Civil

Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties that seek money damages or specific performance. They are generally considered to be about rights and grievances or preventing and allowing certain actions.

Civil Lawsuit

A civil lawsuit may involve dispute resolution of the private rights and legal issues between individuals, business entities or non-profit organizations. The party who claims to have been damaged by another's actions brings the suit and seeks a legal or equitable remedy. The person bringing the action is the "Plaintiff" and the person defending the action is the "Defendant." If successful, the court may award damages, impose an injunction or issue other orders to enforce a right.

Case Types and Court Date

Civil, probate and conservatorship matters are set on Mondays at 9:00 am. If a Monday is a holiday, the hearings are moved to Tuesday.

Family law matters are set on Mondays at 9:00 am. Guardianship and adoption matters are set Fridays at 8:30 a.m. If a Monday is a holiday, the hearings are not moved to Tuesday but set the following week.

It is not necessary to call and reserve a date; you may choose the day based on your case type that allows enough time for appropriate service. You need only to submit your moving documents with the appropriate filing fee or application for waiver of court fees and costs.

Telephone Appearance

The Court permits telephonic appearances at the hearings listed in California Rules of Court 3.670(c) and arranged through CourtCall. Appearance by telephone must be prearranged no later than three (3) days before the hearing.

Calendars for non-confidential matters are available on this website by type of case, case number, attorney, date, or department. From the main menu go to "Calendars" and then to "Court Calendar" and chose the method in which to locate your matter.

Click on any of the links below for more information.

• Civil Court FAQs
• Family Court Services
• Landlord/Tenant Disputes (Unlawful Detainer)
• Small Claims