California probate, civil and family deadlines
39 deadlines · Last checked 24 October 2026
Each entry gives the period, what starts it, the citation and the words the rule uses. The short label cannot carry every condition, so read the quotation and the rule itself.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.
Probate
Inventory and appraisal
4 months after the date letters were issued
The inventory and appraisal shall be filed within four months after letters are first issued to a general personal representative.
Cal. Prob. Code §8800(b) · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of administration to known creditors
4 months after the date letters were issued
The notice shall be given within the later of: (a) Four months after the date letters are first issued. (b) Thirty days after the personal representative first has knowledge of the creditor.
Cal. Prob. Code §§9050, 9051 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Creditor claims period closes (4 months after letters)
4 months after the date letters were issued
(1) Four months after the date letters are first issued to a general personal representative. (2) Sixty days after the date notice of administration is mailed or personally delivered to the creditor.
Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a) · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Petition for final distribution or status report (no federal estate tax return)
12 months after the date letters were issued
(a) In an estate for which a federal estate tax return is not required, within one year after the date of issuance of letters.
Cal. Prob. Code §§12200(a), 12201 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Petition for final distribution or status report (federal estate tax return required)
18 months after the date letters were issued
(b) In an estate for which a federal estate tax return is required, within 18 months after the date of issuance of letters.
Cal. Prob. Code §§12200(b), 12201 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Civil
Serve complaint and file proofs of service
60 days after the complaint was filed
and proofs of service on those defendants must be filed with the court within 60 days after the filing of the complaint.
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.110(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer or other responsive pleading due
30 days after the summons and complaint were served
A direction that the defendant file with the court a written pleading in response to the complaint ... within 30 days after summons is served on the defendant.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §412.20(a)(3) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Demurrer due (same 30-day window)
30 days after the summons and complaint were served
within 30 days after service of the complaint or cross-complaint, demur to the complaint or cross-complaint.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §430.40(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due after demurrer overruled
10 days after the court decided the motion
Unless otherwise ordered, defendant has 10 days to answer or otherwise plead to the complaint ... (1) The overruling of the demurrer;
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1320(j) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Amended pleading due after demurrer sustained with leave
10 days after the court decided the motion
Following a ruling on a demurrer, unless otherwise ordered, leave to answer or amend within 10 days is deemed granted,
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1320(g) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to amended complaint due
30 days after the amended pleading was served
The defendant shall answer the amendments, or the complaint as amended, within 30 days after service thereof
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §471.5(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory responses due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the party to whom the interrogatories are propounded
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2030.260(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Responses to requests for production (inspection demands) due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of a demand for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2031.260(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Responses to requests for admission due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of requests for admission
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2033.250(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve and file motion papers (general motions)
16 court days before the hearing
at least 16 court days before the hearing
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposition papers due
9 court days before the hearing
All papers opposing a motion so noticed shall be filed with the court and a copy served on each party ... at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Reply papers due
5 court days before the hearing
at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve summary judgment motion
81 days before the hearing
at least 81 days before the time appointed for hearing
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §437c(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Summary judgment opposition due
20 days before the hearing
not less than 20 days preceding the noticed or continued date of hearing
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §437c(b)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Summary judgment reply due
11 days before the hearing
not less than 11 days preceding the noticed or continued date of hearing
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §437c(b)(4) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day for summary judgment hearing
30 days before trial
The motion shall be heard no later than 30 days before the date of trial, unless the court for good cause orders otherwise.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §437c(a)(3) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Discovery cutoff (complete discovery)
30 days before trial
any party shall be entitled as a matter of right to complete discovery proceedings on or before the 30th day ... before the date initially set for the trial of the action.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2024.020(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day to have discovery motions heard
15 days before trial
and to have motions concerning discovery heard on or before the 15th day, ... before the date initially set for the trial of the action.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2024.020(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day to demand expert witness exchange
70 days before trial
A party shall make this demand no later than the 10th day after the initial trial date has been set, ... 70 days before that trial date, whichever is closer to the trial date.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2034.220 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Expert witness exchange date (if demanded)
50 days before trial
The specified date of exchange shall be 50 days before the initial trial date, or 20 days after service of the demand,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2034.230(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: notice of intention to move for new trial
180 days after judgment was entered
or within 180 days after the entry of judgment, whichever is earliest
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: notice of intention to move to vacate (§663a)
180 days after judgment was entered
or within 180 days after the entry of judgment, whichever is earliest.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §663a(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: notice of appeal (180 days after entry)
180 days after judgment was entered
180 days after entry of judgment.
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.104(a)(1)(C) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: attorney fee motion (180 days after entry)
180 days after judgment was entered
within the time for filing a notice of appeal under rules 8.104 and 8.108
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1702(b)(1); rule 8.104(a)(1)(C) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: motion for relief from judgment (§473(b))
6 months after judgment was entered
shall be made within a reasonable time, in no case exceeding six months,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §473(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of intention to move for new trial due
15 days after notice of entry was served
Within 15 days of the date of serving notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court pursuant to Section 664.5,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of intention to move to vacate judgment (§663a) due
15 days after notice of entry was served
Within 15 days of the date of mailing of notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court pursuant to Section 664.5,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §663a(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal due (60 days after notice of entry)
60 days after notice of entry was served
60 days after the party filing the notice of appeal serves or is served by a party with a document entitled
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.104(a)(1)(A)-(B), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Attorney fee motion due (same as appeal time)
60 days after notice of entry was served
within the time for filing a notice of appeal under rules 8.104 and 8.108
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1702(b)(1) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Civil notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
One 15-day stipulated extension to respond
The parties may stipulate without leave of court to one 15-day extension
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.110(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Substituted service is complete 10 days after mailing
Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th day after the mailing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.20(a), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Mail with notice and acknowledgment: complete when acknowledgment signed
on the date a written acknowledgement of receipt of summons is executed,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.30(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Out-of-state service by mail is complete 10 days after mailing
Service of a summons by this form of mail is deemed complete on the 10th day after such mailing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.40 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Failure to respond to requests for admission
The party to whom the requests for admission are directed waives any objection to the requests, ... The court shall make this order, unless it finds
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2033.280(a)-(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposition is counted back from the hearing, not from service
at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b); §437c(b)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
No statewide deadline keyed to discovery close
any party shall be entitled as a matter of right to complete discovery proceedings on or before the 30th day
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2024.020(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Court's power to rule on new trial motion expires after 75 days
shall expire 75 days after the mailing of notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §660(c); §663a(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Post-trial motions extend the time to appeal (rule 8.108)
If the motion for a new trial is denied, the time to appeal from the judgment is extended for all parties until the earliest of:
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.108(b)(1), (c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Once one party files a notice of intention to move for new trial, each other party has 15 days from service of it
each other party shall have 15 days after the service of that notice upon them to file and serve a notice of intention to move for a new trial.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family
Petitioner's preliminary declaration of disclosure due
60 days after the petition was filed
either concurrently with the petition for dissolution or legal separation, or within 60 days of filing the petition.
Cal. Fam. Code §2104(f) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to dissolution petition due
30 days after the petition was served
A responsive pleading, if any, shall be filed and a copy served on the petitioner ... within 30 days of the date of the service on the respondent of a copy of the petition and summons.
Cal. Fam. Code §2020; Judicial Council form FL-110 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Earliest date marriage can be terminated (six-month waiting period)
6 months after the petition was servedEarliest day, not a last day: the day after this period
for the purpose of terminating the marriage relationship of the parties until six months have expired
Cal. Fam. Code §2339(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory responses due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the party to whom the interrogatories are propounded
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2030.260(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Responses to requests for production (inspection demands) due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of a demand for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2031.260(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Responses to requests for admission due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
Within 30 days after service of requests for admission
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2033.250(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve and file motion papers (general motions)
16 court days before the hearing
at least 16 court days before the hearing
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposition papers due
9 court days before the hearing
All papers opposing a motion so noticed shall be filed with the court and a copy served on each party ... at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Reply papers due
5 court days before the hearing
at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of intention to move for new trial due
15 days after notice of entry was served
Within 15 days of the date of serving notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court pursuant to Section 664.5,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of intention to move to vacate judgment (§663a) due
15 days after notice of entry was served
Within 15 days of the date of mailing of notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court pursuant to Section 664.5,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §663a(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal due (60 days after notice of entry)
60 days after notice of entry was served
60 days after the party filing the notice of appeal serves or is served by a party with a document entitled
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.104(a)(1)(A)-(B), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: notice of appeal from family judgment
180 days after the judgment was entered
180 days after entry of judgment.
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.104(a)(1)(C); Fam. Code §210; CRC 5.2(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit: notice of intention to move for new trial (family)
180 days after the judgment was entered
or within 180 days after the entry of judgment, whichever is earliest
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2) via Fam. Code §210 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
Substituted service is complete 10 days after mailing
Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th day after the mailing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.20(a), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Mail with notice and acknowledgment: complete when acknowledgment signed
on the date a written acknowledgement of receipt of summons is executed,
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.30(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Out-of-state service by mail is complete 10 days after mailing
Service of a summons by this form of mail is deemed complete on the 10th day after such mailing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §415.40 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Failure to respond to requests for admission
The party to whom the requests for admission are directed waives any objection to the requests, ... The court shall make this order, unless it finds
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2033.280(a)-(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposition is counted back from the hearing, not from service
at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five court days before the hearing.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1005(b); §437c(b)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Court's power to rule on new trial motion expires after 75 days
shall expire 75 days after the mailing of notice of entry of judgment by the clerk of the court.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §660(c); §663a(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Post-trial motions extend the time to appeal (rule 8.108)
If the motion for a new trial is denied, the time to appeal from the judgment is extended for all parties until the earliest of:
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.108(b)(1), (c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Respondent's preliminary declaration of disclosure
either concurrently with the response to the petition, or within 60 days of filing the response.
Cal. Fam. Code §2104(f) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Request to quash extends response time
the time to file a response will be extended until 15 days after service of the court's order
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.63(b), (c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
General civil post-judgment and appeal rules apply to family judgments
the rules of practice and procedure applicable to civil actions generally, including the provisions of Title 3a
Cal. Fam. Code §210; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.2(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Once one party files a notice of intention to move for new trial, each other party has 15 days from service of it
each other party shall have 15 days after the service of that notice upon them to file and serve a notice of intention to move for a new trial.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §659(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting days under the court rules
The time in which any act provided by law is to be done is computed by excluding the first day, and including the last, ... unless the last day is a holiday, and then it is also excluded.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§12, 12a, 12c · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting one of these from a real date? Try the date calculator, or look around a sample workspace.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.