Motion to set aside default for lack of actual notice (2-year outer limit)
24 months after date the default judgment was entered, under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 473.5(a).
Rule text
The notice of motion shall be served and filed within a reasonable time, but in no event exceeding the earlier of: (i) two years after entry of a default judgment against the party; or (ii) 180 days after service on the party of a written notice that the default or default judgment has been entered.
Calculate this deadline
- Trigger (Date the default judgment was entered): Friday, November 6, 2026.
- Add 24 months: Monday, November 6, 2028.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 473.5(a)
The notice of motion shall be served and filed within a reasonable time, but in no event exceeding the earlier of: (i) two years after entry of a default judgment against the party; or (ii) 180 days after service on the party of a written notice that the default or default judgment has been entered.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
- EARLIER of this date and set_aside_default_lack_of_notice_180 controls, and the motion must also be within a reasonable time. Two versions exist (Stats. 2025, ch. 563, AB 747): the version in force until 2027-01-01 and a replacement operative 2027-01-01 that adds 'was lawfully effected but' after 'service of a summons'; both keep the same time limits. Notice of motion must set a hearing under CCP 1005(b) and include the proposed responsive pleading (473.5(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.
Worked example
Date the default judgment was entered on Monday, March 15, 2027, personal service: due Thursday, March 15, 2029.
- Trigger (Date the default judgment was entered): Monday, March 15, 2027.
- Add 24 months: Thursday, March 15, 2029.
Notes
EARLIER of this date and set_aside_default_lack_of_notice_180 controls, and the motion must also be within a reasonable time. Two versions exist (Stats. 2025, ch. 563, AB 747): the version in force until 2027-01-01 and a replacement operative 2027-01-01 that adds 'was lawfully effected but' after 'service of a summons'; both keep the same time limits. Notice of motion must set a hearing under CCP 1005(b) and include the proposed responsive pleading (473.5(b)).
Related deadlines
- Objections to proposed judgment [through Dec. 31, 2026] (10 days after)
- Party ordered to prepare proposed judgment (no statement of decision) [through Dec. 31, 2026] (10 days after)
- Objections to proposed judgment [operative Jan. 1, 2027] (10 days after)
- Obtain default judgment after default entered (45 days after)
- Motion to set aside default for lack of actual notice (180 days after notice) (180 days after)
- Motion to set aside default in consumer case filed in wrong venue (CCP 585.5) (60 days after)
- Motion for attorney fees (trial court fees), unlimited civil: within time to appeal, 60 days after notice of entry (60 days after)
- Motion for attorney fees, unlimited civil: 180-day outer limit after entry of judgment (180 days after)
Local rules by county
County local rules and courtroom procedures can add to or change this deadline. Pick a county to calculate with them applied.
- Alameda
- Alpine
- Amador
- Butte
- Calaveras
- Colusa
- Contra Costa
- Del Norte
- El Dorado
- Fresno
- Glenn
- Humboldt
- Imperial
- Inyo
- Kern
- Kings
- Lake
- Lassen
- Los Angeles
- Madera
- Marin
- Mariposa
- Mendocino
- Merced
- Modoc
- Mono
- Monterey
- Napa
- Nevada
- Orange
- Placer
- Plumas
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Benito
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Joaquin
- San Luis Obispo
- San Mateo
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Shasta
- Sierra
- Siskiyou
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Stanislaus
- Sutter
- Tehama
- Trinity
- Tulare
- Tuolumne
- Ventura
- Yolo
- Yuba
Rules current as of 2026-10-25. Confirm against the official source and any local rule or court order before relying on a date. Rules changelog.