DeadlineAnswer, demurrer, or motion to strike in response to complaint Unlawful detainer: response to complaint Response to cross-complaint Response to amended complaint (or amended cross-complaint) Amend or answer after ruling on demurrer Demurrer hearing to be set within 35 days of filing Anti-SLAPP special motion to strike Serve cross-complaint on new parties and file proof of service Serve defendant added by amended complaint and file proof of service File request for entry of default Demurrer meet and confer: last day Demurrer: automatic 30-day extension by meet-and-confer declaration Motion to strike meet and confer: last day Motion to strike: automatic 30-day extension by declaration Demurrer to answer Demurrer to amended answer Amend once without leave after demurrer or motion to strike filed File amended complaint after reversal of demurrer sustained without leave Respond after remand from federal court (no prior response filed) Plead after motion to quash (418.10) denied Plead after writ proceeding on motion to quash concludes Respond to complaint after venue transfer granted Plead after petition to compel arbitration (filed in lieu of answer) is denied Collections case (CRC 3.740): serve all defendants and file proofs of service (or obtain publication order) within 180 days after complaint filed Judgment on the pleadings granted with leave to amend: amended complaint or answer due 30 days after the order (unless the order states otherwise) Response to complaint (or answer) in intervention: move, demur, or otherwise plead within 30 days after service Personal injury or wrongful death: plaintiff's responsive statement of damages, 15 days after defendant's request served Motion to add punitive damages against health care provider (CCP 425.13): within 2 years after complaint filed (earlier-of limit) Motion to add punitive damages against health care provider (CCP 425.13): not less than 9 months before the date first set for trial (earlier-of limit) Motion to transfer (CCP 396b) denied: defendant that has not responded is deemed granted 30 calendar days to move, demur, or otherwise plead Vexatious litigant security motion (CCP 391.1) denied: moving defendant's pleading due 10 days after denial Vexatious litigant security furnished: moving defendant's pleading due 10 days after written notice that security was furnished Vexatious litigant granted leave to proceed: defendants' pleading due 10 days after service of the order permitting filing Shareholder derivative suit: pleadings stayed until 10 days after the Corp. Code 800 bond motion is disposed of CFCA qui tam: defendant's response due 30 days after the complaint is unsealed and served Limited civil: defendant's completed case questionnaire served with the answer (30 days after service of complaint and questionnaire) Case management statement Meet and confer before initial case management conference Serve complaint and file proof of service Serve summons and complaint (mandatory 3-year limit) File proof of service of summons (statutory outer limit) Earliest discretionary dismissal for failure to serve (2 years) Responsive papers to OSC re failure to serve or default (rule 3.110) Bring action to trial (mandatory 5-year limit) Bring action to trial again after mistrial or hung jury (3 years) Bring action to trial again after new trial granted, no appeal (3 years) Bring action to trial again after appeal remand (3 years) Earliest discretionary dismissal for failure to bring to trial (2 years) Clerk's notice of court's own-motion dismissal hearing Court decides complex status after a counterdesignation (court deadline) Notice of Related Case: serve and file no later than 15 days after the facts showing related cases become known Response supporting or opposing a Notice of Related Case: 5 days after service of the notice Case reclassified (to unlimited): responsible party pays reclassification fee within 5 days after service of notice of the order (else any party may pay) Reclassification fee unpaid 30 days after service of notice of the order: court may order case to proceed as limited, dismiss without prejudice, or take other action Local agency public works suit: court must submit matter to nonbinding mediation within 60 days (not earlier than 30 days) after responsive pleadings filed Local agency public works suit: parties select mediator within 15 days of court's mediation submittal (else any party may petition court) Reclassification motion (limited/unlimited): defendant or cross-defendant files within the time to respond to the initial pleading Stipulation to reclassify (limited/unlimited) within the time to respond to the initial pleading Responses to interrogatories Responses to requests for production (inspection demands) Responses to requests for admission Unlawful detainer: responses to interrogatories, inspection demands, requests for admission Motion to compel further responses (interrogatories, inspection demands, RFAs) Discovery cutoff (complete discovery) Discovery motion cutoff (last day for hearing) Demand for exchange of expert witness information: last day Expert witness exchange date Supplemental expert witness list Oral deposition: minimum notice Expert discovery cutoff (complete expert discovery) Expert discovery motion cutoff (last day for hearing) Demand for expert witness exchange: 10 days after initial trial date set (alternative) Expert witness exchange date: 20 days after service of demand (alternative) Retained expert: produce materials called for by deposition notice Pay balance of expert's deposition fee Notice to consumer of subpoena for personal records: before production date Notice to consumer of subpoena for personal records: before service on custodian Consumer's motion to quash: notice to witness and deposition officer Motion to enforce personal-records subpoena after nonparty consumer objection Notice to employee of subpoena for employment records: before production date Notice to employee of subpoena for employment records: before service on custodian Employee's motion to quash: notice to witness and deposition officer Motion to enforce employment-records subpoena after nonparty employee objection Business-records-only deposition subpoena: earliest compliance date (20 days after issuance) Business-records-only deposition subpoena: earliest compliance date (15 days after service) Written objection to defective deposition notice Non-noticing party's notice of intent to audio/video record deposition Motion to compel deposition answers or production Lodge certified deposition transcript excerpts for motion to compel Deponent's period to review, correct, and sign deposition transcript Deponent's period to review audio/video-only deposition and change answers Protective order to stop release of deposition copy to a requesting nonparty Defense physical examination (demand): earliest exam date Plaintiff's response to demand for physical examination Deliver medical examiner's report after examinee's demand (30 days) Deliver medical examiner's report after examinee's demand (15 days before trial) Earliest date plaintiff may serve interrogatories, inspection demands, RFAs (after service of summons) Earliest date plaintiff may serve interrogatories, inspection demands, RFAs (after appearance) Earliest date plaintiff may serve deposition notice (after service of summons on any defendant) Earliest date plaintiff may serve deposition notice (after appearance by any defendant) Initial disclosures (CCP 2016.090): 60 days after a party's demand Deposition: written notice of a party's or attorney's remote appearance (or in-person attendance with deponent at a remote deposition), 5 court days before Inspection demand (CCP 2031.030): earliest date the demand may set for production or inspection, 30 days after service Unlawful detainer inspection demand: earliest date the demand may set for production or inspection, 5 days after service Clawed-back ESI: receiving party's motion to determine claim of privilege or work product, within 30 days of receiving the claim Peremptory challenge (CCP 170.6) to discovery referee appointed for all discovery purposes: 10 days after notice of appointment Peremptory challenge (CCP 170.6) to all-purpose discovery referee by party not yet appeared at appointment: 10 days after its appearance Peremptory challenge (CCP 170.6) to limited-purpose discovery referee: at least 5 days before the hearing (if referee known 10+ days before) Deposition on written questions: cross questions served within 30 days after the deposition notice and direct questions are served Deposition on written questions: redirect questions served within 15 days after being served with cross questions Deposition on written questions: recross questions served within 15 days after being served with redirect questions Noticed motion: serve and file moving papers before hearing Noticed motion: opposition Noticed motion: reply Motion for summary judgment / adjudication: notice before hearing Motion for summary judgment: opposition Motion for summary judgment: reply Motion for summary judgment: last day for hearing before trial Ex parte application: notice to other parties CCP 170.6 peremptory challenge: judge assigned for all purposes (civil) CCP 170.6 peremptory challenge: judge known at least 10 days before trial/hearing Unlawful detainer: summary judgment notice Motion to dismiss for delay in prosecution: notice Motion to dismiss for delay: written opposition Motion to dismiss for delay: moving party's response to opposition Motion to dismiss for delay: opposing party's reply Motion for judgment on the pleadings: meet and confer Motion to quash / forum non conveniens: latest hearing date Motion for reconsideration (CCP 1008(a)) Earliest day to file a CCP 128.7 sanctions motion (day after the 21-day safe harbor ends) Earliest day to file a CCP 128.5 sanctions motion (day after the 21-day safe harbor ends) Withdraw or correct challenged paper after court's own-motion sanctions OSC (CCP 128.7(c)(2), 128.5(f)(1)(D)) Anti-SLAPP motion hearing: not more than 30 days after service of the motion (unless docket requires later) Challenged judge's consent or verified answer to statement of disqualification (10 days; otherwise deemed consent) Parties agree on judge to decide disqualification (5 days after notification of judge's answer) Prevailing party serves proposed order after ruling on motion (5 days) Other parties approve or disapprove proposed order (5 days after service; silence is approval) Notice of intent to appear for oral argument on tentative ruling (4:00 p.m. court day before hearing) Written request to present oral testimony at law and motion hearing (3 court days before hearing) File proof of service of moving papers (5 court days before hearing) OSC re preliminary injunction after TRO granted without notice: hearing no later than 15 days after TRO issued OSC re preliminary injunction after TRO without notice: hearing no later than 22 days after TRO issued (good cause) Serve TRO, OSC, complaint and supporting papers: within 5 days after TRO issued (or 2 days before hearing, if earlier) Serve TRO, OSC and supporting papers: no later than 2 days before OSC hearing (if earlier than 5 days after TRO) Opposing affidavits on OSC re preliminary injunction: serve at least 2 days before hearing to avoid applicant continuance Present proposed preliminary injunction order and undertaking (1 court day after grant) Civil harassment restraining order (CCP 527.6): hearing within 21 days after temporary order granted or denied Civil harassment restraining order (CCP 527.6): hearing within 21 days after petition filed when no temporary order requested Civil harassment restraining order (CCP 527.6): hearing within 25 days after temporary order granted or denied (good cause) Civil harassment restraining order (CCP 527.6): hearing within 25 days after petition filed when no temporary order requested (good cause) Civil harassment restraining order (CCP 527.6): personally serve respondent at least 5 days before hearing Workplace violence restraining order (CCP 527.8): hearing within 21 days after temporary order granted or denied Workplace violence restraining order (CCP 527.8): hearing within 21 days after petition filed when no temporary order requested Workplace violence restraining order (CCP 527.8): hearing within 25 days after temporary order granted or denied (good cause) Workplace violence restraining order (CCP 527.8): hearing within 25 days after petition filed when no temporary order requested (good cause) Workplace violence restraining order (CCP 527.8): personally serve respondent at least 5 days before hearing Motion for judgment on the pleadings: last day to make it without leave, 30 days before the date the action was initially set for trial SLAPPback (malicious prosecution / abuse of process after a granted anti-SLAPP motion): special motion to strike within 120 days of service of the complaint SLAPPback: outer limit for a special motion to strike with the court's discretionary leave (6 months after service of the complaint) SLAPPback special motion to strike: hearing to be set not more than 30 days after service of the motion Writ petition from order on summary judgment / summary adjudication motion (other than entry of summary judgment): 20 days after service of notice of entry Writ petition to review order determining judicial disqualification (CCP 170.3(d)): 10 days after service of notice of entry Writ petition to review lis pendens (expungement / undertaking) order (CCP 405.39): 20 days after service of written notice of the order Petition for writ of administrative mandamus against a local agency (CCP 1094.6): 90 days after decision becomes final Request local agency record to extend CCP 1094.6 petition deadline (10 days after decision becomes final) Petition for writ of administrative mandamus against a local agency after timely record request: 30 days after record delivered or mailed State agency's power to order reconsideration expires (Gov. Code 11521(a)): 30 days after delivery or mailing of decision Petition for writ of mandate to review state agency APA decision (Gov. Code 11523): 30 days after last day reconsideration can be ordered Request state agency record to extend Gov. Code 11523 petition deadline (10 days after last day for reconsideration) Petition for writ of mandate (Gov. Code 11523) after timely record request: 30 days after record delivered Public Records Act order: petition for extraordinary writ within 20 days after service of notice of entry Public Records Act writ petition: outer limit if trial court extends (up to 20 more days, 40 total) Contempt against attorney (or attorney's agent or investigator) or public safety employee for subpoena noncompliance: sentence stayed only if writ petition filed within 3 judicial days Administrative mandamus (CCP 1094.5): lodge the part of the administrative record to be used at least 5 days before the hearing Trial court writ of mandate (CCP 1088.5 petition, record filed with petition or not required): respondent's answer or response 30 days after service Trial court writ of mandate (record requested but not filed with petition): answer or response 30 days after receipt of a copy of the record Victim Compensation Board decision: writ of mandate petition within 30 calendar days of personal delivery of the decision (or notice of rejection, or decision on reconsideration) Victim Compensation Board decision: writ of mandate petition within 60 calendar days of mailing of the decision (or notice of rejection, or decision on reconsideration) Judicial administrative records order (CRC 10.500(j)(5)): petition for extraordinary writ within 20 days after service of notice of entry SLAPPback: petition for peremptory writ from order denying (or partly granting) the special motion to strike, within 20 days after service of notice of entry Prerogative writ application (served under CCP 1107): respondent / real party points and authorities in opposition within 5 days after service and filing First Amendment expressive-conduct permit: petition for writ (expedited review) filed and served no later than 21 calendar days after the agency's final decision Expressive-conduct permit writ: hearing set no later than 25 calendar days after the petition is filed Expressive-conduct permit writ: petitioner lodges the administrative record no later than 10 calendar days before the hearing Expressive-conduct permit writ: agency must prepare, certify and make available the record within 5 court days after the applicant's written notice of intent to seek review Local agency administrative fine or penalty: de novo appeal to superior court within 20 days after service of the final administrative order Jury fee deposit, unlawful detainer (5 days before trial) Jury fee deposit when no case management conference is set (365 days after the complaint is filed) Jury fee deposit for late-appearing parties (25 days before the initial trial date) Mandatory settlement conference statement (submit and serve) CCP 998 offer to compromise: last day to serve before trial CCP 998 offer: acceptance window (30 days after offer made) CCP 998 offer: acceptance cut off by commencement of trial Notice of trial served by a party (clerk did not serve) Notice of trial served by the clerk (court duty) Notice to party (or party's officer, director, managing agent) to attend trial in lieu of subpoena Notice to attend trial with request to bring documents or things Objections to request to bring documents (CCP 1987(c) notice) Records custodian: deliver copies of subpoenaed business records (civil action) Announce jury demand after notice of trial setting (case set without notice or stipulation) Limited civil: request for statement of witnesses and evidence (last day to serve) Limited civil: request for statement of witnesses and evidence (earliest day to serve) Limited civil: serve statement of witnesses and evidence in response to CCP 96 request Limited civil: serve affidavit/declaration offered in lieu of direct testimony Request for statement of decision (court trial over one day) [through Dec. 31, 2026] Request for statement of decision: 10 days after clerk's service of tentative decision (CRC alternative) [through Dec. 31, 2026] Other party's proposals for content of statement of decision [through Dec. 31, 2026] Party ordered to prepare statement of decision: serve and submit proposed statement and judgment [through Dec. 31, 2026] Other party's remedy when ordered party fails to submit proposed statement of decision [through Dec. 31, 2026] Objections to proposed statement of decision or judgment [through Dec. 31, 2026] Objections to statement of decision [operative Jan. 1, 2027] Limited civil mandatory expedited jury trial: request to opt out Limited civil mandatory expedited jury trial: objection to opt-out request Voluntary expedited jury trial: submit proposed consent order Voluntary expedited jury trial: pretrial exchange (exhibits, witness lists, instructions, motions in limine) Voluntary expedited jury trial: supplemental exchange Voluntary expedited jury trial: file motions in limine and lodge exchanged items Voluntary expedited jury trial: pretrial conference (court) Notice of intent to appear remotely at evidentiary hearing, trial, or small claims trial noticed 15+ court days ahead: 10 court days before Notice of intent to appear remotely at evidentiary hearing or trial noticed less than 15 court days ahead (RA-010 option): 5 court days before Opposition to remote evidentiary hearing or trial (form RA-015), proceeding noticed 15+ court days ahead: 5 court days before Opposition to remote evidentiary hearing or trial (form RA-015), proceeding noticed less than 15 court days ahead: noon the court day before Public employee's written request that the entity defend (Gov. Code 825(a)): not less than 10 days before the day of trial Limited civil: affiant whose declaration is offered in lieu of testimony must be available for service of process during the 20 days before trial Application to arbitrators to correct award Objection to application to correct award Arbitrators' correction deadline (deemed denial) Petition to vacate or correct arbitration award Response requesting vacatur or correction (to a petition to confirm) Petition to confirm arbitration award (outer limit) Earliest date to serve and file petition to confirm, correct, or vacate award Response to petition under the arbitration title (e.g. to confirm, vacate, compel) Notice of hearing on petition under the arbitration title Earliest hearing on arbitration petition served out of state by mail Request for trial de novo after judicial arbitration award Judicial arbitration: complete discovery Judicial arbitration: deliver documents, witness declarations, deposition notice (20 days) Judicial arbitration: demand that a declarant testify in person Judicial arbitration: arbitrator files award Judicial arbitration: cross-complainant motion to remove case from arbitration Motion to vacate judgment entered on judicial arbitration award Uninsured motorist arbitration: must be concluded within 5 years of institution Objections to proposed judgment [through Dec. 31, 2026] Party ordered to prepare proposed judgment (no statement of decision) [through Dec. 31, 2026] Objections to proposed judgment [operative Jan. 1, 2027] Obtain default judgment after default entered Motion to set aside default for lack of actual notice (2-year outer limit) Motion to set aside default for lack of actual notice (180 days after notice) Motion to set aside default in consumer case filed in wrong venue (CCP 585.5) Motion for attorney fees (trial court fees), unlimited civil: within time to appeal, 60 days after notice of entry Motion for attorney fees, unlimited civil: 180-day outer limit after entry of judgment Motion for attorney fees (trial court fees), limited civil: within time to appeal, 30 days after notice of entry Motion for attorney fees, limited civil: 90-day outer limit after entry of judgment Motion for attorney fees on appeal (unlimited civil): 40 days after issuance of remittitur Motion for attorney fees on appeal (limited civil, appellate division): 30 days after clerk sends notice of issuance of remittitur Memorandum of costs on appeal (unlimited civil) in superior court: 40 days after issuance of remittitur Memorandum of costs on appeal (limited civil, appellate division): 30 days after clerk sends notice of issuance of remittitur Motion to strike or tax costs on appeal: 15 days after service of the costs-on-appeal memorandum Memorandum of costs (trial costs): 180-day outer limit after entry of judgment Collections case (CRC 3.740): obtain default judgment within 360 days after complaint filed (defendants served, no responsive pleading) Debt buyer action: motion to set aside default or default judgment for lack of actual notice, outer limit 6 years after entry (earlier of this or 180 days after actual notice) Debt buyer action: motion to set aside default for lack of actual notice, not more than 180 days after first actual notice of the action Notice of intention to move for new trial Court's power to rule on new trial motion expires Memorandum of costs (trial costs) Motion to strike or tax costs Relief from default/judgment for mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect (outer limit) Motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV): 15 days after service of notice of entry of judgment JNOV motion: 180-day outer limit after entry of judgment JNOV or new trial by another party: 15 days after service of first notice of intention Court's power to rule on JNOV motion expires (75 days after notice of entry) Court's power to rule on JNOV motion expires (no notice of entry given: 75 days after first notice of intention filed) Court's power to rule on new trial motion expires (no notice of entry given: 75 days after first notice of intention filed) Notice of intention to move for new trial: 180-day outer limit after entry of judgment New trial / JNOV / motion to vacate: moving brief and affidavits (10 days after filing notice of intention) New trial / JNOV / motion to vacate: opposition and counter-affidavits (10 days after service of moving papers) New trial / JNOV / motion to vacate: reply (5 days after service of opposition) Notice of intention to move to vacate judgment (CCP 663a): 15 days after notice of entry Notice of intention to move to vacate judgment: 180-day outer limit after entry Court's power to rule on CCP 663 motion to vacate expires (75 days after notice of entry) Court's power to rule on CCP 663 motion to vacate expires (no notice of entry: 75 days after first notice of intention filed) Conditional new trial order (additur or remittitur) with no stated deadline: accept or reject within 30 days after clerk serves the order Jury discharged without verdict: notice of motion for judgment (as on directed verdict) within 10 days after discharge Jury discharged without verdict: court's power to order judgment under CCP 630(f) expires 30 days after discharge (motion deemed denied) Money judgment (or judgment for possession or sale) becomes unenforceable: 10 years after entry, unless renewed Last day to file application for renewal of judgment (before the 10-year period of enforceability expires) Last day to file application to renew a previously renewed judgment (10 years after prior renewal application filed) Judgment debtor's motion to vacate or modify renewal of judgment: 60 days after service of notice of renewal Proof of personal service of renewal application on transferee of liened real property (90 days after filing application) Real property judgment lien (recorded abstract) expires 10 years after entry of judgment; record renewal before then to extend Judgment creditor must file or deliver acknowledgment of satisfaction: 15 days after actual receipt of written demand Notice of appeal (unlimited civil, to Court of Appeal) Notice of appeal, unlimited civil (180 days after entry of judgment, when no notice of entry was served) Notice of appeal (limited civil, to appellate division) Notice of appeal, limited civil (90 days after entry of judgment, when no notice of entry was served) Writ of mandate after denial of motion to quash / forum non conveniens Writ of mandate after order granting or denying change of venue Notice of appeal from order granting or denying anti-SLAPP motion (60 days after notice of entry) Notice of appeal from anti-SLAPP order: 180-day outer limit after entry of the order Writ of mandate from coordination order (CCP 404 et seq.) Nonsettling party's notice of motion to contest good faith settlement: 25 days after mailing of 877.6(a)(2) application Nonsettling party's notice of motion to contest good faith settlement: 20 days after personal service of 877.6(a)(2) application Petition for writ of mandate to review good faith settlement determination: 20 days after service of written notice of the determination Notify court-connected arbitrator or ADR neutral of settlement: at least 2 days before the scheduled session Request for dismissal of entire case after unconditional settlement: 45 days after the date of settlement Request for dismissal after conditional settlement: within 45 days after the dismissal date specified in the notice of conditional settlement Notice and declaration requesting more time to dismiss after settlement: at least 5 court days before the time to request dismissal elapses Defendant's notice of opposition to right to attach order: 5 court days before hearing Plaintiff's reply on right to attach order: 2 court days before hearing Defendant's claim of exemption for noticed attachment hearing: not less than 5 court days before hearing Plaintiff's notice of opposition to defendant's claim of exemption (noticed attachment): not less than 2 days before hearing Defendant's claim of exemption for personal property levied on under ex parte writ of attachment: 30 days after service of notice of attachment Defendant's noticed motion claiming 487.020(b) exemption: serve plaintiff not less than 3 days before hearing Hearing on 482.100(c) exemption motion: not more than 5 days after filing Temporary protective order (attachment) expires: 40 days after issuance Plaintiff's increased undertaking after judgment for defendant: 10 days after order increasing undertaking Objection to a bond or undertaking (Bond and Undertaking Law): 10 days after service of a copy of the bond Defendant's objection to plaintiff's claim-and-delivery undertaking: 10 days after levy of writ of possession Plaintiff's objection to defendant's redelivery undertaking: 10 days after defendant's undertaking is filed Objection to preliminary injunction undertaking (CCP 529): within 5 days after service of the injunction Receiver appointed ex parte: OSC re confirmation must be returnable not later than 15 days after the OSC issues Receiver appointed ex parte: OSC re confirmation returnable not later than 22 days after issuance (good cause) Receiver appointed ex parte: serve complaint, OSC, declarations and memorandum no later than 5 days after the OSC issues Claim of exemption after levy (notice of levy personally served): 15 days after service Claim of exemption after levy (notice of levy served by mail): 20 days after service Judgment creditor's notice of opposition to claim of exemption and notice of motion: 15 days after service of notice of claim of exemption Hearing on claim of exemption: not later than 30 days after notice of motion filed Judgment creditor serves notice of hearing and opposition on exemption claimant: not less than 10 days before hearing Wage garnishment: judgment creditor's notice of opposition to claim of exemption: 10 days after levying officer mailed notice of claim Wage garnishment: judgment creditor's notice of motion for hearing on claim of exemption: 10 days after levying officer mailed notice of claim Wage garnishment: hearing on claim of exemption not later than 30 days after notice of motion filed Earliest new earnings withholding order to same employer after court termination: 100 days after service of the terminated order (alternative 1 of 2) Earliest new earnings withholding order to same employer after court termination: 60 days after termination (alternative 2 of 2) Third-party claim: creditor files undertaking (or objects to third person's release undertaking): 10 days after levying officer's service Petition for hearing on third-party claim: 15 days after the claim is filed with the levying officer Petition for hearing on third-party claim: 15 days after third person files release undertaking Hearing on third-party claim: within 20 days after petition filed Creditor's statement opposing secured party's third-party claim (secured party petitioned): not later than 5 days before hearing Hearing on objection to third-party-claim undertaking: earliest 10 days after service of notice of motion Hearing on objection to third-party-claim undertaking: latest 15 days after service of notice of motion Order for judgment debtor examination: personally serve not less than 30 days before the examination Order for examination of third person: serve not less than 10 days before the examination Judgment debtor's exemption claim in third-person examination: file and personally serve not later than 3 days before the examination Consumer debt debtor examination: debtor files notice of financial affidavit and serves affidavit no later than 15 days before the examination Consumer debt debtor examination: creditor's notice of motion objecting to financial affidavit: 15 days after filing of notice and proof of service Consumer debt debtor examination ordered after hearing: serve rescheduled application and order at least 30 days before examination Consumer debt: earliest new application for debtor examination after cancellation: one year after the prior application Memorandum of costs of enforcing judgment: not later than 2 years after costs incurred (and before full satisfaction) Judgment debtor's motion to tax enforcement costs: 10 days after service of memorandum of costs Noticed motion for costs of enforcing judgment (including attorney's fees): not later than 2 years after costs incurred (and before full satisfaction) Judgment creditor's application for order for sale of dwelling: 20 days after service of levying officer's notice of levy on dwelling Hearing on order for sale of dwelling: not later than 45 days after application filed Serve order to show cause, application, and notice of hearing re sale of dwelling: not later than 30 days before hearing Serve order for sale of dwelling and notice when debtor did not appear: not later than 10 days after the order Debtor's declaration seeking relief from order for sale of dwelling after nonappearance: 10 days after service of notice of the order Sister-state judgment: no writ of execution or other enforcement until at least 30 days after notice of entry is served on the judgment debtor Sister-state judgment: property levied under an early writ may not be sold or proceeds distributed until 30 days after notice of entry is served Execution sale of real property: notice of sale may not be given until 120 days after notice of levy was served on the judgment debtor Execution sale of real property: notice of sale served, mailed and posted (and first publication) at least 20 days before the sale Judicial foreclosure sale with right of redemption: redemption period ends 3 months after sale (proceeds sufficient to satisfy the debt) Judicial foreclosure sale with right of redemption: redemption period ends 1 year after sale (proceeds insufficient) Judgment lien on personal property (Secretary of State filing): lapses 5 years after filing unless continued Judgment lien on personal property: continuation statement window opens 6 months before the 5-year lapse (54 months after filing) Extinguished personal property judgment lien: creditor must file statement of release within 20 days after receiving the debtor's authenticated demand Earnings withholding order: withholding period begins on the 30th day after service on the employer Earnings withholding order: withholding period begins on the 45th day after service on the employer if a claim of exemption is filed and the employer has notice by day 29 Earnings withholding order: employer electing per-pay-period remittance must pay withheld amounts not later than 10 days after the close of the pay period Judgment debtor examination: ex parte order available only if the debtor has not been examined in the preceding 120 days Lien in pending action (708.410): judgment debtor's claim of exemption by noticed motion, filed and served not later than 30 days after notice of the lien Acknowledgment of partial satisfaction of judgment: creditor must comply with demand not later than 15 days after actual receipt Class action case conference: plaintiff serves defendant's notice on non-appearing named parties Class action case conference: plaintiff serves court's notice on all served parties Class action case conference: file and serve notice of conference Motion to certify / decertify class or modify certification order: serve and file moving papers Class certification motion: opposition Class certification motion: reply CLRA class action: notice of Civ. Code 1781(c) hearing (class propriety / notice / merit) Class action dismissal: request hearing after notice of tentative disapproval PAGA: submit file-stamped complaint to LWDA PAGA: submit proposed settlement to LWDA at the same time as to the court PAGA: submit judgment to LWDA PAGA: submit order granting or denying civil penalties to LWDA Coordination: make original signed (penalty of perjury) document available after demand Coordination proceeding: serve and submit supporting or opposing memoranda and declarations Petition for coordination: response in opposition Petition for coordination: response in support (and alternate site request) Petition for coordination: serve notice of submission, petition, and supporting papers on all parties Petition for coordination: submit notice, proof of filing, and proof of service to the Chair of the Judicial Council Coordination motion judge sets hearing on petition (court deadline) Coordination: opposition to motion for stay order (CCP 404.5) Coordination: earliest date to move to terminate a stay order Coordination: CCP 170.6 peremptory challenge to assigned (motion or trial) judge Coordination: stay ends after order denying coordination Coordination trial judge holds initial case management conference (court deadline) Coordination: notice of hearing on transfer of coordinated action (if objected to) Add-on case: notice of opposition to request to coordinate Add-on case: memorandum and declarations in opposition Construction-related accessibility claim: defendant's application for stay and early evaluation conference (no later than first responsive pleading or appearance, normally 30 days after service of summons) Construction-related accessibility claim: application for stay and early evaluation conference after plaintiff (formerly in pro per) serves Notice of Substitution of Counsel (30 days) Early evaluation conference: court must set it no later than 70 days after issuing the stay order Early evaluation conference: may not be set earlier than 50 days after the defendant's application is filed Early evaluation conference: 90-day stay of the construction-related accessibility claim (expires) Early evaluation conference: qualified defendant files and serves CASp inspection report at least 15 days before the conference Early evaluation conference: plaintiff files and serves statement (itemized conditions, damages, fees, settlement demand) at least 15 days before the conference Early evaluation conference: joint site inspection at the premises (if defendant requested) no later than 30 days after the court order Early evaluation conference: defendant (building-department or CASp-inspector approved construction, 60-day correction) files and serves evidence of correction within 10 calendar days after completing corrections Early evaluation conference: small business defendant files and serves evidence of correction within 10 days after the court order (if not filed with the application) Mandatory evaluation conference (55.545): plaintiff's application within 15 days after defendant files responsive pleadings (if defendant did not request one) Mandatory evaluation conference (55.545): court must set it no later than 180 days after the request or application Mandatory evaluation conference (55.545): may not be set earlier than 120 days after the request or application Mandatory evaluation conference (55.545): plaintiff files and serves statement at least 30 days before the conference Mandatory evaluation conference (55.545): defendant files and serves statement of remedial action / correction plan at least 30 days before the conference Statutory damages reduced to $1,000 minimum per offense: correct all violations within 60 days of being served with the complaint (CASp-inspected or CASp-inspector-approved sites) Statutory damages reduced to $2,000 minimum per offense (small business): correct all violations within 30 days of being served with the complaint Small business technical violations (signage, striping, paint, detectable warnings): presumption of no difficulty if corrected within 15 days of service of summons and complaint (alternative 1 of 2, whichever is earlier) Small business technical violations: presumption of no difficulty if corrected within 15 days of receipt of a written notice (alternative 2 of 2, whichever is earlier) Small business (50 or fewer employees) CASp inspection safe harbor: no minimum statutory damages if violations noted in CASp report are corrected within 120 days of the inspection CASp inspection safe harbor: outer limit of 180 days after inspection to complete repairs when a building permit is required and active CASp safe harbor reuse after modifications: obtain additional CASp inspection within 30 days of final building department approval or certificate of occupancy Attorney sends copy of accessibility demand letter (and standard-format information) to the California Commission on Disability Access within 5 business days Attorney sends copy of accessibility (or website accessibility) complaint to the California Commission on Disability Access within 5 business days of sending or serving it Attorney notifies the California Commission on Disability Access of judgment, settlement, or dismissal within 5 business days Deficiency action under CCP 580a: application for appointment of probate referee to appraise the property at least 10 days before trial Notice of intent to appear remotely (form RA-010), non-evidentiary hearing on 3+ court days' notice: 2 court days before Notice of intent to appear remotely, hearing on less than 3 court days' notice (non-moving party): 2:00 p.m. the court day before Notice and acknowledgment of receipt (CCP 415.30): 20 days after mailing for recipient to sign and return; then sender may serve another way and recover expenses Motion to be relieved as counsel: client's mail or electronic service address must have been confirmed within 30 days before filing the motion (earliest valid confirmation date) Limited scope representation: client's objection to attorney's application to be relieved (form CIV-152), 15 days after service of application Limited scope representation: clerk must set hearing on client's objection no later than 25 days after the objection is filed Writ of execution: no levy after 180 days from issuance Post-judgment interrogatories or inspection demands to judgment debtor: earliest day to serve a new set (after the 120-day bar from prior responses or debtor examination) Execution sale where judgment creditor was the purchaser: judgment debtor's action to set aside the sale within 90 days after the sale Trial court fee waiver: initial application deemed granted 5 court days after filing unless the court gives notice of action Trial court fee waiver denied (in whole or part): pay fees, submit new application, or request hearing within 10 days after clerk's notice of denial Filing fee check returned unpaid: pay filing fee and administrative charge within 20 days of clerk's mailing of notice, or filing is voided Referee or commissioner: written statement of decision (report) due 20 days after hearing concluded and matter submitted (unless court directs otherwise) Objection to CCP 639 referee's report or recommendations: 10 days after the referee serves and files the report Response to objection to CCP 639 referee's report: 10 days after the objection is served Records lodged conditionally under seal by a non-producing party: producing party's motion or application to seal within 10 days after the rule 2.551(b)(3) notice Motion to seal denied: moving party's notice that lodged record should be filed unsealed must be received within 10 days of the order (else record returned or deleted) Court's own motion to unseal records: party's opposition 10 days after the court's notice Court's own motion to unseal records: other party's response 5 days after an opposition is filed Nonresident or foreign-corporation plaintiff: file undertaking for costs and fees within 30 days after service of order requiring it (or dismissal) CCP 1030 motion for undertaking filed within 30 days after service of summons (makes defendant eligible for a discretionary stay) CCP 1030 stay application: hearing must be held not later than 60 days after service of summons Shareholder derivative suit: corporation's or officer/director defendant's motion for bond (Corp. Code 800) within 30 days after service of summons Trial preference granted (CCP 36): trial must be set not more than 120 days after the grant Trial preference (CCP 36(b), party under 14) in health care professional negligence action: trial date not sooner than 6 months after grant Trial preference (CCP 36(b), party under 14) in health care professional negligence action: trial date not later than 9 months after grant Transfer ordered because action filed in wrong court: plaintiff pays transfer costs and fees within 5 days after service of notice of transfer order (else another party may pay) Transfer fees unpaid 30 days after service of notice of transfer order: any party may move to dismiss without prejudice Transfer fees when a CCP 400 writ petition or appeal does not stay proceedings: payment due 60 days after service of notice of the transfer order Vexatious litigant under prefiling order: plaintiff must OBTAIN order permitting filing within 10 days after notice is filed, or the case is automatically dismissed Vexatious litigant: after denial of an application to vacate a prefiling order, no new application until 12 months have elapsed Sister-state judgment entered in California: judgment debtor's motion to vacate within 30 days after service of notice of entry California False Claims Act qui tam: Attorney General's election to intervene (seal period) ends 60 days after AG receives complaint and disclosure (state funds) CFCA qui tam (political subdivision funds only): prosecuting authority's election to intervene 45 days after AG forwards the complaint CFCA qui tam (mixed state and local funds): prosecuting authority may intervene within 60 days after the AG notifies the court it will proceed CFCA action filed by AG (or prosecuting authority) involving both state and local funds: other government's intervention or election 60 days after receiving the complaint Mechanics lien foreclosure with arbitration agreement: claimant must file and serve motion to stay pending arbitration within 30 days after service of summons and complaint (or waive arbitration) Judicial arbitration: stipulation selecting arbitrator must be served and filed no later than 10 days after case set for arbitration Judicial arbitration (default selection): each side's written rejection of one name on the administrator's list, 10 days from the date the list was sent Receiver: file inventory of all property taken into possession within 30 days after appointment (or as the court orders) Objection to receiver's interim report and accounting: within 10 days of notice of the report and accounting Judicial foreclosure: application for deficiency judgment within 3 months of the foreclosure sale Deficiency judgment hearing: notice served on appearing defendants at least 15 days before the hearing Deficiency judgment hearing: party's application for appointment of a probate referee to appraise, at least 10 days before the hearing Partition (Partition of Real Property Act): objection to court-ordered appraisal not later than 30 days after the court sends notice of the appraisal Partition: hearing to determine fair market value not sooner than 30 days after notice of the appraisal is sent Partition by sale requested: other cotenants' election to buy out the requesting cotenants, not later than 45 days after the court's buyout notice Partition buyout: court-set date for electing cotenants to pay their price into court, not sooner than 60 days after notice Partition buyout: a paying cotenant's election to buy the remaining interest (after another electing cotenant fails to pay), not later than 20 days after the court's notice Partition open-market sale: parties may agree on a licensed broker not later than 10 days after entry of the sale order (else court appoints) Partition open-market sale: broker's report to the court not later than 7 days after receiving a qualifying offer Partition action, service by publication ordered: plaintiff must post summons and complaint on the property not later than 10 days after the order Talent Agencies Act: appeal Labor Commissioner determination to superior court (de novo) within 10 days after determination Expedited petition (MC-350EX) to approve minor's or disabled person's compromise: court determines within 35 days after filing Expedited petition (MC-350EX): court's election to set a hearing (or notice of intended partial denial) within 25 days after filing Special needs trust for minor's or disabled person's recovery: notice of hearing and petition to DHCS, State Hospitals and Developmental Services directors at least 15 days before the hearing Application for guardian ad litem for a person who already has a guardian or conservator of the estate: guardian or conservator may file opposition within 5 court days of notice Doxing action (Civ. Code 1708.89): limited-access court records open to any person 60 days after judgment unless a motion to seal is granted Name change petition: OSC hearing not less than 6 weeks after the order to show cause Name change petition: OSC hearing not more than 12 weeks after the order to show cause Mechanics lien release order: owner's demand for release must be given at least 10 days before filing the petition (earliest petition date) Mechanics lien release order petition: hearing set not more than 30 days after filing Mechanics lien release order petition: court must rule not later than 60 days after filing Mechanics lien release order petition: serve petition and notice of hearing on claimant at least 15 days before the hearing Public works stop payment notice summary proceeding: notice of hearing on motion for determination of rights at least 5 days before hearing Public works stop payment notice summary proceeding: court hears the motion within 15 days after the motion How was the summons served?Personal delivery (CCP 415.10) Substituted service: leave with person and mail (CCP 415.20) Mail with notice and acknowledgment of receipt (CCP 415.30) Person outside California: first-class mail, return receipt (CCP 415.40) Publication by court order (CCP 415.50; Gov. Code 6064) Enter the date of personal delivery
Deadline
Trigger (Date service of summons and complaint is complete (enter the date per summons_service method)): Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Personal delivery (CCP 415.10): service is complete on that date (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 415.10). Exclude the trigger day and count 30 calendar days: Thursday, December 3, 2026. Rules applied
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 412.20(a)(3), 430.40(a), 435(b)(1); Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.110(d) CCP 412.20(a)(3): "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." CCP 430.40(a): "A person against whom a complaint or cross-complaint has been filed may, within 30 days after service of the complaint or cross-complaint, demur to the complaint or cross-complaint." CCP 435(b)(1): "Any party, within the time allowed to respond to a pleading may serve and file a notice of motion to strike the whole or any part thereof" CRC 3.110(d): "The parties may stipulate without leave of court to one 15-day extension beyond the 30-day time period prescribed for the response after service of the initial complaint." Official source Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 12, 12a, 12b, 10; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 1.10 CCP 12: "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." CCP 12a(a): "If the last day for the performance of any act provided or required by law to be performed within a specified period of time is a holiday, then that period is hereby extended to and including the next day that is not a holiday. For purposes of this section, “holiday” means all day on Saturdays, all holidays specified in Section 135 and, to the extent provided in Section 12b, all days that by terms of Section 12b are required to be considered as holidays." CCP 12b: "If any city, county, state, or public office, other than a branch office, is closed for the whole of any day, insofar as the business of that office is concerned, that day shall be considered as a holiday for the purposes of computing time under Sections 12 and 12a." CCP 10: "Holidays within the meaning of this code are every Sunday and any other days that are specified or provided for as judicial holidays in Section 135." Official source Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 415.10 Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete at the time of such delivery. Official source CCP 1013 mail extensions do NOT apply; the 415.20/415.30/415.40/6064 completion rules govern. Count 30 calendar days from completion of service, roll forward under CCP 12a. CCP 412.20 amended eff. 2026-01-01 (AB 863) without changing the 30 days. CRC 3.110(d) allows one stipulated 15-day extension without court order. A motion to strike filed without a demurrer extends time to answer (CCP 435(c)). Unlawful detainer uses CCP 1167 instead (see unlawful_detainer_response). Publication add_days is a computation from Gov. Code 6064 text; confirm the court's order for any longer publication period (CCP 415.50(b)). If the clerk's office is closed or inaccessible on the last day (weather, emergency or local closure orders), the deadline may be extended. Check local orders. This calculator applies the cited rules to the dates you enter. It is not legal advice. Court orders, local rules, and case-specific facts can change a deadline; verify before relying on it. Rule set pending attorney review.