civil

In response to COVID-19 local and State declarations of emergency and the State-wide "shelter in place" order made by the Governor, the court has implemented Emergency Local Rule 10.28 regarding remote appearances. Pursuant to this rule several remote appearance requirements have changed, and the changes will remain in effect until 90 days following the end of the declared State of Emergency.

Remote appearances are broken down into three categories:

1. Mandatory Remote Appearances
2. Optional Remote Appearances: No Approval Required
3. Optional Remote Appearances: Approval Required

Click on a line listed above to be directed to that section of this webpage. Otherwise, check for your hearing type in the tables below to see which category it falls under. If your hearing type is not listed, please contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance.

Important information about your remote appearance:

1. Your last opportunity to schedule a remote appearance, for eligible hearings, is 4 PM the court day BEFORE your hearing.
2. Only ONE PERSON can connect using the remote appearance you schedule. If you have multiple parties appearing remotely, each person needs their own unique link and/or conference PIN and ID, which can be created by using different email addresses.
3. The remote appearance you schedule will ONLY be valid for the date and time selected. The conference ID, PIN, and/or link provided to you will not work if your matter is continued or has another hearing set.
4. Your case may not be heard at the time the calendar is scheduled to start. Stay connected and you will be taken off hold when your case is called. Keep in mind that this may take a few hours.

Click here for a user guide for the remote appearance system.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Effective May 11, 2020, use of the court’s eDelivery solution is mandatory in civil cases for attorneys and represented parties. Unrepresented parties are encouraged to use the eDelivery system. For more information, Click here for more information about eDelivery.

Mandatory Remote Appearances

For each of the hearing types listed in this section, remote (telephone or video) appearances are mandatory. See the “Schedule” column for what must be completed prior to your hearing in order to be connected to the courtroom.

Parties may request to appear in person for good cause. Requests to appear in person (Optional Form PL-CV014) may be submitted up to two (2) court days before the hearing and must be approved by a Judge or Commissioner.

REMOTE APPEARANCE FEE/PAYMENT

NOTE: Pursuant to Emergency Local Rule 10.28(D), remote appearance fees are waived for matters where a remote appearance is mandatory for as long as temporary Rule 10.28 remains in effect.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court rule 3.670(k)(1) civil hearings carry a fee to appear remotely. The fee to appear by telephone is $94 for each appearance. Video appearances carry the same fee pursuant to Local Rule 10.24. The court will accept:

eChecks

Visa Credit Cards

Mastercard Credit Cards

NO cash, paper checks or a debit account will be accepted.
If a party has a fee waiver for the case, the telephonic appearance fee is waived.

LATE PAYMENT

NOTE: Pursuant to Emergency Local Rule 10.28(D), remote appearance fees are waived for matters where a remote appearance is mandatory for as long as temporary Rule 10.28 remains in effect.
Pursuant to California Rules of Court Rule 3.670(k)(2):

A late request fee of $30 is to be charged for telephonic appearances scheduled less than two days before the scheduled hearing.

Exceptions to the late fee:

(A) When the opposing party has provided timely notice under (h)(4) on an ex parte application or other hearing, conference, or proceeding

(B) When the court sets a hearing or conference on shortened time.

(C) When a tentative ruling is posted within the two day period.

(D) When the request to appear by telephone is made by a party by noon one day prior to the hearing after they received notice of another party's intent to appear by telephone.

The court reserves the right to audit telephonic appearances scheduled online. If the court finds that a party has made a late appearance per CRC 3.670 and a false selection was made, the party will be charged the additional $30 and may be referred to collections.