FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the District Courts of Appeal
Click on the questions below to reveal the answer(s). Answers will pertain to all of the various districts unless otherwise noted.
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
The court will use the address and telephone number that you provided on the first document filed in your case as your address and telephone number of record until you provide written notice of a new address or telephone number. (Rule 8.32(a))
When you change your address, you must promptly serve the other parties and file a notice (original plus 1 copy) of your change of address with the clerk's office. The court may not accept a new filing from you if your address on the document does not match your address of record. Also, you may experience a delay in receiving documents mailed by the court. (See Rule 8.32(b)).
A: See below for specific district information.
1st District
Pursuant to Local Rules of the Court of Appeal First Appellate District, counsel may transmit the following documents to this court via facsimile: (1) civil case information statement; (2) stipulations for extension of time; (3) changes of address; and (4) requests for oral arguments.2nd District
No fax filings accepted.3rd District
No fax or electronic filing is accepted.4th District, Div. 1
Yes, please see our court programs section for further information.4th District, Div. 2
Yes, please see our court programs section for further information.4th District, Div. 3
Fax filing is accepted.5th District
No. This court considers documents transmitted by facsimile machine to be informational only. The sender is required to send the original document by first class mail (or as described in rule 8.25) and it will be filed by the court as of the date received by mail, assuming it meets the standard filing requirements.6th District
FAX: No. This court considers documents transmitted by facsimile machine to be informational only. The sender is required to send the original document by first class mail (or as described in rule 8.25) and it will be filed by the court as of the date received by mail, assuming it meets the standard filing requirements.
Click for information on the 6th District's Electronic Filing / Submissions.
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
Document Color appellant's opening brief green appellant's appendix green respondent's brief yellow respondent's appendix yellow appellant's reply brief tan appellant's reply appendix tan joint appendix white amicus curiae brief gray answer to amicus blue filings for original proceedings red petitions for rehearing orange answers to petitions for rehearing blue petition for transfer of appellate div. case white answer to petition for tranfser
blue
- The type style must be in times new roman. Type size must be no smaller than 13 point, and both sides of the paper may be used.
- The brief covers must state the name, address, telephone number, and California State Bar number of each attorney filing or joining in the brief.
- Computer-generated briefs need not be signed.
- A party filing a brief may attach copies of exhibits and other materials in the appellate record, not exceeding a total of 10 pages.
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
In civil cases with cross-appeals or multiple appeals, the parties must submit a proposed briefing sequence (preferably by joint agreement) within 20 days after the second notice of appeal is filed. (Rule 8.216(a).) The respondent's brief and cross-appellant's opening briefs are combined into a single document (yellow cover), as are the appellant's reply brief and cross-respondent's briefs (tan cover). (Rule 8.216(b).)
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
You may overnight your documents to be filed via any company guaranteeing next day delivery. However, rule 8.25(b)(3) only applies to briefs as defined in rule 8.10(7) and petitions for transfer of an appellate division case and answers thereto.
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
Only counsel of record or a self-represented party may file a document in the appeal. If counsel is being substituted, the substitution of attorneys must be served and filed before any documents can be accepted from the new attorney. The substitution of attorneys must be signed by the client and new counsel, and it must be accompanied by a proof of service on all parties when presented for filing. (See Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.36 for further information.)
A: The answer below applies to all districts.
No, all documents including petitions for review, writs, and legal briefs must be filed at:Supreme Court of California
Office of the Clerk, First Floor
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102