California Civil Litigation Deadline Calculator
Use this California civil litigation deadline calculator to estimate common deadlines for motions, discovery, summary judgment, and trial preparation. The tool is designed to help users account for court days, calendar days, and service-method timing rules under California procedure.
How This Calculator Works
Choose the event type, enter the relevant date, and select the method of service when applicable. The calculator is intended to estimate common California civil litigation deadlines, including rules tied to hearing dates, discovery response periods, and service-related extensions. Because some deadlines depend on case-specific facts, local practice, or exceptions in the rules, users should confirm results before relying on them in an active case.
Court Days vs. Calendar Days
Understanding the difference between court days and calendar days is critical to calculating civil deadlines in California.
- Court Days exclude weekends and court holidays.
- Calendar Days include all days—weekends and holidays.
Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or court holiday (except for MSJ deadlines), it is extended to the next court day. (CCP § 12a)
Common California Civil Litigation Deadlines
1. Summons and Complaint
Defendant’s Answer or Demurrer: Due 30 calendar days after service of the complaint. (CCP § 412.20)
2. Written Discovery Responses
Discovery (e.g., Interrogatories, Requests for Production): Responses are due 30 calendar days after service, plus any additional days based on the method of service (mail, electronic, personal, etc.). (CCP § 2030.260)
Service method matters:
- Add 5 calendar days for mail service within CA (CCP § 1013)
- Add 2 court days for electronic service (CCP § 1010.6(3)(b))
- No extension for personal service
3. Noticed Motions
- Moving Papers: Must be served 16 court days before the hearing, plus extra days depending on service method. (CCP § 1005(b))
- Opposition: Due 9 court days before the hearing.
- Reply: Due 5 court days before the hearing.
4. Motions for Summary Judgment or Summary Adjudication
- Moving Papers: Must be served at least 81 days before the hearing, plus additional time for service method. (CCP § 437c)
- Opposition: Due not less than 20 calendar days before the hearing.
- Reply: Due not less than 11 calendar days before the hearing.
Note: No section 12a extension for MSJ deadlines falling on a weekend or holiday.
5. Trial-Related Deadlines
- Discovery Cutoff: Ends 30 days before trial. No discovery can be conducted after this date. (CCP § 2024.020)
- 998 Offers to Compromise: Must be made at least 10 days before trial. (CCP § 998)
- Notice to Appear at Trial (No Documents): Must be served 10 days before trial or before witness is required to appear. (CCP § 1987(b))
- Notice to Appear and Produce Documents: Must be served 20 days before trial or before witness is required to appear. (CCP § 1987(c))
This Calculator Is a Helpful Tool—Not Legal Advice
While the California Civil Litigation Deadline Calculator is designed to simplify date calculations, it is not a substitute for legal advice or representation. Court rules can be nuanced, and deadlines may vary based on case-specific circumstances or recent rule changes. Always consult with an experienced California civil litigation attorney to confirm applicable deadlines in your case.
Help Us Improve This Tool
We'd like to make this calculator as accurate and user-friendly as possible. If you spot an issue, have a suggestion, or want to request new features, we want to hear from you.
Please email your feedback to contact@hulburtlaw.com.
Need help evaluating a California litigation deadline issue?
This calculator is a helpful starting point, but deadline questions can turn on service method, hearing dates, local practice, and case-specific facts. If your case involves a disputed deadline or active litigation in California, Hulburt Law Firm can help evaluate the issue.
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