Judge before the Settlement Conference;

(3) Be prepared to make a bona fide offer of settlement; and

(4) Participate in good faith in the settlement conference. Failure by any such person or entity to file the required written statements, to prepare for, appear at, or participate in a settlement conference, unless good cause is shown for any such failure, may be considered as an unlawful interference with the proceedings of the court and the Court may impose appropriate sanctions including, but not limited to, costs, actual expenses and counsel fees; and further, the Court may vacate the trial date, or order the case to proceed to trial on the date assigned. (Rule 3.101(4) revised effective 1/1/08) (Rule 3.101 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 3.102. Special Needs Trusts

Proposed orders for the placing of the proceeds of a court judgment or settlement into a special needs trust must provide a place for the Court to assign a date in the Probate Department for the first annual review of the operation of the trust. A review date will be assigned in all cases of the approval of such a trust.

(Rule 3.102 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 3.103. Special Bench Bar Settlement Conferences (BBSC)

Specialized BBSC settlement proceedings may be held at such times as are designated by the Presiding Judge.

(Rule 3.103 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Chapter 6. ADR

(Not Applicable to Family Law Matters and Probate Matters)

Rule 3.200. Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

(a) Availability of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs

Judges in the Contra Costa County Superior Court encourage parties involved in lawsuits to use ADR to resolve their disputes without trial. The Court offers several ADR Programs in general civil and probate cases. The Court also provides mediation services in juvenile dependency and child custody and visitation cases and collaborates with community ADR providers to offer mediation in small claims, guardianship, civil harassment, and unlawful detainer cases.

(b) Application of these rules

These rules apply to all court–administered ADR Programs except Child Custody Recommending Counseling (mediation) sessions available from family court services (which is governed separately by the California Family Code, related rules of court, and case law), community mediation services (provided in some small claims, civil harassment, guardianship, juvenile dependency, and unlawful detainer cases), and assignment of temporary judges to hear regular court calendars.

(c) Duty to meet and confer

In the event parties to a civil action agree to use ADR before their first Case Management
Conference, they are encouraged to use the appropriate local court form:

(1) CV-655b – Stipulation and Order to Attend ADR and Delay First Case
Management Conference 90 Days (Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil Cases)

(2) CV-659d – Stipulation to Attend ADR and Delay First Case Management
Conference 90 Days (Limited Jurisdiction Civil Cases)

(d) Voluntary participation

Participation in any of the Court’s ADR Programs is strongly encouraged and voluntary
unless otherwise provided by law, Judge or Local Rule. Parties may choose an ADR
option on the Case Management Form (Judicial Council Form CM-110), or by filing one of
two local court forms included in the plaintiff’s packet:

(1) (For Limited Jurisdiction cases) - a Stipulation to Attend ADR and Delay First Case
Management Conference 90 Days (Local Court Form CV-659d), or

(2) (For Unlimited Jurisdiction cases) – a Stipulation and Order to Attend ADR and
Delay First Case Management Conference 90 Days (Local Court Form CV-655b).

Parties may also agree (stipulate) orally or in writing to use ADR at any time.

(e) Opening an ADR case

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To open a civil or probate ADR case, parties must contact the ADR Program’s Office. Once a case is opened, the parties will receive a list of panel members with expertise in their type of case. The parties must make their own decision about whether a panel member has the needed expertise, and can help the parties to complete ADR before the Court deadline. All parties must agree on the panel member who will handle the ADR portion of their court case. Parties with child custody and visitation, guardianship, juvenile dependency, small claims, civil harassment and unlawful detainer cases will get separate instructions from the judge assigned to hear their case.

(f) Standard ADR case management timelines

Unless the judge makes different arrangements to accommodate circumstances in individual cases, parties can expect that they must choose their mediator, arbitrator, or neutral case evaluator within fourteen (14) calendar days of the matter being referred to ADR. The Court and ADR Department will tell the parties how long they have to finish ADR.

ADR sessions may be scheduled at the parties’ and panel members’ convenience, as long as they meet the court–ordered ADR completion deadlines.

(g) Blending or changing ADR processes

The Court allows parties to engage in more than one ADR process over the life of their
case, as well as to change between most ADR processes only if:

(1) All parties notify both the Judicial and ADR Department as soon as is practicable
of their intent to change processes.

(2) All parties and the ADR panel member ensure there are clear distinctions made
and an agreement signed regarding which ADR processes and associated rules
apply to their discussions, court deadlines, and work product.

(h) Changing or abandoning ADR

Some ADR processes are confidential (private) and others are not. Once the Court has made an ADR order, the parties must have permission from the judge to change the ADR process, or to cancel ADR altogether.

(i) ADR panel member requirements

All ADR panel members must meet the training, education, and experience requirements for the mediation, arbitration, neutral case evaluation, and settlement mentor panels. People interested in serving on the Court’s ADR panel must complete and update their panel member information as changes occur. If selected to serve on a particular case, panel members must complete and submit all forms and follow all of the Court's Ethical and Practice Standards listed in section seven of these rules.

(j) Complaints

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ADR Program participants are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have about the
ADR process or a panel member’s conduct with the panel member first. Consistent with
California Rules of Court, Rule 3.865, the Court will address party complaints as follows:

(1) The party must make a written complaint to the ADR Program Director.

(2) If the ADR Program Director cannot resolve the complaint informally, the written
complaint will be forwarded to the Presiding Judge or, at the Presiding Judge’s
discretion the Supervising Civil Judge. The panel member must answer the
complaint in writing, and a copy of that answer will be given to the person or people
making the complaint.

(3) If the complaint remains unresolved,the Presiding Judge or Supervising Civil
Judge and ADR Program Director will convene a review panel to consider the
complaint. If the Supervising Judge finds the complaint to be valid, he/she may
reprimand the panel member, suspend the panel member until he/she has
completed additional training, or remove the panel member from one or all of the
Court’s ADR Program panels.

(k) Service of ADR member

Service as an ADR panel member, and the appearance of a panel member’s name on panel lists is at the sole discretion of the Supervising Civil Judge and/or his or her designee. Panel members’ services can be terminated without cause, reason, or notice at any time. The Court is under no obligation to use any panel member’s services now or in the future.

(l) Panel member evaluation

The Court will periodically evaluate each panel member’s performance. In the event
performance issues are identified, the Court may:

(1) Contact the panel member informally or formally to address and resolve any
identified issues;

(2) Suggest or require the panel member to attend additional training, or establish a
mentoring relationship with an experienced practitioner;

(3) Issue a formal or information reprimand, suspend the panel member, or remove
him or her from the panel.

(Rule 3.200 revised effective 1/1/25)

Rule 3.201. Mediation

(a) Mediation

Mediation allows people to focus on the issues at the heart of their dispute. Mediation conferences are informal. Most mediators start out talking with all the parties together. Later, the mediator may meet with each party separately. Mediators often ask each party

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to list the issues in dispute, and to offer their ideas for settlement. People often discuss and exchange documents or other information before or during mediation, but do not present evidence as they would in court. Mediators have different ways of handling the mediation process. For example, some mediators are more evaluative and are willing to tell the parties what they think a case is worth or how they think the case might turn out if it went to trial. Other mediators are more facilitative and tend to focus on helping the parties to negotiate and reach agreements of their own design. Parties are free to decide which mediation style they prefer. No matter what approach a mediator takes, he or she is not the decision maker. Agreements can only be reached if all the mediating parties accept the proposed solution.

(b) Mediator selection

All mediating parties must agree on a mediator and complete a Selection of ADR Panel

Member (Local Court Form ADR-201) by the selection deadline provided by the ADR Program Coordinator unless the judge sets a different selection deadline. Parties must forward the Selection form to the ADR Program’s Office. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the Court or ADR Department may appoint one. Once a mediator has been chosen, the ADR Programs Office will then file and serve a Notice of Assignment on all parties and the Mediator.

(c) Mediator qualifications

Although most of the Court’s mediators are also attorneys, some panel members are
professionals and experts from other fields such as: accounting, business, construction,
finance, psychology, and real estate.

(1) Mediators appointed to the panel after January 1, 2006 must:

(A) Have completed an initial 40-hour comprehensive mediation training
program that encompasses commonly recognized mediation principles and
practices including: confidentiality, voluntary participation, communicating
clearly, listening effectively, facilitating communication among all
participants, promoting exploration of mutually acceptable settlement
options, and conducting oneself in a neutral manner;

(B) Have mediated five (5) cases or co-mediated at least ten (10) cases. Each
mediation counted for this purpose must have lasted two or more hours;
and

(C) Be familiar with ethical standards as adopted by state and national
professional organizations, and with the Uniform Mediation Act.

(2) Alternative qualifications:

A person who does not meet all of the requirements of (c)(1)(a) and (c)(1)(b) may still qualify to be a mediator for the Court if he/she provides the Court ADR Committee or its designee with satisfactory evidence of sufficient alternative education, training, skills and experience. Acceptance of alternative qualifications

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is at the discretion of the Court ADR Committee and/or its designee. The Court is
under no obligation to accept alternative qualifications.

(3) All mediation panel members must:

(A) Attend at least four (4) hours of continuing education or training related to
the practice of mediation every three years. At least 2 hour(s) of education
or training must address ethics, fairness, and bias issues in the mediation
context. At least 1 hour of that education or training must address practice
and ethical issues that arise when parties are not represented by an
attorney.

(B) Certify that they meet the requirements of this rule every three years
following their appointment as a mediator to the Court ADR panel.

(C) Agree to abide by the ethical principles established by California Rules of
Court, Rules 3.850 et seq. and comply with the competence standards
established by California Rules of Court, Rule 3.856.

(d) Mediation fees

The Court’s mediation panel members shall not charge fees for the first 30 minutes of case scheduling and preparation time, or for the first two hours of mediation conference time. If more time is needed, the parties must pay that mediator’s hourly fee for the time used. Parties who have had their court filing fees waived (cancelled), may ask the ADR Programs Department to contact the mediator and find out if that party’s mediation fees may also be waived. Parties are encouraged to have a written agreement with the panel member regarding fees and the management of their ADR case.

(e) Attendance at mediation

Unless excused by the assigned judge before mediation starts, all trial lawyers, principals, clients, claims representatives, and other appropriate decision–makers must attend mediation in person. Telephone standby is not allowed unless approved by the assigned judge before mediation starts.

(f) Confidentiality

Court–connected mediations are confidential (private) per California Evidence Code
Sections 1115–1128. The mediator cannot be called to testify in court about what
happened or what was said in mediation. Except as otherwise provided by law or these
rules, court staff, the mediator, all parties, all attorneys, and any other people facilitating
or participating in the mediation process must treat all written and oral communications
made in or during mediation, as confidential. The only exceptions to confidentiality in
mediation are:

(1) The law or any other mandate requires the information to be reported; or

(2) The ADR panel member thinks there might be a danger of serious physical harm
either to a party or to another person.

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(g) Mediation statements

Parties must prepare and give information about their case to the mediator and other
parties at least five (5) court days before the mediation hearing. Mediation statements
must not be longer than five (5) pages and must contain the following information:

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

(2) A list of people connected with other parties who, if present at mediation, might
improve the chances of settlement;

(3) A brief statement of the important issues, and the party's views on liability and
damages;

(4) A list of legal or factual issues that, if narrowed or resolved early, would promote
settlement;

(5) A brief description of the history and status of any settlement negotiations; and

(6) Copies of any court or other documents that will help the mediator understand the
issues in dispute.

(h) Mediator’s report

The mediator must forward a copy of the completed Mediator’s Report (Local Court Form ADR-305) to the ADR Program’s Office, counsel, and all self-represented parties. This form is available online at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil/alternative- dispute-resolution.https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/alternative-dispute-resolution.aspx.

(i) Blending or changing ADR processes

The Court allows parties to engage in more than one ADR process over the life of their
case as well as to change between most ADR processes only if:

(1) All parties notify both the judicial and ADR Department as soon as is practicable
of their intent to change processes, and

(2) The parties and the ADR panel member must ensure there are clear distinctions
made and an agreement signed regarding which ADR processes and associated
rules apply to their discussions, court deadlines, and work product.

(Rule 3.201 revised effective 1/1/275)

Rule 3.202. Judicial Arbitration

(a) Judicial Arbitration

Judicial Arbitration is less formal than a court hearing. It allows the parties under oath, to present their case, offer witness testimony, and get a decision. California Code of Civil Procedure section 1141.10 et seq. allows the Court to require all cases where the amount

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in dispute is $50,000 or less to be submitted either to judicial arbitration or to mediation if the judge finds it to be appropriate in a particular case. Cases may also go to judicial arbitration if the person who made the complaint agrees to limit his or her recovery to $50,000, or if the parties all agree to use arbitration. The award (arbitrator’s decision) must be filed with the Court within ten (10) calendar days of the last hearing. If either party disagrees with the arbitration award, he or she may ask the Court to review the case by filing a request for a new court hearing (called a Trial De Novo). The arbitration award becomes a court order unless one of the parties files for a Trial De Novo within sixty (60) calendar days or another time limit set by the judge.

(b) Arbitrator selection

All parties must agree on an arbitrator and complete a Selection of ADR Panel Member (Local Court Form ADR-201) by the selection deadline provided by the ADR Program Coordinator , unless the judge sets a different selection deadline. Parties must forward this form to the ADR Program’s Office. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, the assigned judge may appoint one. The ADR Program’s Office will then file and serve on all parties and the Arbitrator a “Notice of Assignment.”

(c) Arbitrator qualifications

Arbitrators must be licensed California attorneys and have an oath of office on file with the ADR Program’s Office unless the parties jointly agree by stipulation to appoint an arbitrator with other qualifications.

(d) Arbitration fees

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1141.18, arbitrators in judicial arbitration cases are paid $150 per case or $150 per day if the arbitration takes more than one day. All of the arbitrators on the Court's panel have agreed either to donate their services, or to be paid by the parties at the rate described in this section.

(e) Attendance at arbitration

As long as all trial attorneys, parties, and other people needed to present the case and answer the arbitrator’s questions are included, the parties may choose who will attend arbitration.

(f) Arbitration statements

Parties must prepare and give information about their case to the judicial arbitrator and
other parties at least five (5) court days before the arbitration hearing. This information
must not be longer than five (5) pages and must include:

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

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

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

(g) Blending or changing ADR processes

The Court allows parties to engage in more than one ADR process over the life of their
case, as well as to convert most ADR processes only if:

(1) All parties notify both the Judicial and ADR Department as soon as is practicable
of their intent to change processes, and

(2) The parties and the ADR panel member ensure there are clear distinctions made
and an agreement signed regarding which ADR processes and associated rules
apply to their discussions, court deadlines, and work product.

(Rule 3.202 revised effective 1/1/25)

Rule 3.203. Settlement Mentors

(a) Settlement Mentor conferences

The assigned judge may refer, or the parties may ask for a conference with a settlement mentor either on the morning of trial, or earlier in the case. These informal conferences usually last about two hours. These processes are not the same as mediation, and are not confidential per Evidence Code Sections 1115-1128. Parties meet with an attorney who has significant litigation experience with similar cases (called a settlement mentor) to review the issues, analyze the case, and consider settlement recommendations. The parties do not present evidence, and witnesses are not called. Although information may be shared with the settlement mentor and not shared with the other party, any information given to the settlement mentor may be shared with the judge. When appropriate, the settlement mentor may involve the judge in the settlement discussions.

(b) Selection of Settlement Mentors

Settlement mentors are assigned by the ADR Program’s Department based on their stated areas of expertise, and in consultation with the assigned judge.

(c) Settlement Mentor qualifications

Settlement mentors are attorneys who have background experience in the issues involved in the case.

(d) Settlement Mentor fees

Settlement mentors may not charge any fees for their services unless the parties agree to continue settlement discussions with the settlement mentor at his/her usual fee.

(Rule 3.203(d) revised effective 1/1/17)

(e) Attendance at the Settlement Mentor conference

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All trial attorneys, principals, clients, claims representatives, and other decision makers must attend the settlement mentor conference. Telephone standby is not allowed unless approved by the assigned judge before the conference begins.

(f) Confidentiality

Although information given during the settlement mentor conference may be shared with the judge, everyone attending (including court staff, the settlement mentor, all parties and all attorneys), must treat all written and oral communications made in or during the settlement conference as confidential.

When the judge will not be trier of fact, the mentor may report to the judge the settlement positions of the parties to help the parties reach an agreement.

(g) Blending, changing, or converting ADR processes

Although the Court allows parties to engage in more than one ADR process over the life of their case, they may not convert settlement mentor conferences into any other ADR process unless they have first asked for and received permission from the Judge scheduled to hear that case.

(Rule 3.203 revised effective 1/1/17)

Rule 3.204. Neutral Case Evaluation

(a) Neutral Case Evaluation

This program allows litigants and their lawyers to meet with an experienced trial attorney to get an independent opinion about their case, and about likely outcomes if their case were to go to trial (to the extent this is possible in a jury trial system). Evaluators can also help the parties develop a cost–effective plan for exchanging information (or managing discovery) and handling their cases. While commercial, business, real estate, personal injury, and contract matters often benefit from this program; any case might gain from this process if there are only two or three parties, and if there are more than just legal questions to resolve. Because this program does not involve negotiation or other settlement discussions, some parties use the evaluator’s recommendations to negotiate their own agreement. Others choose another ADR Program (such as mediation or arbitration) to settle their cases.

(b) Selection and assignment of Neutral Case Evaluators

All parties must agree on an evaluator and complete a Selection of ADR Panel Member (Local Court Form ADR-201) by the selection deadline provided by the ADR Program Coordinator, unless the judge sets a different selection deadline. Parties must forward this form to the ADR Program’s Office. If the parties cannot agree on an evaluator, the assigned judge may appoint one. The ADR Program’s Office will then file and serve a Notice of Assignment on all parties and the evaluator.

(c) Neutral Case Evaluator qualifications

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Evaluators are attorneys who have significant litigation experience and background in the issues involved in the case.

(d) Neutral Case Evaluation fees

The Court’s neutral case evaluators shall not charge fees for the first 30 minutes of case scheduling and preparation time, or for the first two hours of evaluation conference time. If more time is needed, the parties must pay that evaluator’s hourly fee for the time used. Parties who have had their court filing fees cancelled (waived), may ask whether the neutral case evaluator is willing to waive that party’s fees. Parties are encouraged to have a written agreement with the panel member regarding fees and the management of their ADR case.

(e) Attendance at the Neutral Case Evaluation Conference

All trial lawyers, principals, clients, claims representatives, and other decision–makers shall attend the evaluation conference. Telephone standby is not permitted unless approved in advance by the assigned judge.

(f) Admissibility of Neutral Case Evaluation findings

Neutral case evaluation is not confidential unless the parties and evaluator agree otherwise, and sign an agreement to that effect.

(g) Neutral Case Evaluation statements

Parties must prepare and give information about their case to the neutral case
evaluator and other parties at least five (5) court days before the evaluation hearing. This
information must not be longer than five (5) pages and must include:

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

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

(3) The legal or factual issues to be resolved; and,

(4) Copies of any court or other documents that will help the evaluator understand the
issues in dispute.

(h) Blending or changing ADR processes

The Court allows parties to engage in more than one ADR process over the life of their
case, as well as to convert most ADR processes only if:

(1) All parties notify both the judicial and ADR Department as soon as practicable of
their intent to change processes, and

(2) The parties and the ADR panel member ensure there are clear distinctions made
and an agreement signed regarding which ADR processes and associated rules
apply to their discussions, court deadlines, and work product.

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(Rule 3.204 revised effective 1/1/25)

Rule 3.205. Temporary Judge Trial - Civil Division Applicable to Civil Cases (not including juvenile or family law cases)

(a) Temporary Judge trials

Some parties with civil cases want to choose when their case will be tried, and so will
agree to have the Court appoint a temporary judge to hear their case. (This is permitted
by Article 6, Section 21 of the State Constitution and Rule 2.831 of the California Rules of
Court.) Except for appeals in small claims cases (may also be heard by temporary
judges), or court appearances where a temporary judge has been appointed to call a
particular calendar, these trials are held at a time and location that is convenient for the
parties and the temporary judge. Temporary judges have nearly the same authority as a
superior court judge. Except for small claims appeal cases or times when the Court
appoints a temporary judge to call a particular calendar, parties choose the temporary
judge from a list maintained by the ADR Program’s Office. Temporary judge trials are
handled in the same way as other civil trials, except that the trial may not take more than
five (5) court days, there is no option for a jury trial, and the temporary judge might not
have assistance from a court clerk or other support staff. If the case involves a litigant
who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq. and is
a limited civil matter, the Court will provide electronic recording of the trial, provided the
parties stipulate that the trial is to occur in a courtroom equipped with the necessary
equipment and at a time where the courtroom is otherwise available. If the case involves
a litigant who has been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et
seq. and is an unlimited civil matter, the Court will provide a court reporter, provided the
parties stipulate that the trial is to occur at a place and time convenient for the Court to
provide a reporter. Any party or parties who have not been granted a fee waiver must pay
the applicable court reporter’s attendance fee pursuant to Government Code sections
68086(a)(1)(A) or (B). The parties in a temporary judge trial can appeal the temporary
judge’s decision in the same way as following a trial by an assigned sitting judge.
Whenever possible, each party must also:

(1) Pre–mark all exhibits; and

(2) Give the temporary judge an exhibit list, witness list, and opening statement.

(Rule 3.205(a) revised effective 1/1/19)

(b) Qualification of Temporary Judges

Consistent with California Rules of Court, Rules 2.810 et seq. all attorneys who act as temporary judges must have been active members of the State Bar for a minimum of ten (10) years, must be active members of the State Bar at the time of appointment, must meet the initial and ongoing training requirements established by California Rules of Court, 2.812 – 15 and established court policy, and must not be the subject of any pending State Bar disciplinary proceeding. Further, all attorneys who act as temporary judges must

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certify that he/she has not pled guilty or no contest to a felony, or has not been convicted of a felony that has not been reversed. Retired judges need not be active members of the bar as long as they are in compliance with all requirements of the assigned judge’s rules and obligations as established by the Judicial Council of California. Retired commissioners must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California, but are exempt from the requirement to have been active with the State Bar and free of any State Bar discipline for ten (10) years before their service as a temporary judge.

(Rule 3.205 revised effective 1/1/19)

Rule 3.206. Ethical and Practice Standards for ADR Panel Members

(a) General responsibilities

People serving on the Court's ADR Panel must be familiar with and follow all state or federal laws, California Rules of Court, Local Court Rules, and relevant professional or ADR–specific standards of practice. Further, panel members have a duty to the parties, the Court and themselves to be honest and diligent, to act in good faith, and to not advance their own interests at the parties’ expense.

ADR panel members must be reasonably available to schedule ADR conferences, and must make an effort to expedite the ADR process.

(b) Neutrality

ADR panel members must be neutral and act fairly in dealing with the parties. In these rules, neutrality is defined as “freedom from favoritism or bias by appearance, word, or action, and a commitment to serve all parties as opposed to a single party.” Further, the mediator may not have a personal interest in the case, and cannot show bias toward individuals and institutions involved in the dispute.

(c) Conflict of interest – definition

Conflicts of interest include (but are not limited to) personal or professional relationships with a party such as: legal representation by the panel member or his or her law firm; representation in business, real property, tax preparation, or other transactions; and, service as a consultant, advisor, therapist, or other expert. All parties should ask panel members whether there would be a conflict of interest if he or she accepted the case. All panel members must disclose any personal or professional relationships that might create a conflict of interest before accepting a case assignment. If there is an actual or perceived conflict of interest, the parties may jointly decide to continue working with that panel member, or contact the ADR Program’s Office to choose another panel member.

(d) Conflict of interest – duty to disclose

Per California Rules of Court, Rule 3.855, panel members have an ongoing duty to disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest. Panel members must disclose personal or

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professional relationships with a party, including but not limited to, legal representation by the panel member or his or her law firm representation in business, real property, tax preparation, or other transactions and service as a consultant, advisor, therapist, or other expert. If there is an actual or perceived conflict of interest, the parties may jointly decide to keep working with that panel member, or contact the ADR Program’s Office to choose another panel member.

(e) Solicitation by panel members

Panel members must accurately state their qualifications, and must not make misleading claims about any ADR process, its costs and benefits, or its outcome. Panel members must not ask for or accept business from an ADR participant (either as a neutral, consultant, or representative in any other professional capacity) while that ADR proceeding is pending.

(f) Confidentiality

Except as otherwise provided, panel members must treat all written and oral communications made in or during an ADR process as confidential to the extent provided by the California Evidence Code and relevant case law.

(g) Role of the panel member in settlement

Panel members should help the parties to discuss the issues in dispute, and to carefully consider any proposed settlement options. Further, the panel member must try to identify and limit inappropriate pressures to settle the case. In order to protect the neutrality of his or her role, the panel member may find it advisable, for example, to encourage parties to seek independent advice from legal or other professionals.

(h) Unrepresented interests

Panel members must consider the possibility that people not attending an ADR conference may be affected by the results. The panel member has a duty to encourage the parties to fully consider such interests when in his or her judgment is appropriate to do so.

(i) Informed consent

Panel members have an ongoing duty to ensure that all parties understand the process and procedures associated with their ADR case. Further, the panel member must make every effort to ensure that the parties understand the panel member’s role, and the limits to that role, in managing the ADR process, getting expert advice, and making decisions. Panel members should always have written agreements with the parties in a particular case regarding hourly fees and the management of the ADR case.

(j) Knowledge of ADR process

A panel member must only accept responsibility for delivering ADR services when reasonably certain that he or she has sufficient knowledge, training, or other expertise to administer that process appropriately, and in a way that helps the parties to participate effectively.

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(k) Pro bono contributions and fees for service

Panel members must follow the Court's policies regarding ADR services that will be
provided at no cost to the parties, and ADR services that may be compensated at the
panel member's normal rate. Panel members must prepare billing or invoice statements
to the parties that clearly state the purpose for all fees, and reflect the required pro bono
service contribution. Specifically:

(1) Panel members will provide their services at no cost to the parties or the Court
when serving as a settlement mentor or as a temporary judge.

(2) Panel members will limit their fees for judicial arbitration to $150 per day or per
case, and will look to the parties for payment of these fees.

(3) Panel members will provide the first thirty minutes of case preparation and
scheduling, and the first two hours of mediation and neutral case evaluation
conference time at no charge. If the parties request additional time, or additional
time is required to provide the requested mediation or evaluation services, the
panel member may, with the parties’ agreement, charge their normal rates for
actual time spent.

(l) Advance deposits for Mediation or Neutral Case Evaluation services

Mediators and evaluators may require the parties to pay a deposit against anticipated mediation or evaluation fees. If the panel member requests a deposit against anticipated fees, he or she may only charge the parties for actual time spent or services provided, and refund any balance due. Mediators and evaluators may not require parties to pay a non- refundable fee for a “minimum” number of mediation or evaluation hours.

(m) Complete and return all ADR forms

Panel members must complete and return, as appropriate, all local and state forms as directed by the Court or the ADR Program’s Office.

(Rule 3.206 revised effective 1/1/16)

Chapter 7. Discovery Motions and the Optional Discovery Facilitator Program

Rule 3.300. Optional Discovery Facilitator Program

In an attempt to avoid protracted, costly and unnecessary discovery disputes, Civil and Probate Departments listed on the Court’s website provide the option for parties to participate in the Discovery Facilitator Program (“Program”) before filing motions in Court to compel discovery or motions for a discovery-related protective order, except as set forth below, or unless the Court specifically orders otherwise. This includes motions pursuant to CCP Section 1987.1.

Cases exempt from the Discovery Facilitator Program

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The following discovery disputes are not subject to the Program:

(a) Cases in which there has been no response to discovery requests. Motions to compel under Code of Civil Procedure, Sections 2030.290(b) or 2031.300(b) shall be filed directly with the Court. .

(b) Cases in which trial is less than sixty (60) days away.

(c) Motions necessitated solely by a third party’s refusal to comply with a subpoena.

(d) Those disputes specifically exempted by the trial judge.

(Rule 3.300 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 3.301. Discovery Motions and the Discovery Facilitator Program

(a) Optional referral to Discovery Facilitator Program

(1) Parties to a Discovery Motion who wish to use the Program must first complete: 1)
a Stipulation to Participate in Discovery Facilitator Program and Toll Related Filing
Deadlines (Local Court Form ADR-602); and 2) a Request for Assignment of
Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610). Both forms must be submitted
to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office of the Contra Costa County
Superior Court, either by fax to 925-608-2109, or by email to
ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

A copy of the Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator shall also be served
on all parties to the action.

The Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local Court Form ADR-610)
shall provide the name and the fax number and email address of the party who
intends to file the Discovery Motion, of all other parties against whom the motion
will be filed, and of all other parties in the action.

(2) Discovery Facilitators are experienced attorneys who are volunteering their time
to assist the Court in resolving these disputes. There is no cost for participation in
the Program. The Court does not expect any Discovery Facilitator to spend more
than 4 hours on a case. If the Discovery Facilitator estimates that a case may take
more than 4 hours, he or she may decline the case by sending a completed “Notice
of Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” (Local Court Form ADR-
615) stating that the matter is expected to take longer than 4 hours to the ADR
Office.

(3) Cases that are not subject to the Discovery Facilitator Program pursuant to Local

Rule 3.301(a)(3) will be set for OSC or a Discovery Conference within sixty (60) days. The Court will preview the issues with the parties, give guidance on alternatives, and encourage meaningful “meet and confer” sessions and discussion of the need to appoint a Discovery Referee. The Court may set a date for hearing on a discovery motion, or impose issue or monetary sanctions, as appropriate.

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(b) Discovery Facilitators

(1) The Martinez Civil Clerk’s Office shall maintain a list of Discovery Facilitators.
Cases shall be assigned to Discovery Facilitators in the order in which they appear
on the list.

(2) Before notifying the parties of the assignment of a Discovery Facilitator, the ADR
Office shall contact the proposed Discovery Facilitator to confirm availability and
willingness to serve.

(3) Within three (3) calendar days of being contacted, the proposed Discovery
Facilitator shall perform a conflict of interest check. A Discovery Facilitator shall
decline the assignment if he or she knows of facts that would serve as grounds for
disqualification under CCP § 170.1 if the Discovery Facilitator were a Judicial
Officer. The Discovery Facilitator shall also inform the ADR Office of any
disclosures he or she deems appropriate to be forwarded to the parties.

(4) Discovery Facilitators shall have the following minimum requirements: 10 years of
experience in Civil or Probate Litigation.

(c) Assignment of Discovery Facilitator

(1) The ADR Office shall serve a Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator (Local
Court Form ADR-612) within twenty (20) calendar days of receipt of a Request for
Assignment of Discovery Facilitator.

(2) Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator.

(A) Parties to the proposed motion shall have ten (10) calendar days after
service of the Notice of Assignment to serve on the ADR Office and the
parties in the action a Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator (Local
Court Form ADR-617). If the Discovery Facilitator is rejected, a second
Discovery Facilitator will be appointed. If any party rejects the second
Discovery Facilitator, the ADR Coordinator shall notify the parties that the
matter will not proceed in the Program.

(B) If no Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator is served within ten (10)
calendar days of service of the original Notice of Assignment of Discovery
Facilitator, the Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator is confirmed.

(d) Hearing of discovery dispute

(1) The Discovery Facilitator shall hold a hearing on the discovery dispute no later
than thirty (30) days after confirmation of the assignment of the Discovery
Facilitator. Parties may stipulate in writing to extend the 30-day deadline or it may
be extended by the Facilitator for good cause that supersedes the policy of the
Program for expedited resolution.

(2) One of the purposes of this Discovery Facilitator Program is to narrow the number
of discovery disputes, should a hearing ever be required before a judicial officer.

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Another purpose is to allow for informal resolution of discovery disputes at a lower
cost to the parties than they would otherwise incur. Therefore, the format of briefing
done for a hearing before a Discovery Facilitator should be brief, practical, and
informal. Within these guidelines, the Discovery Facilitator has the discretion to
determine the format of briefing required or whether any briefing will be required,
and the schedule for service of such briefing. The Discovery Facilitator shall also
have discretion to determine the structure of the hearing, including appearances
by telephone or video.

(3) If the Discovery Facilitator determines that the hearing cannot be scheduled or
completed within thirty (30) days of the date of confirmation of the assignment of
the Discovery Facilitator because of conduct of one of the parties, the Discovery
Facilitator shall issue a Finding of Non-Compliance, specifying the party and/or
attorney responsible. 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.

(4) The Discovery Facilitator Program is not a mediation program. The Discovery
Facilitators are not mediators, and the proceedings under this Program are not
subject to mediation confidentiality rules. While the Facilitator may encourage
compromises in discussion at or before the hearing in order to narrow or settle
disputes, Discovery Facilitators should not simply try to produce a compromise at
any cost. In making his or her recommendations, the Discovery Facilitator will give
an opinion on the merits of the dispute in a manner that he or she believes is
consistent with applicable law.

(5) If the discovery dispute is completely resolved at or before the hearing, the parties
will confirm the terms of the resolution in writing, and the appointment of the
Discovery Facilitator will terminate automatically, unless the Discovery Facilitator
and the parties agree that the Facilitator will continue to serve.

(6) If the discovery dispute is not completely resolved at the hearing, the Discovery Facilitator shall, within ten (10) days of the completion of the hearing, serve a document on the parties entitled “Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” (Local Court Form ADR-616). The Recommendation may be on the merits of the motion, may be a recommendation that the matter be referred to the assigned judge for decision, may be that the parties are ordered to meet and confer and to provide a report to the Court of the results of such meeting and the matters that remain in dispute, or that a formal Discovery Referee be appointed. The Discovery Facilitator may require the substantially prevailing party to do the initial draft of the recommendations. If so, this initial draft shall not be required to be sent to the opposing party for approval as to form, but rather will be sent directly to the Discovery Facilitator.

(7) The date the Discovery Facilitator serves the “Recommendations of Discovery
Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator” (Local Court

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Form ADR-616) shall be the date of termination of the Program for purposes of the
tolling agreement of the parties provided in Local Court Form ADR-602. The
motion filing deadline shall be per statute including any tolling period agreed to by
the parties. Any moving papers shall include, as the first exhibit, a declaration that
the parties have completed the Discovery Facilitator Program and shall attach the
Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of
Discovery Facilitator as part of the exhibit. To the extent feasible, motions from
parties who have completed the Discovery Facilitator process will receive calendar
preference over other discovery motions.

(8) If for any reason the Discovery Facilitator fails to serve the Recommendations of
Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator, the
parties shall notify the ADR Coordinator at
ADRdiscoveryfacilitator@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. The ADR Coordinator shall
contact the Discovery Facilitator. If for any reason the ADR Coordinator is unable
to obtain the Recommendations, the ADR Coordinator shall notify the parties and
terminate participation in the Program.

(9) The court will consider the Recommendations of the Discovery Facilitator in
deciding the merits of the motion. The purpose of this Discovery Facilitator
Program is to facilitate discovery and the resolution of discovery disputes without,
or with minimal, court supervision, given current budgetary restraints on the court.

(e) Urgent discovery motions

(1) Parties participating in the Program may present an ex parte application to the
Court to shorten all time frames set forth in this Rule upon a showing of good
cause.

(f) Compensation of Discovery Facilitators

(1) Recognizing the importance of the principle of maintaining access to justice, and
the fact that there is only a nominal fee for filing a Discovery Motion to be heard
before a judicial officer, Discovery Facilitators shall serve without any monetary
compensation. The parties to the discovery dispute are counseled to bear in mind
that the Discovery Facilitators are donating their time and grant them the courtesy
and respect the parties would grant to a judicial officer, and minimize the
paperwork that they serve on the Discovery Facilitators.

(2) If the parties choose to use the services of the Discovery Facilitator after
completion of the assignment, compensation shall be pursuant to agreement of
the Facilitator and the parties, which agreement should be confirmed in writing.

(3) The policy of the Program is that a Discovery Facilitator will handle only one assignment per case without compensation. If there is more than one Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator in a case, the parties may use the Facilitator for the second assignment if an agreement is reached for compensation of the Facilitator. Otherwise, the second Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator will be assigned to a different Discovery Facilitator.

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(g) Forms used in Discovery Facilitator Program

Stipulation to Participate in Discovery Facilitator Program and Toll Related Filing Deadlines Local Court Form ADR-602

Request for Assignment of Discovery Facilitator Local Court Form ADR-610

Notice of Assignment of Discovery Facilitator Local Court Form ADR-612

Finding of Non-Compliance Local Court Form ADR-614

Notice of Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator Local Court Form ADR-615

Recommendations of Discovery Facilitator and Termination of Appointment of Discovery Facilitator Local Court Form ADR-616

Rejection of Assigned Discovery Facilitator Local Court Form ADR-617

Notice to Deponent and Deposition Officer of Assignment to Discovery Facilitator Program and Stay of Records Production Date Local Court Form ADR-618

(Rule 3.301 revised effective 1/1/25)

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Title Four. Criminal Rules

Division 1. Criminal

Chapter 1. Criminal Department

Rule 4.01. Electronic Recording in Misdemeanor and Infraction Cases

Pursuant to Government Code section 69957, in misdemeanor and infraction proceedings, the court may, in its sole discretion, utilize electronic recording as a means of generating a verbatim record of proceedings. Court reporters are not ordinarily provided by the court in these cases. Electronic recording may also be used as permitted by the General Order re: Use of Electronic Recording Equipment.

(Rule 4.01 revised effective 1/1/276)

Rule 4.1. Motions

(a) Motions procedures

(1) Length

(A) A memorandum of points and authorities filed in support of or opposition to
a motion and produced on a computer must not exceed 4,200 words,
including footnotes. Such a memorandum must include a certificate by
submitting counsel or an unrepresented party stating the number of words
in the memorandum. The person certifying may rely on the word count of
the program used to prepare the memorandum.

(B) A memorandum of points and authorities must not exceed 15 pages.

(C) The limitations above do not include the caption of the case, the signature
block, the word count certification, or any exhibits.

(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.

(2) Consequences for Failure to Comply with Motions rules

(A) The failure to comply with the rules governing motions may result in the
imposition of monetary sanctions.

(B) If any motion subject to this rule is not made or heard within the time limits
and pursuant to the requirements of this rule, failure to do so shall constitute
a waiver of the right to make the motion. The Court, for good cause shown,
may grant relief from the waiver.

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(C) The failure to file any response within the time limits and pursuant to this
rule shall constitute a waiver of the right to make a response, but the Court,
for good cause shown, may grant relief from the waiver.

(b) Pre-trial motions.

(1) The following motions shall be filed and heard before trial:

(A) Demurrer to the complaint, indictment or information where the Court
authorizes filing after the entry of plea or where a demurrer is filed before
entry of plea;

(B) Motion to dismiss complaint, indictment or information (e.g. Penal Code
Section 995 or non-statutory motions to dismiss);

(C) Motion under Penal Code Section 1538.5 and other motions to suppress
evidence or for return of property unlawfully seized;

(D) Motion for discovery, including discovery relating to informants claimed to
be material witnesses;

(E) Motion to compel lineup;

(F) Motion to sever or consolidate cases, counts or defendants, if the parties
stipulate that the ruling shall be binding on the trial department;

(G) Any speedy trial motion where grounds exist at the time set herein for
notice;

(H) Motion to challenge the jury selection system;

(I) Motion to reinstate complaint;

(J) Motion to strike or attack the constitutional validity of prior convictions,
enhancements or probation;

(K) Motion to dismiss or for other relief for vindictive prosecution or outrageous
government conduct;

(L) Motion to recuse;

(M) Faretta motion;

(N) Motion to appoint advisory counsel;

(O) Motion to appoint second counsel in capital case;

(P) Motion to disclose surveillance action; and

(Q) Any other motion that does not require for its resolution a ruling on
admissibility of evidence at trial or is not otherwise a common law in limine
trial motion.

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(c) Time and place for notice and hearing of pre-trial motions, and rules for filing and service.

(1) Unless otherwise ordered, all motions and proofs of service shall be filed and
served in accordance with the time limitations set forth in California Rules of Court,

Rule 4.111 and Penal Code Section 1538.5, and shall be set for hearing in the Criminal Department of the appropriate court.

(2) The Court, for good cause or upon the stipulation of the parties with court approval,
may permit motions to be heard at the time of trial.

(3) All pleadings filed in connection with pre-trial motions shall be filed in the
courthouse where the case is pending at the time the motion is filed. All pleadings
shall be served on opposing counsel in his or her regularly assigned office by the
most expeditious means available. If the identity of opposing counsel is not known
when the pleading is filed, the following service rules shall apply: (1) if the case is
being handled by a special unit, the pleading shall be served on the office of the
special unit assigned to the case; (2) in all other cases, the pleading shall be served
on the office of the opposing party closest to the courthouse in which the case is
pending.

(4) In felony cases, any party filing a pleading in connection with a substantive pre-
trial motion shall simultaneously serve the Court’s Research Attorneys in
accordance with the timeframes set forth in Rule 4.111(a) of the California Rules
of Court. Pleadings and exhibits in connection with felony motions shall be served
on the Research Attorneys by email at the following address:
ratts@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

(5) If a felony motion is to be continued or dropped from calendar, counsel for the
moving party shall promptly notify the Court’s Research Attorneys by email and
the Research Attorneys will notify the Judge. If the party opposing a motion is
unable to file pleadings at least five (5) court days before the time scheduled for
the hearing as required by California Rules of Court, Rule 4.111, or as otherwise
required by law, counsel shall notify the Court’s Research Attorneys by email.

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

(d) General procedures for pre-trial motions:

(1) A failure of the moving party to appear when the matter is called may, in the Court's
discretion, cause the matter to be ordered off calendar. In the event of an
unavoidable schedule conflict, the attorney with the conflict can avoid having the
matter dropped by calling the Court and also notifying opposing counsel before the
scheduled hearing and reporting the conflict.

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(2) A motion that has been duly filed may be dropped from calendar up to forty-eight
(48) hours before the appearance date by notifying opposing counsel and the
Court. Within forty-eight (48) hours of the date set for hearing, the moving party
shall appear unless excused by the Court.

(3) No matters will be continued, even by stipulation of the parties, except with the
approval of the Court for good cause shown. Compliance with Penal Code Section
1050 is required unless excused by the Court.

(4)(a) Motions and opposition to such motions shall specifically set forth any evidence,
theories of law and authorities relied on in support or opposition to said motions.
Checklist or “boilerplate” motions will not be considered and may, in the discretion
of the court, cause the matter to be dropped from the calendar.

(4)(b) In addition to the provisions of Rule 4.1(d)(4)(a) motions and oppositions to motions
to suppress evidence filed under Penal Code §1538.5 shall be governed by the
following additional procedural requirements:

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

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

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

4. The raising of new issues in the reply may constitute good cause for
continuance to permit the prosecution to prepare for the hearing; and

5. Available sanctions for noncompliance with Rule 4.1(d)(4)(a) and (4)(b) include
granting the prosecution or defendant a continuance or imposing a fine or
contempt citation on counsel who do not comply.

(e) Motions to be heard by the trial judge.

Except as otherwise ordered, motions not enumerated above as pre-trial motions shall be heard by the Trial Judge. Counsel in cases pre-assigned to a trial department shall submit to the Trial Judge all such motions within three (3) court days before the date is set for trial.

(f) Ex parte applications

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(1) All ex parte applications for orders shortening or extending time shall be presented
in the Criminal Department to which the motion has or will be assigned, with at
least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the opposing party or counsel. Such
applications shall include a written or oral supporting declaration, stating whether
that party has been contacted and has agreed to the requested order or why the
ex parte order should be issued.

(2) Except by order of the Court, upon a showing of good cause, all ex parte
applications seeking to set a matter on shortened time shall provide for moving
papers to be filed and personally served at least five (5) calendar days and for
opposing papers to be filed and served at least two (2) calendar days before the
hearing date. All papers, including opposition and reply papers, filed in motions
brought on an order shortening time, shall be accompanied by a copy of the
proposed order.

(3) Any request for relief from operation of these rules shall be made to the Court, with
a showing of good cause, before the papers are filed.

(g) Motion to withdraw as counsel

An attorney who is appointed or retained to represent a client in a criminal proceeding shall not withdraw from such representation except by filing a substitution of attorney bearing the written consent of the defendant or upon a timely motion and order of the court.

(h) Post-Conviction Motions, Petitions, and Writs of Habeas Corpus

(1) Post-conviction matters relate to pleadings filed by way of motion, petition, and, or
writs of habeas corpus that seek post-conviction relief.

(2) Time and place for notice and hearing of post-trial motions and petitions, and rules
for filing and service.

(A) Unless otherwise ordered, or provided for under the law, all post-trial
motions and petitions and proofs of service shall be filed and served with the
court in accordance with the time limitations set forth in California Rules of
Court, Rule 4.111. All post-conviction writs of habeas corpus shall be filed
with the court in accordance with the habeas corpus procedures set forth in

Rule 4.551.

(B) In felony cases, any party filing a pleading or exhibit in connection with a
substantive post-conviction motion and petition, including a post-conviction
writ of habeas corpus, shall simultaneously serve the Court’s Research
Attorneys by email at: ratts@contracosta.courts.ca.gov

(Rule 4.1 revised effective 1/1/26)

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Rule 4.2. Discovery

Any party asserting a work product or other privilege exception pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.6 or asserting a discovery exception based upon a showing of good cause pursuant to Penal Code Section 1054.7 shall proceed by noticed motion which shall be heard before the first readiness conference.

(Rule 4.2 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.3. Applications on Behalf of Inmates

(a) Application to the Sheriff

Except as otherwise stated in this rule, applications by or on behalf of inmates confined in the county jail, for temporary release from custody, for medical, family emergency, education, employment, and related purposes (i.e. requests for “passes”) shall be made to the Sheriff and not to the Court.

(b) Application to the assigned direct calendar judge

The following applications shall be made to the assigned direct calendar judge: those made pursuant to Sections 4011, 4011.6 and 4011.8 of the Penal Code.

(c) The Court’s power to determine condition of confinement

Nothing in this rule shall affect the Court's power and duty to make proper determinations and orders with respect to allegedly unlawful conditions of confinement in the county jail in a justiciable controversy properly before the Court in connection with a proper petition for writ of habeas corpus, application for modification of probation, or other similar pleading.

(Rule 4.3 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.4. Violations of Probation.

(a) Notification by Probation Officer

In all cases involving persons on probation, the Probation Officer shall promptly notify the Criminal Calendar Department responsible for monitoring that probationer of every violation of law (other than minor traffic offenses) that the Probation Officer reasonably believes the probationer has committed.

(b) Where probation violations are heard

Probation violation hearings in felony cases shall be held in the Criminal Department that presides over the felony probation calendar. Probation violation hearings in misdemeanor cases that originally arose in the Richmond and Pittsburg Branch Courts shall be held in the branch court in which the underlying case arose, in a department designated by that branch court’s Supervising Judge.

(Rule 4.4 revised effective 1/1/24)

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Rule 4.5. Reserved [REPEALED 1/1/18]

Rule 4.6. Relief from Forfeiture of Bail in Misdemeanor and Felony Cases.

(a) Bench warrants upon forfeiture of bail

(1) When a bailed defendant fails to appear, unless personal appearance has been
excused under Penal Code Section 977, or unless the Court grants a continuance
under Penal Code Section 1305.1, bail shall immediately be forfeited and a bench
warrant shall be issued. The bench warrant shall require bail in an amount not
less than the amount of the forfeited bond, and not less than the minimum amount
required for entry into automated warrant index systems. Each warrant shall
contain a notice to the following effect: “Do Not Cite Release -- Bail in Forfeiture.”

(2) If counsel appears for a bailed defendant whose personal appearance is desired
by the Court, and asserts that the defendant’s personal appearance is excused
under Penal Code Section 977, the Court shall order the defendant to personally
appear at a specific date, time and place, pursuant to Penal Code Section
978.5(a)(1). If the defendant does not then appear, bail forfeiture and bench
warrant shall be ordered.

(3) If counsel or the defendant provides the Court with sufficient grounds for a finding
that the non-appearance may be excused under Penal Code Section 1305.1, the
Court shall enter in the record any such finding and may order a reasonable
continuance without immediate forfeiture of bail.

(b) Setting aside forfeiture upon appearance of defendant

(1) An order of bail forfeiture shall be vacated on the Court‘s motion if the defendant
personally appears before the end of the 180-day period defined in Penal Code
Section 1305. Appearance may be by means of arrest on the bench warrant,
“voluntary” or “add-on” appearance, surrender by the bail agent, or other means
(e.g., a dismissal of the case).

(2) If the defendant appears on a new or separate matter and the defendant or bail
agent advised the Court of the forfeited bond, the Court may, in its discretion,
address the bail forfeiture issue on the case in which a bench warrant remains
outstanding. The Court does not assume responsibility for identifying a defendant’s
pending cases involving forfeiture or initiating service of warrants.

(3) Relief from bail forfeiture without the personal appearance of the defendant will be
considered only upon a timely written motion by the bail agent or surety, stating
the specific grounds upon which relief is sought, with not less than ten (10)
calendar days’ notice to both the District Attorney and the County Counsel. A
motion for exoneration of forfeited bail will be treated as a motion for a tolling of
the 180-day period if the grounds asserted are those of temporary disability, as
described in Penal Code Section 1305(e). Repetitive, groundless or otherwise
frivolous motions may result in the imposition of sanctions.

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(4) When the People request dismissal of a case in which bail is in forfeiture, the Court
may, on its own motion, waive the defendant’s personal appearance and may
order forfeiture relief and bail exoneration.

(c) Reinstatement and continuance of bail

After Notice of Forfeiture has been mailed by the clerk, a defendant may be continued on a reinstated bond only with the consent of the bail agent. Consent to reinstatement and continuation of a forfeited bond may be given through personal appearance by the bail agent or in writing, or to a member of the court’s staff by telephone. The Clerk’s Minute Order shall identify the person giving consent to continuation of the bond, and the method of communicating it.

(d) Exoneration of bail after forfeiture

When an order of bail forfeiture has been vacated on a bond that is not to be continued, the Court may, on its own motion and in its discretion, order bail exoneration without the necessity of a motion or appearance by the bail agent.

(Rule 4.6 revised effective 1/1/18)

Rule 4.7. Submitting Sensitive Exhibits

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. (For instance, a syringe shall be packaged by the police agency in a plastic tube.) Any party submitting such items, and anyone arranging transfer of such items, shall notify the exhibits clerk or the courtroom clerk of these objects and about any dangers associated with them.

(Rule 4.7 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 4.8. Withdrawal of Time Waivers in Misdemeanor Cases

A misdemeanor defendant who wishes to withdraw a previous general time waiver must give “proper notice” to the district attorney as required by Penal Code section 1382(a)(3)(A). Such proper notice shall be in writing, addressed and delivered in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the immediate attention of a prosecutor with responsibility for the case, and be given enough in advance to permit the district attorney to ascertain witness availability and the court to set an appropriate trial date accordingly. Two days’ notice shall constitute proper notice. A judge may determine, however, based on the facts of the case, that a lesser time constitutes proper notice.

(Rule 4.8 new effective 1/1/20)

Chapter 2. Felony Direct Calendaring

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Rule 4.10. Direct Calendaring in Felony Matters

Effective January 1, 2021, all felony matters will be subject to the direct calendaring system set forth in this Chapter.

(Rule 4.10 new effective 1/1/21)

Rule 4.11. Arraignments; Assignment for All Purposes

Pre-preliminary hearing arraignments for all in-custody defendants charged in felony matters will occur in the Martinez arraignment department. Out of custody felony arraignments will occur in the location where the case is venued. All felony matters shall be directly assigned to a criminal department judge for all purposes at the time of arraignment. The Presiding Judge may delegate to the judicial officer conducting arraignments the authority to make the assignment as determined by the assignment criteria, including consideration of court resources, or the direction of the Presiding Judge. The assigned judge will oversee the case for purposes through and including trial as resources permit pursuant to Rule 4.12.

(Rule 4.11 revised 1/1/24)

Rule 4.12. Reassignment by Presiding Judge

Nothing in these rules shall be interpreted to prohibit the Presiding Judge, or Assistant Presiding Judge or Supervising Criminal Judge if so designated by the Presiding Judge, to reassign direct-calendared felony cases as permitted by the Rules of Court.

(Rule 4.12 new effective 1/1/24)

Division 2. Infractions

Chapter 1. Infraction Rules

Rule 4.40. Filing

The Clerk's Office of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, Traffic Division shall be responsible for processing all adult and juvenile traffic infractions and non-traffic infractions. No misdemeanors shall be filed in the Traffic Division in the Pittsburg, Richmond, and Walnut Creek Courthouses.

(Rule 4.40 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 4.41. Court Sessions

Regular court sessions for citations and complaints filed in the Traffic Division for both adult and juvenile matters shall be scheduled as required by the Presiding Judge and published by the Court Executive Officer.

(Rule 4.41 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Rule 4.42. Arraignments; Remote Appearance for Arraignments

Except for offenses mandating a court appearance, a defendant may waive his/her right to be arraigned on the violation and enter a plea of not guilty at the court counter. The Clerk will only assign a trial date if the defendant waives their right to a speedy trial, on the form provided by the Clerk. If the defendant requests a trial date within the statutory time requirements of Penal Code §1382, the defendant must be arraigned in open court.

A defendant may request to appear remotely for an arraignment and/or trial. A defendant who requests to appear remotely for an arraignment and trial must fill out Local Court Form TR-128 and submit it to the court in person at least five (5) court days before the due date. If only a request to appear remotely for arraignment was filed, any subsequent request to appear remotely for trial shall be submitted on Local Court Form TR-128 at least five (5) court day before the trial date.

(Rule 4.42 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.43. Demurrers

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. Demurrers shall be heard at the time of the arraignment prior to the entry of a plea.

(Rule 4.43 new effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.44. Withdrawal of Time Waivers in Infraction Cases

A defendant in an infraction matter who wishes to withdraw a previous general time waiver, must give “proper notice” to the district attorney as required by Penal Code section 1382(a)(3)(A). The defendant shall also give notice to the citing officer. Such notice shall be in writing, addressed and delivered in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the immediate attention of the district attorney and the citing officer to permit the officer enough notice to ascertain availability and the court to set a trial date accordingly. Two days’ notice shall constitute proper notice. A judge may determine, however, based on the facts of the case, that lesser times constitute proper notice.

(Rule 4.44 new effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.45. Continuances

Except for continuance of a trial date, on or before the date set or required in any matter, the Clerk shall have the authority to grant the defendant one extension of not more than thirty (30) calendar days.

(Rule 4.45 renumbered effective 1/1/24)

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Rule 4.46. Juvenile Traffic Infraction Matters

All juvenile traffic citation matters will be required for a mandatory appearance pursuant to Penal Code §§ 853.6 and 853.6(a). These citations will not be subject to civil assessment pursuant to Penal Code § 1214.1.

(Rule 4.47 renumbered effective 1/1/24)

Chapter 2. Adjudication of Infraction Matters

Rule 4.60. Trial by Declaration for Traffic Infractions

(a) Trial by Declaration in traffic infractions

The Court adopts the trial by declaration process defined in Vehicle Code § 40902.

(b) Failure to appear or untimely request for action

Pursuant to Vehicle Code § 40903, any person who fails to appear as provided by law may be deemed to have elected to have a trial by written declaration upon any alleged infraction, as charged by the citing officer, involving a violation of the Vehicle Code or any local ordinance adopted pursuant to the vehicle code. If there is no timely request for action and the fines and fees are not paid by the due date, the case may proceed to civil assessment pursuant to Penal Code § 1214.1.

(c) Adjudication pursuant to CVC 40500

In eligible cases the Court will conduct the trial by declaration and it will be adjudicated on the basis of the notice to appear issued pursuant to Vehicle Code § 40500.

(d) Disposition with guilty finding or untimely request for a trial de novo

If there is a guilty finding, the conviction shall be reported to the DMV and the defendant

notified of the disposition of the case, the amount of imposed fines and fees, and the defendant’s right to request a trial de novo within a specified period of time. If there is no timely request for a trial de novo and the fines and fees are not paid by the due date, the case may proceed to civil assessment pursuant to Penal Code § 1214.1.

(Rule 4.60 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.61. Clerks’ Authority in Infraction Cases.

For cases that have not been transferred to court collections, deputy clerks are granted the authority to take the following actions at the request of defendants charged with infraction violations:

(1) Accept not guilty plea and schedule court trial (also see Local Court Rule 4.80, below).

(2) Accept the posting and forfeiting of bail on infraction cases.

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(3) Set trial de novo (must post full bail with cash or certified funds only).

(4) Accept cash, check, credit payment, certified fund if case is in court control.

(5) Schedule same day arraignment calendar.

(6) Accept proof of correction for correctable violations with a $25 proof fee.

(7) Give one time 30-day traffic school extension.

(8) Give one time 30-day first appearance extension.

(9) Issue subpoenas for cases that have a court trial set.

(Rule 4.61 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.62. Prohibited Requests in Traffic Matters

The Court will not grant or authorize deputy clerks to grant any of the following requests from defendants or their counsel:

(1) For the scheduling of a court arraignment or trial after the finding defined in Vehicle Code § 40902.

(2) Remand to county jail in lieu of payment of bail or fines and fees.

(3) To grant subsequent extension, following an initial 30-day extension, of time to pay or to provide proof of completion of community service work or traffic violator school or to provide proof of correction of correctable offense(s).

(4) To grant out-of-state community service work.

(Rule 4.62 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.63 Request for Ability to Pay Consideration and Civil Assessment Waiver

(a) Petition to Reduce or Vacate Civil Assessment

Defendants seeking to reduce or vacate a civil assessment must submit a written petition to the court requesting such relief. Defendants may use Form TR-320 for this purpose.

The petition must be filed in person or by mail to the court location listed on the traffic citation. The petition must include the relevant facts and circumstances leading to the defendant’s failure to appear or pay. Supporting documentation should also be included with the petition.

A judicial officer will review the petition and make a determination as to whether there was good cause for the failure to pay and/or appear. Upon making a determination of good cause, the judicial officer may reduce or vacate the civil assessment. A written copy of the determination will be provided to the defendant.

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A petition to reduce or vacate the civil assessment does not stay any order requiring payment of bail, fines, penalties, fees, or assessments unless specifically ordered by the Court.

(b) Ability-to-Pay Determination

A defendant in a traffic infraction matter may ask the court for an ability-to-pay
determination at adjudication or any time while the assessed fines remain unpaid.
Whether or not making the request at time of adjudication, the defendant will be instructed
to complete Form TR-320.

If an ability-to-pay petition is granted, the court may order the defendant to:

(1) Make installment payments; and/or

(2) Complete community service to satisfy some or all of the assessed fines and fees.

The Court shall consider the burden of community service.

A written copy of the determination will be provided to the petitioner.

(Rule 4.63 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.64. Appeals

(a) The process for filing an appeal in an Infraction case

An appeal is taken by filing with the Clerk in the Traffic Division a written notice of appeal signed by appellant or appellant's attorney. The notice shall be filed within the timeframes provided in Rule 8.902 of the California Rules of Court. Any Notice filed after the expiration of the time prescribed shall be marked by the Clerk "received (date) but not filed," and the Clerk shall advise the filing party that it was not filed because it was late.

(b) The record on appeal for Infraction cases

The Appellate Division elects to authorize the use of the original court file in lieu of a clerk’s transcript as the record on appeal, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 8.910(a)(1)(B) and 8.914.

(c) Authorization to use official electronic recording where available in Infraction cases

The Appellate Division elects to authorize the use of an official electronic recording, where available, as the record of the oral proceeding instead of obtaining a corrected statement on appeal from the judicial officer who presided over the proceeding before the Appellate Division, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 8.916(d)(6)(A).

(Rule 4.64 revised effective 1/1/24)

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Chapter 3. Collections Program for Traffic Infraction Cases

Rule 4.80. Court Collections Program

(a) Collection of Payment Plans

The Defendant may submit Local Court Form TR-123 Written Plea Form and Request for Monthly Payments to plead guilty or no contest to the citation and request a payment plan before the due date on the reminder notice. If the defendant would like to request a payment plan after conviction of the infraction charge(s), the defendant may submit Local Court Form TR-126 Request for Payment Plan. If the TR-123 or TR-126 form is approved, the defendant will be referred to the court’s selected third-party collection agency to schedule a payment plan. If the defendant fails to make minimum monthly payments timely, the case may become delinquent, and the court’s third-party collection agency may take enhanced collections efforts on the case as identified in rule 4.80(b) below.

(b) Collection efforts for delinquent cases

If the defendant fails to pay Court-ordered fines, fees, penalty assessments and

surcharges, the Court will deem the case delinquent. Upon such determination, the Court will refer the case to the Court’s selected third-party collection agency for enhanced collection efforts. The Court and the third-party collection agency may utilize all available collection methods to resolve these unpaid debts, including skip tracing, referral to the Franchise Tax Board Court-Ordered Debt Program for possible wage garnishment, and levy of personal property, and referral to the Franchise Tax Board Interagency Intercept Program for intercept of state tax refunds, unclaimed property, or lottery winnings.

(Rule 4.80 revised effective 1/1/24)

Rule 4.81. Application of Overpayment

Whenever the Court receives an overpayment for an infraction case and the Court determines that the defendant is delinquent on another felony, misdemeanor or infraction case, the Court will apply the overpayment to that case.

(Rule 4.81 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Title Five. Family and Juvenile Rules

Division 1. Family Law Matters

Chapter 1. Family Law Department

Rule 5.0. Application of Rules and Definitions

(a) Application of Rules

These rules apply in all departments of the Contra Costa Superior Court hearing family law matters (Family Law Division). They shall be read and applied in conjunction with the applicable law, including federal and state statutes and the California Rules of Court.

(b) Definitions

(1) California Rules of Court may be referred to as “CRC’s.”

(2) Local Rules shall be referred to as “Local Rule.”

(3) Department of Child Support Services shall be referred to as “DCSS.”

(4) Family Court Services shall be referred to as “FCS.”

(5) Income and Expense Declaration (Judicial Council Form FL-150) may be referred
to as “I&E.”

(c) Self-represented litigants

Attorneys and self-represented litigants (also known as pro per litigants) shall comply with all applicable statutes in addition to these local family law rules and the California Rules of Court.

Self-represented litigants shall be treated in the same manner as if represented by counsel and shall be held to the same standards. All references to counsel in these rules apply equally to self-represented litigants.

(Rule 5.0 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.1. Assignment of Departments and Matters

(a) Matters Assigned to Family Law Division

The following matters shall be heard in the Family Law Division:

(1) Unless otherwise assigned by the Presiding Judge, all matters filed under
the Family Code except those actions filed under:

i. Family Code Division 11;

ii. Family Code Division 12, Parts 4, 5, and 6; and

iii. Family Code Division 13.

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(2) All other matters assigned by the Presiding Judge.

(3) All other matters which are properly brought before a Family Law bench
officer pursuant to an order of the Court.

(Rule 5.1(a) revised effective 1/1/23)

(b) Assignment of departments

(1) The Court designates four or more full-time departments and additional part-time
departments (as resources allow) to serve as the Family Law Division of the Court.
The Presiding Judge shall assign judicial officers to the Family Law Division and
designate one of the judicial officers as the Supervising Judge of the division.

(2) One of the designated departments will operate under the authority of AB 1058
(Stat. 1996, ch. 957). This department will hear all issues described in Family Code
Section 17400, whether or not the action was initially filed by the Department of
Child Support Services (DCSS). Case Management Conferences, Family
Centered Case Resolution Conferences, or Case Status Conferences, as set forth
in Local Rule 5.6, may be heard in this department as assigned by the Supervising
Family Law Judge. Absent stipulation or other court order providing that this
department will also hear any other issues arising in such case (whether or not
filed by DCSS) , such other issues shall be heard in the department to which such
action would be assigned if DCSS were not involved in the case.

(3) The remaining departments will hear all matters filed pursuant to the California
Family Code under a direct calendar system. Cases will be assigned to
departments, utilizing a plan of assignment which the Supervising Judge of the
Family Law Division devises from time to time. These case assignments are
deemed “all-purpose” assignments under Code of Civil Procedure Section
170.6(a)(2).

All matters shall be initially calendared in the appropriate department based on the
“all purpose” assignment. Except in the case of a matter that has shortened time,
the initial hearing date shall be assigned by the Clerk’s Office at the time the matter
is filed.

(4) When there is more than one case filed with respect to a given family, the bench
officer hearing a matter in one of those cases may order the cases consolidated
or coordinated.

(5) Applications for Temporary Restraining Orders and for Restraining Orders After Hearing filed pursuant to the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (Family Code Division 10) may be heard in departments located in designated branch courts. Applications for Temporary Restraining Orders and for Restraining Orders After Hearing shall be filed as set forth in Local Rule 5.2.

(6) All “Custody Order-Juvenile-Final Judgment-Visitation Order-Juvenile” (Judicial
Council Form JV-200/JV-205) containing custody and visitation orders, shall be
filed in existing family law cases or, if no case exists, a new file will be opened. If

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a new file is opened and either parent files a Request for Order to modify custody or visitation, the initial moving party shall be designated the Petitioner and the responding party shall be designated the Respondent. If the “Custody Order- Juvenile-Final Judgment/Visitation Order-Juvenile” of the Juvenile Court contains an order described in Local Rule 5.65(c), then any Request for Order to modify custody or visitation filed within one year of the Juvenile Court’s “Custody Order- Juvenile-Final Judgment/Visitation Order-Juvenile” shall be heard as provided in

Local Rule 5.65(c).

(Rule 5.1(b) revised effective 1/1/231/1/27)

(c) Collaborative law

(1) Collaborative Law Defined

(A) The Court recognizes the unique nature of family law disputes and the fact
that family law issues are best resolved by the parties reaching an
agreement or agreements over critical matters including child custody,
support and property, without engaging in the traditional adversarial
litigation process. The Contra Costa County Superior Court strongly
supports the use of the collaborative law process as well as other alternate
dispute resolution tools for the purpose of developing both short-term and
long-term agreements that meet the best interests of the entire family,
particularly the children.

(2) Standards of Collaborative Law Cases

(A) No case will be entitled to a designation as a “collaborative law” case unless
the parties have signed and filed a collaborative law stipulation.

(B) When a case is designated as a “collaborative law” case, the Court shall
vacate all matters previously set on the Court’s calendar and shall set the
matter for a Case Management Conference no later than one year from the
date of the designation.

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

(D) As to any case designated as a collaborative law case:

(i) The Court will consider collaborative law counsel to be advisory and
not attorneys of record.

(ii) The Court will not impose discovery deadlines or enter scheduling
orders.

(E) The designation of a case as a collaborative law case is voluntary and
requires the agreement of all parties. The collaborative law case
designation will be removed by stipulation or upon the filing and service of

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a termination election as provided in the collaborative law stipulation and
order. The filing by any party of a Request for Case Management, Request
for Order, or other pleading requiring judicial adjudication shall
automatically terminate the collaborative law case designation and a Case
Management Conference will be set.

(Rule 5.1(c)(2)(E) revised effective 1/1/17)

(F) Collaborative law cases are governed by the Family Code, the California
Rules of Court and other applicable California law.

(Rule 5.1(c)(2)(E) revised effective 1/1/17)

(d) Privately Compensated Temporary Judges

(1) Appointment. A “temporary judge” is an attorney appointed by the court upon
stipulation of the parties to decide the case under Article IV, Section 21 of the
California Constitution and in accordance with the California Rules of Court, rules
2.400 and 2.830 through 2.835. Parties must submit the stipulation and proposed
order for appointment of a privately compensated temporary judge to the court.

(2) Filing of Papers and Orders/Scheduling of Proceedings. 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. The party must provide a copy of all filed documents to the
temporary judge. The scheduling of hearings before the temporary judge shall be
arranged by the parties directly with the temporary judge. Signed orders of the
temporary judge shall be filed with the court.

(3) Termination of Appointment. The temporary judge shall remain appointed until
final determination of the case unless otherwise ordered by the court. Upon
completion of the appointment, the temporary judge shall sign and submit a Notice
of Termination of Privately Compensated Temporary Judge Appointment with the
court.

(Rule 5.1(d) new effective 7/1/25)

(Rule 5.1 revised effective 7/1/251/1/27)

Rule 5.2. Obtaining Temporary Restraining Orders /Ex Parte Orders

(a) Application

Requests for Temporary Restraining Orders, Ex Parte Orders, and Emergency Orders shall be presented to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit. The Legal Technician’s Unit will assign the matter based on a plan of assignment as determined by the Supervising Judge of the Family Law Division.

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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. The Court will file all
applications submitted (including applications pertaining to domestic violence) whether or
not temporary orders are issued.

Applications for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order and Responses to an Application
for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order may be submitted either in person, by drop
box, by mail, or through the court’s e-file portal. Refer to the Court’s Restraining Order
webpage [https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/self-help/restraining-ordershttps://www.cc-
courts.org/restraining-orders/restraining-orders.aspx] for more information.

(Rule 5.2(a) revised effective 7/1/21/1/275)

(b) Notice

Except as provided in Family Code Section 6300, unless notice of the application for an ex parte order (including an application for an order shortening time) or a Temporary Restraining Order would result in great or irreparable injury to the applicant before the matter can be heard on notice, the applicant shall give the other party the notice required by law.

(Rule 5.2(b) revised effective 1/1/18)

(c) Requirements

Applications for ex parte orders shall comply with California Rules of Court (Family Law Rules).

(Rule 5.2(c) revised effective 1/1/23)

(d) Minor applicants

If the applicant for Temporary Restraining Orders is a minor under 12 years of age, an

application for appointment of Guardian Ad Litem and order appointing a Guardian Ad Litem shall accompany the application.

(Rule 5.2(d) revised effective 1/1/14)

(Rule 5.2 revised effective 7/1/251/1/27)

Rule 5.3. Orders Shortening Time (OST)

All applications for Orders Shortening Time (OST) for service or for hearing shall be presented as ex parte applications to the Family Law Legal Technician’s Unit. The Legal Technician’s Unit will assign the matter based on a plan of assignment as determined by the Supervising Judge of the Family Law Division.

All ex parte applications for an OST shall be submitted in compliance with the application and notice requirements for ex parte applications as set forth in Local Court Rule 5.2. Before

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submitting an application for an OST, the applicant shall contact the opposing counsel or party and request a list of dates counsel or party is unavailable and include that information with the applicant’s own unavailability on the declaration of notice.

(Rule 5.3 revised effective 1/1/18)

Rule 5.4. Hearings

(a) Duty to meet and confer

Except in cases involving domestic violence, and consistent with the California Rules of Court, BEFORE the date of the hearing relating to a Request for Order (Judicial Council Form FL-300), parties shall meet to discuss all issues raised and make a good faith attempt to settle all issues and exchange all relevant documents and information that will be presented at the hearing.

(Rule 5.4(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Initial hearing

When an initial hearing is set pursuant to a Request for Order or other pleading seeking relief, the initial hearing shall be set on the assigned judicial officer’s short cause calendar. The clerk shall provide the date and time for all initial hearings. All matters set on a short cause calendar are limited to 20 minutes of hearing time.

(Rule 5.4(b) revised effective 1/1/17)

(c) Transfer of a matter in which a hearing will exceed 20 minutes

If, at any time after a Request for Order is filed, the Court determines that the hearing in

the matter will exceed 20 minutes in length, the matter may be continued to another court date that is designed to accommodate long-cause hearings, trials and settlement conferences.

(Rule 5.4(c) revised effective 1/1/18)

(d) Substitution of Counsel

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

(Rule 5.4(d) revised effective 1/1/23)

(e) Continuances

(1) All requests for continuances shall be in writing, except as may be authorized by
the bench officer hearing the case.

(2) Each written request for a continuance shall be accompanied by payment of the
applicable fee or a fee waiver.

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(Rule 5.4(e)(2) renumbered effective 1/1/18)

(3) A request for a continuance shall be made by ex parte application, written
agreement or by stipulation and shall not be granted unless specifically authorized
by the judicial officer to whom the case is assigned or (in that bench officer’s
absence) by the Supervising Judge. Any such stipulation or written agreement
shall be signed by counsel for both sides or, if either side is unrepresented, by that
party. Any request, written agreement or stipulation to continue shall contain facts
showing good cause for the continuance.

(Rule 5.4(e)(3) revised and renumbered effective 1/1/18)

(f) Pleadings

(1) 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. Requests to extend the length of a declaration may be submitted in
advance by ex parte application. Local form FamLaw-131 may be used for such
requests.”

(Rule 5.4(f)(1) revised effective 1/1/276)

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

(Rule 5.4(f)(2) revised effective 1/1/23)

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

(Rule 5.4(f)(3) renumbered effective 1/1/181/1/27)

(4) Unless the Court has granted prior leave for different service time or method, all
moving and responsive pleadings shall be timely filed and served in compliance
with the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure section 1005 or any other applicable
provision of law. The Court may not consider any moving or responsive pleading
that was not timely filed and served.

(Rule 5.4(f)(4) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/18)

(5) Pursuant to Family Code section 217, a party seeking to present live testimony from all witnesses other than the parties shall file and serve all parties with their

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witness list with a brief description of the anticipated testimony. This list shall be
filed and served no less than 14 calendar days before hearing.

(Rule 5.4(f)(5) revised effective 1/1/23)

(6) Evidentiary attachments submitted in support of a Request for Order or in response
to a Request for Order shall not exceed 10 pages in length without prior leave of
Court. The 10-page limit shall not include declarations under CRC 5.111 (a) or
prior orders as required by Local Rule 5.4 (f) (3), or as necessary to support orders
to show cause for contempt or applications for wage assignments or to determine
arrears. Any request for leave to exceed this page limit shall state reasons why
the additional attachments are relevant and necessary and may be submitted in
advance by ex parte declaration. Local Form FamLaw-131 may be used for such
requests.

(Rule 5.4(f)(6) revised effective 1/1/26)

(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.

(Rule 5.4(f)(7) revised effective 7/1/23)

(g) Motions to be relieved as counsel

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.

(Rule 5.4(g) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/18)

(h) Interpreter services

The Court provides interpreters to help non-English speaking parties in family law court
proceedings. The Court’s website explains the procedures for requesting a Court
Interpreter at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/general-information/court-interpreters
www.cc-courts.org/interpreter and parties may also seek assistance from a Clerk of the
Court. A hearing may be delayed or continued to a different date if an interpreter was not
requested sufficiently in advance of the hearing and/or no interpreter is available at the
time of the hearing.

(Rule 5.4(h) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/2718)

(i) Double Pro Per Hearing Days

Each department in the Family Law Division, with the exception of the department designated as the “AB 1058” Department, shall be assigned a “Double Pro Per” short- cause calendar to occur on the same morning day each week. Hearings on a Double Pro Per day are reserved for matters where both parties are self-represented. The Court shall post each department’s designated Double Pro Per day on the court’s website and shall

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notify the Family Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association of each department’s Double Pro Per day no less than once per year.

Except for requests for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and Orders Shortening Time, hearings where one or both parties are represented by counsel shall not be heard on a department’s Double Pro Per day, but shall be continued to the next available non- Double Pro Per calendar date. If counsel enters a case after a hearing is set on a Double Pro Per day or otherwise finds their matter is set on Double Pro Per day, counsel shall contact the department clerk to obtain a continuance before the scheduled hearing date. There will be no fee charged to continue a hearing from a Double Pro Per day to a non- Double Pro Per day.

(Rule 5.4(i) new effective 1/1/19)

(j) Assignment of Hearing Dates

With the exception of motions brought pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 128.7, all other motion hearing dates will be assigned by the Clerk’s Office at the time the motion is filed unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Dates cannot be reserved or given over the telephone.

(Rule 5.4(j) new effective 1/1/19)

(k) Review Hearings

For a review hearing, any update to the Court must be If any party wishes to update the Court for a review hearing, any such update shall be filed and served at least 2 weeks prior to the review hearing unless the Court specifies a different deadline. Any update shall not to exceed five pages in length.

If financial matters are at issue and there have been any significant changes since the last

I&E was filed, or if more than 3 months will have passed between the filing of the last I&E and the review hearing date, each party shall file and serve an updated I&E and include the required attachments that demonstrate the party’s income.

If an update is not filed the court, on its own discretion, may vacate the review hearing.

(Rule 5.4(k) new effective 1/1/231/1/27)

(l) Proof of Service

Unless the Court has granted an order shortening time, proof of service of the moving papers shall be filed no later than 5 court days before the hearing. (CRC 5.94 (b).) If a responding party fails to appear at a hearing and the moving party has not filed proof of timely service, the matter will be taken off calendar or continued to another date to allow for timely service or filing of the proof of service. If a hearing is continued, the moving party shall file proof of timely service of both the moving papers and notice of the continued hearing date.

(Rule 5.4(l) new effective 1/1/23)

(m) Removing Matter from Calendar

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Any stipulation to vacate or continue a hearing shall be filed with the Court, with a courtesy copy provided to the department hearing the matter, at least 3 days before the hearing.

(Rule 5.4(m) new effective 1/1/23)

(Rule 5.4 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.5. Procedures to Complete Dissolution/Legal Separation

(a) Default or uncontested proceeding

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

(Rule 5.5(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Contested proceeding

After a response has been filed and both parties have served their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and filed a Declaration re: Service of Declaration of Disclosure (Judicial Council Form FL-141), either party may file and serve a Request for Case Management Conference (Local Court Form FamLaw-112) with the Court to set the matter for a Case Management Conference. The Request for Case Management Conference will not be accepted for filing until all parties have served their Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure and filed Declaration re: Service of Declaration of Disclosure, or obtained a court order waiving this requirement per Family Code Section 2107. The Court may also set a Case Management Conference at its own discretion.

(Rule 5.5(b) revised effective 1/1/18)

(c) Self-represented parties

Self-represented parties who need assistance in determining the next steps in their cases,
including getting custody orders, support orders, finishing their divorce or other some other
action, may speak with the Family Law Facilitator’s Office during self-help desk or drop-
inlobby hours, by appointment, or through LiveChat. Refer to the Family Law Facilitator’s
webpage [[https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/self-help/family-law-facilitator] ] for more
information, to book an appointment, and to access LiveChat.

(Rule 5.5(c) revised effective 1/1/273)

(Rule 5.5 revised effective 1/1/2718)

Rule 5.6. Case Management Conference (CMC) / Family Centered Case Resolution Conference (FCCRC) / Case Status Conference (CSC)

(a) Case Management Conference statement

No less than 7 calendar days before the date set for the a Case Management Conference (CMC), Family Centered Case Resolution Conference (FCCRC), or Case Status

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Conference (CSC) each party shall file and serve a Case Management / Resolution / Status Conference Statement (Local Court Form FamLaw-113).

(Rule 5.6(a) revised effective 1/1/231/1/27)

(b) Attendance at conference

Parties shall be present at the Case Management Conference or Family Centered Case Resolution Conference (FCCRC)CMC, CSC, or FCCRC unless represented by counsel, in which case, counsel shall appear. Appearance may be in person or remote if timely arranged. The parties or the attorneys shall be fully prepared to discuss identification of disputed issues, the timetable for disposition of the case by settlement or trial, and be sufficiently familiar with the facts of the case so that the Court may make necessary orders.

(Rule 5.6(b) revised effective 1/1/231/1/27)

(c) Orders at Case Management ConferenceCMC or /FCCRC

The parties shall address, if applicable, and the Court may take appropriate action with
respect to the following:

(1) Whether any matters (e.g., the bankruptcy of a party, pending criminal matters
impacting issues in the case, a pending juvenile action concerning a child, or
custody orders from another jurisdiction) affect the Court’s jurisdiction or
processing of the case.

(2) Whether discovery has been completed and, if not, the date by which it will be
completed.

(3) What discovery issues are anticipated.

(4) Whether an issue in the case should be bifurcated or a hearing should be set for
a motion to bifurcate.

(5) A date or dates by which Final Declarations of Disclosure are to be exchanged and
the Declaration of Service of Declaration of Disclosure and Income and Expense
Declarations filed.

(6) Whether to refer the parties to Family Court Services (FCS) in cases in which
custody or visitation (or both) is at issue and no evaluation or private mediation is
pending.

(7) The need for selection and compensation of joint experts by stipulation or motion.

(8) The need for selection and compensation of a Special Master by stipulation or
appointment pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 638 and 639.

(9) The need for an order for attorney fees and costs by stipulation or motion.

(10) A date for Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC).

(11) Whether to set a Recommendation Conference in cases involving child custody
and visitation in cases that have a child custody evaluation pending.

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(12) If a trial date has not been previously set, the date by which the case will be ready
for trial. Each side shall have available at the conference all necessary information
as to unavailable dates as to the parties, their attorneys, and any retained experts.

(13) The estimated length of trial.

(14) Setting a trial date.

(15) Any other matters that should be considered by the Court or addressed in its case
management order.

(16) Whether to set a further Case Management Conference.

(17) Whether to tailor or modify the requirements of Local Rule 5.7(b) as it relates to
the case.

(18) The stipulation of the parties and consent of the Court to place the matter in further
case management pursuant to Family Code sections 2450 and 2451.

(Rule 5.6(c) revised effective 1/1/181/1/27)

(d) Purpose of Conferences

The purpose of these conferences is to allow the court to manage cases from initial filing to final disposition in an effective and timely manner, consistent with California Rules of Court 5.83.

(e) Scheduling of Conferences

(1) A CMC may be set at the request of the parties, or their attorneys, pursuant to
Local Rule 5.5(b), or as ordered by the Court. These may be set earlier than, or in
addition to, the FCCRC or CSC scheduled by the Court.

(2) Unless a final Judgment has been entered, in all dissolution, legal separation,
nullity, and parentage cases, an initial FCCRC or CSC will be set by the court with
notice to the parties, or their attorneys, within 180 days from the date of the initial
filing. If a response to the petition has not been filed, and a default against the
respondent has not been entered, when the notice for an initial FCCRC or CSC is
issued, the petitioner must serve a copy of the notice on respondent.

(3) A CSC is scheduled prior to a FCCRC when both parties are self-represented. A
CSC is conducted by the Family Law Facilitator’s Office (FLF) and attendance is
mandatory.

(4) After the initial CMC / FCCRC / CSC, absent good cause a continued CMC /
FCCRC / CSC will be set every six months until final resolution of the case.

(f) Rescheduling

(1) An agreement that a CMC / FCCRC / CSC be continued or vacated may be made
by submitting a written stipulation signed by both parties, or their attorneys, at least
five court days prior to the date scheduled for the conference.

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(2) The court may grant a request to continue or vacate a CMC / FCCRC / CSC upon
a showing of good cause, which may include certain milestones being met in the
case pursuant to California Rules of Court 5.83.

(3) If the parties have elected to participate in private mediation or the collaborative
law process prior to the conference, they may file a stipulation to vacate the CMC
/ FCCRC / CSC. If the collaborative law process or mediation is unsuccessful, a
party may request a CMC pursuant to Local Rule 5.5(b).

(Rule 5.6 revised effective 1/1/181/1/27)

Rule 5.7. Mandatory Settlement Conference

(a) Calendaring and attendance

The Court may require the parties to participate in a Mandatory Settlement Conference
before a long-cause matter or trial is set or heard. Absent a written court order allowing a
party to appear remotely, both parties and their counsel of record shall personally attend
the Mandatory Settlement Conference. Failure to comply may result in monetary
sanctions, issues sanctions, or both. A Mandatory Settlement Conference may be
continued by the Court for good cause, either on its own motion, upon a timely, properly
noticed motion, or upon a stipulated request.

(Rule 5.7(a) revised effective 1/1/23)

(b) Mandatory Settlement Conference requirements

Unless excused by the trial court, parties ordered to a Mandatory Settlement Conference
with the Court shall comply with the following requirements. Self-represented parties who
participate in the Volunteer Mediator Settlement Program are not required to comply with
these requirements.

(1) At least 14 calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference, the parties
shall:

(A) Exchange written offers of settlement in sufficient specificity to be
enforceable that, if accepted, would resolve all issues remaining in dispute.
Each party shall bring a copy of that party's written proposal to the
settlement conference.

(Rule 5.7(b)(2)(A) revised effective 1/1/23)

(B) Exchange Final Declarations of Disclosure (if not already done).

(2) At least 7 calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement conference, the parties
shall:

(A) File with the Court a Declaration re: Service of Final Declarations of
Disclosure, or alternatively, file a stipulation to waive service of final
declarations of disclosure.

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(Rule 5.7(b)(2)(A) revised effective 1/1/16)

(B) If support or attorney’s fees and costs or other financial relief is at issue,
the parties shall exchange and file updated I&Es, unless the party has filed
an I&E within 90 calendar days of the date of the hearing and there have
been no significant changes in the party's income, assets or expenses.

(Rule 5.7(b)(2)(B) revised effective 1/1/23)

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

(Rule 5.7(b)(2)(C) revised effective 1/1/18)

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

(Rule 5.7(b)(2)(D) revised effective 1/1/15)

(3) At least 5 calendar days before the date of the settlement conference, the parties
and, if they are represented, their counsel, shall meet and confer either in person,
by telephone or as ordered by the Court to attempt in good faith to resolve all
issues. If a restraining order prohibits face-to-face contact between parties, the
parties are not required to meet and confer. If one party is represented by counsel
in a case involving a restraining or protective order that prohibits contact between
the parties, then the attorney and the self-represented party shall comply with this
requirement.
Rule 5.7(b)(3) new effective 1/1/23)

(4) If both parties fail to comply with this Order, then the Court may vacate any pending
trial date. If only one party fails to comply and the other does, the Court may
impose sanctions at the Mandatory Settlement Conference, including but not
limited to issue sanctions and monetary sanctions.

(Rule 5.7(b)(4) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/18)

(c) Trial judge as settlement judge and Volunteer Mediator Settlement Program

(1) The Mandatory Settlement Conference may be conducted by the bench officer assigned to the matter, unless it is otherwise ordered. If any party objects to the assigned judge presiding over the settlement conference, the party shall file a written objection at least 30 calendar days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference so the Court can arrange for a different bench officer to handle the settlement conference or reschedule the settlement conference for a day when a different bench officer is available.

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(Rule 5.7(c)(1) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/23)

(2) In cases where both parties are self-represented, the Court may suggest that the
parties participate in the Volunteer Mediator Settlement Program. In that program,
the settlement mediation is conducted by a neutral attorney who volunteers his/her
time to assist the Court in conducting settlement conferences between self-
represented litigants.
(Rule 5.7(c)(2) revised effective 1/1/23)

(d) Settlements

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

(Rule 5.7 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.8. Recommendation Conference

(a) Purpose and attendance

The purpose of the Recommendation Conference is to receive the report of a custody
evaluator and attempt to resolve custody and visitation issues without trial. Absent a
written court order allowing a party to appear remotely, both parties and their counsel of
record shall personally attend the Recommendation Conference and be prepared to
discuss the recommendations of the Evaluator. Failure to comply may result in monetary
sanctions, issues sanctions, or both. If the parties are unable to resolve custody and
visitation issues without trial, the Court may, at the Recommendation Conference, make
interim orders pending trial.

(Rule 5.8(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Timing

Recommendation Conferences are set based on the expectation that the evaluation will be prepared and submitted to the parties and counsel at least 10 calendar days before the Recommendation Conference. Should the Evaluator determine that it will not be possible to prepare the evaluation report by that time, said Evaluator shall forthwith notify both counsel, or party (if self-represented) and provide to counsel or the self-represented party a date by which the Evaluator expects the report will be done. Counsel or the self- represented party shall notify the Court promptly, either in writing or by telephone conference call. Based on the Evaluator’s notice of inability to complete the report timely, the Court may re-set the date of the Recommendation Conference.

(Rule 5.8(b) revised effective 1/1/23)

(Rule 5.8 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.9. Trials

(a) Long cause matters

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These rules apply to any trial set on the long cause trial calendar and, as determined by the Court, to any long cause hearings.

(Rule 5.9(a) revised effective 1/1/13)

(b) Trial setting

(1) Matters may be set for trial at a Case Management Conference/Family-Centered
Case Resolution Conference, at a hearing on a Request for Order, at a Settlement
Conference, or at a Recommendation Conference.

(Rule 5.9(b)(1) revised effective 1/1/18)

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

(Rule 5.9(b)(2) revised effective 1/1/17)

(c) Continuances

Trials may only be continued by the bench officer who will try the case. Any motion for a continuance shall be made in a timely manner, and for good cause.

(Rule 5.9(c) revised effective 1/1/18)

(d) Case Management Order / Family Centered Case Resolution Conference Order

The Court may issue and amend from time to time, an appropriate Case Management/Family-Centered Case Resolution Conference Order or Pre-Trial Order to regulate pre-trial and trial proceedings and to set forth a schedule for the submission of papers such as briefs, documents, forms, and exhibits.

(Rule 5.9(d) revised effective 1/1/18)

(e) Evidence Code section 730 experts

(1) The Court encourages mutually agreed upon experts, especially for such issues
as custody evaluations, business valuations, business cash flow analyses (when
relevant to support), real estate valuations, stock option calculations and tax
consequences. In the absence of a mutually agreed upon expert, the Court may
appoint its own expert under Evidence Code Section 730.

(2) If one or more written reports are issued by such an expert, copies of all such
reports shall be transmitted to each counsel or unrepresented party at least 30
calendar days before trial.

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(3) If a 730 expert's written report was prepared and will be offered at trial, and either
counsel or an unrepresented party demands the right to cross-examine the expert
at trial with respect to the matters in the report, that party shall be responsible for
arranging for the attendance of the expert at trial. The party shall make such
arrangements at least 5 calendar days after being served with a copy of the report
or 45 calendar days before trial, whichever occurs later. If there is no written report
of the expert, the party intending to call the expert at trial shall be responsible for
making the witness available on the day of trial.

(Rule 5.9(e) revised effective 1/1/23)

(f) Reporter’s fees

(1) As of the effective date of these rules, court reporters shall be assigned in Family
Law Departments. Consult the “Court Reporters: Notice of Availability” on the
Court’s website for the current status and any changes. There will be no official
record of the proceedings unless a court reporter is provided pursuant to Local
Rule 2.53 or a party who desires an official record makes arrangements for a
private certified court reporter as set forth in Local Rule 2.52.

(2) Parties shall be responsible for all transcript costs pursuant to Government Code
Section 69953.

(Rule 5.9(f) revised effective 1/1/20)

(g) Removing Matter from Calendar

Any stipulation to vacate or continue a trial shall be filed with the Court, with a courtesy copy provided to the department hearing the matter, at least 5 days before the trial.

(Rule 5.9(g) new effective 1/1/23)

(Rule 5.9 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.10. Preparation and Presentation of Orders

(a) Proposed orders entered at hearing

The Court may consider signing, at the time of hearing, proposed orders attached to the moving or responsive papers or those orders prepared by either party in court immediately following the hearing. Parties are therefore encouraged to submit proposed orders with their moving or responsive papers.

(Rule 5.10(a) revised effective 1/1/15)

(b) Orders submitted after hearing

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

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court reporter was present at the hearing, and the parties cannot comply with the timing
requirements of Rule 5.125 because they require a transcript of the proceedings to resolve
disputes over the form of order, the parties shall advise the bench officer that the transcript
has been ordered and the expected date of availability of the transcript. If an attorney,
even if appearing in limited scope, has been ordered by the court to prepare an Order
After Hearing, the attorney must submit the order before a substitution of attorney is filed,
or before an order to be relieved as counsel is granted. Failure to submit Orders After
Hearing in accordance with Rule 5.125 may result in the imposition of sanctions.

(Rule 5.10(b) revised effective 1/1/231/1/27)

(c) Stipulations

All agreements, stipulations, or agreed-upon orders reached before hearing shall be in writing, signed by all parties and counsel (where applicable) and submitted to the Court for signature before the hearing on the matter begins. Stipulations shall not be recited in open court, except at the discretion of the bench officer.

(Rule 5.10(c) revised effective 1/1/18)

(d) Submission of earning assignment orders and income withholding orders

A copy of the judgment or current order for child, partner, spousal or family support shall be submitted with any proposed earning assignment order or income withholding order. In addition, copies of proposed earnings assignment orders or income withholding orders that will be returned to the requesting party, or his/her attorney, after filing shall be provided.

(Rule 5.10(d) new effective 1/1/18)

(Rule 5.10 revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

Rule 5.11. Judgments

(a) Judgment requirements

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

(Rule 5.11(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Use of judgment checklist form

For Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation cases, parties shall use the Judgment Checklist-Dissolution/Legal Separation (Judicial Council Form FL-182). For Parentage cases, parties may refer to the Parentage Judgment Checklist (Local Court Form FamLaw-013b).

(Rule 5.11(b) revised effective 1/1/181/1/27)

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(c) Notarized signatures of self-represented parties to judgment

If the parties submit a signed default judgment (“default with Agreement”), the signature

of the defaulting party shall be notarized.

(Rule 5.11(c) revised effective 1/1/18)

(d) Approval of Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)

If DCSS is providing services in a case, a proposed judgment shall not be submitted

without DCSS's written approval of the child support provisions of the judgment.

(Rule 5.11(d) revised effective 1/1/18)

(e) Relief Requested in True Default

In a True Default, relief may not exceed the relief requested in the operative petition.

(Rule 5.11(e) revised effective 1/1/18)

(f) Judgment Processing

All default and uncontested judgments for dissolution or legal separation will be processed in the order in which they are received. If there are emergency circumstances that necessitate a judgment be processed sooner, a party may file a declaration explaining the basis for their request to expedite processing, with proof substantiating the emergency attached, and submit along with their proposed judgment to the Legal Technicians at the Ex Parte Window. (Local Form FamLaw-34 may be used for this purpose.)

(Rule 5.11(f) new effective 1/1/24)

(Rule 5.11 revised effective 1/1/241/1/27)

Rule 5.12. Appointment of Elisor

Where one of the parties will not or cannot execute a document necessary to carry out a court order, the clerk of the court, or the clerk’s authorized representative or designee may be appointed as an elisor to sign the document. An application for appointment of an elisor may be made ex parte. When applying for an appointment of an elisor, the application and proposed order must designate ‘The Clerk of the Court or Clerk’s Designee’ as the elisor and indicate for whom the elisor is being appointed and in what capacity they are to sign the document. The application must not set forth a specific court employee.

The order must expressly identify the document being signed and a copy of the document must be 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. The declaration supporting the application must include specific facts establishing the necessity for the appointment of the elisor. If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present when the elisor signs the document(s).

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(Rule 5.12 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.13. Confidentiality

(a) Placement of confidential documents

Certain documents are required to be kept confidential. They shall be placed in the confidential portion of the court file and may not be disclosed to anyone except in accordance with law.

(Rule 5.13(a) revised effective 1/1/23)

(b) Substance abuse assessment reports

Substance abuse assessment reports shall be placed in the confidential portion of the court file.

(Rule 5.13(b) revised effective 1/1/15)

(c) Confidentiality of social security number

If any document filed with the Court or offered as evidence contains a social security

number, that number shall be redacted by the party offering the document before it is filed with the Court or marked as an exhibit.

(Rule 5.13(c) revised effective 1/1/18)

(Rule 5.13 =revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.14. Family Law Facilitator

(a) Facilitator services pursuant to Family Code Section 10004-10005

In addition to other services and duties, the Family Law Facilitator shall comply with the requirements of state law and perform the services set out in Family Code Section 10004, consistent with funding restrictions and priorities for service that are periodically set by the Court.

(Rule 5.14(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Additional duties

If the foregoing has been accomplished, the Family Law Facilitator may also perform

additional duties as referenced in Family Code Section 10005.

(Rule 5.14(b) revised effective 1/1/18)

(Rule 5.14 renumbered and revised effective 1/1/18)

Rule 5.15. Temporary Spousal or Partner Support

(a) Discretionary guideline

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The Court shall use the formula contained in the Local Rules of the Superior Court of Alameda County (Alameda Superior Court, Local Rule 5.70) as its discretionary guideline for temporary spousal support or partner support in marital and domestic partnership dissolution cases.

(Rule 5.15(a) revised effective 1/1/18)

(b) Adjustment for tax consequences

In domestic partnership cases, the Court will adjust the formula to account for tax treatment under state and federal laws if necessary.

(Rule 5.15(b) revised effective 1/1/15)

(Rule 5.15 renumbered and revised effective 1/1/18)

Rule 5.16. Presence of Children in Courtroom

(1) Unless a child whose custody or visitation is at issue and has been given court
permission to address the court or testify per Family Code section 3042 and
California Rule of Court, rule 5.250, that child shall not be present in the assigned
courtroom while the matter is being heard, unless the judicial officer has
specifically given permission for the child to be present.

(Rule 5.16 renumbered effective 1/1/19)

Rule 5.17. Family Court Services Appointments (Mediation, Information Gathering and Child Custody Recommended Counseling)

(a) Good faith effort to reach agreement

Except in those cases where domestic violence or other restraining orders have been issued or are pending hearing, or where there are allegations of child abuse or neglect currently under investigation, all parties shall make a good faith effort to arrive at an agreement regarding child custody and visitation before contacting Family Court Services to schedule appointments and before the court hearing.

(Rule 5.17(a) revised effective 7/1/18)

(b) Types of Family Court Services Appointments.

Confidential Mediation (Tier I below) shall be made available in all cases in which child
custody counseling/visitation is at issue; the remaining services, including any additional
Tier I appointments, shall be scheduled at the discretion of and as directed by the family
law judicial officer according to the needs of the case (Family Code section 3170).

(1) Confidential Mediation (Tier I). Tier I referrals provide confidential mediation for
families who have been unable to reach an agreement regarding custody,
parenting time, and/or visitation.

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(a) In most cases, parties must attend Tier I confidential mediation before a judicial
officer will consider a higher tier process. In an appropriate case, the judicial officer
may order a referral of the parties to expedited or emergency child custody
recommending counseling (Tier III) without first attending confidential mediation
(Tier I).

(b) Children shall not participate in Tier I unless directed by the court, the Family
Court Services administrator, or the Family Court Services mediator (Family Code
section 3180).

(c) Tier I is confidential except that the mediator shall report any suspected child
abuse, elder abuse, if someone is a danger to themselves or others, and/or if the
mediator receives information that a parent has committed or intends to commit a
serious crime (Penal Code section 11166).

(Rule 5.17(b)(1) revised effective 1/1/23)

(2) Information Gathering (Tier II). Tier II referrals are for the purpose of gathering
information. A judicial officer has the discretion to include any specific areas of
inquiry in a Tier II referral including, but not limited to, contact with law enforcement,
contact with Child Protective Services, and interviews with the child(ren) or other
collateral contacts. A Tier II summary report shall be submitted to the court. The
confidentiality of Tier II sessions is limited because a report is provided to the court.

(Rule 5.17(b)(2) revised effective 1/1/19)

(3) Child Custody Recommending Counseling (Tier III). Tier III referrals are child
custody recommending counseling sessions. If an agreement is reached, the child
custody recommending counselor will document the agreement. Otherwise, the
child custody recommending counselor will prepare a summary report and submit
a recommendation to the court, the litigants and the litigants’ attorney(s). The
confidentiality of Tier III sessions is limited because a report is provided to the
court.

(4) If parties are later referred to Tier II or Tier III, the Tier I mediator will not be
assigned to conduct Tier II or Tier III in the absence of unusual circumstances as
determined by the Manager of Family Court Services or order of the court after a
hearing before a judicial officer.

(Rule 5.17(b) revised effective 1/1/19)

(c) Arranging for a Family Court Services Appointment

(1) Upon the filing of the Request for Order or Domestic Violence Restraining Order involving a custody/visitation, the parties shall complete the family court services online orientation program located on the court’s website and shallcall and arrange for an appointment with Family Court Services. Requests for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders involving custody/visitation may be set for mediation at the first hearing on the matter.

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(2) Parties are to complete the online Family Court Services orientation program and
submit a completed intake form at least 5 days prior to their Family Court Services
appointment. class at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-and-
children/online-orientationwww.cc-courts.org/onlineorientation (English) or
www.cc-courts.org/orientacionenlinea (Spanis.h). Parties shall complete the
orientation at least 5 days prior to their Family Court Services appointment. The
purpose of orientation is to provide the parties with information about the Court
process, with knowledge of collaborative parenting plan development, child rearing
in multiple homes, the impacts of domestic violence, and children’s developmental
needs as related to post-separation parenting arrangements. If it is necessary for
a party to complete orientation in a language other than English or Spanish, the
party shall call the Family Court Services Office to make alternate arrangements.
Sanctions and/or fees may be imposed for failure to complete the online
orientation.

(23) If parties have participated in a Family Court Services appointment within the
previous six months, Family Court Services shall direct the parties to first attend
their court hearing before an appointment will be scheduled, unless Family Court
Services is otherwise ordered by a judge to immediately schedule an appointment.
In their discretion, judges may direct Family Court Services to not schedule an
appointment if parties have completed an appointment within 12 months prior to a
court hearing.

(34) If a party is requesting a “move-away” order, the moving party is strongly
encouraged to specifically state that request in the moving papers. A Mediator’s
or Child Custody Recommending Counselor’s ability to address a “move-away”
request in custody counseling may be significantly limited unless a request for a
“move-away” order is specifically stated in a party’s moving papers.

(45) If the custody or visitation hearing is scheduled before the Family Court Services
appointment, and the case does not involve current domestic violence, criminal or
other protective order, the parties may agree to request a continuance of the
hearing by completing and filing a Stipulation and Order Re: Continuance of Court
Hearing to a Date After the Family Court Services Appointment (Local Court Form
FamLaw-230). No fee is due with the filing of this form.

(56) Meeting separately. A party who has a restraining order or alleges under penalty
of perjury that they have been a victim of domestic violence, even though there is
no current restraining order, may request to meet separately.

(76) Support Persons. Protected parties or parties who allege domestic violence may
have a support person in the session. The support person must be at least 18
years of age and cannot be the attorney of record for either party, a new significant
other, or an adult child of the parties. These exclusions are to prevent persons
acting as an advocate and to prevent a disruption of the mediation process,
pursuant to California Rules of Court 5.215. The support person must sign a Family
Court Services form agreeing to keep the session confidential. The support person
is for emotional support and is not present to speak or offer comments during the

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session, nor to offer advice to the parent. If the support person is disruptive to the
session, the counselor will exclude the support person.

(78) Appearances. Mediation appointments may be set in-person or remotely via
telephone or video at the discretion of Family Court Services and the Court. Parties
shall appear as ordered. If the party appears remotely, the party shall join the
remote video session and/or place the telephone call to Family Court Services at
the time of the appointment. Parties will be expected to verify their identity when
checking in for their mediation appointment.

(Rule 5.17(c) revised effective 1/1/2723)

(d) Agreements

(1) Agreements reached prior to scheduling mediation. If the parties reach a
complete agreement regarding custody and visitation before scheduling a Family
Court Services appointment, they shall submit a written stipulation to the Court and
they do not need to contact Family Court Services. Self-represented parties may
obtain assistance from the Family Law Facilitator’s Office for guidance in preparing
a stipulation. Hours of service and location for the Family Law Facilitator’s Office
are available on the court’s website at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/self-
help/family-law-facilitator. www.cc-courts.org/family/flf.aspx.

(2) Agreements reached after scheduling mediation. If the parties reach a
complete agreement regarding custody and visitation after they have scheduled
their appointment, the parties shall submit a written stipulation to the Court and
both parties shall contact Family Court Services, or provide a filed copy of the
stipulation, to cancel existing appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
Sanctions and/or fees may be imposed on any party that fails to contact Family
Court Services to cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.

(3) Full or partial agreement reached during mediation. If the parties reach an
agreement during mediation regarding all or some of the custody and visitation
issues, the Family Court Services mediator shall prepare the written agreement
and send copies to the parties and attorneys of record, and submit the original to
the Court. If there are no other issues remaining to be decided, the parties may
advise the mediator that the Court hearing should be vacated and that the
agreement be adopted by the Court as an order. The Court will then file and send
a copy of the filed order to the parties.

(Rule 5.17(d) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/273)

(e) Ex parte CommunicationConfidentiality in Family Court Services Appointments

All Family Court Services appointments shall be held in private, and all communications from the parties and from third party contacts to the Mediator /or Child Custody Recommending Counselor shall be deemed official information within the meaning of Evidence Code Section 1040. The Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor

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may exclude aAttorneys are excluded from the Family Court Services appointments in the sole discretion of the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor.

(Rule 5.17(e) renumbered and revised effective 7/1/181/1/27)

(f) Ex parte communication with Family Court Services Mediators and Child Custody Recommending Counselors

Neither party may contact the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor prior to
their appointment. Except in cases where separate mediation has been requested,
pursuant to Local Rule 5.17(c), Aall communication between Family Court Services
Mediators / and Child Custody Recommending Counselors and the parties/attorneys shall
be by telephone conference or in writing, with copies sent to the other party/attorney, even
where the Mediators and Child Custody Recommending Mediator/Child Custody
Recommending Counselor initiates the communication. If the communication is in writing,
the party submitting the writing shall send it to the parties/attorneys simultaneously and
by the same method (i.e., fax, mail or email). Email and faxes shall also be copied to all
parties/attorneys. In urgent circumstances or when the Mediator/Child Custody
Recommending Counselor is unable to set up a telephone conference with the
parties/attorneys and there is insufficient time to correspond in writing with both
parties/attorneys, the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor may initiate
contact with one party/attorney for the purpose of clarifying information or obtaining
additional information for a status report. In sessions held separately due to domestic
violence, or where an ex parte communication occurs due to urgent circumstances as set
forth herein, Tthe Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor shall disclose such
ex parte communication to the other party/attorney if this occurs. Questions regarding
scheduling or other procedural matters may be discussed with the Family Court Services
clerical staff.

(Rule 5.17(f) revised effective 1/1/221/1/27)

(g) Documents Provided to Family Court Services. FCS is not obligated to retain any documents provided to FCS by the parties or other collateral sources. Although the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor has the discretion to temporarily retain supplemental documents, all supporting documents will be destroyed, in a confidential manner, by FCS staff at the conclusion of the mediation/child custody recommending counseling services and FCS will not provide copies of supplemental documents to the Court or to the other party on the case.

(h) Family Court Services Complaint Process

(1) At the earliest possible time, and no later than 10 days from receipt of the Family Court Services Report, or within 10 days of a Tier 1 confidential mediation where no report is provided 5 court days before the custody/visitation hearing, a party may file lodge a written complaint with Family Court Services, in the form of a declaration signed under penalty of perjury, specifying alleged misconduct of a Mediator/Child

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Custody Recommending Counselor, using the appropriate Local Form. Local Form
FamLaw-XXX shall be used for this purpose. A copy of the declaration complaint
shall be served provided toon the other party. and a proof of service shall be filed.
The party shall also provide a copy of the declaration to the Manager of Family
Court Services. The other party may file a written response within 10 days of
receiving the complaint using the appropriate Local Form. Local Form FamLaw-
XXX shall be used for this purpose. A copy of the response shall be served provided
toon the other party. and a proof of service shall be filed before the next hearing
date. The responding party shall also provide a copy of the written response to the
Manager of Family Court Services. The parties shall include proof of the complaint
or response being provided to the other party when submitting it to Family Court
Services and may use a proof of service to do so. The Manager of Family Court
Services shall investigate the complaint and respond in writing to the complainant
and the responding party.

(2) No change of counselor will be granted unless there is substantial showing that the
counselor is biased or prejudiced against one of the parties or is unable to render a
fair and impartial recommendation.

(3) All complaints and responses to complaints regarding the mediation proceedings
shall be maintained in the court’s internal file. They will not be part of the court
record and shall be deemed official information within the meaning of Evidence
Code Section 1040, pursuant to Family Code Section 3177.

(Rule 5.17(g) renumbered and revised effective 1/1/23/1/27)

(i) Child Custody Recommending Counselors as Witnesses

In lieu of a subpoena and appropriate fee as described in California Government Code section 68097.2, should a party wish to compel the appearance of a Family Court Services Child Custody Recommending Counselor as a witness at a custody/visitation trial, the party can notify Family Court Services in writing that the Custody Counselor's testimony is required. The notice shall state the date and time of the hearing, and the time when the Custody Counselor is expected to be called as a witness and shall be provided to Family Court Services at least 5 court days before the hearing date. A non-refundable check in the appropriate amount as described in California Government Code Section 68097.2 shall accompany the written request for the Child Custody Recommending Counselor’s appearance.

(Rule 5.17(h) renumbered 1/1/23)

(j) Second Confidential Mediation (Tier I), Information Gathering (Tier II) or Child Custody Recommending Counseling (Tier III) Appointment on a Current Motion

(1) Parties who are ordered to return to Family Court Services for a second Tier I, Tier
II or Tier III Family Court Services appointment on a current motion may be
charged a fee for such return services in the amount of $250.

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(2) Where parties attend Family Court Services appointment, reach an agreement,
subsequently rescind the agreement, and then wish to return or are ordered to
return to Family Court Services for an additional appointment, Family Court
Services may charge a fee as set forth in subsection (1) above.

(Rule 5.17(i) renumbered effective 1/1/22)

(k) Family Court Services Reports and Recommendations

(1) When a child Child custody Custody recommending Recommending counselor
Counselor completes a Tier II Information Gathering Appointment, the child Child
custody Custody recommending Recommending counselor Counselor shall
prepare a written report but will not include any recommendations. The report shall
be filed submitted to the parties and to the Family Law Department hearing the
matter. The department shall file the report in a the confidential portion of the Court
file. Pursuant to the Standing Order of the Presiding Judge of this Court, use of
this document shall be limited to the pending litigation and no person who has
access to the document shall disseminate or disclose its contents to any person
not entitled to access, nor shall the parties attach such document to any pleading
in this or any other litigation or proceeding. Substantial sanctions shall be imposed
upon any party who violates this order, whether intentionally, by mistake or by
accident.

(2) When the parties do not reach an agreement during a Tier III Child Custody
Recommending Counseling Appointment, the Child Custody Recommending
Counselor shall prepare a written Status Rreport that includes the Child Custody
Recommending Counselor’s recommendations. The report shall be submitted to
the parties and to the Family Law Department hearing the matter. The department
shall file the report filed in a the confidential portion of the Court file. Pursuant to
the Standing Order of the Presiding Judge of this Court, use of this document shall
be limited to the pending litigation and no person who has access to the document
shall disseminate or disclose its contents to any person not entitled to access, nor
shall the parties attach such document to any pleading in this or any other litigation
or proceeding. Substantial sanctions shall be imposed upon any party who
violates this order, whether intentionally, by mistake or by accident.

(3) Persons entitled to access the report and the information contained in the report
are limited to the parties, their attorneys, federal or state law enforcement, judicial
officers, necessary court employees, and minor’s counsel, except upon order of
the Court.

(Rule 5.17(j) renumbered and revised effective 7/1/181/1/27) (l) Private Mediator

Parties may jointly agree to retain a private mediator pursuant to Family Code section 3164. The parties shall complete and submit to the court the Stipulation and Order for Private Child Custody Recommending Counselor (local court Form FamLaw-300) for approval. Within 10 court days of receiving the order of appointment by the court, the private mediator shall file and serve on all parties the Consent to Appointment as Private

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Confidential Mediator or Child Custody Recommending Counselor and Declaration Regarding Qualifications (local court Form FamLaw-301).

(Rule 5.17(k) renumbered effective 1/1/22)

(Rule 5.17 revised effective 1/1/221/1/27)

Rule 5.18. Child Custody Evaluations

(a) Court ordered evaluations

All evaluators appointed by the Court to conduct child custody and visitation evaluations, whether by stipulation or otherwise, shall be appointed under Evidence Code Section 730.

(Rule 5.18(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Evaluator selection

Where the parties are unable to agree on an evaluator to conduct the custody evaluation, the Court shall select an evaluator for the parties in a manner as determined by the Court. If the Evaluator appointed by the Court does not accept the appointment, the parties or their attorneys shall contact the Court and request the appointment of a different evaluator.

FCS will maintain a list of private child custody evaluators who have represented that they meet the training and education requirements of California Rules of Court, Rules 5.225 and 5.230. This list shall be available on the Court’s website.

(Rule 5.18(b) revised effective 7/1/251/1/27)

(c) Private Child Custody Evaluator List

FCS Family Court Services will maintain a list of private child custody evaluators who have represented that they meet the training and education requirements of California Rules of Court, Rules 5.225 and 5.230. This list shall be available on the Court’s website.

A private child custody evaluator may be added to the list upon submission of a completed Service Provider Application (Local Court Form FamLaw-132) with a completed Declaration of Private Child Custody Evaluator Regarding Qualifications (form FL-326) to Family Court Services. To be maintained on the list, the private child custody evaluators must submit completed forms FamLaw-132 with FL-326 to Family Court Services annually, by January 30th of every year thereafter.

Private child custody evaluators are not required to attach copies of the certificates of completion for any required training when submitting the form FL-326 but shall maintain a copy for their records.

(Rule 5.18(c) added effective 1/1/27)

(d) Custody evaluation requirements

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An Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator (Judicial Council Form FL-327) shall be filed and given to the Evaluator before the evaluation begins. The Evaluator shall file a Declaration of Private Child Custody Evaluator Regarding Qualifications (Judicial Council Form FL-326). Each party and each party’s counsel shall follow the procedures set forth in the Order Appointing Child Custody Evaluator. The Evaluator shall comply with the requirements of California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220.

(Rule 5.18(cd) revised renumbered effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(e) (d) Scope of the evaluation

When appropriate, in the interest of saving the parties’ time, expense and stress, the evaluation may be limited in scope (focused evaluation) to the question or questions that the Court requires answered.

(Rule 5.18(de) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/01)

(f) (e) Challenge of the evaluator

No peremptory challenge to an evaluator shall be allowed. Parties may raise objections to a specific evaluator during the selection process. Parties may object to the conclusions of the report when the report is submitted to the Court, and may bring other appropriate expert testimony to object to the conclusions. (California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220(d)(1).)

(Rule 5.18(ef) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(g) (f) Withdrawal from a case

A private evaluator may withdraw from a case upon a showing of good cause to the trial court making the appointment.

(Rule 5.18(fg) renumbered new effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(h) (g) Information from children

The Court relies on the judgment of its experts in making decisions about when, how often, and under what circumstances children are interviewed. The expert shall be able to justify the strategy used in any particular case. Children will be informed that the information provided by the child will not be confidential before beginning the interview. (California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220(d)(2).)

(Rule 5.18(gh) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/17)

(i) (h) Impartial expert

The court-appointed evaluator shall be impartial. Evaluators should include in-person interviews of both parents or guardians, unless geographical distance or other factors make in-person interviews impractical. In such instances, attorneys, parties and the expert shall make reasonable accommodation to assure that the expert has received adequate information about all parents, guardians, or parties.

(Rule 5.18(hi) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

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(j) (i) Grievance procedure

If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of

the Evaluator during the course of the evaluation, the party may discuss the complaint with the Evaluator directly in order to handle misunderstandings.

Complaints or grievances concerning the Evaluator will not be considered by the Court until after the evaluation is completed, at the Recommendation Conference. All such complaints and grievances must be submitted to the bench officer hearing the matter at least 15 calendar days before the Recommendation Conference, with copies to the Evaluator and all other parties. The Evaluator shall submit a written response to all issues raised in the written complaint to the bench officer hearing the matter at least 2 calendar days before the Recommendation Conference, with copies to all parties. The bench officer will address the complaint at the time of the Recommendation Conference. If the party submitting the complaint objects to the bench officer’s resolution of the complaint, the complaint or grievance shall become an issue at trial.

(Rule 5.18(ij) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/23)

(k) (j) Expectation of settlement

The parties and the attorneys should make a good faith attempt to settle the custody and visitation disputes before the Recommendation Conference and any subsequent trial. Settlement efforts may include joint meet and confer conferences between the parties and counsel unless potential harm exists from this process. (Rule 5.18(jk) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/16)

(l) (k) Continuing effort

The Court may ask the Evaluator to continue to be available to the family to help resolve problems with any order made following the Evaluator’s recommendations.

(Rule 5.18(kl) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/16)

(m) (l) Payment of the evaluation

The Court shall make orders concerning payment of the Evaluator at the time of the appointment. The Evaluator may not withhold a report from the Court because of the parties’ failure to pay. Either party or the appointed custody evaluator may file a Request for Order regarding unpaid custody evaluator fee(s).

(Rule 5.18(lm) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(n) (m) Evaluation report

(1) The Evaluator shall prepare and submit both an evaluation report and recommendations to the parties, counsel, and the Court. The Department hearing the matter shall secure the evaluation report in a confidential portion of the Court file. Pursuant to the standing Order of the Presiding Judge of this Court, use of this document shall be limited to the pending litigation and no person who has access to the document shall disseminate or disclose its contents to any person

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not entitled to access, nor shall the parties attach such document to any pleading
in this or any other litigation or proceeding. Substantial sanctions shall be imposed
upon any party who violates this order, whether intentionally, by mistake or
inadvertence.

(2) Persons entitled to access the report and/or the information contained in the report
are limited to the parties, their attorneys, federal or state law enforcement, judicial
officers, necessary court employees, and minor’s counsel, except upon order of
the Court.

(Rule 5.18(mn) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(o) (n) Ex parte communication with evaluator

No party or attorney for a party shall initiate one-sided contact with the Evaluator, either orally or in writing before the first appointment of the initiating party except for the purpose of setting up that first appointment. Parties may initiate one-sided contact with the Evaluator after the first appointment of the party initiating the contact. The Evaluator may contact any party at any time. Attorneys may initiate contact after the first appointment of a party only by conference call or in writing copied to the other party. Contact may be made to arrange appointments without the necessity of a conference call.

(Rule 5.18(no) renumbered revised effective 1/1/271/1/18)

(Rule 5.18 renumbered and revised effective 7/1/251/1/27)

Rule 5.19. Court Communication for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders (Adopted Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 5.445)

(a) Communication between the Criminal, Family, Juvenile and Probate Courts

(1) Before requesting a Criminal Protective Order involving a defendant and a victim
or witness who have a relationship as defined in Family Code Section 6211, the
District Attorney shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether there are any
children of the relationship, whether there are any Family, Juvenile, or Probate
Court orders for custody/visitation for those children, and whether there are any
existing protective/restraining orders involving the defendant, the protected
person, and/or the children. The District Attorney shall advise the Criminal Court
of the existence of any such orders at the time the proposed Criminal Protective
Order is submitted for approval and signature.

(2) The Family, Juvenile or Probate Court setting terms of custody or visitation shall
make reasonable efforts to determine whether any person requesting custody or
visitation is subject to a Criminal Protective Order, including inquiring of the parties
whether there are any existing protective/restraining orders involving that person,
another person seeking custody or visitation, and/or the children.

(3) When the Criminal Court issues a Criminal Protective Order protecting a victim or
witness who has children with the defendant, the Criminal Court shall consider

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whether peaceful contact with the protected person should be allowed for the
purpose of allowing defendant to have visitation with the children.

(4) If any person named in a Criminal Protective Order is also before the Family,
Juvenile, or Probate Court in proceedings concerning custody or visitation, a court-
employed Child Custody Recommending Counselor or Court Investigator serving
the Family, Juvenile or Probate Court shall have access to and review the criminal
court file, as permitted by applicable law. Confidential information reviewed under
this rule remains confidential and shall not be further released except as provided
by law or court order.

(Rule 5.19(a) revised effective 1/1/17)

(b) Modification of Criminal Protective Orders

(1) A party seeking to modify a Criminal Protective Order may calendar the matter for
hearing before the Criminal Court, after giving notice to the District Attorney.

(2) The Family, Juvenile, or Probate Court may, on its own motion or at the request of
a defendant, protected person or other interested party, calendar a hearing before
the Criminal Court for a motion to modify a Criminal Protective Order. Notice of
the hearing shall be given to all counsel and parties in both the criminal action and
the family, juvenile, or probate matter.

(3) When the Family, Juvenile, or Probate Court calendars a hearing on a motion to
modify a Criminal Protective Order, or receives notice that a party with a pending
Family, Juvenile, or Probate matter involving minor children seeks to modify a
Criminal Protective Order, the Court shall provide the Criminal Court with copies
of existing or proposed Orders relating to protection, custody and/or visitation in
the pending family, juvenile, or probate matter.

(Rule 5.19(b) revised effective 1/1/23)

(Rule 5.19 revised effective 1/1/23)

Rule 5.20. Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute.

Pursuant to C.C.P. Sections 583.310 and 583.360(a), the Court shall, upon its own motion, dismiss cases without prejudice on the ground that the petitioner has failed to prosecute and to bring it to trial within five years after it was commenced against the respondent.

Rule 5.21 Requirement for Current Mailing Address

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

(Rule 5.21 new effective 1/1/23)

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Division 2 – Juvenile Matters

Chapter 1. Juvenile Department

Rule 5.50. Adoption, Construction and Amendment of Rules

(a) Citation of Juvenile Rules

These rules for the Juvenile Court may be cited as the "Local Rules for the Juvenile Court of Contra Costa County."

(b) Supplemental authority of local Juvenile Rules

These Local Rules shall be supplementary to and subject to state statutes and any rules adopted by the Judicial Council of the State of California. These rules shall be construed and applied so as not to conflict with such statutes or with the rules adopted by the Judicial Council.

(c) Effective date of Juvenile local court rules

These rules shall, on the date they become effective, supersede rules until adopted by the Superior Court as they relate to the Juvenile Court.

(d) Use of Term “Juvenile Justice” Instead of “Juvenile Delinquency”

These rules will use the term “juvenile justice,” which is to be read as synonymous with the term “juvenile delinquency” in the Welfare and Institutions Code and the California Rules of Court.

(Rule 5.50 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.51. Juvenile Judge

(a) Judicial assignments

The Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Court shall be assisted by such judges and subordinate judicial officers (including commissioners and temporary judges) as may be provided from time to time by the Superior Court. The subordinate judicial officers and temporary judges shall perform their duties under the direction of the Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Court.

(Rule 5.51(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Juvenile hearings

The business of the Juvenile Court shall be conducted at the Walnut Creek Courthouse and Juvenile Hall, and may be conducted at Pittsburg, Richmond and Martinez Courthouses, and at such other facilities of Contra Costa County, and at such times as

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the Juvenile Court Supervising Judge or Presiding Judge may direct. The Juvenile Court Supervising Judge shall be responsible for the distribution of court business.

(Rule 5.51(b) revised effective 1/1/18)

(c) Types of Juvenile hearings

The Juvenile Court Supervising Judge and assigned judges shall conduct all hearings required for adjudication of juvenile cases, including transfer hearings, competency hearings, rehearings and other matters which they by order deem appropriate. Matters to be heard by a Juvenile Court Judge shall be calendared directly by that judge’s department.

(Rule 5.51(c) revised effective 1/1/21)

(d) Juvenile bench recusal

If the only Juvenile Court judge available is removed from hearing a matter because of a

challenge or otherwise, the matter shall be referred by the Supervising Juvenile Judge to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.

(Rule 5.51(d) revised effective 1/1/21)

(e) Assignment of Juvenile hearings

The Juvenile Court judges shall maintain separate calendars of all matters to be heard by them, which shall be published. When a case is assigned to a Juvenile Court Judge, it is assigned to that judge for all purposes.

(Rule 5.51(e) revised effective 1/1/13)

(f) Juvenile pre-hearing conference

Pre-hearing conferences shall be conducted as determined by the Juvenile Court judges. Where such conference is held, attendance is mandatory as to all persons ordered to attend. At such conferences, counsel shall be familiar with the case, shall be prepared to enter into stipulations binding their clients, and shall be prepared to discuss the facts so as to clarify and simplify issues.

(Rule 5.51(f) revised effective 1/1/13)

(g) Juvenile policy and procedure

The Juvenile Court Supervising Judge, in directing the judicial business of the Juvenile Court, may issue memoranda of policy and procedure to all parties involved in the Juvenile Court process, which shall be binding, subject to the authority of the Executive Committee and the Judges of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County.

(Rule 5.51(g) revised effective 1/1/16)

(Rule 5.51 revised effective 1/1/16)

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Rule 5.52. Juvenile Court Commissioner

(a) Appointment of Juvenile Court Commissioner

As permitted by law, the Judges of the Superior Court, by majority vote, may, as resources allow, appoint a Juvenile Court Commissioner. Any commissioner so appointed shall have been admitted to practice law in California for not less than ten (10) years, shall hold office at the pleasure of the Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Court, and shall not engage in the practice of law.

(Rule 5.52(a) revised effective 1/1/21)

(b) Authority of Juvenile Court Commissioner

The Juvenile Court Commissioner shall perform the duties and shall have the powers prescribed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 259, and the duties and powers of a juvenile court referee as specified in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 248.

(Rule 5.52(b) revised effective 1/1/16)

(c) Juvenile court assignments as temporary judge

Unless otherwise expressly specified, the Juvenile Commissioner, without further order of the Court, shall act as a temporary judge with respect to any and all juvenile actions, causes, or proceedings and whether regularly or specially assigned to the Juvenile Commissioner or to the Department in which the Juvenile Commissioner is sitting. Such duties and powers include, but are not limited to, conducting the trial, contest or hearing assigned actions, causes or proceedings, whether or not contested.

(d) Juvenile stipulation to Commissioner

Subordinate judicial officers shall hear their cases as commissioners and be identified as commissioners to all parties. Any party not objecting to the commissioner hearing the matter is deemed to have stipulated to such commissioner hearing the matter as a temporary judge.

(Rule 5.52(d) revised effective 1/1/21)

(e) Stipulation requirements for temporary judge

When an attorney is sitting as a court-appointed temporary judge and hears a contested matter, the parties whose stipulation should be obtained are: the attorney for petitioner, the attorney(s) for the minor(s), and in applicable cases brought under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300, the attorney for the parent, guardian or de facto parent.

(Rule 5.52(e) revised effective 1/1/21)

(f) Vacation approval for subordinate judicial officers

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A subordinate judicial officer’s vacation time and other time away from his or her calendar
shall be approved in advance by the Juvenile Court Supervising Judge. When a Juvenile
subordinate judicial officer is absent, his or her calendar may be heard by:

(1) Court-appointed Temporary Judge

(2) The Juvenile Court Supervising Judge

(3) A Juvenile Court Judge or subordinate judicial officer as reassigned by the Juvenile
Court Supervising Judge.

(Rule 5.52(f) revised effective 7/1/05)

(Rule 5.52 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.53. Motions

(a) Presentation of motions

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 moving party shall clear the hearing date with the clerk of the juvenile court before filing any such motion.

(Rule 5.53(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Motion to continue the jurisdiction hearings

A motion to continue the jurisdiction hearing in any proceeding shall be made and heard no less than two (2) court days before the jurisdiction hearing, after service of notice on the opposing party at least five (5) court days before the jurisdiction hearing. Said motion shall be in writing unless all parties to the action, with the concurrence of the Court before whom the hearing is to be held, waive the requirement of written notice. The Court, however, may continue a jurisdiction hearing on motion of any party at the proceeding for good cause without the requirements of this subdivision being fulfilled. Failure to file a motion to continue within the time frame specified in this rule, absent a showing of good cause resulting in the untimely filing of the motion, may result in the imposition of sanctions.

(Rule 5.53(b) revised effective 1/1/18)

(Rule 5.53 revised effective 1/1/18)

Rule 5.54. Appointment of Juvenile Court Appointed Counsel

Juvenile Court judges shall be responsible for the appointment of counsel for children or minors in matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Unless otherwise ordered, appointments for minors in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300 dependency cases shall be referred to the contracted dependency counsel program. Appointments for minors in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602 juvenile justice cases shall be referred to the Public Defender’s Office or, in the case of a conflict of interest, to the Alternate Defender or Conflict Panel counsel.

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(Rule 5.54 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.55. Minute Order

Minute orders in juvenile proceedings

(1) A minute order shall be prepared by the clerk of the Juvenile Court at the
conclusion of each court proceeding. Recommendations adopted by the Court may
be attached and incorporated into the minute order by reference.

(2) All parties to the action are entitled to receive a copy of the minute order upon
completion of that session of the judicial proceeding.

(3) Any party to the proceeding may waive receipt of the minute order.

(Rule 5.55 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 5.56. REPEALED

Rule 5.57. Public Hearings

Unless provided otherwise by law, Juvenile Court proceedings shall be closed to the public; provided, however, that the Juvenile Court judge may admit such persons as he or she deems have a direct and legitimate interest in the particular case or the work of the Court.

(Rule 5.57 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.58. Records access by Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

For the purposes of implementing the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, volunteers serving in the program are considered court personnel as that term is used in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827. They shall have access to Probation Department and Department of Family and Children’s Services files in the case(s) in which they are appointed as court appointed advocates as necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

(Rule 5.58 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.59. Inter-Agency Exchange of Information

(a) Juvenile information access and exchange

The disclosure of information concerning children and their parents by staff associated with Family Court Services, the Probation Department Juvenile Division, Children and Family Services, Case Management Council, Adult Probation Department and Probate Court Investigators office is generally prohibited by law. Nevertheless, a limited exchange

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of information about children or parents between these agencies in certain circumstances
will serve the best interest of the child who is before the Court. The Court finds that the
best interest of children and victims appearing in court and the public interest in avoiding
duplication of effort by the courts and by the investigative agencies serving the juvenile
and family courts, and the value of having relevant information gathered by a court agency
outweighs the confidentiality interest reflected in Penal Code Sections 11167 and 11167.5
and Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 827 and 10850 et seq., and therefore, good
cause exists for the following rule:

Concerning agency information sharing in the following types of cases before the Court:

(1) Juvenile Justice;

(2) Custody Disputes;

(3) Juvenile Dependency;

(4) Probate investigation (Conservatorship and Guardianship); and

(5) Criminal

In such cases, the representatives of the above listed agencies who are investigating or
supervising cases involving children may disclose information to each other, including the
exchange of records, reports and other documentation in their files regarding minors within
the jurisdiction of the family, probate or juvenile courts or subject to proceedings therein,
if such exchange of information will assist the agency receiving the information in serving
the needs of children or reporting facts to the court.

(b) Juvenile inter-agency sharing of information

All county agencies and agencies contracting with the county to provide treatment to juveniles may share information with each other as to juveniles within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court that the agencies treat in common.

(Rule 5.59 revised effective 1/1/26)

Rule 5.60. REPEALED

Rule 5.61. Experience, Training, Education

(a) Minimum competency standards for court-appointed attorneys

Effective July 1, 1996, all appointed attorneys appearing in juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings shall be familiar with and comply with the minimum standards of competence set forth in California Rules of Court, Rules 5.660 and 5.664 and any applicable Welfare and Institutions Code Sections.

(Rule 5.61 revised effective 1/1/18)

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Rule 5.62. Screening for Competency

(a) Minimum competency standards for court-appointed attorneys

All attorneys appearing in juvenile dependency and juvenile justice proceedings shall be familiar with, and shall not appear unless they have met, the minimum standards of competence for juvenile proceedings. The contracted dependency counsel program shall, before assigning any dependency case to any attorney, assure that the assigned attorney meets the requirements of California Rule of Court 5.660. The Office of the Public Defender, the Office of the Alternate Defender, and the Criminal Conflicts Panel shall, before assigning any juvenile justice case to any attorney, assure that the assigned attorney meets the requirements of California Rule of court 5.664.

(b) Continuing education for court-appointed attorneys.

Each court-appointed attorney who represents any party in juvenile dependency proceedings shall complete all continuing education requirements imposed by California Rule of Court 5.660(d)(3)(b). Each attorney who represents minors in juvenile justice proceedings shall complete all continuing education requirements imposed by California Rule of Court 5.667(c). Every attorney subject to this rule shall maintain records of compliance with continuing education requirements and provide the records to the Court upon request. Such records may include a copy of a certificate of attendance issued by a California MCLE provider; a certificate of attendance issued by a professional organization that provides compliant training and/or education for its members, whether or not it is a MCLE provider; or a record of attendance at a court-sponsored or approved program.

(c) Standards of representation

All court-appointed attorneys appearing in dependency proceedings shall meet the
following minimum standards of representation:

(1) Attorneys shall meet regularly with clients, including clients who are children,
contact social workers and other professionals associated with the client’s case,
work with other counsel and the Court to resolve disputed aspects of a case without
hearing, and adhere to the mandated time lines.

(2) If the client is a child, the attorney or the attorney’s agent shall have contact with
the client before each hearing. The attorney or attorney’s agent shall interview all
children four (4) years of age or older in person, if possible. Whenever possible,
the child shall be interviewed or seen at the child’s placement. The attorney or
attorney’s agent shall also interview the child’s caretaker, particularly when the
child is under four (4) years of age.

(3) If the client is not the child, the attorney or the attorney’s agent shall interview the
client at least once before the jurisdictional hearing unless that client is unavailable.
Afterward, the attorney or the attorney’s agent shall contact the client at least once
before each hearing unless the client is unavailable.

(Rule 5.62 revised effective 1/1/21)

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Rule 5.63. Mediation

(a) Mediation of contested jurisdictional hearings

In any case set for jurisdictional contest except cases filed under Welfare and Institutions Code sections 300(d) or (e), the Court may, unless any party or attorney objects, send the parties to mediation before the contested hearing.

(b) Mediation of post-jurisdictional contested hearings

At the request of any party or the Court, and with consent of all parties, post-jurisdictional matters set for contested hearing may be referred to mediation.

(Rule 5.63 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.64. Reciprocal Discovery

By Order of the Supervising Judge, the discovery provisions and rules of California Rules of Court, Rule 5.546 pertaining to juvenile justice matters are equally applicable and reciprocal to the prosecution and defense. (Robert S., 9 Cal. App 4th 1417)

(Rule 5.64 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.65. Disclosure of Victim or Witness Contact Information

(a) Disclosure of victim or witness contact information

All attorneys participating in juvenile justice proceedings shall comply fully with the

limitations on disclosing victim or witness contact information prescribed by California Penal Code Section 1054.2. (See Robert S. v. Superior Court (1992) 9 Cal.App.4th 1417, 1422). Attorneys may disclose victim or witness contact information, including but not limited to, addresses and telephone numbers, only in accordance with Penal Code Section 1054.2. Attorneys shall not disclose victim or witness contact information to a child who is the subject of a juvenile justice proceeding, or to the child’s parent or guardian, unless specifically permitted to do so by the Court after a hearing and a showing of good cause. The same concerns for victim or witness safety that prompted the enactment of Penal Code Section 1054.2 applies with equal force in juvenile justice proceedings (Cf., City of San Jose v. Superior Court (1993) 5 Cal.4th 47, 54).

(b) Redaction of victim or witness contact information by district attorney

The District Attorney shall fully redact all victim or witness contact information before providing police, arrest, and crime reports to a child, parent, or guardian, and shall simultaneously give notice that this information is being redacted. (See, California Rules of Court, Rule 5.546, subdivisions (b), (g), and (h).) The District Attorney shall provide unredacted copies of such reports to the attorney for a child, parent, or guardian, and the receiving defense attorney may use such reports in a manner consistent with Penal Code Section 1054.2(a). However, the receiving defense attorney shall redact all victim or witness contact information before providing police, arrest, and crime reports to the attorney’s clients. In situations where the child, parent or guardian is not represented by

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an attorney, the Court shall issue a protective order consistent with Penal Code Section 1054.2, subdivision (b).

(c) Final order determining custody – modifications in new case filings

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 5.700 and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 302(d), the Court may enter appropriate custody and visitation orders at the time the Juvenile Court terminates jurisdiction in a dependency case. To ensure there is in fact a significant change of circumstances to warrant modification of that order, when issuing the “Custody Order-Juvenile-Final Judgment-Visitation Order-Juvenile” (Judicial Council Form JV-200/JV-205), any request for order, application, order to show cause or motion to change custody or visitation filed within one year of the “Custody Order-Juvenile-Final Judgment/Visitation Order-Juvenile,” shall be assigned and determined by a juvenile bench officer. If possible, the matter shall be calendared before the juvenile bench officer who issued the final judgment and custody order. In such cases the juvenile bench officer shall sit as a family law bench officer and the matter shall be heard pursuant to the provisions of the Family Code.

(Rule 5.65 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.66. Notice Regarding Change in Placement for Dependents of the Court

To ensure that proper notice is received by attorneys of any change in a child’s placement after the jurisdiction hearing:

(1) In non-emergency situations, Children and Family Services shall give notice to the
child’s counsel by close of the next business day following a decision to change a
child’s placement, including a change in address for respite, or a 7-day caretaker
notice. In no event in non-emergency situations, shall the child be moved from
placement without first providing child’s counsel a reasonable opportunity to put
the matter on the court calendar for court review.

(2) In non-emergency situations, Children and Family Services shall give at least ten
(10) calendar days’ notice before separating siblings placed together.

(3) Prior to removal of a child from one county to another, Children and Family
Services shall give at least fourteen (14) calendar days’ notice to all counsel,
unless emergency circumstances prevent such notice. In such emergency
circumstances, notice shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than close
of the next business day.

(4) Within 48 hours of receipt of information that a child is absent without leave
(“AWOL”), Children and Family Services shall notify all counsel.

(5) Within 48 hours of receipt of information that a child is or was recently hospitalized for medical treatment, including psychiatric hospitalizations, Children and Family Services shall notify all counsel and must provide the child’s counsel the name and location of the hospital.

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(6) Notice by Children and Family Services relating to the above changes in placement
must be given in writing, which includes by facsimile or email. Notice to the child’s
counsel shall include the child’s address, telephone number and name of the
caregiver.

(Rule 5.66 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.67. REPEALED

Rule 5.68. Notice to Caregiver

The social worker shall ensure that notice is provided to the current caregivers of a dependent child, including foster parents, relative caregivers, pre-adoptive parents, or nonrelative extended family members of all status review and permanency review hearings as required under W&I Code 293. The social worker shall also provide the caregiver, at least thirty (30) calendar days before such hearings, with a Caregiver Information Form (Judicial Council Form JV-290) and instructions on how to complete and file the Instructions to Complete the Caregiver Information Form (Judicial Council Form JV-290-INFO) with the court.

(Rule 5.68 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.69. Notice to Minor’s Counsel Regarding Subpoenas

In the event that a social worker receives a subpoena or notice of a subpoena compelling the appearance for testimony of a minor subject to a dependency action, the social worker shall provide immediate notice to minor’s counsel in the dependency action. This notice shall be given at least five (5) business days before the date of the appearance of the minor child or within 48 hours of the social worker’s receipt of information of the subpoena, whichever occurs later. The social worker shall provide minor’s counsel with a copy of the subpoena.

(Rule 5.69 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.70. Probation Reports Reporting Confirmed Information on AIDS and AIDS- Related Diseases

Medically verified information that a juvenile or a defendant has AIDS, or AIDS-related diseases or is HIV positive, when reported to the Court, shall be reported in a confidential memorandum, attached only to the Court's copy of the Probation Report. These memoranda shall be marked “confidential.” And shall be maintained in a sealed envelope in the confidential section of the Court file and opened only by the bench officer presiding over the case.

(Rule 5.70 revised effective 1/1/21)

Rule 5.71. Court Appointed Special Advocates Program Guidelines

Only a representative of a CASA Program that complies with California Rules of Court, Rule 5.655 and Welfare and Institutions Code section 100 et seq. is eligible to be appointed to work with a minor in this county.

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(Rule 5.71 revised effective 1/1/19)

Rule 5.72. Submission, Copying, and Distribution of CASA Reports; Access to CASA Reports

(a) Submission of CASA court report. CASA shall submit CASA court reports to the Court a minimum of five court days prior to the hearing for which the report was prepared.

(b) Copying and Distribution of CASA court report. CASA shall copy the CASA court report and distribute it to attorneys of all parties to the case, County Counsel’s Office, and Children and Family Services a minimum of five court days prior to the hearing for which the report was prepared.

(c) Access to CASA court report. Other than the attorneys for the parties (for example, parents, legal guardians, Children and Family Services), no other individuals or entities are entitled to receive a copy of the CASA court report, and only those individuals or entities named in subdivision (a) of section 827 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and those individuals or entities named in section 827.10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code are permitted to access a CASA court report.

(Rule 5.72 new effective 1/1/19)

Rule 5.73. Assignment of Transfer Hearings

When a motion to transfer a juvenile petition to adult court has been filed, the Juvenile Court Supervising Judge or the Presiding Judge may, in his or her discretion, designate a judicial officer not currently assigned to the Juvenile Court as an acting juvenile judicial officer, and may assign the transfer motion to that judge for hearing and decision.

(Rule 5.73 new effective 7/1/20)

Rule 5.74. Service of JV-790 on Victim

In any Welfare & Institutions Code section 602 case in which the Court awarded victim restitution, the Court shall, before terminating the juvenile’s probation, execute for each victim still entitled to restitution a JV-790 restitution order converting any outstanding restitution award to a civil judgment. The District Attorney in all such cases shall:

(a) forthwith serve on each victim named in a JV-790 restitution order a certified copy of that victim’s restitution order; and (b) within 30 days of the date of the Order, file with the Court proof of service of the JV-790 restitution order served pursuant to subsection (A) or, if the victim’s contact information is not available, a statement of due diligence reflecting the District Attorney’s good faith efforts to locate the victim.

(Rule 5.74 new effective 1/1/20)

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Rule 5.75. Presence at Juvenile Proceedings

(a) The Court recognizes that attorneys, probation officers, social workers and CASAs have a direct and legitimate interest in the work of the Court. The Court also considers it essential in the administration of the juvenile calendars to enforce and protect the confidential nature of the proceedings as prescribed by Welfare and Institutions Code section 676 and California Rule of Court 5.530(e). Accordingly, as to juvenile proceedings not open to the public pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 676, the following rule shall apply. Attorneys, probation officers, social workers and CASAs may be admitted to the courtroom during juvenile proceedings in which they are not themselves appearing subject to the following standards:

1) No attorney shall attend any hearing in a case in which the attorney has, or may
have, a conflict of interest. All attorneys shall ascertain, before attending any
hearing, that they do not have an actual or potential conflict in that case. In
particular, in WIC 602 cases, no member of the Office of the Public Defender
shall attend any hearing at which the Alternate Defender represents a minor; no
member of the Office of the Public Defender or Alternate Defender shall attend
any hearing at which conflicts counsel represents a minor; and no attorney shall
attend any hearing that involves a co-responsible of a minor represented by that
attorney.

2) All parties who observe a juvenile case in which they are not directly involved,
including attorneys, probation officers, social workers and CASAs, are bound by
the privacy and confidentiality rules governing juvenile proceedings, and may not
share or disclose to anyone anything seen or heard in court to anyone except if
the proceeding is one that under the law is open to the public.

3) All parties who remain in the courtroom to observe a juvenile case in which they
are not directly involved shall respect the Court and all parties involved in the
juvenile case. No party shall engage in any conduct that would disrupt the
proceedings and compromise the solemnity and integrity of the hearing, including
talking with others in the courtroom during proceedings.

(b) The Court may, in its discretion, exclude any person who violates any of these provisions from future hearings in which that person is not appearing.

(Rule 5.75 new effective 7/1/20)

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Title Six. Reserved

Title Seven. Probate Rules

Chapter 1. General Provisions

Rule 7.1. Probate Matters

Matters governed by the Probate Code, except compromises for minors and incompetents arising from matters not governed by the Probate Code, shall be set for hearing in the department(s) designated by the Presiding Judge. These departments will be known collectively as the Probate Division. All Probate Division cases subject to this rule will be assigned to one judge for all purposes unless otherwise determined by the Presiding Judge for good cause. For information about Contra Costa Probate Court Calendars, go to the Probate Guidelines section of these rulesat . www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.1 revised effective 1/1/275)

Rule 7.2. Judicial Commitments

Probate matters also include all matters arising under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act and any other judicial commitments except offenders/sex offenders with mental health disorders, individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity, and sexually violent predators. Matters subject to this rule shall be heard in the Probate Division at time and date as established.

(Rule 7.2 revised effective 7/1/26)

Rule 7.3. Trust Fund Withdrawals

An application for an order authorizing withdrawals of funds on deposit for the benefit of a minor shall be made by completing a form provided by the clerk of the Court for this purpose. The application shall be signed under penalty of perjury and shall set forth the status of the account, the purpose for which the funds are to be withdrawn, the need for the withdrawal, and the reasons why the parents or parent are unable to provide the needed funds. If the funds are held in a probate guardianship, or are blocked by other order of the probate court, the application for release of funds shall be submitted to the Probate Division. If the funds are blocked by order of another department, and there is no probate guardianship of the estate, the application shall be submitted to the Presiding Judge.

(Rule 7.3 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.4. Probate Rules

All petitions, motions, and orders to show cause regarding probate matters shall be set in the Probate Division, unless the order originates in another division of the Court. Also see Local Rule 3.41. Except for matters arising under Rule 7.2, all such matters are assigned for all purposes to a judge assigned to the Probate Division. A challenge to the assigned judge pursuant to Code of

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Civil Procedure Section 170.6 must be made in accordance with the time requirements set forth in that section. Upon acceptance of a proper challenge under Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.6, the case will be reassigned by the Presiding Judge. Nothing in this rule limits the discretion of the Supervising Judge of the Probate Division to assign the trial or hearing of any matter to another department.

(Rule 7.4 revised effective 7/1/26)

Rule 7.5. Reporting of Court Reporting in Probate

(a) Unavailability of court reporters in Probate matters

Except as otherwise provided by Local Rule 2.53, official court reporters employed by the court are unavailable in the Probate Division effective January 1, 2013 and until further notice. Consult the Notice of Availability on the court’s website for current status and any changes.

(Rule 7.5(a) revised effective 1/1/19)

(b) Procurement of private court reporters

Except as otherwise provided by Local Rule 2.53, any party who desires a verbatim record of the proceedings from which a transcript can later be prepared may procure the services of an outside private certified court reporter pro tempore to report any scheduled hearing or trial (see California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956). (Rule 7.5(b) revised effective 1/1/19)

(c) Procurement process for court reporter services

Parties electing to procure the services of an outside reporter must comply with Local Rule 2.52. (Rule 7.5(c) revised effective 1/1/19)

(d) Fee not charged for unavailable court reporter

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956(d), if a party arranges and pays for the attendance of a certified shorthand reporter at a hearing in a probate case because of the unavailability of the services of an official court reporter, none of the parties will be charged the reporter’s attendance fee provided for in Government Code Sections 68086(a)(1)(A) or (B).

(e) Attendance fee

If court reporters become available and in the Court’s discretion are provided for any civil

hearings, or if a court reporter is provided pursuant to Local Rule 2.53, any party who has not been granted a fee waiver under Government Code section 68631 et seq. will be required to pay the applicable reporter attendance fee provided for in Government Code sections 68086(a)(1)(A) or (B). (Rule 7.5(e) revised effective 1/1/19)

(f) Transcript costs

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Parties shall be responsible for all transcript costs pursuant to Government Code Section 69953.

(Rule 7.5 revised effective 1/1/19)

Chapter 2. Probate Court Proceedings

Rule 7.50. Probate Calendar

(a) Appropriate placement on Probate calendar

Probate calendars are arranged to facilitate efficient and effective resolution of matters before the Court. For information about probate calendars go to the Probate Guidelines section of these rulesat .www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.50(a) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Calendar Procedures

Parties may request, but are not guaranteed, any particular date for calendaring their matter. For information about probate calendaring, go to the Probate Guidelines section of these rules. at www.cc-courts.org. Parties who want exceptions to application of the calendar procedures as determined by the clerk may request the Probate Examiners make accommodations to the calendaring procedure—and may make verified application to the Probate Division.

(Rule 7.50(b) revised effective 1/1/16)

(Rule 7.50 revised effective 1/1/2716)

Rule 7.51. Contested Matters

(a) Scheduling issue conference

The Probate Division will manage probate matters until they are ready for trial and will then schedule the matter for an issue conference as otherwise described in Local Rule 3.11. Also see Local Rule 7.1.

(b) Alternative Dispute Resolution programs for Probate matters

It is the policy of the Court to encourage the parties in all cases to consider the use of

appropriate alternative dispute resolution options as a means of resolving their disputes without trial. The court finds that it is in the best interests of all parties that they participate in alternatives to traditional litigation, such as arbitration, mediation, neutral evaluation, and voluntary settlement conferences. Therefore, the court may refer cases to an appropriate form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before they are set for trial, unless there is good cause to dispense with an alternative dispute resolution process. (See Title 3, Chapter 5).

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(Rule 7.51(b) revised effective 1/1/17)

(c) Rules for alternative dispute resolution processes other than judicial arbitration

(1) Selection of provider. The parties may choose any ADR provider they wish,
whether or not that provider is on the list described in the following section of these
rules.

(2) Good faith participation is required. All parties to an alternative dispute resolution
process must participate in the process in good faith.

(3) Personal appearance required. In conducting a session, the ADR provider should
require the attendance of persons with full authority to resolve the dispute. The
provider should only permit telephone appearances if good cause to waive
personal appearance was shown in a timely manner prior to the session.

(4) Cost of the alternative dispute resolution process. Unless the ADR provider's fees
and expenses have been ordered by the court, the parties and the provider must
agree on the fees and expenses. The fees and expenses of the provider will be
borne by the parties equally, unless they agree otherwise.

(Rule 7.51(c) new effective 1/1/17)

(d) Alternative dispute resolution provider list

The court maintains a panel list of alternative dispute resolution providers to assist parties and counsel in obtaining access to experienced and affordable alternative dispute resolution services. The panel list includes providers in the areas of mediation, neutral case evaluation, private arbitration, and judicial arbitration. The panel list, including names, qualifications, services provided and fees charged, will be posted on the court's website and will be available in the office of the ADR program administrator.

(Rule 7.51(d) new effective 1/1/17)

(Rule 7.51 revised effective 1/1/17)

Rule 7.52. Appearances

(a) Appearances in uncontested matters

Appearances at the first hearing in uncontested matters are not normally required. Unless
otherwise ordered, appearances are required in the following matters:

(1) If a person has been cited or ordered to appear at a hearing, appearances by both
the party and the party’s attorney of record at that hearing are required. If the
citation or order was requested by a party, then the attorney for the requesting
party, or the requesting party if in pro per, is also required to appear.

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(2) If the tentative ruling states “Appearances required” then appearances are required
by the proponent of the matters on calendar, and all who have responded so the
Court can make appropriate case management orders (e.g. discovery deadlines,
or trial setting). Attorneys of record may appear for their clients.

(Rule 7.52(a)(2) revised effective 1/1/13)

(3) The proponent and all who have responded must attend at all subsequent hearings
related to case management orders (e.g. discovery deadlines, or trial setting) if a
matter has been continued previously, or the parties are advised otherwise by the
tentative ruling. Attorneys of record may appear for their clients.

(Rule 7.52(a)(3) revised effective 1/1/16)

(b) Sanctions for failure to appear

A failure to appear as required may result in sanctions pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 177.5.

(Rule 7.52 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 7.53. Verifications Verifications standards:

(1) The attorney who represents a ward or conservatee may verify pleadings filed on behalf of the ward or conservatee.

(2) An attorney’s verification on behalf of a client may be sufficient for pleading purposes, but unless the verification provides that the facts are within the personal knowledge of the attorney, then this does not provide the evidentiary support necessary for a ruling.

(3) An attorney’s declaration as to facts or attachments which were allegedly intended to be included in a statement previously verified by the attorney’s client is ineffective. (Revised effective 1/1/03 per Code of Civil Procedure Section 2015 and California Rules of Court, Rule 7.103)

(Rule 7.53 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.54. Submission of Proposed Order Before Date of Hearing

Except in the case of confirmations of sales, orders must be submitted to the Probate Division at least three (3) court days in advance of the scheduled hearing date. The hearing date shall be stated in the order. The proposed order shall be prepared on the assumption the petition will be granted, including requested fees. Orders submitted later will be reviewed and processed after the hearing and will generally be available the morning after the hearing.

(Rule 7.54 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Rule 7.55. Responses to Tentative Rulings

Tentative rulings or calendar notes are available before the calendar hearings in the Probate Guidelines section at of these rules.www.cc-courts.org. In order to be considered, responses to tentative rulings must be filed no later than the close of business, two (2) court days before the hearing and endorsed filed copies delivered to the Probate Examiner.

(Rule 7.55 revised effective 1/1/2716)

Rule 7.56. Continuances to Cure Defective Pleadings or Procedures

(a) Continuance of first hearing

The first hearing on a matter may be continued to enable the petitioner to correct defective pleadings or procedures identified in the tentative ruling. The continuance can be made by telephone request to the clerk, or by the Court on its own motion, even if no appearance or request for continuance is made.

(b) Continuance or dismissal of matter

After the first hearing, the matter may be dismissed unless the petitioner shows good cause for a further continuance, by a filed declaration or an appearance at the hearing. Continuances following the first hearing may not be secured by requesting a continuance from the clerk.

(c) Renotice of dropped matters

A matter once dropped must be renoticed after it has been placed back on calendar. A matter dismissed must be refiled and renoticed. (Rule 7.56(c) revised effective 1/1/01)

(Rule 7.56 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.57. JUDICIAL COUNCIL FORMS. REPEALED (See CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT, RULE 7.101)

Rule 7.58. Discretion to Waive

The Court for good cause may waive the application of any Local Court Rule or Probate Guideline in an individual case.

(Rule 7.58 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.59. Fees

(a) Fee guidelines

The Probate Division may, from time to time, publish fee guidelines for the assistance of counsel and others. For information about Contra Costa Probate Court Fees and Costs Guidelines, go to the Probate Guidelines section of these rules at .www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.59(a) revised effective 1/1/2716)

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(b) Fee petitions for fiduciaries

Fee petitions for fiduciaries and their attorneys, as well as for others seeking payment from an estate in a probate department case (e.g., court-appointed counsel for conservatees with an adequate estate) are governed by a common set of guidelines but are subject to somewhat different considerations depending on the type of case in which they are presented. The common guidelines, dealing with format and acceptable rates and reimbursable costs, are contained in Chapter 12 below, and in the Contra Costa Probate Court Fees and Costs Guidelines in these rulesat www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.59(b) revised effective 1/1/2716)

(c) Evaluation of fee petitions

Other considerations for evaluating fee petitions in more specific contexts are referenced in Local Rules 7.306 (probate administration), 7.426 (probate guardianships and conservatorships, including LPS conservatorships), and 7.450 (trusts). Also, see Local Rules 7.61 and 7.65 for additional instructions applying to all fee petitions.

(Rule 7.59(c) revised effective 1/1/23)

(Rule 7.59 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 7.60. Record Title

(a) Disclosure of title of record

If a Title of Record for a decedent’s interest in an asset is different than the decedent’s

interest is alleged to be in a petition determining the characterization or disposition of the decedent’s interest, the petition shall disclose to the Court what the Title of Record is for the asset. For example, if a Spousal Property Petition is filed seeking determination that community property realty passed to the surviving spouse, and the title of record for the property to the property is held as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” then that fact shall be disclosed.

(b) Community property

Community property held in joint tenancy title will be treated as community property unless there was a formal and express transmutation from community property.

(Rule 7.60 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.61. Court Ordered Fees for Fiduciaries and Attorneys

(a) No attorney for a guardian, guardian ad litem, minor, conservator, conservatee or personal representative shall request or accept any compensation from the estate (whether or not subject to court supervision) of the ward, incapacitated person, conservatee or decedent’s

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estate without prior court order. This does not require prior court approval of payments received from trusts or other persons.

(b) The requirement of prior court approval applies to any attorney for any of the specified fiduciaries who is representing the fiduciary in any other civil action. For example, if a creditor files suit against a decedent’s estate, and the personal representative hires separate counsel to defend the suit, prior court approval is required before payment of any fees to the separate counsel.

(c) In awarding or allowing reimbursement for compensation in situations described in paragraph (a), the Court is neither bound by (1) the terms of any attorney fee agreement executed without prior court approval in the proceeding nor (2) any amounts that have been paid previously. (See California Rules of Court, 7.753, 7.754, 7.755.) For information about Contra Costa Probate Court Fees and Costs Guidelines, go to the Probate Guidelines section at of these rules.www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.61 revised effective 1/1/1276)

Rule 7.62. Factual Allegations

Declarations which merely recite or incorporate reference to code sections do not provide an evidentiary basis for action by the Court absent evidence that the declarant is an attorney or otherwise has sufficient expertise to express a credible opinion as to the operation of the code section. Absent such expertise, facts evidencing necessary compliance with a code section shall be stated in the pleadings.

(Rule 7.62 revised effective 1/1/16)

Rule 7.63. Guardian ad Litem

(a) Representation of guardian ad litem

A guardian ad litem must be an attorney or must be represented by an attorney.

(b) Waiver of beneficiary rights

A guardian ad litem may not waive or disclaim any substantive rights of the beneficiary without prior approval by the Court.

(Rule 7.63 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.64. Special Notice to Attorneys and Clients

A request for special notice by an attorney, absent an express statement otherwise, does not constitute a waiver of the notices required to be sent to the attorney’s client under Probate Code Section 1214.

(Rule 7.64 revised effective 1/1/15)

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Rule 7.65. Coordination of Fee Petitions with Accountings

(a) Filing fee petitions

Although the Probate Code does not prohibit fee petitions from being filed separately from accountings, the Court prefers to determine the amount of fees for fiduciaries and their attorneys (and if possible, for other attorneys who need prior approval for payment in the case) at the time the fiduciary’s accounts are reviewed.

(b) Filing requirements

A petition before an accounting may be filed to determine compensation as long as the Inventory and Appraisal has been filed showing sufficient assets to pay the requested compensation (this condition does not apply to cases, such as trust administration, where an Inventory and Appraisal is not required to be filed). However, the fiduciary and counsel will not be allowed fees or costs from the estate for bringing such early petition, unless good cause for allowing fees before an accounting is shown.

(c) Fee petition clarification

A petition for appointment of a fiduciary that includes a request for periodic payment of fees on account under Probate Code §2643 or §10832 shall not be deemed a “fee petition” under this rule.

(d) Trust administrations

This rule does not apply to trust administrations where court-approved accountings are not required.

(Rule 7.65(d) new effective 1/1/13)

(e) Fee petition by counsel

A fee petition by counsel for a proposed conservatee or ward requesting less than $5,000 may be submitted for decision during ex parte hours, apart from an accounting, with fifteen (15) calendar days’ notice to all persons who would be entitled to notice of the hearing if such petition were set on the regular calendar. For information about Contra Costa Probate Court Fees and Costs Guidelines, go to the Probate Guidelines section of these rulesat . www.cc-courts.org.

(Rule 7.65(e) nrevisedew effective 1/1/1276)

(Rule 7.65 revised effective 1/1/2716)

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Chapter 3. Petitions, Orders and Notices

Rule 7.100. Titles for Petitions and Orders [Repealed 1/1/03]

Rule 7.101. Material to be Included in Formal Rulings

Formal orders, judgment and decrees shall be drawn so that their full effect may be determined without reference to the petition on which they are based. As necessary for this purpose, documents shall be attached to, and referenced in, the order, judgment or decree, instead of referring to the other document by reference. All probate orders, judgments or decrees shall set forth all matters actually passed on by the Court, giving the relief granted, the names of the persons affected, and the full legal description of any real property (including Assessor’s Parcel Number), or the amounts of money affected.

(Rule 7.101 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.102. Written Response

An objection or other written response to moving papers will be deemed a waiver of further notice as to those papers.

(Rule 7.102 revised effective 1/1/15)

Rule 7.103. Reserved. [REPEALED 1/1/03]

Rule 7.104. Applications for Ex Parte Orders

(a) Ex parte applications

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

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

(b) Notice requirements

Since no testimony is taken in connection with ex parte petitions, the application must contain sufficient facts to justify granting the ex parte order. Petitioner must notify all interested or opposing parties by fax, email, or telephone no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day before the scheduled hearing as provided by CRC, Rule 3.1203 and CRC, Rule 3.1204. A copy of a declaration regarding notice in compliance with CRC, Rule 3.1204 must be delivered to the Probate Department at the time the papers are presented. Orders dispensing with notice must be supported by a declaration setting forth the exceptional circumstances that justify dispensing with notice. REPEALED IN PART (see California Rules of Court Rule 3.1203, Rule 3.1204, and Rule 7.55 & Probate Code 1202)

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