Questions about Court Filings

Q.	WHEN ARE FILING FEES REQUIRED?
A.	State Court Cases: In State court matters, filing fees must be paid when the complaint or petition is filed, when the defendant(s) appear in the case for the first time, when filing a cross-complaint, and whenever a motion is filed. First Papers: Each County sets its own filing fees for first papers (i.e., the Complaint, Answer or Demurrer, etc.). Motion Fees: Motion fees are currently $40.00, except summary judgment motions, which have a $200.00 filing fee. Limited Civil Case: Less than $10,000 is $180.00. Limited Civil Case: Greater than $10,000 but Less than $25,000 is $300.00. Unlimited Civil Case and Family Law: Fee is $320.00. Complex Filing Fee is $550.00. Federal Court Cases: In District Court cases, the only filing fee is $150.00 when the action is commenced. There is no first appearance fee charged to the defendant(s), and no motion fees.
Q.	HOW MANY COPIES DO I NEED TO GIVE TO County Legal?
A.	In District Court cases, the original document, plus two copies. In State courts, the original plus one. In Bankruptcy Court, the original plus three. Courtesy copies to the judge: If you want us to deliver a courtesy copy to the judge, we will need an extra set of the documents.
Q.	WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "RECEIVED" DOCUMENT AND A "FILED" DOCUMENT?
A.	Documents that are returned from court stamped "Filed" have been placed in the official case file. "Received" documents are not placed in the file. Documents such as orders that have not yet been signed by a judge are always received -- they are only filed after the judge has signed them. In addition, in some courts, settlement conference statements are treated as confidential documents that are received and reviewed by the judge conducting the settlement conference, but which are not placed in the public file. Close This Window