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FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES

 

Filing Court Papers (General Information)

New Complaint or Petition

Answers and Responses

Motions

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Filing Court Papers (General Information)

You may file any document at any court location within Kings County.  Documents submitted in person may be filed between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Any documents presented for filing after 3:00 pm will be filed in as of the day they are presented but will not be worked up until the next business day. 

Documents may also be placed in the court’s drop box at any of the court locations.  Any documents placed in the drop box after 4:30 pm will be filed as of the next court day and will not be backdated.

Documents for matters on court the following day must be filed prior to 3:00 pm.  Any documents submitted for filing after 3:00 pm for a matter on calendar the next day must be submitted in open court.

All documents presented for filing must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Pleadings will not be filed unless they comply with the California Rules of Court, rule 201. Exhibits must be as legible as original typing or writing.
     

  • No conformed copies of documents will be returned by mail unless a self-addressed stamped envelope, with sufficient postage is provided.
     

  • A copy will only be confirmed if it mirrors the original document.
     

  • Only 3 copies of each document will be conformed.
     

  • Advance reservations are required for all pleadings requiring a hearing date.
     

  • Documents submitted without appropriate filing fees according to the court’s fee schedule, will be returned unfiled.
     

  • Filings paid with checks that are returned for non-sufficient funds will be voided if not paid by cash or certified check/money order within 20 days of notification (411.20 Code of Civil Procedure)

New Complaint or Petition

All complaints may be submitted on pleading paper and must be in conformance with California Rules of Court, rule 201. These forms may be obtained on the  Judicial Council web site located at www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms.  Petitions must be submitted on pleading paper.  New complaints and petitions must be submitted with a Judicial Council Civil Case Cover Sheet form and appropriate filing fee or fee waiver.  If the statute of limitations is approaching, it is recommended that the complaint or petition be filed in person or sent priority mail to ensure it is filed in a timely manner.

Answers and Responses

Answers can be submitted on pleading paper and must be in compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 201. These forms may be obtained on the  Judicial Council web site located at www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms. Defendants and respondents in Unlimited or Limited Civil cases have 30 days from the date of service of the summons and complaint to file an answer or response, along with the appropriate filing fee or fee waiver, and proof of service pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure 465, or a default judgment may be entered.  If the defendant or respondent is approaching the last day to file their answer or response, it is recommended that that answer or response be filed in person or sent priority mail to ensure it is filed in a timely manner. If you wish to view the Code of Civil Procedure 465, it is available through the California Law web site located at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html. Then, follow the directions for finding the code(s) you are interested in.

Motions

Hearing dates for all motions must be reserved in advance by contacting the calendar clerk at (559)582-1010 x 3078.

 

 
Superior Court of California, Kings County
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