California civil motions are procedures whereby one party asks the court for an order ruling on a particular issue. During the case, a party might need the court to issue an order to do something or not to do something, or make the other party do or not do something. Most motions are filed under normal time frames with at least 20 days notice to the other party and a formal hearing. Ex parte motions are used when the matter does not require a hearing or when time is of the essence and proper notice cannot be made.
There are many different types of motions that can be filed in a civil case to bring particular issues before the judge. The purpose of filing a motion is to request that the judge issue an order, either temporary or permanent, prior to a formal trial.
Although many of the California civil motions identified above require a determination of applicable law and require the services, guidance and expertise of an attorney, there are some routine motions which can be completed with the help of a Registered Legal Document Assistant’s office.