Ventura — Effective July 1, 2026 Ventura County Local Rules of Court These rules are revised on January 1st and July 1st of each year.

Source: https://ventura.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/ventura_county_rules_of_court.pdf

RULES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF VENTURA

Revised Effective July 1, 2026

www.ventura.courts.ca.gov

KATE BIEKER

Executive Officer/Clerk and Jury Commissioner Superior Court of California County of Ventura 800 S. Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 Telephone (805) 289-8900 ©2025. All Rights Reserved.

RULES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF VENTURA

JUDGES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT: HON. DIANA W. AIZMAN HON. PAUL W. BAELLY HON. MARK S. BORRELL HON. CHARMAINE H. BUEHNER HON. MICHELE M. CASTILLO HON. DANA K. CAUDILL HON. BENJAMIN F. COATS HON. KEVIN G. DeNOCE HON. MARINE DERMADZHYAN HON. PAUL W. FELDMAN HON. MATTHEW P. GUASCO, Presiding Judge HON. ETHEL K. HERNANDEZ HON. MAUREEN M. HOUSKA HON. CAROL L. HUBNER HON. F. DINO INUMERABLE HON. JOANN JOHNSON HON. R. PAUL “DUSTY” KAWAI HON. MICHAEL S. LIEF HON. ROGER L. LUND HON. DEREK D. MALAN HON. RONDA J. McKAIG HON. KRISTI J. PEARISO HON. CARLA J. ORTEGA HON. GILBERT A. ROMERO HON. JULIA A. SNYDER HON. BRIAN L. SOTTILE HON. ANTHONY J. SABO, Assistant Presiding Judge HON. AMY E. VAN SICKLE HON. CATHERINE M. VOELKER

KATE BIEKER Executive Officer/Clerk and Jury Commissioner Superior Court of California County of Ventura

JIM FRYHOFF Sheriff Court Security (Revised July 1, 2026)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Effective July 1, 2026 RULE PAGE CHAPTER 1:

COURT RULES ADMINISTRATION

1.00 ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF RULES ............................................................................................................................. 8 1.01 PUBLICATION AND PRINTING OF RULES .............................................................................................................................. 8 1.02 EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULES ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER 2:

COURT ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

2.00 MEETINGS OF JUDGES ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.01 PRESIDING JUDGE AND ASSISTANT PRESIDING JUDGE ELECTION, TENURE AND REMOVAL ................................. 8 2.02 LOCATION OF COURT SESSIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 9 2.02.1 FILING NOTICE OF APPEAL AND APPELLATE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................. 9 2.03 VENUE OF EACH DIVISION ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.04 COURT EMPLOYMENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE (Deleted effective January 1, 2026) ...................................................... 10 2.05 STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ....................................................................................................................... 10 2.06 JUDICIAL VACATION AND PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS ....................................................................................................... 10 2.07 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 2.08 COMPLAINTS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11

CHAPTER 3:

COURT CALENDARS, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND DELAY REDUCTION

3.00 CIVIL CASE DELAY REDUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 11 3.01 CASES EXEMPT FROM CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT (Deleted effective July 1, 2003) ................................................................. 11 3.02 DIFFERENTIATED CASE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................. 12 3.03 TRACKING CASES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.03.1 NOTICE OF CASE ASSIGNMENT AND MANDATORY APPEARANCE IN-LIMITED AND UNLIMITED CASES .......... 12 3.04 UNLAWFUL DETAINER (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ................................................................................................................... 12 3.05 EXPEDITED CASES (Deleted effective July 1, 2000) ........................................................................................................................... 12 3.06 ECONOMIC LITIGATION TRACK FOR LIMITED CIVIL CASES (CCP 90 ET. SEQ.) (Deleted effective July 1, 2004) .................... 12 3.07 SUPERIOR COURT STANDARD CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2024) .................................................................................... 12 3.08 COMPLEX CASES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12 3. 09 UNINSURED MOTORIST CASES .............................................................................................................................................. 13 3.10 CIVIL CASE INFORMATION SHEET (Deleted effective January 1, 2008) .......................................................................................... 13 3.11 CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (Deleted effective July 1, 2003).......................................................................................... 13 3.12 TRIAL SETTING CONFERENCES (Deleted Effective July 1, 1994) .................................................................................................... 13 3.13 MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 13 3.14 IDENTIFICATION OF PARTY BEING SERVED ON PROOF OF SERVICE ........................................................................... 13 3.15 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION ........................................................................................... 13 3.16 DUTY TO NOTIFY COURT OF SETTLEMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2025) .......................................................................... 13 3.17 SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LOCAL RULES OR COURT ORDERS ................................................... 13 3.18 WAIVER OF RULES .................................................................................................................................................................... 13 3.19 LAW AND MOTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 14 3.20 EX PARTE APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 3.21 GENERAL ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE; COURT CALENDARS ............................................................................................ 14 3.22 DUTY TO NOTIFY PARTIES OF CASE REASSIGNMENT ..................................................................................................... 14 3.23 BINDING ARBITRATION (Deleted effective July 1, 2005) ................................................................................................................. 14 3.24 COURT-ORDERED CIVIL MEDIATION PROGRAM .............................................................................................................. 14 3.24.1 MEDIATOR COMPLAINT PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................. 15 3.25 MANDATORY MEET AND CONFER (Deleted effective January 1, 1996) .......................................................................................... 16 3.26 BRINGING IN NEW PARTIES SUBSEQUENT TO ORIGINAL FILING (Deleted effective July 1, 2003) ......................................... 16 3.27 CASE REMOVED TO FEDERAL COURT (Deleted effective January 1, 2004) ................................................................................... 16

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 3.28 FILINGS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (Deleted effective January 1, 2004) ............................................................ 16 3.29 DEFAULT HEARING FORMS IN LIMITED CIVIL CASES ..................................................................................................... 16 3.30 ERRONEOUSLY SUED DEFENDANTS (Deleted effective July 1, 2001) ........................................................................................... 16 3.31 ELISOR ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 3.32 DISPOSITION OF CASES REMOVED TO FEDERAL COURT ................................................................................................ 17

CHAPTER 4:

COURT PLEADINGS, FORMS AND DOCUMENT FORMAT

4.00 ORGANIZATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ........................................................................................................................... 17 4.01 CONFORMED COPIES ............................................................................................................................................................... 17 4.02 PLEADINGS AND RECORDS IN AN EMINENT DOMAIN ACTION INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE PARCEL OF PROPERTY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 4.03 PRESCRIBED FORMS IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES .................................................................................................. 18 4.04 FACSIMILE FILING (Repealed March 15, 2018) ................................................................................................................................ 18 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY ......................................................................................................................................................... 18 4.06 ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESSES ON PLEADINGS (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)................................................................. 19 4.07 FILING OF PROPOSED PLEADINGS AFTER LEAVE IS GRANTED ..................................................................................... 19 4.08 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION ........................................................................................... 19 4.09 EXHIBIT TABS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 19 4.10 IDENTIFICATION OF PARTY BEING SERVED ON PROOF OF SERVICE ........................................................................... 19 4.11 LAW AND MOTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 19 4.12 DEFAULT HEARING FORMS IN LIMITED CIVIL CASES ..................................................................................................... 19 4.13 SERVICE OF APPELLATE BRIEF ON TRIAL JUDGE ............................................................................................................. 20 4.14 USE OF PSEUDONYMS .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 4.15 NAME OF DEFENDANT (OR OTHER RESPONDING PARTY) ON RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS ........................................ 20

CHAPTER 5:

COURT FILES AND EXHIBITS

5.00 EXHIBITS (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ....................................................................................................................................... 20 5.01 ENTRY OF COURT ORDER IN MINUTES ................................................................................................................................ 20 5.02 COURT RECORDS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 20 5.03 HOLES FOR FILING (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ...................................................................................................................... 21 5.04 REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 5.05 REASONABLY NECESSARY PHOTOCOPYING .................................................................................................................... 21 5.06 EXHIBITS THAT POSE HEALTH AND/OR SAFETY PROBLEMS ......................................................................................... 21 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS ............................................................................ 21

CHAPTER 6:

TRIAL CONTROL CALENDAR PROCEDURES

6.00 DUTY OF COUNSEL AS TO TRIAL DATE ASSIGNED........................................................................................................... 21 6.01 SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENTS (SEE CRC 222(D)) (Deleted effective January 1, 2000) ............................................ 21 6.02 CALENDARS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22 6.03 JUDICIAL ARBITRATION (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)............................................................................................................ 23 6.04 ARBITRATION DELAY (Deleted effective January 1, 2026) ................................................................................................................ 23 6.05 TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES-TRIAL CONTROL CALENDARS (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) .......................................... 23 6.06 MANDATORY ARBITRATION STATEMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2026) ........................................................................... 23 6.07 CASES EXCLUDED FROM ARBITRATION (Deleted effective January 1, 2026) ............................................................................... 23 6.08 SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT ................................................................................................................................ 23

CHAPTER 7:

TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES

7.00 TELEPHONE APPEARANCES (Deleted effective July 1, 2022) .......................................................................................................... 24 7.01 PRIVATE VENDOR (Deleted effective July 1, 2022) ............................................................................................................................ 24 7.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF FORMS (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) ............................................................................................. 24

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 7.03 SCHEDULED AVAILABILITY (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) .................................................................................................... 24 7.04 CONTINUANCE (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) ............................................................................................................................ 24 7.05 COMPLIANCE (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) ............................................................................................................................... 24 7.06 REMOTE APPEARANCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

CHAPTER 8:

CIVIL LAW AND MOTION HEARINGS CALENDAR PROCEDURES

8.00 TENTATIVE RULINGS ............................................................................................................................................................... 24 8.01 NOTICE OF HEARING (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ....................................................................................................................... 24 8.02 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) .................................................................. 24 8.03 INCOMPLETE MOTIONS (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ............................................................................................................. 25 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS ........................................................................................................... 25 8.05 RESTORATION TO CALENDAR ............................................................................................................................................... 25 8.06 ARGUMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2005)................................................................................................................................... 25 8.07 DISCOVERY (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) .................................................................................................................................. 25 8.08 CONSOLIDATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ......................................................................................................................... 25 8.09 MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ................................................................................ 25 8.10 INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 25 8.11 MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND SUMMARY ADJUDICATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998) ...................... 26 8.12 PROCEDURAL RULES FOR CIVIL TRIALS ............................................................................................................................ 26 8.13 MINOR’S COMPROMISE PETITIONS SHALL BE HEARD IN PROBATE DEPARTMENT ................................................. 27

CHAPTER 9:

FAMILY LAW RULES/GENERAL RULES

9.00 APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 9.01 MATTERS ASSIGNED TO THE FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT ............................................................................................ 28 9.02 COMPLIANCE WITH RULES - SANCTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 28 9.03 FAMILY LAW VERTICAL CASE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 28 9.03.1 FAMILY LAW CASE RESOLUTION ......................................................................................................................................... 29 9.03.2 SERVICE OF PROCESS .............................................................................................................................................................. 29

FAMILY LAW RULES- LAW AND MOTION

9.04 FAMILY LAW EX PARTE MATTERS EX PARTE APPLICATIONS DISFAVORED............................................................. 29 9.05 DATES AND TIMES FOR HEARINGS ...................................................................................................................................... 29 9.06 NOTICE ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 9.07 SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2001) .......................................................................................... 30 9.08 REQUIRED PLEADINGS ............................................................................................................................................................ 30 9.09 SPECIFIC EX PARTE ORDERS .................................................................................................................................................. 30

FAMILY LAW REQUESTS FOR ORDERS AND MOTIONS

9.10 CALENDARING .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30 9.10.1 REQUEST FOR ORDERS ............................................................................................................................................................ 31 9.11 FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2000) .......................................................................................... 31 9.12 HEARINGS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 9.13 PREPARATION OF ORDERS AFTER HEARING (Deleted effective January 1, 2000) ....................................................................... 32 9.14 FORM OF ORDERS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 32

FAMILY LAW - RULES APPLICABLE TO OSC'S AND MOTIONS REGARDING CHILD, SPOUSAL OR PARTNER SUPPORT OR ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS 9.15 POLICIES AFFECTING SUPPORT COMPUTATIONS ............................................................................................................. 32 9.16 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF INCOME AND EXPENSE DECLARATION ........................................................... 32 9.17 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF PAY STUBS .............................................................................................................. 33 9.18 REQUIRED PRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF HEARING ................................ 33 9.19 FAMILY LAW TRIALS ............................................................................................................................................................... 33

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 9.20 FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR ................................................................................................................................................... 35 9.21 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ....................................................................................................................................................... 35

FAMILY LAW CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELING

9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 36 9.31 MATTERS REQUIRING CCRC .................................................................................................................................................. 36 9.32 SETTING A MATTER FOR CCRC.............................................................................................................................................. 36 9.33 CCRC PROCESS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 9.34 CCRC ORDERS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 38 9.35 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ....................................................................................................................................................... 38

COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

9.36 COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS ........................................................................................................ 38

CUSTODY AND VISITATION PROCEEDINGS

9.40 CONTESTED CASES .................................................................................................................................................................. 38 9.41 FAMILY LAW COURT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ...................................................................................................... 39 9.42 SUPERVISED VISITATION PROVIDERS ................................................................................................................................. 39 9.43 PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS BY PARTIES REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OF APPOINTED COUNSEL FOR A CHILD ................................................................................................ 40 9.50 TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS .......................................................................... 40 9.50.1 PETITION AND CITATION TO APPEAR AT HEARING UNDER FAMILY CODE §8604(B) ................................................ 40 9.51 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST WAIVER OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT ADOPTION HEARING .................................. 41

CHAPTER 10:

PROBATE, DECEDENTS’ ESTATES, CONSERVATORSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS OF THE ESTATE ONLY AND TRUSTS 10.00 PROBATE COURT PROCEEDINGS GENERAL RULES – DECEDENTS’ ESTATES, CONSERVATORSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS OF THE ESTATE ONLY AND TRUSTS .................................................................................................... 41 10.01 GUARDIANSHIP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 43 10.02 CONSERVATORSHIP ................................................................................................................................................................. 46 10.03 PROVISIONS COMMON TO GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP ....................................................................... 48 10.04 PROBATE PROCEEDINGS ........................................................................................................................................................ 50 10.05 ORDERS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)............................................................................................................................................... 52 10.06 EX PARTE PETITIONS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) ....................................................................................................................... 52 10.07 COPY OF WILL (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) ................................................................................................................................... 52 10.08 BROKERS’ COMMISSIONS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) .............................................................................................................. 52 10.09 PROBATE REFEREES (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) ........................................................................................................................ 52 10.10 CAVEAT (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) .............................................................................................................................................. 52 10.11 SUBMISSION OF ORDERS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) ................................................................................................................ 52 10.12 GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURES (Deleted effective July 1, 1998) ...................................................................................................... 52 10.13 PETITION FOR CONFIRMATION OF TRUST ASSETS PURSUANT TO ESTATE OF HEGGSTAD/UKKESTAD/KUCKER ............................................................................................................................................ 52 10.14 SPOUSAL PROPERTY PETITION ............................................................................................................................................. 52 10.15 EXTRAORDINARY COMPENSATION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND ATTORNEYS ................................... 53 10.16 PETITION FOR INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 53

CHAPTER 11:

CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC HEARING CALENDAR PROCEDURES

11.00 APPEARANCES (INFRACTIONS/MISDEMEANORS) ............................................................................................................ 53 11.01.1 ADOPTION OF BAIL SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................. 53 11.02 TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION (INFRACTIONS/MISDEMEANORS) ...................................................................... 54 11.03 GENERAL FOR PRETRIAL MOTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES............................................................................................... 54 11.04 PENAL CODE §995 MOTIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 54

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 11.05 PENAL CODE §1538.5 MOTIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 54 11.06 ONLINE ADJUDICATION OF TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS & ABILITY TO PAY DETERMINATIONS – PILOT PROGRAM (Deleted effective January 1, 2026) ......................................................................................................................... 54

CHAPTER 12:

JUVENILE CALENDAR PROCEDURES

12.00 RELEASE OF JUVENILE CASE FILE INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 54 12.00.1 PROCEDURE FOR FILING PETITION FOR DISCLOSURE OF JUVENILE CASE FILE ....................................................... 55 12.01 STANDING ORDER RE RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO ASSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE ......................................... 55 12.02 JUVENILE DEPENDENCY ......................................................................................................................................................... 56 12.03 EMANCIPATION OF MINOR (Deleted effective January 1, 2009) ....................................................................................................... 61 12.04 COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES ......................................................................................................................... 61 12.05 HEARINGS FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND RESTRAINING ORDERS IN DEPENDENCY CASES. (WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE §213.5 AND CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT, 5.630) .................................................. 61

CHAPTER 13:

MENTAL HEALTH CALENDAR PROCEDURES

13.00 PROCEEDINGS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 62 13.01 JURY TRIAL AND MATTER, WHICH MAY BE TRANSFERRED .......................................................................................... 62

CHAPTER 14: APPELLATE DIVISION

14.00 SESSIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 62 14.01 PROPOSED STATEMENT AND AMENDMENTS ON APPEAL - CRIMINAL CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2009) ............ 62 14.02 SETTLED STATEMENT HEARINGS - CRIMINAL CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2009) ....................................................... 62 14.03 BRIEFS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 62 14.04 ORAL ARGUMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2009) ....................................................................................................................... 63 14.05 EXTENSION OF TIME - CRIMINAL CASES ............................................................................................................................ 63 14.06 RELIEF FROM DISMISSAL ....................................................................................................................................................... 63 14.07 USE OF COURT FILE INSTEAD OF CLERK’S TRANSCRIPT ................................................................................................ 63 14.08 USE OF OFFICIAL ELECTRONIC RECORDING ..................................................................................................................... 63 14.09 PRETRIAL APPEAL FROM THE DENIAL OF A MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE; DECLARATIONS AND EXHIBITS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 14.10 APPELLATE COUNSEL IN MISDEMEANOR CASES ............................................................................................................. 64

CHAPTER 15:

EX PARTE ORDER PROCEDURES - CIVIL

15.00 APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE ORDER (Deleted effective January 1, 1998 ...................................................................................... 64 15.00.A EX PARTES IN GENERAL-CIVIL .............................................................................................................................................. 64 15.01 TO WHOM PRESENTED ............................................................................................................................................................ 64 15.02 NOTICE (Deleted effective January 1, 1998 ............................................................................................................................................ 64 15.03 FILING AND SERVICE OF APPLICATIONS AND ORDERS .................................................................................................. 64

CHAPTER 16:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND JURY COMMISSIONER

16.00 EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S POWERS AND DUTIES (Deleted effective January 1, 2005)...................................................................... 65 16.01 RESERVATION OF GOVERNMENT CODE 69898 POWERS (Deleted effective July 1, 2009) ......................................................... 65 16.02 TRANSFER OF FORMER COUNTY CLERK EMPLOYEES (Deleted effective January 1, 2010) ...................................................... 65 16.03 APPROVAL BY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS/TRANSFER OF REVENUES, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2010) .......................................................................................................................................................... 65 16.04 SEVERABILITY OF RULES AND SUBPARTS (Deleted effective January 1, 2010) ........................................................................... 65

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 CHAPTER 17: BAILIFF AND COURT SECURITY SERVICES 17.00 WEAPONS PROHIBITION AND SEARCHES ........................................................................................................................... 65 17.01 COURT SECURITY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65 17.02 RESTRICTED AREAS ................................................................................................................................................................. 65

CHAPTER 18:

VERBATIM COURT REPORTING SERVICES

18.00 COURT REPORTERS .................................................................................................................................................................. 65

CHAPTER 19: JURY SERVICES

19.00 PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 19.01 JURY COMMISSIONER (Deleted effective July 1, 2022) ..................................................................................................................... 66 19.02 JUROR SELECTION PROGRAM............................................................................................................................................... 66 19.03 JUROR PROCESSING PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................................. 67 19.04 SPECIAL VENIRE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 68 19.05 DISCHARGE OF JUROR FROM SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 68 19.06 RESERVED FOR COURT USE ................................................................................................................................................... 68 19.07 SELECTION OF GRAND JURORS ............................................................................................................................................. 68 19.08 JURY FEES AND EXPENSES ..................................................................................................................................................... 68 19.09 JURY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 69 19.10 RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL JUROR INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 69

CHAPTER 20:

COURT INTERPRETING SERVICES

20.00 INTERPRETERS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS . ......................................................................................................................... 69 20.01 INTERPRETERS-LIST OF COURT APPROVED INTERPRETERS. ........................................................................................ 69 20.02 COURT INTERPRETING SERVICES......................................................................................................................................... 69 20.03 REQUESTING AN INTERPRETER ............................................................................................................................................ 69 20.04 CANCELING AN INTERPRETER .............................................................................................................................................. 70

CHAPTER 21:

ATTORNEY SERVICES AND FEES

21.00 IN A TORT CASE INVOLVING A MINOR OR PERSON WITH DISABILITY (Deleted effective January 1, 2024) .......................... 70 21.01 IN AN ACTION ON A PROMISSORY NOTE, CONTRACT PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES AND FORECLOSURE. ................................................................................................................................ 70 21.02 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL AND PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES ................................................................................. 70 21.03 COURT APPOINTED INDIGENT DEFENSE COUNSEL AND COMPENSATION ................................................................ 70 21.04 AUTHORIZATION TO USE ANCILLARY DEFENSE SERVICES .......................................................................................... 71

CHAPTER 22:

COURT-APPOINTED EXPERT SERVICES AND FEES

22.00 EXPERT SERVICE FEES ............................................................................................................................................................ 72

CHAPTER 23:

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

23.00 ACCESSIBILITY TO THE VENTURA COUNTY COURTS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Deleted effective January 1, 1999) .......................................................................................................................................................... 72

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 CHAPTER 24: VOLUNTARY EARLY CIVIL MEDIATION 24.00 VOLUNTARY EARLY CIVIL MEDIATION (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ..................................................................................... 72 24.01 DISCOVERY TIMELINES (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) .................................................................................................................. 72 24.02 DISCOVERY DURING MEDIATION PERIOD (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ................................................................................. 72 24.03 SERVICE OF QUESTIONNAIRE (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ....................................................................................................... 72 24.04 MEET AND CONFER (Deleted effective July 1, 2012).......................................................................................................................... 72 24.05 MEDIATOR PANELS (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ......................................................................................................................... 72 24.06 REQUIRED FORM AT FIRST RESPONSIVE PLEADING OF THE LAST DEFENDANT (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ............. 72 24.07 MEDIATOR REPORT (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ......................................................................................................................... 72 24.08 MEDIATION COMPLETION (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ............................................................................................................. 73 24.09 FAILURE TO COMPLY (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) ...................................................................................................................... 73 24.10 MODIFICATION TO THE PROGRAM (Deleted effective July 1, 2012) .............................................................................................. 73

CHAPTER 25:

TEMPORARY JUDGES

25.00 TRAINING FEES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 73

CHAPTER 26:

PHOTOGRAPHING, RECORDING AND BROADCASTING IN COURT

26.00 USE OF CAMERAS, CAMERA PHONES, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES IN COURTHOUSE FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................................. 73

CHAPTER 27:

COURT TESTIMONY BY VIDEOCONFERENCE

27.00 REQUESTS TO PRESENT TESTIMONY BY VIDEOCONFERENCE ..................................................................................... 74

CHAPTER 28: SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

28.00 ACTIONS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) ...................................................... 74

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PREAMBLE ...................................................................... 76

FEE SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................... 77

LOCAL FORMS

VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT – ALPHABETICAL ................................................................................................................ 94 VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT – NUMERICAL ...................................................................................................................... 98

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 CHAPTER 1: COURT RULES ADMINISTRATION

RULE 1.00 ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF RULES These rules are adopted pursuant to Government Code §68070 and Code of Civil Procedure §§128 and 187, subject to amendment at any time by a majority of the judges of the court and shall be effective only to the extent that they do not conflict with California statutes or with the California Rules of Court. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 1.01 PUBLICATION AND PRINTING OF RULES Upon adoption by the court, court rules and amendments thereof shall be filed with the California Judicial Council and the Executive Officer and Clerk as provided by the California Rules of Court. The court shall publish such rules for distribution to parties or counsel by posting the court rules to the court’s Internet site: http:///www.ventura.courts.ca.gov. Parties and counsel may also purchase loose-leaf copies of these rules for $25.00 by cash or check made payable to the Ventura Superior Court and mailed to Court Administration, Room 206, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. (Revised effective July 1, 2015)

RULE 1.02 EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULES These rules take effect on July 1, 2025, and shall supersede all rules heretofore adopted by the court. (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

CHAPTER 2:

COURT ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

RULE 2.00 MEETINGS OF JUDGES A. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the judges shall be held each year at a time and place to be designated by the Presiding Judge. Special meetings of the judges shall be held at such times and places as may be designated by the Presiding Judge, or a majority of the judges. B. NOTICE OF MEETINGS: QUORUM. Written notice shall be given by the Executive Officer and Clerk to each judge not less than four (4) days before an annual meeting. Written or oral notice shall be given at least 24 hours before a special meeting. A majority of the judges shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of court business at a meeting. (Revised effective January 1, 2002)

RULE 2.01 PRESIDING JUDGE AND ASSISTANT PRESIDING JUDGE ELECTION, TENURE AND REMOVAL A. Nominations for Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge shall occur at a special meeting of the Executive Committee called by the Presiding Judge, as to which the Judges shall receive reasonable advance notice. The membership of the Executive Committee shall be as set forth in Rule 2.07.

B. Any Judge may nominate another Judge, or any Judge may self-nominate, for Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge at the special meeting of the Executive Committee.

C. The special meeting of the Executive Committee shall occur in the month of August in the calendar year preceding expiration of the terms of the Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge, unless otherwise provided in this rule.

D. The election of the Presiding Judge and the Assistant Presiding Judge shall occur at a special meeting of the Judges called by the Presiding Judge, as to which the Judges shall receive reasonable advance notice. The special meeting of the Judges shall occur not later than two (2) weeks after the special meeting of the Executive Committee at which the nominations are made. The notice of the special meeting of the Judges shall include the names of the nominees for Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge.

E. At the special meeting of the Judges, the Presiding Judge and the Assistant Presiding Judge shall be elected by the vote of a majority of the Judges of the Court. The vote shall be by secret ballot. Judges may vote by restricted or unrestricted proxy. A restricted proxy must be in writing. The identities of all Judges voting by proxy, as well as a specification of whether the proxy is restricted or unrestricted, must be disclosed before the secret ballot voting commences and entered in the minutes of the special meeting. The Presiding Judge shall, with the assistance of a member of the Executive Committee selected by the Presiding Judge, count the ballots. A nominee or nominating Judge shall not participate in the counting of the ballots.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 Once they are duly elected as set forth above, the Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge shall serve a term of two (2) years beginning January 1st in the calendar year following the election. If a Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge is removed in conformity with this rule or resigns, the subsequently elected Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge shall serve a term equal to the remaining unexpired term of the removed or resigned Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge.

F. The special meeting of the Executive Committee and the special meeting of the Judges concerning the election of the Presiding
Judge and/or Assistant Presiding Judge may occur at a time other than as set forth above, at the discretion of the Presiding Judge
or Acting Presiding Judge, in the event of an emergency or other exigent circumstance, including, but not limited to, the death,
incapacity or resignation of the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge, provided that reasonable advance notice of such
special meeting is given to the Judges.

G. The Assistant Presiding Judge shall exercise the duties set forth in rule 2.07 and any others assigned by the Presiding Judge.

H. In the absence of the Presiding Judge, the Assistant Presiding Judge shall serve as the Acting Presiding Judge and exercise the
powers of the Presiding Judge.

I. This rule shall be construed in a manner consistent with California Rules of Court, rule 10.602.

J. The Presiding Judge shall have the duties and authority set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 10.603.

K. The Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge may be removed from office by the vote of a majority of the Judges of the Court at a special meeting of the Judges. The special meeting may be called upon the motion of any Judge of the Court, seconded by another Judge of the Court, made at a regularly-scheduled meeting of the Judges. If the motion to schedule a special meeting of the Judges for the purpose of removing the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge passes with the votes of a majority of the Judges of the Court, then the Presiding Judge shall schedule the special meeting of the Executive Committee for nominations to the position of Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge to occur a reasonable time after the meeting at which the motion passed. Additionally, the Presiding Judge shall schedule the special meeting of the Judges for the purposes of removal of the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge and election of the replacement of the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge to occur not later than two (2) weeks after the special meeting of the Executive Committee, with reasonable advance notice to the Judges of the Court. The removal vote and election vote shall be by secret ballot. The ballots shall be counted as follows: (1) If the special meeting concerns removal of the Presiding Judge, by the Assistant Presiding Judge and another member of the Executive Committee other than the Presiding Judge, who shall be selected by the Assistant Presiding Judge. (2) If the special meeting concerns the removal of the Assistant Presiding Judge, by the Presiding Judge and another member of the Executive Committee other than the Assistant Presiding Judge, who shall be selected by the Presiding Judge. (3) Any Judge making or seconding a motion to schedule a special meeting of the Judges for the purpose of removing the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge shall not participate in the counting of the ballots. (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 2.02 LOCATION OF COURT SESSIONS There shall be three (3) Divisions of the court as follows: A. The Ventura Division, with its principal office located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California 93009. B. The East County (Simi) Division, with its principal office located at 3855-F Alamo Street, Simi Valley, California 93063. C. The Juvenile Division, with its principal office located at the Juvenile Justice Complex, 4353 Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard, California 93036. There shall be one or more courtrooms of the court at each of the above divisions, as determined by the Presiding Judge of the court. The designation and location of courtrooms may be changed from time to time by the Presiding Judge and need not necessarily be within the confines of the courthouse. (Revised effective July 1, 2004)

RULE 2.02.1 FILING NOTICE OF APPEAL AND APPELLATE DOCUMENTS A. APPEALS TO THE COURT OF APPEAL, 2ND APPELLATE DISTRICT, DIVISION 6. Notice of Appeal and all documents relating to completion of the appellate record must be filed with the Appeals Clerk located in the Ventura Courthouse. This rule applies to Civil unlimited, Family Law, Mental Health, Probate and felony Criminal appeals. Notice of Appeal and all documents filed relating to the appeal in a Juvenile Dependency or Juvenile Delinquency case must be filed at the Juvenile Courthouse located in Oxnard.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 B. APPEALS TO THE APPELLATE DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT. Notice of Appeal and all documents relating to the appeal must be filed with the Appeals Clerk located in the Ventura Courthouse. These rules apply to Civil limited, Criminal misdemeanor and infraction appeals including Juvenile infractions. C. SMALL CLAIMS APPEALS. Small Claims Appeals may be filed with the Appeals Clerk the Small Claims Clerk at the Ventura Courthouse. (Effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 2.03 VENUE OF EACH DIVISION The venue of each division of the court shall embrace the geographical area of the County of Ventura, except as follows: A. All small claims cases with the following Zip Codes (as designated by defendant’s residence at the time of commencement of the action or, if based on contract, the nearest place to which the contract was entered into) will be heard at the East County Courthouse (Simi Valley): 91301 93020 91302 93021 91304 93062 91307 93063 91360 93064 91361 93065 91362 93093 91377 B. All other Zip Code designated small claims cases will be heard at the Juvenile Courthouse (Oxnard) and/or the Hall of Justice (Ventura). (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 2.04 COURT EMPLOYMENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 2.05 STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT All attorneys should be familiar with the Standards of Professional Conduct published as Appendix I to these rules. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 2.06 JUDICIAL VACATION AND PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS A. VACATION. Judicial vacation days and use are authorized consistent with California Rules of Court, rule 10.603(c)(2). A judge’s vacation day is defined as follows: A day of vacation for a judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, is an approved absence from the court for one full business day. Absence from the court listed in California Rules of Court, rule 10.603(c)(2)(H) are excluded from this definition. B. PERSONAL LEAVE. Judicial personal leave days and use are authorized consistent with California Rules of Court, rule 10.603(c)(2)(D), in that a judge may take two personal leave days a year at any time that is approved by the presiding judge. (Effective July 1, 2007)

RULE 2.07 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 10.605, the Presiding Judge shall appoint an Executive Committee comprised of the following voting members: • The Presiding Judge • The Assistant Presiding Judge • The Immediate Past Presiding Judge • The Supervising Judge of the Civil Division • The Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division • The Supervising Judge of the Family Law Division • The Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division • The Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division (a) The Court Executive Officer shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Executive Committee, without the need for appointment by the Presiding Judge. 2. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to assist, support, and advise the Presiding Judge concerning the following: (a) The Presiding Judge’s review, approval, oversight and supervision of the Court’s annual budget, including the establishment 10

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 and implementation of the budgetary priorities of the Court. The Court’s Administrative staff, including but not limited to the Court Executive Officer and Court Chief Financial Officer, shall provide the Presiding Judge and the Executive Committee with drafts of the proposed budget, and all other information the Presiding Judge deems necessary to understanding and evaluating the proposed budget, a sufficient time before the Presiding Judge’s final approval of the budget to permit the Executive Committee to review such information and advise the Presiding Judge, and to permit the Presiding Judge to consult with the Judges of the Court pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 10.603, subdivision (a)(6)(A), concerning the proposed budget. (b) The Court’s administrative and operational policies and procedures, including advice to the Presiding Judge about proposed changes or modifications to improve the efficiency of Court operations and promote the core mission of the Court: to provide the public with prompt, fair and equal access to justice. (c) The hiring, compensation, and evaluation of the performance of the Court Executive Officer. (d) Other issues or tasks at the request of the Presiding Judge. 3. The Executive Committee shall meet once per month or otherwise at the direction of the Presiding Judge, provided that the Executive Committee shall not meet less frequently than every other month. The Presiding Judge shall serve as the chairperson of the Executive Committee. Any judge may attend the Executive Committee Meeting, except in the instance of a closed session called by the Presiding Judge. 4. This rule is intended to and shall be construed in a manner consistent with, and not modifying or limiting in any way, the authority and responsibilities of the Presiding Judge as defined in California Rules of Court, rule 10.603. (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

RULE 2.08 COMPLAINTS A. Judges and Subordinate Judicial Officers – Complaints regarding judges and subordinate judicial officers must be submitted in writing, except where an individual is unable to submit a written complaint due to disability. Each complaint will be considered carefully, and a written response will be provided as appropriate. Written complaints must be addressed to the Presiding Judge at: Ventura Superior Court P.O. Box 6489 Ventura, CA 93006-6489 and must include an address where the court’s response, if any can be sent. B. Court Employees and Services – Complaints regarding court employees and services, other than those related to a particular court case or governed by Local Rules 3.24.1, 9.21, 9.35, 9.43, or 12.02K, must be submitted in writing, except where an individual is unable to submit a written complaint due to disability. Each complaint will be considered carefully, and a written response will be provided as appropriate. Written complaints must be addressed to the Court Executive Officer at admin-vsc@ventura.courts.ca.gov or Ventura Superior Court P.O. Box 6489 Ventura, CA 93006-6489 and must include an address where the court’s response, if any can be sent. (Effective January 1, 2026) CHAPTER 3: COURT CALENDARS, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND DELAY REDUCTION

RULE 3.00 CIVIL CASE DELAY REDUCTION It is the policy of the Ventura County Superior Court to manage all civil cases from the time of filing of the first document invoking court jurisdiction through final disposition. The court shall be governed by the civil case disposition standards contained in Standards 2.1 and 2.2 of the Standards of Judicial Administration. (Revised effective January 1, 2007)

RULE 3.01 CASES EXEMPT FROM CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT (Deleted effective July 1, 2003)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

RULE 3.02 DIFFERENTIATED CASE MANAGEMENT All cases filed which are subject to these rules shall be assigned to one of the following case management tracks: (1) unlawful detainer, (2) limited, (3) unlimited, (4) complex, (5) uninsured motorist. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.03 TRACKING CASES All pending cases shall be calendared for a future event. No pending case shall go off calendar without a future event being set. (Revised effective July 1, 1999)

RULE 3.03.1 NOTICE OF CASE ASSIGNMENT AND MANDATORY APPEARANCE IN-LIMITED AND UNLIMITED CASES A. At the time of filing of the initial Complaint, a “Notice of Case Assignment and Mandatory Appearance” will be provided by the Clerk which identifies the courtroom and Judicial Officer to whom the case is assigned, and contains the date, time, and courtroom for a combined initial Case Management Conference (CMC) and Order to Show Cause re Sanctions/Dismissal re Failure to File Proof of Service/Default (OSC). The combined CMC/OSC will be scheduled approximately five (5) months after the initial filing date for the purpose of: (1) confirming compliance with and/or addressing issues (and possible sanctions) related to timeframes established by statute and California Rules of Court for service of the Complaint and entry of Default; (2) scheduling of Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings and/or a Trial Date; and (3) any other issues pursuant to California Rules of Court,

rule 3.722. B. A copy of the Notice of Case Assignment and Mandatory Appearance shall be served by the filing party on all named Defendants/Respondents with the Complaint or Petition, and with any Cross- Complaint or Complaint in Intervention that names a new party to the underlying action. Appearance at the CMC by Attorneys and self-represented Parties, in person or by telephone (see Local Rule 7.00 et seq.), is mandatory. C. In addition to the Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council Form CM-010) required by the California Rules of Court, a civil action or proceeding presented for filing must be accompanied by the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum (Local Form VN278) in all cases that comprise the Type of Action provided for in the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum and signed by counsel for plaintiff or the self-represented plaintiff. A copy of the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum must be served with the Summons and Complaint or Petition. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 3.04 UNLAWFUL DETAINER (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 3.05 EXPEDITED CASES (Deleted effective July 1, 2000)

RULE 3.06 ECONOMIC LITIGATION TRACK FOR LIMITED CIVIL CASES (CCP 90 et. seq.) (Deleted effective July 1, 2004)

RULE 3.07 SUPERIOR COURT STANDARD CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.08 COMPLEX CASES The goal of the court is to complete the complex case within one year unless the assigned judge determines otherwise. All complex cases shall be set for a case management conference within 120 days of approval of the complex designation by the assigned judge. The court may calendar all events, such as service on unserved parties, discovery completion dates, settlement conference dates, and trial dates at the case management conference. The parties are required to file a joint complex status report, in pleading format fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the first case management conference. The report shall set forth: 1. A summary of the case, including significant legal and factual issues; 2. An outline of anticipated non-expert discovery and the expected completion date of that discovery; 3. The need for orders facilitating discovery, such as orders concerning: (a) Confidential information; (b) The timing, order or scope of discovery; (c) The use of a document depository; or (d) The appointment of a discovery referee. 4. An agreement to accept service by electronic delivery when applicable; 5. The existence of additional parties that may be joined, and a proposed date by which any such parties must be served;

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 6. A description of any potentially applicable arbitration agreements; 7. The existence of one or more cases pending in other courts that may be related to or consolidated with this case; 8. The parties’ proposal for Alternative Dispute Resolution, including voluntary mediation; 9. In a putative class action case: (a) Agreements concerning notice to class members (b) A proposed hearing date for plaintiff’s certification motion; and 10. Any other matter counsel wishes to call to the court’s attention. (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

RULE 3. 09 UNINSURED MOTORIST CASES OSC re DISMISSAL: In any case designated as an Uninsured Motorist case, if the plaintiff and insurance carrier have not settled or arbitrated within 5 months, nor filed a dismissal, the court will hold an OSC re Dismissal for Failure to File Petition for Order Compelling Arbitration at 6 months. (Effective July 1, 2005)

RULE 3.10 CIVIL CASE INFORMATION SHEET (Deleted effective January 1, 2008)

RULE 3.11 CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (Deleted effective July 1, 2003)

RULE 3.12 TRIAL SETTING CONFERENCES (Deleted effective July 1, 1994)

RULE 3.13 MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES A. All mandatory settlement conferences are subject to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1380 and are conducted in unlimited civil cases only. All mandatory settlement conferences are held either remotely via a court-hosted videoconference platform or in person at the Ventura Division of the Ventura Superior Court, unless otherwise ordered by the court. B. In addition to the mandatory settlement conference statement provided in California Rules of Court, rule 3.1380, a party may elect to lodge an additional confidential settlement conference statement with the court, no later than five (5) court days before the date set for the settlement conference. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.14 IDENTIFICATION OF PARTY BEING SERVED ON PROOF OF SERVICE (Renamed and relocated to Local Rule 4.10 effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.15 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION (Renamed and relocated to Local Rule 4.08 effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.16 DUTY TO NOTIFY COURT OF SETTLEMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2025)

RULE 3.17 SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LOCAL RULES OR COURT ORDERS Except for good cause shown, sanctions, including but not limited to, payment of sanctions to the court, payment of the opposing party's reasonable expenses and attorneys fees, dismissal of the action or striking an answer and entering a default may be imposed on any person who: A. Fails to comply with any local rule or order of the court, other than a prior order to pay sanctions; or B. Fails to submit any form or report required by the court; or C. Fails to appear at any case management conference or any other scheduled event; or D. Fails to participate in good faith in any conference. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.18 WAIVER OF RULES No procedure or deadline established by these rules may be waived or extended by stipulation or agreement of the parties, except as permitted by Government Code §68616, unless approved by the court, upon written application and submission of proposed order and a showing of good cause. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

RULE 3.19 LAW AND MOTION (Renumbered and relocated to Local Rule 4.11 effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.20 EX PARTE APPLICATIONS (Reference Local Rules - Chapter 15) (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.21 GENERAL ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE; COURT CALENDARS Civil cases of either limited or unlimited jurisdiction are assigned to a judge for all purposes upon the filing of the first document invoking the court's jurisdiction. However, initial case management may be delegated to a case management department. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.22 DUTY TO NOTIFY PARTIES OF CASE REASSIGNMENT It shall be the duty of any party successfully exercising a judicial challenge under Code of Civil Procedure §§170.1 and/or to provide formal notice to all subsequently appearing parties of the identity of the courtroom and the judge to which the case is then “assigned for all purposes." (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.23 BINDING ARBITRATION (Deleted effective July 1, 2005)

RULE 3.24 COURT-ORDERED CIVIL MEDIATION PROGRAM A. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION 1. Mandatory: Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §1775.5 and California Rules of Court, rule 3.891(a)(1), civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy under $50,000 per plaintiff may be ordered to the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program. 2. Voluntary: Litigants who agree to mediate their dispute, regardless of the amount in controversy, may stipulate to participate in the Court-Ordered Mediation Program. B. PROCEDURE FOR PARTICIPATING IN COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION 1. At the case management conference, parties must be prepared to discuss whether they are eligible for mandatory court- ordered mediation under Code of Civil Procedure § 1775.5, or willing to stipulate to voluntary court-ordered mediation. 2. At the case management conference or at another time as determined by the court, litigants who are eligible to be ordered to mediation pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1775.5 may be ordered to participate at the court’s discretion. 3. All other litigants may indicate their willingness to participate in mediation on a voluntary basis by so indicating on the “Stipulation and [Proposed] Order to Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Process” local form (VN-164), provided the stipulation is filed at least 90 days before trial, unless the court otherwise allows in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 3.891, subsection (a)(2). Use of the form is optional. 4. If the court determines that the case should be submitted to the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program, the court will issue a minute order, a mediation completion date will be set, and the parties will be notified. C. MEET AND CONFER RE: SELECTION OF MEDIATOR 1. All parties who have been ordered to the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program shall promptly review the panel of court- approved mediators available on the court’s website. 2. Within fifteen (15) days of being ordered to mediation, and pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.893, litigants shall meet and confer regarding the following: (a) The discussion and selection of a mutually agreeable mediator; (b) The exchange of potential dates and times for the mediation session; and (c) A reasonable discovery plan and discovery completion schedule to ensure a productive mediation session. D. SELECTION AND/OR ASSIGNMENT OF MEDIATOR 1. Litigants ordered to mediation through the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program may select and stipulate to a mediator from the panel of court-approved mediators but must do so within fifteen (15) days of being ordered to mediation. 2. Where litigants have agreed of the selection of a mediator, they shall comply with their obligations under these and other applicable rules to meet and confer with one another and the mediator and to file appropriate forms, including the filing of the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date”, local form (VN-272), discussed in section E. 3. Where litigants do not agree on the selection of a mediator within fifteen (15) days of being ordered to mediation, or if the litigants fail to file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272), the court will assign a mediator from the panel of court-approved mediators pursuant to California Rules of Law, rule 3.893. (a) Upon assignment, a “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271) shall be sent to the litigants and the court- assigned mediator. The litigants shall have no right to object to the assigned mediator. If an assigned mediator recuses, 14

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 the court will promptly assign another mediator. This process will continue until such time as a mediator accepts the assignment, unless ordered by the court. (b) The assigned mediator shall file and serve the “Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal” local form (VN-274) within ten (10) days of receiving the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271). E. MEET AND CONFER WITH SELECTED AND/OR APPOINTED MEDIATOR 1. Where the mediator is jointly selected, the plaintiff must contact the mediator to provide party contact information, to check the mediator’s availability, to exchange potential dates and times for the mediation session as agreed with other parties, and to determine the location for the mediation session. The plaintiff must also provide the mediator with a copy of the minute order setting forth the court’s orders re: mediation and the mediation completion date. Within fifteen (15) days of being ordered to mediate, plaintiff shall file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272) and shall serve a copy on all other litigants and the mediator. 2. Where parties have been assigned a mediator because they did not agree or did not timely file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272), the plaintiff shall, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271), contact the mediator to provide party contact information, to check the mediator’s availability, to exchange potential dates and times for the mediation session as agreed with other parties, and to determine the location for the mediation session. Within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the “Notice of Assignment of Mediator” local form (VN-271), the plaintiff shall file the “Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date” local form (VN-272) that includes the assigned mediator and the selected mediation date. The plaintiff shall serve a copy on all other litigants and the mediator. F. MEDIATION STATEMENT No later than five (5) days before the date set for mediation, each party shall serve on the mediator and all counsel and/or self- represented litigants, a short mediation statement which shall set forth: (1) the nature of the case and causes of action, (2) the factual and legal issues to be resolved, (3) the parties’ objectives at mediation, and (4) other information that may be helpful in resolving the dispute, including case valuations, if appropriate. The mediator will determine whether he/she will accept confidential mediation briefs, and if so, the timing of those submissions. G. PARTICIPATION IN MEDIATION SESSION The individuals who must be available and must participate in the mediation session are: (1) all parties, (2) their attorneys, and (3) claim representatives and/or persons with full authority to resolve all disputed issues. For good cause shown, the parties may seek a court order prior to the date set for mediation to exclude the appearance of any of these parties. Absent such an order, the failure of a party or claim representative to appear at mediation may result in sanctions. H. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUATION Litigants may file a joint stipulation and proposed order requesting to continue the mediation completion deadline for good cause. This stipulation and order must be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the mediation completion date and the caption of the stipulation and proposed order must include the current mediation completion deadline. I. MEDIATION COMPLETION DEADLINE Litigants must complete mediation by the mediation completion deadline or request an extension. If mediation is not completed by the completion date, the matter will be referred to the trial court for the setting of an Order to Show Cause hearing regarding the failure to complete the mediation as ordered, and sanctions may be imposed. J. NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT If the case settles, the plaintiff must immediately file a “Notice of Settlement of Entire Case” form (Judicial Council CM-200). (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

RULE 3.24.1 MEDIATOR COMPLAINT PROCEDURE Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.865 et seq., the Ventura Superior Court maintains the following Mediator Complaint Procedure: A. All grievances, complaints or issues concerning the conduct of a mediator on the Ventura Superior Court’s Civil Mediation Panel must be referred initially to the Court Program Manager for Civil/Appeals/Small Claims, who has been designated by the Presiding Judge, as the Complaint Coordinator. All complaints must be in writing, addressed to:

Civil Mediation Complaint Coordinator

800 South Victoria, Room 210 Ventura, CA 93009

or by e-mail at http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/email and checking “Court Mediation Program".

B. After sending the complainant a written acknowledgment that the court has received the complaint, the Complaint Coordinator will conduct a preliminary review of the complaint to determine whether or not the complaint can be resolved informally and closed. If the complaint is resolved informally or closed after preliminary review, the Complaint Coordinator will send the

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 complainant written notification of the resolution. C. If it is determined that further investigation is warranted, the Complaint Coordinator will send the mediator written notice of the complaint, that the complaint has been referred to the Chair(s) of the Bench ADR committee and the mediator will have twenty (20) days from the mailing of said notice to provide the court with a written response. The Chair(s) of the ADR Committee will designate an individual who has experience as a mediator and who is familiar with the rules of conduct for mediators set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 3.850 et seq., or will establish a complaint committee that has at least one such individual as a member, to conduct the investigation and prepare a written recommendation concerning court action on the complaint. The Chair(s) of the ADR Committee and/or their designee may determine that the mediator will be removed from the active/eligible list pending the final decision on the complaint. D. The final decision on the complaint will be made by the Presiding Judge or his or her designee, who did not conduct the investigation, and the final decision will be communicated to both the complainant and the mediator in writing. The final decision- maker may take one or more of the following action(s): direct that no action be taken on the complaint; counsel, admonish, or reprimand the mediator; impose additional training requirements as a condition of the mediator remaining on the court’s panel; temporarily suspend the mediator from the court’s panel or otherwise temporarily prohibit the mediator from receiving future mediation referrals from the court; and/or permanently remove the mediator from the court’s panel or otherwise permanently prohibit the mediator from receiving future mediation referrals from the court. E. The final decision is in the sole discretion of the final decision-maker and is not subject to any subsequent review or appeal. Ultimately, mediators on the court’s Civil Mediation Panel may be temporarily or permanently removed from the panel at any time at the sole discretion of the court without cause. F. All court communications and/or proceedings relative to complaints against mediators on the court’s Civil Mediation Panel will occur in private and be kept confidential except as required by law and except for authorized disclosures as follows: after the decision on a complaint against a mediator has been made, the Presiding Judge or his or her designee may authorize the disclosure of information or records concerning the complaint proceeding that do not reveal any mediation communications. The disclosures that may be authorized include the name of the mediator against whom action is being taken, the action taken and the general basis on which the action was taken. G. A person who has participated in a complaint proceeding or otherwise received information that is publicly disclosed will not subsequently hear or determine any contested issue of law, fact, or procedure concerning the dispute that was the subject of the underlying mediation or any other dispute that arises from the mediation as a judge, arbitrator, referee, or juror, or any other adjudicative capacity, in any court action or proceeding. (Effective January 1, 2011)

RULE 3.25 MANDATORY MEET AND CONFER (Deleted effective January 1, 1996)

RULE 3.26 BRINGING IN NEW PARTIES SUBSEQUENT TO ORIGINAL FILING (Deleted effective July 1, 2003)

RULE 3.27 CASE REMOVED TO FEDERAL COURT (Deleted effective January 1, 2004)

RULE 3.28 FILINGS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (Deleted effective January 1, 2004)

RULE 3.29 DEFAULT HEARING FORMS IN LIMITED CIVIL CASES (Renumbered and relocated to Local Rule 4.12 effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 3.30 ERRONEOUSLY SUED DEFENDANTS (Deleted effective July 1, 2001)

RULE 3.31 ELISOR A. Where one of the parties fails to execute a document necessary to carry out a court order, the Clerk of the Court, or his or her authorized designee may be appointed by order of the court, as an elisor to sign the document. B. An application for appointment of an elisor shall be made by filing an appropriate pleading (Notice of Motion, Order to Show Cause or Request for Order). When applying for an appointment of an elisor, the application and proposed order must designate “The Clerk of the Superior Court, County of Ventura or the Clerk’s Designee” as the elisor and specifically name the party(ies) for whom the elisor is being appointed and in what capacity the elisor is being asked to sign the document(s). The application and order must not set forth a specific court employee. The application must indicate reference to the title, date, page(s), and

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 line(s) of the court order/judgment upon which the request to appoint the elisor is based. C. A declaration supporting the application must include specific facts establishing the necessity for the appointment of the elisor, including the good faith efforts to meet and confer to resolve the issue informally. The proposed order must be submitted with the application that expressly identifies the document(s) being signed and a copy of the document(s) must be submitted with the proposed order. A deed must state the type of deed (i.e., grant deed, interspousal deed, etc.). Escrow documents must be listed separately (i.e., Escrow Instruction Dated, Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship, Hazard Report, etc.). The original document, presented for signature by the elisor, must match the copy of the document submitted with the proposed order. The copy is to be highlighted in the location(s) where the elisor is to sign his/her name. D. If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary public to be present when the elisor signs the document(s). E. If the Court grants the application for appointment of an elisor, the party must contact the Clerk’s Office to submit the fee and documents for review. The Clerk’s Office will then contact the party to arrange an appointment for the signing of the documents. (Effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 3.32 DISPOSITION OF CASES REMOVED TO FEDERAL COURT If a case is removed to federal court, the Court will set a date for a status conference re: removal to take place not earlier than 90 days from the date of removal. Counsel can file a Notice of Status of Removed Case in lieu of appearing at the status conference. If the case has not been remanded to the trial court by the date of the status conference, the case may be recorded as completed or disposed and the court will not set a further status conference. (Effective July 1, 2025)

CHAPTER 4:

COURT PLEADINGS, FORMS AND DOCUMENT FORMAT

RULE 4.00 ORGANIZATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 4.01 CONFORMED COPIES A. For all eCourt case types (Civil, Probate, Small Claims, Mental Health, and all Civil Restraining Orders): 1. New case initiation filings: The clerk will provide and return a conformed face page of each document filed at case initiation (i.e., Summons, Complaint, Petition, Civil Case Coversheet, etc.) either by hand (if filed in person) or by mail if a self- addressed stamped envelope is provided. The filing party may use the face pages to prepare conformed copies. Parties are not to submit additional copies of their documents to be conformed. 2. Subsequent filings on existing cases: The clerk will conform with an ink stamp any copies submitted with filings that do not require judicial review. Conformed copies of the filings will be returned either by hand (if filed in person) or by mail if a self-addressed stamped envelope is provided. Unless (1) the case is confidential by law, (2) the filing is sealed by court order, or (3) electronic access to the case is limited by California Rules of Court, rule 2.503(c), parties can also view/download copies of file stamped documents on the Court’s website to use as conformed copies. 3. Orders: For cases that are (1) confidential by law or (2) subject to restrictions on access pursuant to California Rules of Court,

rule 2.503(c), the clerk will mail a conformed copy of a filed order in a Court-provided envelope to the submitting party. For cases that are not confidential by law or are not subject to restrictions on access, the filed order will be available on the Court’s website to view/download or may be obtained from the Records Department. Parties are not to submit a return envelope with their proposed order. 4. Unlawful Detainer Judgments: The clerk will file and return all supporting documents via the envelope provided with the submission or by attorney service. After the judgment is filed, the clerk will mail a conformed copy of the judgment in a Court provided envelope to the submitting party. 5. All Other Civil Judgments: For Court/Clerk judgments in cases other than Unlawful Detainer, the clerk will file and return all supporting documents via the envelope provided with the submission. After the judgment is filed, it will be available on the Court’s website to view/download or from the Records Department. B. For all other case types. If requesting that conformed copies of filed documents be returned by mail, such request shall be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope, large enough for all conformed copies and with sufficient prepaid postage for the weight of the conformed copies to be returned. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 4.02 PLEADINGS AND RECORDS IN AN EMINENT DOMAIN ACTION INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE PARCEL OF PROPERTY

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 A. PLEADINGS. In an eminent domain action involving more than one parcel of property, the plaintiff's complaint shall set forth, in addition to the matters required by Code of Civil Procedure §1250.310, numbers or symbols to identify each of the parcels of property. A defendant's answer, demurrer, or written appearance shall set forth in the space below the number of the case and in parentheses, the parcel numbers or symbols that identify the property claimed by him. B. COPY OF PLEADINGS. Within ten (10) days after service of each defendant's pleading the plaintiff shall file a duplicate copy of his complaint, summons, lis pendens, and other pertinent documents. A defendant who claims more than one parcel of property shall file a copy of his pleading for each parcel claimed by him. A copy of such pleading shall be filed by the Executive Officer and Clerk in the appropriate parcel files. C. REGISTER. The Executive Officer and Clerk shall include in the register, opposite the name of each defendant, the numbers or symbols that identify the property in which he is alleged to have an interest. D. (Deleted effective 7/1/2023) E. WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS. The court may, for good cause shown, order any paper to be filed without a parcel number or symbol. F. ASSIGNMENT OF CASES CONCERNING A SINGLE PROJECT. Multiple eminent domain cases filed simultaneously on behalf of public agencies for a single project are exempt from the procedure to assign individual cases on a random basis. The caption of each eminent domain complaint concerning a single project shall indicate that the case is one of several to acquire the property for a designated public project. Each of the multiple cases so designated will be assigned to one judge. The existing random assignment procedures will be overridden to accommodate such assignment. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 4.03 PRESCRIBED FORMS IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES In domestic relations cases, mandatory and optional Judicial Council forms shall be used. The original thereof shall be filed together with proof of service prior to the date and time set for hearing. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 4.04 FACSIMILE FILING (Repealed March 15, 2018)

RULE 4.05 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY Electronic delivery of filings in civil, small claims, family law and probate cases, are permitted to the extent set forth below, and shall conform to the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6 and California Rules of Court, rules 2.252 et seq. A. Court users electing to submit documents by electronic delivery must submit all documents to the court’s approved electronic service provider under California Rules of Court, rule 2.255. Court users must also comply with the terms and conditions of electronic delivery set forth on the court’s website at www.Ventura.courts.ca.gov. B. Upon receiving a document(s) by electronic delivery, a “Notice of Receipt of Documents,” containing the eFiling ID number and confirming that the court has received the document(s), will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting party. C. Any document(s) received by electronic delivery will be accepted by the court, if the document(s) meets all legal filing requirements and any required fees are paid and correct. An email will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting party stating that the document(s) is accepted. If a document(s) is not accepted, an email stating that the document(s) is rejected will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting party. D. Any electronic document submitted through eDelivery for filing in Family Law received by the court between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a court day, shall be deemed filed as of that day. This rule concerns only the method and effective date of filing; any document that is electronically filed must satisfy all other legal filing deadlines and requirements. This rule also does not affect any statutory or court ordered requirements that a document be filed by a set date. E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or these rules, the following documents shall not be electronically submitted and/or filed by a party or user: 1. Any document exceeding 200 pages (limit applies to Family Law cases only); 2. No lodgings, except for proposed orders; 3. Will, codicil or testamentary trust; 4. Bond or undertaking; 5. Any order with an original judicial officer’s signature; 6. Out-of-State Commission; 7. Abstract of Judgment; 8. Writ of Execution; 9. Confidential document(s) lodged conditionally under seal; 10. Certificate of Facts Re Unsatisfied Judgment;

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 11. Family Law Request for Entry of Default, Judgment and the Notice of Entry of Judgment; 12. Letters of Administration; 13. Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value (Probate); 14. Any and all documents relating to restraining order matters, including applications/requests for restraining orders, proposed temporary restraining order and notice of hearing (i.e., Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment, Elder Abuse, etc.); 15. Notice of Pendency of Action; and 16. Any paper document ordered by the court to be filed in the clerk’s office. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 4.06 ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESSES ON PLEADINGS (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 4.07 FILING OF PROPOSED PLEADINGS AFTER LEAVE IS GRANTED If the court grants leave to file a new or amended pleading, any proposed pleading attached to the motion, application, or stipulation requesting leave, will not be deemed filed by the court. Instead, the new or amended pleading (as a separate document) must be presented to the Clerk’s Office for filing within the time specified by the court. If no time for filing the pleading is set by the court, then the pleading shall be filed within ten (10) days of the issuance of order. (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 4.08 FILING AND SERVICE OF COMPLAINTS-IN-INTERVENTION A. Complaints-in-intervention shall be filed by leave of court only as set forth in Code of Civil Procedure §387(a). An original complaint-in- intervention shall be submitted along with the application for leave of court. Upon granting of the order regarding leave to file, the complaint-in-intervention shall be separately filed forthwith with the Clerk’s Office, and in no event later than ten (10) days from the issuance of the order granting leave. The complaint-in-intervention shall be served in accord with Code of Civil Procedure §387(a), and proof of service shall be returned to the court no later than thirty (30) days after filing of the complaint-in-intervention. B. A complaint-in-intervention that is filed exclusively under, and in both its caption and substance involves, only the provisions of Labor Code §3852, shall be treated as both a complaint-in-intervention and as an application to file same. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 4.09 EXHIBIT TABS For all eCourt case types (Civil, Probate, Small Claims, Mental Health, and all Civil Restraining Orders), hard copy documents submitted for filing shall not include exhibit tabs or other dividers which cause the page to exceed ”8 ½ by 11”. Parties shall specify the exhibit number or letter in the footer of every page of each exhibit. (Effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 4.10 IDENTIFICATION OF PARTY BEING SERVED ON PROOF OF SERVICE In all cases where proof of service is made on any party by mailing a copy of the summons and complaint, cross complaint or other pleading to the party’s attorney, the proof of service shall identify the party or parties whom counsel represents as indicated below: John Jones, Esq. 123 Main Street Ventura, CA 93003 Attorney for Defendant Mary Smith (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 4.11 LAW AND MOTION A. Unless otherwise ordered, or electronically submitted, all noticed or ex-parte motions and any documents in support or opposition thereto shall be presented for filing in the clerk’s office located at the courthouse where the matter is to be heard. B. Proposed Order(s): parties are to comply with California Rules of Court, rules 3.1201 and/or 3.1312 regarding submissions of proposed orders. If a party lodges an original proposed order(s) before the hearing is conducted, any copies of the proposed order(s) to be conformed are to be brought on the day of the hearing and not lodged prior to the hearing. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 4.12 DEFAULT HEARING FORMS IN LIMITED CIVIL CASES Automobile deficiency judgments will not be granted nor submitted to a judge for approval unless a “Declaration in Support of Deficiency Judgment” has been completed and filed under Code of Civil Procedure § 585(d). All local court forms are available through the court’s website.

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RULE 4.13 SERVICE OF APPELLATE BRIEF ON TRIAL JUDGE Service of an appellate brief filed in the Court of Appeal on the Superior Court Clerk for delivery to the Trial Judge as provided by the California Rules of Court shall be submitted through electronic delivery and sent to admin-vsc@ventura.courts.ca.gov.

RULE 4.14 USE OF PSEUDONYMS A. The title of a civil action shall include the names of all the parties except as provided by law. A plaintiff or petitioner shall not be identified in a pleading by a pseudonym unless the use of a pseudonym is permitted by court order or the use of a pseudonym without a court order is authorized by statute or rule of court. As used in this rule, “pseudonym” includes a party’s initials when used in lieu of that party’s full name. B. A plaintiff or petitioner who wishes to proceed under a pseudonym shall: 1. At the time the complaint or petition is filed, file an ex parte application for an order granting leave to proceed by pseudonym in lieu of the party’s true name; or 2. Conspicuously state in the caption of the complaint or petition the statute or rule of court permitting the use of a pseudonym without a court order. C. A complaint or petition presented for filing without compliance with subdivision (b) may be rejected by the clerk and not filed or, if filed, stricken by the court. D. A plaintiff or petitioner applying for an order granting leave to proceed by pseudonym shall follow the procedure established by statute or rule of court where the authorizing statute or rule specifies a procedure. In all other instances, the party shall, at the time the complaint or petition is filed, file an ex parte application and lodge a proposed order. The application must be supported by one or more declarations based on personal knowledge stating facts and circumstances demonstrating a privacy interest in preserving the party’s anonymity that overrides the public’s right of access to court proceedings. (See NBC Subsidiary (KNBC- TV), Inc. v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178.) A declaration in support of such an ex parte application may be lodged under seal pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.551. E. The court may grant or deny an ex parte application made under this rule without hearing. If the court denies the application, it may conditionally order the action dismissed without prejudice unless an amended pleading is filed stating the names of all parties. If the court grants the application, it may order that the party shall be designated for all purposes in the litigation, including discovery, by a pseudonym. In addition, the court may order that the party shall file under seal and serve on all parties a statement containing the party’s true name. In addition, the court may make any further orders necessary to preserve the party’s anonymity or serve the interests of justice.

RULE 4.15 NAME OF DEFENDANT (OR OTHER RESPONDING PARTY) ON RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS If a defendant, cross-defendant or respondent is identified by an incorrect name in a pleading, the defendant, cross-defendant or respondent may respond to the pleading using his/her/entity’s correct name but shall also include the name by which that defendant, cross- defendant or respondent was erroneously sued by including the words “erroneously sued as [name used by the plaintiff/cross- complainant/petitioner]” after the responding party’s name in the responsive pleading. Failure to adhere to this rule will be grounds for the Clerk’s Office to reject the responsive pleading. (Effective July 1, 2025)

CHAPTER 5:

COURT FILES AND EXHIBITS

RULE 5.00 EXHIBITS (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 5.01 ENTRY OF COURT ORDER IN MINUTES The Executive Officer and Clerk shall keep minutes of court orders and, depending on case type, shall either place a copy of each minute order in the court’s file of actions in chronological order in lieu of a minute book, as provided in Government Code §69844.7 for as long as the law requires, or electronically record the minute order in the court’s case management system. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 5.02 COURT RECORDS A. REMOVAL OF PAPERS. No papers shall be removed from the files or replaced therein except by authorized court personnel. B. RETURN OF EXHIBITS. No exhibits shall be released from the possession of the Executive Officer and Clerk except on order of the court and the giving of a receipt therefor. (Effective January 1, 1997)

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RULE 5.03 HOLES FOR FILING (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 5.04 REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS By order of a judge or commissioner, juvenile court referee or juvenile court traffic hearing officer of the court, any exhibit may be returned by the clerk to the witness or party by whom it was produced after the substitution of a photostatic copy therefore; provided, however, that such order may dispense with such substitution in the case of an original record, paper or object taken from the custody of a public officer which is being returned to such officer, or in the case of an exhibit used only in making proof against a party whose default has been entered, or when a photostatic copy is impracticable, in which case a receipt shall be given, or when a written stipulation of all the parties consenting thereto is filed. (Effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 5.05 REASONABLY NECESSARY PHOTOCOPYING California Rules of Court, rule 3.55(2) provides that the clerk’s fees for reasonably necessary photocopying must be waived upon granting an application for an initial fee waiver. This court defines the number of photocopies that are reasonably necessary as one (1) copy of those papers in the court’s file for the action or proceeding in which the fee waiver was granted. If a party seeks additional copies, the self-represented party or attorney of record must request a court order by submitting a declaration and proposed order stating good cause for additional copies. (Effective January 1, 2014)

RULE 5.06 EXHIBITS THAT POSE HEALTH AND/OR SAFETY PROBLEMS In the interest of public health and safety, permission from the Judge assigned to the hearing or trial must be obtained before a party may bring dangerous weapons, explosives, hazardous or toxic materials, including any controlled substance, paraphernalia or packing containing residues of those substances, hypodermic needles or syringes, bodily fluids or materials containing bodily fluids into the courtroom. If permission is granted, the party in possession of the exhibit shall take responsibility for it, and the court shall not be required to store the exhibit. If possible, the party should substitute a photograph, technical report or reproduction for the proposed exhibit, as provided by Penal Code § 1417.3. (Effective July 1, 2017).

RULE 5.07 EXTERNAL MEDIA / ELECTRONIC LODGINGS WITH COURTROOMS / MEDIA FORMAT A. The Clerk’s Office will not accept electronic storage media for filing or lodging purposes, unless pursuant to court order. “Electronic storage media” includes internal and external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, Floppy Disks, USB drives, ZIP disks, magnetic tapes, SD cards, and any other similarly purposed device. Exhibits contained on “electronic storage media” shall be submitted in the courtroom only. The submitting party shall be responsible for providing the necessary equipment to view or present the exhibits. B. Lodged copies submitted to a courtroom’s email proxy must be in PDF format. Digital document management systems (i.e., document depository) shall not be used for such purposes without prior approval of the assigned judicial officer. C. The Ventura Superior Court accepts digital submissions only in the following formats: • Document: .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf • Image: .png, .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tiff • Audio: .mp3, .wav • Video: .mp4 The court encourages the use of secure portals (eDelivery, eFiling and Secure File Transfer (SFT)) for digital submissions of image, audio, and video files. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 6:

TRIAL CONTROL CALENDAR PROCEDURES

RULE 6.00 DUTY OF COUNSEL AS TO TRIAL DATE ASSIGNED After trial date has been assigned, it shall be the duty of counsel to inform the assigned judge of any fact tending to indicate that the case may not proceed to trial on the date to which it has been assigned. In the event of settlement, counsel or parties appearing in person shall immediately notify the court thereof. Failure to do so may be deemed as unlawful interference with the proceedings of the court. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 6.01 SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENTS (See CRC 222(d))

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RULE 6.02 CALENDARS Matters may be set on calendar only by the clerk or order of a judge. (Effective January 1, 1997)

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RULE 6.03 JUDICIAL ARBITRATION (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 6.04 ARBITRATION DELAY (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 6.05 TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES-TRIAL CONTROL CALENDARS (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 6.06 MANDATORY ARBITRATION STATEMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 6.07 CASES EXCLUDED FROM ARBITRATION (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 6.08 SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT A. When it is determined a defendant or respondent is in the military service so as to be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. Appen. §§ 501-591), counsel for the plaintiff shall, prior to the initial case management conference, determine the defendant’s/respondent’s ability to appear and defend the action. No later than the time of the initial conference, the plaintiff shall advise the court of the defendant’s/respondent’s ability to proceed, and, if necessary, shall apply for one of the orders under subdivision C of this rule. B. When a defendant, respondent or a cross-defendant other than the plaintiff communicates to the court in writing that he or she is in the military service and claims the benefits of the Servicemembers-Civil Relief Act, the court shall order the matter set on the case management conference calendar no sooner than sixty (60) days after the defendant’s/respondent’s/cross- defendant’s notification to the court. The court shall notify the plaintiff of the defendant’s/respondent’s communication by serving a copy upon plaintiff. Plaintiff shall then serve upon defendant/respondent notice of the case management conference (subdivision D of this rule). At the case management conference, the court shall make the findings required under subdivision E of this rule based upon the evidence presented at the conference. C. At the case management conference, the court may make one or more of the following orders: 1. If, by the initial case management conference, the plaintiff is unable to advise the court of the defendant’s/respondent’s ability to proceed, the action shall be stayed for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days, so that a hearing may be held to determine the defendant’s/respondent’s ability to appear and defend, and whether the defendant/respondent will be prejudiced if the action proceeds in his or her absence. The plaintiff shall serve upon defendant/respondent notice of stay and of the hearing to determine prejudice (subdivision D of this rule). If the notice of stay and of the hearing cannot be timely served upon the defendant/respondent, and plaintiff submits evidence to the court that it is either not feasible or unduly expensive to effect service upon the defendant/respondent at that time, the court shall so find, and shall dismiss the action without prejudice, reserving jurisdiction to reopen the case if the plaintiff notifies the court that service can be effected upon the defendant/respondent. If plaintiff submits evidence that convinces the court that the defendant/respondent has, in fact, received notice of the hearing but has chosen to ignore it, the court shall so find, and the action shall proceed in due course; 2. That counsel be appointed to represent the defendant/respondent; 3. Any order necessary to further the delay reduction policies set forth in standards 2.1 and 2.2 of the Standards of Judicial Administration of the California Rules of Court. D. Any notice given pursuant to subdivision B or C.1 of this rule shall be served on the defendant/respondent by the plaintiff in any manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure for service of summons. Such notice shall include a statement that if the defendant/respondent is unable to appear personally and is requesting a stay of the action because he or she is unable to appear and defend the action at that time, or would otherwise be prejudiced if the action went forward, and that the defendant/respondent must serve upon the plaintiff and the court prior to the case management conference an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury describing specific facts showing why the defendant/respondent cannot appear and defend, or why the defendant would be prejudiced if the action were to go forward in his or her absence. The defendant/respondent shall also state when he or she will be able to appear and defend. The notice to the defendant shall clearly state that the defendant’s failure to provide an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury stating facts showing why the action should not go forward, or why the defendant/respondent would be prejudiced if the action were to go forward, will be construed by the court as an admission that the defendant/respondent will not be prejudiced if the action went forward in the defendant’s absence. E. If an order is made under subdivision C.1 of this rule and notice of stay and of the hearing is served on the defendant pursuant to subdivision D of this rule, the court shall set a hearing and shall make specific findings on the record as to the following issues: 1. The defendant/respondent is in the military and is entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act; 2. The defendant’s/respondent’s present ability to appear and defend the action; and 23

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 3. The prejudice to the defendant/respondent if the action proceeds in the defendant’s absence. F. If the court makes a finding that the defendant/respondent is able to appear and defend, the court shall order the action to proceed in due course. If a stay is requested by the defendant/respondent, and the evidence shows that defendant is not currently able to appear and defend or would otherwise suffer prejudice if the action proceeded in his or her absence, and a stay is necessary to permit the defendant/respondent to make arrangements to appear and defend, the court shall stay the action for a reasonable time, generally not to exceed sixty (60) days. (Revised effective January 1, 2007)

CHAPTER 7:

TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES

RULE 7.00 TELEPHONE APPEARANCES (Deleted effective July 1, 2022)

RULE 7.01 PRIVATE VENDOR (Deleted effective July 1, 2022)

RULE 7.02 FILING AND SERVICE OF FORMS (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 7.03 SCHEDULED AVAILABILITY (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 7.04 CONTINUANCE (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 7.05 COMPLIANCE (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 7.06 REMOTE APPEARANCE Remote appearances may be offered through Zoom and CourtCall depending upon the technology available in the courtroom in which the proceeding is conducted. (See Code of Civil Proc. §367.75 and Cal. Rules of Court, rules 3.670 and 3.672). However, personal appearance at a hearing may be required if the bench officer determines that “in-person appearance would materially assist in the determination of the proceeding or in the effective management or resolution of the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.672(d)(1)). Information regarding remote appearance is available on the court’s website (www.ventura.courts.ca.gov). (Effective July 1, 2022)

CHAPTER 8:

CIVIL LAW AND MOTION HEARINGS CALENDAR PROCEDURES (Not applicable to Family Law matters)

RULE 8.00 TENTATIVE RULINGS The Ventura Superior Court adopts the following as the Tentative Ruling Procedure in the civil departments of the court. A. Tentative rulings will be available by 4:00 p.m. on the court day preceding the scheduled date of the hearing. Tentative rulings may be obtained on the court's website at www.ventura.courts.ca.gov. Parties are encouraged to use the court’s website to obtain tentative rulings. Parties without internet access may call the judicial secretary for the courtroom of the hearing. B. No “Notice of Intent to Appear” is required under this rule. C. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1308(e) this local rule does not require any judge to issue tentative rulings. (Revised effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 8.01 NOTICE OF HEARING (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 8.02 MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

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RULE 8.03 INCOMPLETE MOTIONS (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 8.04 CONTINUANCES AND OFF CALENDAR REQUESTS A. The Legal Research attorneys must be notified by telephone (805) 289-8760 as soon as possible when a law and motion matter is to be continued or taken off calendar in order to avoid unnecessary review. B. All requests or notices to take a matter off calendar shall be in writing and filed with the Court. C. All continuances of Law and Motion matters shall be for not less than two (2) weeks and shall be by ex-parte application or stipulation and order. D. To request a continuance of a Small Claims Trial De Novo trial, the requesting party must complete Judicial Council Forms “Request to Postpone Trial” (SC-150) and “Order on Request to Postpone Trial” (SC-152) at least ten (10) days before the trial date and pay the appropriate filing fee (see current fee schedule). If the request is submitted less than ten (10) days before the trial, the requesting party must give the court good cause why the request is being filed later. The requesting party shall mail or personally deliver a copy to all parties in the action. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 8.05 RESTORATION TO CALENDAR A law and motion matter that has gone off calendar may be restored thereto only upon noticed motion except in an extraordinary situation to be determined by the court in its discretion. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 8.06 ARGUMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2005)

RULE 8.07 DISCOVERY (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 8.08 CONSOLIDATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 8.09 MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 8.10 INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES A. AVAILABILITY. Parties may jointly request an Informal Discovery Conference ("IDC") in unlimited civil cases. The purpose of an IDC is to permit the parties, with the assistance of the court, to resolve a discovery dispute expeditiously. This rule applies to IDCs that are jointly requested by the parties. For IDCs that are otherwise ordered by the court, the parties may be directed to follow this rule. B. REQUIREMENT TO MEET AND CONFER. Before requesting an IDC, the parties must meet and confer in a good faith attempt to resolve the discovery dispute. Cursory communications are insufficient; the parties should diligently attempt to resolve the discovery dispute to the extent possible, including by compromising if consistent with the rights and duties of the parties. C. MAKING THE REQUEST. Parties to a discovery dispute may request an IDC by filing and serving a joint request containing the information set forth in subdivision D. A courtesy copy of the request shall promptly be emailed to the assigned department and all parties to the action with the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.” The email shall include the case name and number. If parties are unable to email the courtroom directly, they may contact the judicial secretary for the assigned judge to obtain the appropriate email address. D. CONTENTS OF REQUEST. A joint request for IDC shall be signed by each counsel or party to the discovery dispute and shall not exceed eight (8) pages. A request for IDC shall contain the following information in specific factual detail: 1. The nature of the discovery dispute, including the category of information sought, the interrogatory or request or demand number associated therewith, the response thereto, the good cause for the requested information, and the basis for any objection to providing the information. 2. A summary of the parties’ efforts to diligently resolve the discovery dispute, including any offers or proposals for resolution that have been made. 3. Any issues of timing concerning the disputed discovery. 4. Any agreement to toll the time for filing a motion concerning the discovery dispute. 5. Whether there are parties to the case that have not joined in the joint request for IDC.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 E. RULING ON THE REQUEST FOR IDC. The court may grant, in whole or in part, a joint request for IDC. If the request for an IDC is granted, court staff will contact the parties to schedule the IDC. Neither a joint request for IDC nor an order granting the request shall toll the time for any party to file a motion concerning the discovery dispute; however, parties may stipulate to toll or extend the time to file a motion as provided by law. F. CONDUCT OF THE CONFERENCE. An IDC shall be conducted in a manner directed by the court. IDCs are typically conducted from chambers remotely, but the court may order other arrangements. Counsel appearing at the conference on behalf of a requesting party shall have full authority to resolve the discovery dispute. G. This rule shall become effective January 1, 2023. (Effective January 1, 2023)

RULE 8.11 MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND SUMMARY ADJUDICATION (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 8.12 PROCEDURAL RULES FOR CIVIL TRIALS A. LENGTH OF TRIAL. A realistic and practical period for trial, including jury selection, evidence, argument and deliberations, will be determined after consultation with counsel, based upon the circumstances of each case. B. TRIAL BRIEFS. Unless otherwise ordered by the trial judge and/or subject to individual courtroom rules and procedures, the following rules apply to trial briefs: Trial briefs shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Opposing counsel who have not already done so shall exchange trial briefs at or immediately after announcing ready at the trial call. Briefs are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial; trial briefs may not be filed in the Clerk’s Office. C. BREVITY. 1. Voir dire and examination of witnesses. Voir dire and witness examinations can and will be limited by the court. Such limitation can be agreed upon by counsel and/or court before the trial commences. 2. Objections. State the legal basis only; do not argue objections unless invited by the court. 3. Evidence. Communicate early and often with opposing counsel to streamline the presentation of evidence and raise issues with the trial court prior to trial to minimize objections. D. ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS. 1. Witness availability. Counsel must always have back-up witnesses to eliminate delay. There is no exception to this rule. Each counsel shall notify opposing counsel 24 hours in advance of all witnesses counsel intends to call the following day. Failure to follow this rule may result in exclusion of any witness not so disclosed. 2. Evidence. Potential evidentiary problems should be anticipated and disclosed to the court, with citations that support the parties’ respective positions, before the trial commences. E. PRE-MARKING OF EXHIBITS. Unless otherwise ordered, all exhibits shall be submitted in a joint exhibit book to the courtroom clerk on the first day of trial so that they can be pre-marked if the trial judge chooses. Subject to individual trial courts’ rules and procedures, prior to arriving in the trial department, counsel shall exchange all exhibits with opposing counsel and shall agree and stipulate to foundation and admissibility where possible. Any exhibits as to which admissibility cannot be stipulated should be brought to the attention of the court on the first day of trial. Any exhibits not exchanged may be excluded from evidence. The only exceptions are exhibits to be used for impeachment. F. STIPULATE TO AS MANY FACTS AS POSSIBLE. G. STATEMENT OF CASE. If counsel do not request “mini opening statements,” a statement of the case must be stipulated to by all counsel and jointly prepared, consisting of a brief, concise factual statement of the case. It will be read to the jury panel as an introduction to the case. It is not to exceed one page and is to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy: (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial, or sooner if so indicated in the trial court’s rules and procedures. H. COOPERATION BETWEEN COUNSEL. Cooperation is the key to expeditious trials; it is essential, expected and professional. Counsel should meet and confer when court is not in session to discuss coordination of trial matters and ways to maximize efficiency during trial. I. WITNESS LISTS. Counsel for all sides shall agree on a single combined list of witnesses who may be called in the trial. The list shall be prepared by counsel for plaintiff. The list shall include time estimates for direct and cross, as well as the general subject matter of the witness’s testimony. Unless required sooner by a trial department’s rules and procedures. This joint witness list shall be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g.,, courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov) on the first day of trial and will be read to prospective jurors. J. EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. Prior to calling a witness, counsel shall determine what exhibits will be used during the examination and have those exhibits on the witness stand for easy reference by the witness. The only exception is for exhibits to be used for impeachment.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 K. (Deleted Effective 01/01/2026) L. JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICTS. Instructions and verdict forms should be discussed and agreed to prior to trial. 1. (Deleted effective 7/1/1996) 2. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) 3. Jury instructions prepared by counsel will be accepted only in the format of Exhibit A hereto, unless otherwise ordered or allowed by the trial court. 4. Unless otherwise ordered by the trial court, jury verdict forms will be prepared by plaintiff's counsel and served on other parties before the first witness is sworn. Additionally, jury verdict forms shall be agreed upon by all counsel and lodged with the clerk of the trial department before the plaintiff rests. M. HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS. (Deleted effective July 1, 1995). N. IN LIMINE MOTIONS. In Limine Motions shall be limited to those reasonably necessary to resolve material evidentiary issues and shall conform to the principles announced in Kelly v. New West Federal Savings (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 659. Parties shall meet and confer to reduce the number of In Limine Motions necessary. Subject to the trial courts’ individual rules and procedures, motions and oppositions, if any, shall be in writing not to exceed three (3) pages each, including points and authorities and exhibits. No reply briefs are accepted by the court. Each motion shall be accompanied by a proposed order. If more than one motion is being filed, each motion and corresponding opposition shall be identified by number in the caption (e.g., motion in Limine No. “1”). Subject to the trial courts’ individual rules and procedures, opposing counsel who have not already done so shall exchange motions at or immediately after announcing ready at the trial call. Unless otherwise ordered by the judge, motions and oppositions are to be emailed to the trial department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom20@ventura.courts.ca.gov on the first day of trial and shall not be filed in the Clerk’s Office. O. CHECKLIST FOR WORKING WITH THE COURTROOM CLERK. 1. Check in with the courtroom clerk. If you are an attorney representing a client, provide three (3) business cards and name of your client. 2. File trial briefs and motions in limine with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 3. File witness list and statement of the case with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 4. Arrange for payment of any jury fees and reporter fees. 5. Pre-mark and exchange exhibits. Prepare a joint exhibit list and exhibit binders. An exhibit binder is needed for each of the following 1) opposing counsel(s), 2) witness stand, 3) bench, and 4) clerk (if ordered by the judge). 6. File jury instructions and jury verdict form with courtroom clerk, not in Clerk’s Office. 7. Lodge all original depositions with the courtroom clerk on the first day of trial with a Notice of Lodging. 8. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) 9. All depositions, documents, exhibits and other items lodged with the court must be removed from the courtroom by counsel lodging same upon conclusion of proceedings unless such documents were marked and/or admitted into evidence. 10. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) P. PROCEDURES REGARDING COURT REPORTERS. 1. Side bench conferences with the reporter are not favored. Such conferences consume undue amounts of time and interrupt the continuity of the trial. The record is available for proceedings outside the presence of the jury during recess. 2. "On and off" the record -- the reporter will respond only to instructions of the court relative to going "on and off" the record. 3. (Deleted effective 01/01/2026) (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 8.13 MINOR’S COMPROMISE PETITIONS SHALL BE HEARD IN PROBATE DEPARTMENT If a Petition for Approval of Compromise of Claim or Action for Minor or Person with a Disability (Judicial Council Form MC-350 or similar pleading) proposes to have the settlement funds distributable to the minor or person with a disability administered under a guardianship, conservatorship, discretionary trust or special needs trust, the petition (or similar pleading) must be filed in the Probate Department and pursuant to rule 7.950 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. The petition (or similar pleading) will be assigned a Probate case number. (Effective January 1, 2026)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 EXHIBIT A CITATIONS OF AUTHORITY JONES v. SMITH (1991) 100 Ca.3d O.)

Request by Plaintiff Requested by Defendant Requested by

Given as Requested Given as Modified Given Court’s Motion

Refused

Withdrawn Judge

CHAPTER 9:

FAMILY LAW RULES/GENERAL RULES

RULE 9.00 APPLICATION To assist counsel in family law cases by providing uniform local rules governing these cases, the Superior Court of Ventura County hereby adopts these family law local rules for Ventura County. These rules are and shall be considered as orders of the court to all parties and counsel appearing in Ventura County Superior Court family law matters. In addition to these local rules, it is expected that counsel will be familiar with the Family Law Code (effective January 1, 1994) the Family Law Rules (California Rules of Court, rule 5.1 et seq.) and such other provisions of law as may be applicable to a particular case. (Revised effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 9.01 MATTERS ASSIGNED TO THE FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT All proceedings filed in the following matters are assigned to the Family Law Department, to be governed by these family law rules: A. Proceedings related to the dissolution, nullity or legal separation of partners of a domestic partnership. B. Matters arising from the Family Law Act, including cases where the District Attorney appears on behalf of Ventura County or any other party; C. Matters arising from the Uniform Divorce Recognition Act; D. Matters arising from the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act; E. Matters arising from the Uniform Parentage Act; F. Matters arising from Family Codes §§5700.101 through 5700.905 (UIFSA); G. Matters arising from Family Code §3900 (support of adult children or parents); H. Post-dissolution judgment actions involving omitted or reserved property issues; I. Non-marital property right actions consolidated with Family Law Act or Uniform Parentage Act proceedings; J. Matters arising from the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Family Code §6200 et seq.; K. (Deleted effective July 1, 2026); L. Matters arising from Domestic Partnership Act; M. Requests for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order; N. Petitions for Workplace Violence Restraining Order; O. Petitions for Post-secondary School Violence Restraining Order; P. Petitions for Order Prohibiting Abuse or Program Misconduct; and Q. Petitions for Firearms Restraining Order R. Retail Crime Restraining Orders (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 9.02 COMPLIANCE WITH RULES - SANCTIONS The rules set forth in the following general rules governing the operation of this court apply unless there is a specific family law rule covering the same matter, in which case the family law rule applies. Strict compliance with these family law rules is necessary to the expeditious resolution of family law matters and is therefore mandated for all participants. A failure by counsel or a party to comply with these rules may be cause for imposition of sanctions payable to the court, the aggrieved party, or counsel, reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, payable to the aggrieved party, or counsel and/or ordering a matter off calendar and/or dismissal of the action or proceeding or any part thereof. (Revised effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 9.03 FAMILY LAW VERTICAL CASE MANAGEMENT A. In case of multiple files involving the same, or essentially the same litigants, the lowest number file shall control for purposes of assigning the matters to a department, except that when there is a domestic violence action and a dissolution action or a non- 28

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 governmental paternity file, in which case the assignment shall be controlled by the dissolution case number. (Revised effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 9.03.1 FAMILY LAW CASE RESOLUTION A. All dissolution, legal separation, nullity and parentage cases shall be set for a status conference six (6) months, twelve (12) months, and eighteen (18) months from the date of filing of the Petition. If, after 18 months, both parties have failed to participate in the case resolution process as determined by the court, no further hearings will be set except at the discretion of the court until such time as the case qualifies for dismissal pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §583.210 or §583.310. Appearance at either the six (6) month or twelve (12) month status conference is not necessary if local form VN-263 is filed two (2) days before the status conference. B. The goal of the Family Centered Case Resolution process is to finalize dispositions as set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 5.83. C. Cases involving self-represented litigants shall be referred to the Family Law Facilitator to assist in complying with the case resolution process. Written material as required by California Rules of Court, rule 5.83(g) shall be provided by the Clerk upon filing of first papers in dissolution, legal separation, nullity, or parentage actions. (Revised effective July. 1, 2022)

RULE 9.03.2 SERVICE OF PROCESS In all cases wherein personal service is required, service may be accomplished in any manner provided for service of process in civil actions, generally, Code of Civil Procedure §415.10 et seq. In addition, where the respondent’s whereabouts are unknown, and the petitioner has used reasonable diligence to attempt to locate respondent, service may be accomplished by posting, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §413.30, if the petitioner is indigent and therefore has no ability to serve by publication. Proof of indigence will be found by having a valid fee waiver order on file. (Revised effective July 1, 2024)

FAMILY LAW RULES- LAW AND MOTION

RULE 9.04 FAMILY LAW EX PARTE MATTERS EX PARTE APPLICATIONS DISFAVORED Ex parte applications are strongly disfavored. Whenever possible, in lieu of an ex parte order, the court will issue orders shortening time and set the matter for full hearing at the regular family law and motion calendar. However, orders shortening time are also disfavored, and must be supported by a substantial showing of need. (Revised effective July 1, 2016)

RULE 9.05 DATES AND TIMES FOR HEARINGS An ex parte hearing is required for all ex parte applications unless excused under rule 9.06B. Specific dates and times for ex parte hearings may be obtained by telephonic request to the Judicial Secretary of the appropriate courtroom. Ex Parte matters may also be handled as a “walk-through” without a set time arranged in advance, with appropriate notice as set forth in Rule 9.06.A. However, in domestic violence cases, the court, upon a showing of good cause, may grant leave for an earlier hearing. For all matters on which a hearing is not required, the application shall be submitted to the Judicial Assistant/Courtroom Clerk. (Revised effective January 1, 2013)

RULE 9.06 NOTICE A. NOTICE REQUIREMENT. Except as provided in Family Code §6300, Code of Civil Procedure §527.6, §527.8, §527.85, and Welfare & Institutions Code §15657.03, a party seeking an ex parte order shall give notice to all parties pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 5.167 and serve papers pursuant to rule 5.167(a) absent a declaration showing exceptional circumstances why notice should not be given. The notice shall include, with specificity, the relief requested, and the date, time and courtroom where the Ex Parte request will be presented. B. EXCEPTIONS TO NOTICE REQUIREMENT. 1. The notice required by California Rules of Court, rule 5.167 may be excused upon establishing to the satisfaction of the court the following facts by declaration: (1) the giving of such notice would frustrate the very purpose of the order sought and lead the applicant to suffer immediate and irreparable injury; or (2) the giving of such notice is not possible, following a good faith attempt. 2. A hearing is not required and notice need not be given for applications seeking: (1) to have an order or judgment signed, where the responding party has approved the same; (2) to have an order or judgment signed where a default proceeding was the basis upon which the order or judgment was made; (3) issuance of a Request for Order (“RFO”) which does not request relief pending the hearing; (4) continuance of an unserved RFO; (5) a wage assignment after issuance of a support order; (6) approval of an in forma pauperis fee waiver application; or (7) restoration of a former name after entry of judgment. (Revised effective January 1, 2017)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

RULE 9.07 SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2001)

RULE 9.08 REQUIRED PLEADINGS A. EX PARTE APPLICATION/ DECLARATION. 1. Declaration re Notice. All ex parte applications shall be accompanied by a Declaration Re Ex-Parte Notice (VN-028) or by other declaration which states with specificity the name of the party noticed, the manner in which notice was given, the relief being sought and the date, time and location of the hearing or a declaration as to the exceptional circumstances why notice was not given. 2. Evidentiary Requirements. Declarations must contain facts to support requests for ex parte orders. Conclusions, feelings, wishes or fears will not adequately support an ex parte order. All declarations shall contain sufficient factual information within the personal knowledge of the declarant to adequately support the relief requested. The court will consider only those issues factually supported by declarations. If there is an insufficient factual showing to justify a particular order, the order will not be granted. Evidentiary deficiencies cannot be corrected by verbal statements to the court. 3. Nature of Request. The declarations shall contain facts that demonstrate why the matter is appropriately handled as an ex parte matter, as opposed to being heard on the court's law and motion calendar (with or without an order shortening time). Seeking ex parte relief in the absence of good cause may result in sanctions being imposed. The filing of an application for ex parte relief shall be deemed a waiver of any right to further notice prior to the imposition of sanctions. 4. Disclosure of Status Quo. There is an absolute duty to disclose the fact that a requested ex parte order will result in a change of the status quo. Absent such disclosure, attorneys fees and costs incurred to reinstate the status quo may be awarded. (Revised effective January 1, 2006)

RULE 9.09 SPECIFIC EX PARTE ORDERS A. TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS ("TRO’S") – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE When seeking TRO’S, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. These forms are the specialized Domestic Violence Forms including DV-100, DV-110 and other applicable Domestic Violence forms. B. EX PARTE RESIDENCE EXCLUSION ORDERS – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Ex Parte Residence Exclusion Orders will not be issued unless there is a clear showing of assault against or threats to assault the party seeking protection, a person under the control of the party seeking protection, or of a minor child of the parties or party, and that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result. This showing shall include a full description, in detail, of the most recent instance(s) of actual assault or threats to assault, disposition toward violence, intoxication or use of drugs or other such facts, and shall specify the date of each occurrence. The parties are referred to Family Code §6321 for other requirements. C. STAY AWAY ORDERS – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Requests for orders requiring a party to stay away from the other party’s residence, place of business, or child’s school, shall indicate whether the party to be restrained is residing in the residence or has moved and the date he or she moved, and whether the order requested would be problematic due to the fact that both parties work at the same place or have good cause to go to the child’s school. D. CUSTODY/VISITATION ORDERS A party requesting an order establishing or modifying custody or visitation shall, by declarations, establish the following: (1) the provisions of any existing order; (2) the actual current custody arrangement; (3) the requested relief; (4) the immediate harm or irreparable injury; and (5) the status of any referral to Child Protective Services or law enforcement. E. CIVIL HARASSMENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE, ELDER & DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE, POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL VIOLENCE, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING MISCONDUCT, AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION RESTRAINING ORDERS. When seeking Civil Harassment, Workplace Violence, Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse, Post-secondary School Violence and Transitional Housing Misconduct and Gun Violence Prevention Temporary Restraining Orders, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. A declaration in support of the TRO shall be included setting forth with specificity, the harassing conduct including dates, specific acts and words and any injuries suffered by the requesting party. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

FAMILY LAW REQUESTS FOR ORDERS AND MOTIONS

RULE 9.10 CALENDARING A. CALENDARING. Subject to the time requirements imposed by statute and these rules, dates for hearings on Requests for Orders and motions may be selected without "reserving" the date with the clerk. Available days for the family courts are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Counsel is advised that the family courts set on Mondays the majority of matters in which litigants are representing themselves. Counsel is further advised that the clerk’s office may set a maximum number of cases to be heard on any given day. If the maximum number has been reached, the next available date will be assigned.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 B. REQUEST FOR PRIOR REVIEW OF PLEADINGS. (Deleted effective January 1, 2008) C. SPECIAL CALENDARING REQUIREMENTS. 1. When TRO’S are granted pending a hearing, the hearing shall be set within twenty-five (25) days of the date of issuance of the TRO’S. 2. If no TRO’S have been granted and mediation is required prior to the hearing pursuant to Rule 9.31, the hearing on custody/visitation issues shall be set after the mediation appointment. However, the hearing on financial issues may be set within the normal time limits. 3. If TRO’S have been granted and mediation is required prior to the hearing pursuant to Rule 9.31, the hearing shall be set within twenty-five (25) days of the date of issuance of the TRO’S. At the time of the hearing on the restraining orders, any custody/visitation issues shall be continued until after the mediation appointment. (Revised Effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 9.10.1 REQUEST FOR ORDERS All rules which apply to Orders to Show Cause (“OSC”) and Notice of Motions (“NOM”) shall also apply to Request for Orders (“RFO”). (Effective January 1, 2013)

RULE 9.11 FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2000)

RULE 9.12 HEARINGS A. DAILY CALENDAR. Check-In. Courtrooms shall open their doors prior to scheduled calendar call for “check-in” with the court clerk. At that time, counsel shall inform the clerk if a conference with the court is desirable or if priority is requested. B. MANDATORY SETTLEMENT ATTEMPT. Prior to the scheduled hearing, counsel shall make good faith efforts to resolve the issues pending before the court, to exchange all information required by these rules, and to delineate those issues remaining to be presented to the court at the time of the hearing. C. TIME LIMITATIONS. The law and motion calendar is designed for hearings estimated to take no longer than 30 minutes. If it is anticipated that a longer hearing will be required, participants shall so advise the court at the law and motion hearing. D. PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE. 1. Limitations on Oral Testimony. In granting or denying applications for orders, it is the court's policy whenever possible to determine contested issues based solely on the pleadings, admissible evidence contained in declarations timely filed with the court, and arguments based thereon. All declarations shall be received in evidence at the hearing, subject to legal objections and cross examination. 2. The court shall follow Family Code §217 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.113 when deciding to receive or refuse live testimony at hearings on any order to show cause, notice of motion or request for orders. E. STIPULATED CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS. 1. If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a hearing, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing. The judicial assistant’s minute order memorializing the continuance will serve as the written record of said continuance. The fee required under Government Code §70677(c) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance. If the court date is being continued for less than ten (10) days, the fee must be paid prior to the new court date. 2. After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.12.E.1 above, any further continuance of the hearing will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court. F. STIPULATED CONTINUANCES OF SPECIALLY SET EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS 1. Motion or application for continuance of specially set evidentiary hearing. (a) Specially set evidentiary hearing dates are firm. To ensure the prompt disposition of family law cases, the dates assigned for specially set evidentiary hearing are firm. All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for a specially set evidentiary hearing as certain. (b) Motion or Application. A party seeking a continuance of the date set for a specially set evidentiary hearing, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations. No appearances are required for an ex parte application supported by a stipulation and supporting declarations, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered. (c) Grounds for Continuance. (1) A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance. (2) A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing will not be 31

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 granted except under extraordinary circumstances where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties. (d) Change of Specially Set Evidentiary Hearing Date on Court’s Motion. The court on its own motion may, if necessary, change the date of a specially set evidentiary hearing. G. CONTESTED REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCES. Requests for continuances made at the time of the hearing are strongly disfavored. If a stipulated continuance cannot be obtained, a motion for continuance shall be made at the earliest possible time prior to the hearing. H. PRESENCE OF COUNSEL. Unrepresented parties and counsel shall be present in court when the matter is called for hearing unless they are engaged in another department and have so advised opposing counsel and the clerk of the assigned family law judge. I. NON-APPEARANCE OF MOVING PARTY. If the moving party or counsel is not present at the time a matter is called, the relief requested ordinarily will be denied and any affirmative relief requested by the responding party ordinarily will be heard as an uncontested matter. J. NON-APPEARANCE OF RESPONDING PARTY. If the responding party or counsel fails to appear at the time a matter is called, and valid proof of timely service is presented, the court will hear the OSC or motion as an uncontested matter. If valid proof of timely service is not presented, the court may continue the hearing to allow the moving party to submit such proof or may take the matter off calendar. K. MATTERS TAKEN OFF CALENDAR. After service of the moving papers, no matter shall be taken off calendar without immediate telephonic notice both to the clerk of the assigned family law judge and to the responding party. Once responding papers requesting affirmative relief have been filed, no matter shall be taken off calendar without the written consent of the responding party. Parties may also take matters off calendar by submitting a Request for Continuance/Off Calendar (Local Form VN-230), via facsimile transmission or walk-through. (Revised effective January 1, 2018)

RULE 9.13 PREPARATION OF ORDERS AFTER HEARING (Deleted effective January 1, 2000)

RULE 9.14 FORM OF ORDERS A. All Findings and Orders After Hearing, Stipulation and Orders and all Judgments shall be submitted to the court in a legible form, either hand printed or typewritten. The court reserves the right to reject any documents that the court determines to be illegible. B. Any document exceeding one page in length which requires the signature of the court, must contain, on the signature page, verbiage from the body of the document or the case name, the case number and the title of the document. (Revised effective July 1, 1997)

FAMILY LAW - RULES APPLICABLE TO OSC'S AND MOTIONS REGARDING CHILD, SPOUSAL OR PARTNER SUPPORT OR ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS

RULE 9.15 POLICIES AFFECTING SUPPORT COMPUTATIONS A. INCOME-BASED COMPUTATIONS. Awards of child support and temporary spousal or partner support allocate the income of the parties in an effort to meet the needs of all parties, recognizing that, in most cases, there is not sufficient income to sustain either party at the same standard of living that existed prior to separation. Neither the current statute governing child support nor the Santa Clara Support Schedule for temporary spousal or partner support address living expenses. B. COMPUTATION OF CHILD SUPPORT. Computation of child support will be strictly in accordance with state law. All orders for child support shall specify the amount of support for each minor child in accordance with Family Code §4055(b)(7). C. COMPUTATION OF TEMPORARY SPOUSAL SUPPORT. Ventura County has adopted the Santa Clara Support Schedule for the purposes of determining the amount of temporary spousal or partner support. The amount of temporary spousal or partner support determined under the Santa Clara Support Schedule is rebuttably presumed to be correct. In calculating the parties' incomes and various offsets for the purpose of applying the Santa Clara Support Schedule, the court will apply the principles set forth in the state child support law. (Revised effective January 1, 2005)

RULE 9.16 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF INCOME AND EXPENSE DECLARATION An Income and Expense Declaration must be filed by each party with either the moving or responsive papers when support or attorneys fees are at issue. If a previously filed Income and Expense Declaration is alleged to be current and is to be relied upon, a copy must be attached to the moving or opposing papers. All blanks on the form must be completed. Notation such as “unk” for “unknown,” “est” for “estimate,” “N/A” for “not applicable” and “none” should be used to avoid leaving any item blank. If attorneys fees and/or costs

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 are requested by either party, the paragraph pertaining to attorneys fees must be completed. (Revised effective January 1, 2015)

RULE 9.17 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF PAY STUBS Each party shall affix to his or her Income and Expense Declaration copies of his or her last two months’ pay stubs, or the most current paycheck stub if it includes the year-to-date gross earnings. If a Social Security number appears on the stub, the party may black out or otherwise redact the number from the stub. (Revised effective January 1, 2006)

RULE 9.18 REQUIRED PRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF HEARING A. At the time of hearing on any matter seeking child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees and costs, each party shall have available the following documents to the extent that they are in the possession or control of that party, and allow inspection by the other party upon request. These documents shall not be filed with the court and shall not in any way limit discovery. 1. If the party is a wage earner or unemployed (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax return, including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received during the last twelve (12) months if not attached to individual tax returns. 2. If the party is self-employed or holds a 30% or more interest in any business entity (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax returns, partnership, corporate, or any other business entity returns including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received by the party or the business entity during the last 12 months but not attached to individual tax returns; (c) Copies of all periodic profit and loss statements and balance sheets prepared in the ordinary course of business either for the individual or for the business entity for the last twelve months. B. (Deleted effective July 1, 2026) (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 9.19 FAMILY LAW TRIALS A. MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES. 1. A Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) will be calendared by the court for all contested cases. The MSC shall also serve as a trial setting conference. A party may file a “Request for Mandatory Settlement Conference/Trial Setting” (VN- 086) to request an earlier date for the MSC. A counter request may be filed within ten (10) days after service. The MSC will then be set no earlier than the later date requested on either the Request or Counter Request. 2. All parties must complete and file the following five (5) court days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference: (a) Declaration re Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) (Dissolution or Legal Separation only) (b) Current Income and Expense documents (FL-150) or Financial Statement Simplified (FL-155), if support, fees, or costs are requested. (c) Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement (VN-219) with: (1) Property Attachments: A Property Declaration (FL-160), a Propertizer™ or other equivalent spreadsheet must be attached to the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement. If the parties are unable to agree on the contents of the attachments, each party may complete and attach the required document. (2) Disputed Issues: Each party must attach a concise statement of legal and factual positions on all disputed issues. (3) Proposed Witnesses: The parties must exchange and file a brief statement identifying all witnesses to be called in their case in chief, what each witness will testify to, and a time estimate of the direct examination of each witness. This statement is separate from any witness list required for trial. (d) The parties must file the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement jointly unless there is a protective order in place. If the parties file the Statement separately, each party must attach a declaration explaining why the Statement is not filed jointly or indicate that a protective order is in place. The Petitioner is responsible for coordinating timely completion and filing of the form. If petitioner fails to act in a timely manner, Respondent may do so. 3. Parties shall immediately notify the court of settlement prior to the scheduled conference. 4. If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a Mandatory Settlement Conference, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing. The judicial assistant’s minute order memorializing the continuance will serve as the written record of said continuance. The fee required under Government Code §70617(c)(1) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance. 5. After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.19.B.6 above, any further continuance of the Mandatory Settlement Conference will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court. 6. If the Mandatory Settlement Conference does not resolve all issues, the court will only set the matter for trial upon a showing

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 that the case is ready for trial. B. UNCONTESTED OR DEFAULT TRIALS. 1. Setting for Default prove-up hearing. Default matters may be set for prove-up hearing by submitting a Request to Enter Default (FL-165) to the clerk at the Family Law filing window and requesting a Default Hearing. 2. Documents required for Default Hearings: The following documents must be filed before or concurrently with the Request to Enter Default (FL-165). (a) If child support, spousal support, partner support, costs or attorney fees are requested, a fully completed Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) or Financial Statement, Simplified (FL-155) is required. If an order for division of property of debts is requested, a Property Declaration (FL-160) is required. (b) Proof of service of Summons. (c) Declaration re: Service of Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (d) Declaration re: Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) or waiver of this requirement as provided in subdivision (d) of §2105 or in §2100 of the Family Code (not applicable in Uniform Parentage Actions). Local form VN-131 may be used to satisfy the waiver requirement. 3. Proposed Judgment. On reporting to the courtroom to which a default matter has been assigned, counsel or parties representing themselves shall provide the original of the proposed judgment, including any marital settlement agreement, to the judicial assistant in the courtroom. The judgment shall be completed in full, with the exception of any child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees, which may be addressed by the court at the hearing. 4. Uncontested or Default matters without hearing may be processed through the clerk at the Family Law filing window. 5. The following documents are required for default matters without hearing: (a) All of the documents listed in B-1 above. (b) A Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) for Uniform Parentage Actions. (c) Judgment (FL-180) or (FL-250 Uniform Parentage Action) with either a Settlement Agreement signed by both parties with the Respondent’s signature notarized or the appropriate Judicial Council forms attached. (d) Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) with 2 envelopes with sufficient postage addressed to the parties or their attorney of record. 6. The following documents are required for uncontested matters: (a) Declaration re: Service of Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) filed by each party (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (b) Declaration re: Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) from each party or waiver of this requirement executed by both parties as provided in subdivision (d) of §2105 of the Family Code (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (c) A separate written declaration executed by both parties that the matter may be treated on an uncontested basis or an Appearance, Stipulations & Waivers (FL-130). (d) A Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) for Uniform Parentage Actions. (e) Judgment (FL-180) with a Marital Settlement Agreement or Stipulated Judgment signed by both parties attached or Judgment (FL- 250) with Agreement or Stipulations attached for Uniform Parentage Actions. (f) Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) with stamped envelopes addressed to the parties or their attorney of record. 7. If any party is receiving public assistance, that information shall be disclosed on the Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) and the local child support agency shall sign the proposed Judgment. C. CONTESTED TRIALS 1. Purpose of Rules; Duties of Counsel. The purpose of these rules is to insure that contested domestic relations matters are thoroughly prepared and expeditiously tried, and to avoid using the trial itself as a vehicle for what should be pretrial deposition, discovery and settlement procedures. Counsel shall resolve as many issues by stipulation as possible. 2. Relief from Rules. Relief from the operation of these rules relating to contested trials may be had in appropriate cases, but only on motion and for good cause shown. 3. Trial Briefs. Trial briefs may be submitted to the court and opposing counsel as set out in California Rules of Court, rule 5.394. 4. Income and Expense Declaration. The updated Income and Expense Declaration for trial purposes shall be filed and served at least seven (7) days prior to trial. Service by mail under this rule does not require the addition of five (5) days for mailing. 5. Final Declaration of Disclosure Pursuant to Family Code §2105. Final Declarations of Disclosure shall be served no later than forty-five (45) days before the first assigned trial date unless mutually waived by the parties. Declarations Regarding Service of the Final Declaration of Disclosure shall be filed no less than seven (7) days before the assigned trial date. 6. Completion of Discovery. Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause, all discovery must be completed, as set out by Code of Civil Procedure § 2024.010 et seq. Discovery requests must be served early enough that responses will be

g Service of the Final Declaration of Disclosure shall be filed no less than seven (7) days before the assigned trial date. 6. Completion of Discovery. Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause, all discovery must be completed, as set out by Code of Civil Procedure § 2024.010 et seq. Discovery requests must be served early enough that responses will be 34

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 due, and depositions will have been taken by the cutoff date. Discovery requests that do not comply with these rules will not be enforced. 7. Motion or application for continuance of trial. (a) Trial dates are firm. To ensure the prompt disposition of family law cases, the dates assigned for trial are firm. All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for trial as certain. (b) Motion or Application. A party seeking a continuance of the date set for trial, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations. No appearances are required for an ex parte application supported by a stipulation and supporting declarations, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered. (c) Grounds for Continuance. (1) A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the trial date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance. (2) A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the trial will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstance where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties. (d) Change of Trial Date on Court’s Motion. The court on its own initiative may, if necessary, change the trial date. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 9.20 FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR A. Pursuant to Family Code §10000 et seq., the County of Ventura shall maintain an office of Family Law Facilitator. Services provided by the family law facilitator shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Providing educational materials to parents concerning the process of establishing parentage and establishing, modifying and enforcing child, spousal or partner support in the Court; 2. Distributing necessary court forms and voluntary declarations of paternity; 3. Providing assistance in completing forms; 4. Preparing support schedules based upon statutory guidelines; 5. Providing referrals to the Department of Child Support Services, family court services, and other community agencies and resources that provide services for parents and children. B. IN ADDITION, SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. Meeting with litigants to mediate issues of child spousal or partner support, and maintenance of health insurance; 2. Drafting stipulations to include all issues agreed to by the parties; 3. If the parties are unable to resolve the issues with the assistance of the family law facilitator, prior to or at the hearing, and at the request of the court, the family law facilitator shall review the paperwork, examine documents, prepare support schedules, and advise the judge whether or not the matter is ready to proceed; 4. Assisting the clerk in maintaining records; 5. Preparing formal orders consistent with the court’s announced order in cases where both parties are unrepresented; 6. Serving as special master in proceedings and making findings to the court unless he or she has served as a mediator in that case; 7. Assisting the court with research and any other responsibilities which will enable the court to be responsive to the litigant’s needs; 8. Developing programs for bar and community outreach through day and evening programs, videotapes and other innovative means that will assist unrepresented and financially disadvantaged litigants in gaining meaningful access to family court. (Revised effective January 1, 2012)

RULE 9.21 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the Family Law Facilitator during the course of providing assistance, he or she must first contact the Senior Family Law Facilitator to resolve any immediate complaints. If the party wishes to address the complaint to a supervisor after speaking with the Senior Family Law Facilitator, the party may obtain a Complaint Resolution Form from the clerk in the Family Law Self-Help Center. The completed form should be returned to the court’s Administrative Office in Room 206 of the Superior Court. The Deputy Executive Officer in charge of the Family Law Facilitator’s Office shall review the form and decide the appropriate course of action to resolve the complaint. (Revised effective January 1, 2006)

(RULES 9.22-9.29 – RESERVED)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 FAMILY LAW CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELING

RULE 9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. Mediation of disputes over custody, visitation, or both, is required by law and provided by the Ventura County Family Court Services section of the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of Family Code Chapter 11, (Sections 3160 et seq.). 2. Additionally, the Ventura County Family Courts require parties involved in the dispute to participate in Family Court Orientation prior to any mediation. It is within the discretion of the court to reschedule the mediation, continue the hearing to which it relates, and make interim orders if either party does not participate in Orientation. There is no fee for Orientation. DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO ORIENTATION. 3. In accordance with California Family Code §3183, where mediation has not resulted in a full agreement between the parties on all custody and visitation issues, the mediator may recommend the following: (a) A parenting plan, addressing issues of legal and physical custody, visitation or time share, and other orders related to the best interests of the child(ren); (b) More mediation time is needed (and, if agreed by the parties or ordered by the court, the mediator will make specified collateral contacts); (c) Appointment of an attorney to represent the children under Family Code §3150; (d) A psychological evaluation of the parties under Evidence Code §730; (e) An investigation or evaluation pursuant to Family Code §3110; and, (f) Restraining orders be issued to protect the well-being of the child(ren) involved in the controversy under Family Code §3183(c). 4. In accordance with the provisions of Family Code §3183, the mediation process will be referred to as ‘child custody recommending counseling’ (or ‘CCRC’), and the mediator engaged in that process will be referred to as the ‘child custody recommending counselor’ (or ‘RC’). 5. Absent full disclosure and written consent, a RC shall not participate in the mediation process if an attorney-client or psychotherapist-patient relationship or any business relationship exists or existed between the mediator and any party, counsel or witness. 6. There shall be no ex parte communication between the RC and the court without appropriate prior notice to both parties and/or their attorneys providing an opportunity to appear and be heard except as provided in the provisions of Family Code §216. (Revised effective July 1, 2020)

RULE 9.31 MATTERS REQUIRING CCRC Whenever a case involves a dispute over parental responsibilities or custody or visitation, the matter shall be referred to Family Court Services for CCRC. Except for temporary orders pending CCRC, the CCRC session must occur prior to any court hearing on the issues. (Revised effective January 1, 2012)

RULE 9.32 SETTING A MATTER FOR CCRC A. PROCEDURE. CCRCs shall be calendared at the time of the filing of moving papers requesting a hearing on a contested custody or visitation issue. At the time of filing, the requesting party will be given a CCRC/Orientation Appointment Sheet to be served on the responding party along with the moving papers. In addition, parties shall be required to complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire. It shall be the responsibility of the requesting party to schedule the appointment, and to give notice to the other party or their counsel at least ten (10) days before the appointment. The CCRC Intake Questionnaire form is available from the court clerk’s office. B. It is within the discretion of the court to hear other issues in the same case prior to the CCRC. It is further within the discretion of the court to make temporary orders to insure that both parents have custodial time with the children, to address safety concerns, or to otherwise protect the best interest of the children pending CCRC. C. If at the time of hearing a matter has not been to CCRC due to the moving party's lack of knowledge that parental responsibility or access was in dispute, or the parties being unfamiliar with procedure, the court may refer the matter to CCRC and continue the hearing in order to allow for CCRC prior to such hearing. The court shall also have the discretion to order CCRC the same day in an emergency or when it is deemed by the court that it would be a burden to the parties not to proceed the same day. D. The assignment of any particular case to one of the RCs will be at the discretion of the manager or supervisor of Family Court Services. If a party from a family whose issues have not been previously mediated objects to being assigned to a particular RC, the party or his or her counsel must make a request for a different RC to Family Court Services at the first possible date after having an opportunity to learn of the RC assignment. Such request will be honored only one time per party per family. Failure to make such peremptory challenge in a timely manner will constitute a waiver of that challenge. E. If a party to a previously mediated matter objects to reassignment to the prior RC, that party, or his or her counsel, may notify Family Court Services of that objection, and request CRC, at the first possible date after having an opportunity to learn of the

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 RC assignment. The CCRC will then be scheduled for co-CCRC, with the original RC and another member of the CCRC staff selected by the Manager or Supervisor of Family Court Services. The co-RC will observe, but not participate in, the CCRC for the purpose of assuring that it is conducted in a fair and appropriate manner. Failure to make such request for a co-CCRC in a timely manner shall constitute a waiver of that challenge. F. Absent a court order to the contrary, children six (6) years of age and older who are involved in the controversy shall always be brought to the initial CCRC session. The court may impose sanctions for the willful failure to produce a child on the party who has the ability to do so. Children under the age of six (6) years of age and other minor siblings need not be brought to CCRC unless Family Court Services specifically directs that they attend, or by order of the court. Children six (6) years of age and older shall also be brought to subsequent CCRC sessions unless otherwise determined by the court or Family Court Services. G. In the discretion of (1) the court or (2) the Manager or Supervisor of Family Court Services (subject to review by the court prior to an evidentiary hearing), CCRC may not be required if one of the following conditions is met: 1. The same issue has been addressed in a CCRC session within the past year; or 2. There has been a previous CCRC in the case and the dispute involves only issues of logistics, procedure or if it otherwise appears that CCRC is unlikely to substantially assist the parties or the court. H. The CCRC appointment may be advanced or continued, so long as it does not impact the date of the corresponding court hearing, by agreement of the parties and Family Court Services or by order of the court. I. Except for good cause shown, the fact that the parties continue to reside in the same home shall not constitute a reason to preclude CCRC, if CCRC will assist the parties in planning for their separation. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 9.33 CCRC PROCESS A. In all cases in which there is a dispute as to custody and/or visitation, the parties may stipulate to private CCRC instead of having the Ventura Superior Court Family Court Services Department conduct CCRC pursuant to Family Code §3170. Should the parties elect to participate in private CCRC, they shall enter into a written stipulation. The form "Stipulation and Order for Private CCRC" shall be mandatory and may be obtained in the office of the Clerk of the Ventura Superior Court. Any private RC shall meet the minimum statutory requirements of a court RC. B. Attorneys need not be present at the commencement of CCRC but shall be available by telephone during CCRC and shall be present in the CCRC department for the last half hour of CCRC or at another time as directed by the RC. Attorneys are responsible for communicating with the RC at the beginning of the CCRC to determine the time when they will be required to be present. C. CCRC sessions are customarily conducted with only the parties and the children. The RC will interview children involved in the controversy when the RC considers the interview appropriate or necessary. The RC has the discretion to interview or include other immediate or significant family members if the RC believes that it will be helpful to resolution. The RC shall not contact any other source, except as permitted by California Rules of Court, rule 5.215 or to investigate concerns relating to child abuse or neglect under Penal Code §11164 et seq., unless both parties and counsel, if represented, give written consent to the contact, or by order of the court. It is the responsibility of each party to arrange for proposed collateral contacts to be available by telephone during the CCRC appointment. D. Use of audio or visual recording devices of any type is not permitted at CCRC. E. All cases involving allegations of domestic violence shall be screened by a RC for determining the necessity for separate waiting areas for the parties, and separate CCRC sessions, to insure safety and facilitate the CCRC. F. Support persons will be permitted to attend as provided by Family Code §6303. G. The RC may meet with the parties separately or together in a joint session, in order to isolate the points of agreement and disagreement in an effort to settle the dispute. H. Upon completion of the CCRC, the RC shall complete a Report of RC which will incorporate proposed orders for a parenting plan based on the parties’ agreement or the RC’s recommendation, and/or will inform the court of related information and/or the RC’s recommendations as to the need for orders relating to issues such as: 1. More CCRC time and/or collateral contacts; 2. A child custody investigation or evaluation of this family pursuant to Family Code §§3110 et seq.; 3. A psychological evaluation of the parties; 4. Appointment of an attorney for the child(ren); 5. The issuance of restraining orders to protect the well-being of the child(ren). I. Following the CCRC session, the RC shall meet with counsel and/or unrepresented parties. 1. If the parties have reached an agreement, the RC will review the terms of the proposed Order with the parties and/or counsel, obtain their signatures, and deliver it to the court for approval. 2. If no agreement has been reached, the RC will provide them with a copy and review the terms of the Report of the RC and proposed Order and advise them that the RC may be called as a witness by either party, subject to the right of cross examination by the other. (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

RULE 9.34 CCRC ORDERS Stipulations and proposed orders which have been signed by both parties and their counsel shall be forwarded to the family law judge for issuance of the order. (Effective January 1, 2012)

RULE 9.35 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the RC during the course of the CCRC, he or she may bring that to the attention of the court or the Manager of Family Court Services at the first opportunity. If time permits before a scheduled hearing, the party should communicate the allegations in a letter to the court with a copy served on the other party. The court, in assessing the complaint, may ask Family Court Services to evaluate the complaint. The court will determine whether a new RC is to be appointed. (Revised effective July 1, 2024)

COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

RULE 9.36 COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS A. Court appointed evaluators shall abide by the requirements of Rule 5.220 Uniform Standards of Practice for Court Ordered Child Custody Evaluation in the California Rules of Court. B. The court shall allow one peremptory challenge per party to a private, outside evaluator assigned to a case. If the parties are present for the appointment, a peremptory challenge shall be made at the time of the appointment. For parties not present at the appointment, a peremptory challenge shall be made within five (5) days after the appointment of the evaluator. Parties have no right to a peremptory challenge if an evaluator was previously assigned to the case. C. Evaluators may petition to withdraw from a case by submitting a request in writing to the court and mailing copies to counsel for the parties. The request shall include the reason for the request and a status report on any action taken by the evaluator assigned to a case. D. Grievance Procedure: If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the evaluator, he or she should bring that to the attention of the court by writing a letter to the court or through filing a motion. The court, in assessing the complaint, may ask Family Court Services to evaluate the complaint and report back to the court. Complaints regarding private child custody evaluators, who are not court employees, should also be directed to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. E. The evaluator may initiate an ex parte communication with the court to define the scope, process and methods of the evaluation only under the provisions of Family Code §216. F. All child custody and visitation evaluations shall be ordered by the court and evaluators will be appointed under Evidence Code §730. The court may elect not to consider evaluations which have not been approved and ordered by the court. G. A copy of the appointment of the evaluator under Evidence Code §730 will be made available to the court assigned evaluator. A court-ordered evaluation may be limited in scope to the issues identified by the court. H. The court relies on the judgment of its experts in making decisions about when, how often, and under what circumstances children are interviewed. The expert shall be able to justify the strategy used in any particular case. I. Interviewing Siblings: The evaluator shall decide in discretion whether interviews with siblings should be separate. J. Any evaluation based on interviews with only one parent shall not include a recommendation regarding custody. K. Except as otherwise ordered by the court in extraordinary circumstances, children will be informed that the information provided by the child will not be confidential. L. Payment of the Evaluation: The court will order payment of the evaluation at the time of the appointment. M. Any court ordered child custody evaluation shall be submitted to the court and counsel for the parties not less than ten (10) days before the hearing or trial. N. "For assistance in obtaining the names of child custody evaluators in Ventura County, contact the Ventura County Bar Association - Family Law Section. The Ventura County Bar Association's telephone number is (805) 650-7599. (Revised effective July 1, 2007)

(RULES 9.37 — 9.39 RESERVED)

CUSTODY AND VISITATION PROCEEDINGS

RULE 9.40 CONTESTED CASES Interim Custody/Visitation Disputed Pending Completion of Mediation. 1. It is the policy of the court not to change the children's living situation during the pendency of custody and visitation disputes.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 Only under extraordinary circumstances will the court deny access of one parent to the children or change any child's principal place of residence. 2. Any application to change the child's living situation prior to full hearing shall include the following: (a) the current court order, if any. (b) the current child-sharing schedule or agreement, if any. (c) any change in the child's place of residence in the past 120 days and the circumstances surrounding these changes. (d) what time sharing program is proposed. (e) the reasons for any proposed changes in the child's living situation. (f) any other relevant information. (Revised effective July 1, 1999)

RULE 9.41 FAMILY LAW COURT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL In hearing any case involving any issue of child custody or visitation, reasonable efforts will be made to determine the existence of any criminal court protective orders involving any party to the action currently before the court. In any case in which the court is issuing a criminal protective order, reasonable efforts shall be made to determine the existence of child custody or visitation order involving any party to the action currently before the court. Upon a request to modify any custody and/or visitation provision of a criminal protective order, the criminal court shall consult with the issuing family law court prior to granting or denying the request. PROCEDURE FOR FAMILY LAW COURT COMMUNICATION Requirement for issuing custody and/or visitation orders: 1. Upon referral to Family Court Services (FCS) for mediation and prior to issuing a report, FCS shall make a reasonable effort to determine if a criminal protective order exists involving one or both parents in a family law action. If a criminal protective order exists, that information, along with the terms of the criminal protective order, shall be conveyed to the court in the mediator's report. 2. The Juvenile Court, prior to issuing any order involving custody or visitation in a juvenile action, shall make a reasonable effort to determine if a criminal protective order exists for one or both parents in the juvenile action. Requirement for issuing criminal protective orders: 1. Prior to requesting a criminal protective order involving victims and/or witnesses and defendants that have a relationship as defined in Family Code §6211, the District Attorney shall make a reasonable effort to determine if there exists any child custody or visitation order involving the parties to the action. The District Attorney shall verbally advise the criminal judicial officer of the existence of any orders for custody or visitation at the time the proposed criminal protective order is submitted for approval and signature. The criminal court may permit appropriate visitation between a criminal defendant and his/her children pursuant to civil court order, but at the same time provide for the safety of the victim or witness by ensuring that a criminal court protective order is not violated. (Effective July 1, 2004)

RULE 9.42 SUPERVISED VISITATION PROVIDERS A. Procedures for filing the Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider Forms: 1. All supervised visitation providers are required to meet the qualifications listed in Family Code §3200.5 and the Standards of Judicial Administration, standard 5.20. To ensure compliance with these standards, providers are required to file the appropriate Judicial Council Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider form as follows: (a) Nonprofessional Providers - Before serving as a visitation supervisor, nonprofessional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Nonprofessional) (Judicial Council Form FL-324(NP)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office. (b) Professional Providers - Before serving as a visitation supervisor, professional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office. In addition, professional providers are required to complete and file an updated FL-324(P) each time a report is submitted to the court. B. Professional Supervised Visitation Provider List: 1. As a convenience for the parties, the court will provide a list of professional supervised visitation providers that have requested inclusion and declared their compliance with all mandatory requirements for professional providers under Family Code §3200.5 and Standards of Judicial Administration, standard 5.20. In addition to the list, the court will provide a copy of Family Code §3200.5 and standard 5.20 to parties who may be using the services of a supervised visitation provider. 2. Any professional supervised visitation provider requesting to be included on the list must complete and sign the Judicial Council Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)). and submit an unconformed copy to the Ventura Superior Court Family Court Services Department located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Room 307, Ventura, CA 93009. 3. Supervised visitation providers are encouraged to review the materials available at http://www.courts.ca.gov/cfcc-

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 accesstovisitation.htm regarding the role and duties of a visitation supervisor. 4. The professional supervised visitation provider list will notify recipients that the court does not confirm the statements made by the providers in the FL-324(P) declarations, and does not endorse, evaluate, or monitor the service provided. Providers may be removed from the list without cause, notice, or explanation. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 9.43 PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS BY PARTIES REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OF APPOINTED COUNSEL FOR A CHILD In compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 5.240(e), complaints or questions by a party about the performance of appointed counsel for the child in Family Law cases shall be addressed as follows: 1. Complaints or questions shall initially be referred to any agency or law firm appointed to represent the child. 2. If the issue remains unresolved, or if there is no designated agency or law firm, the party may submit the complaint, in writing, to the Family Law Supervising Judge. The Supervising Family Law Judge may follow one of the following procedures. (a) Conduct own review of the complaint or question and take appropriate action if required, or (b) Refer the complaint to the State Bar. 3. This rule does not preclude any party from complaining directly to the State Bar of California. However, parties are encouraged to first seek resolution of the issue using the procedure provided above. (Effective July 1, 2011)

(RULES 9.44-9.49 RESERVED)

RULE 9.50 TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS A. PETITION TO DECLARE CHILD FREE FROM CUSTODY OR CONTROL/PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS 1. A petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control, (Family Code §7800 et seq. and Probate Code §1516.5), a petition to terminate parental rights, (Family Code §7662) and a petition to find a parent’s consent is not necessary, (Family Code §8604) must be filed under a new case number, separate from the case number for the adoption petition. 2. Any petition filed to declare a child free from parental custody and control and/or terminate parental rights must state in the caption the statutory grounds for the petition or alternatively, the petitioner may file Ventura Superior Court Local Form VN-239 “Statement of Legal Grounds for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.” Failure to either state the statutory grounds in the caption of the petition or to file VN-239 will result in the petition being rejected for filing. 3. Upon the filing of a petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control under Family Code §7800 et seq. or a petition to terminate parental rights under Probate Code §1516.5, the petitioner shall also submit to the court a proposed order (Local Form VN268) ordering the Ventura County Human Services Agency to conduct an investigation and report to the Court its recommendation as required pursuant to Family Code §7851. The clerk of the Court shall deliver a conformed copy of the signed order and a copy of the petition to the Ventura County Human Services Agency. In any adoption case where a court has made an order finding the child free from parental custody and control, terminating parental rights, or finding a parent’s consent is not necessary, the petitioner(s) must lodge a conformed copy of the court’s order prior to the scheduling of the final adoption hearing. (Revised effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 9.50.1 PETITION AND CITATION TO APPEAR AT HEARING UNDER FAMILY CODE §8604(b) A. Any person seeking an order that a birth parent’s consent to the adoption of the parent’s child is not necessary under Family Code §8604(b) must file a petition seeking the order. 1. The petition shall be filed as the first document in a new case file and shall be assigned a case number beginning with the letter “T”. The petition shall not be filed in the adoption file. 2. The petition shall state the grounds upon which the petition is based and shall state the relief sought. The petition shall be verified. 3. The citation to appear shall issue, upon request, after the petition has been filed. B. The citation shall include the following information: 1. A petition has been filed for the purpose of finding the parent’s consent is not necessary for the child to be adopted; 2. The parent has the right to be represented by counsel; 3. If the parent appears without counsel, and is unable to afford counsel, upon request, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the parent; and 4. The parent must appear at the hearing and request appointed counsel in order for counsel to be appointed. C. The proofs of service of the citation and petition shall state within the body of the proofs of service the date of the hearing. D. The hearing on the petition and citation shall be held prior to any hearing seeking to finalize the adoption.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 (Effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 9.51 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST WAIVER OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT ADOPTION HEARING A. Petitioners seeking to adopt a child or an adult must be present at the time of the adoption hearing unless the court has previously waived the appearance. (See Family Code §§8612, 8613, 8613.5, 8718, 8823, 8913, 9007, 9324.) B. Any party who seeks a waiver of personal appearance at an adoption hearing under Family Code §8613, 8613.5 or 9324 must first obtain an order from the court waiving the appearance. If the party is seeking an order waiving personal appearance, no hearing on the adoption shall be set prior to obtaining a court order on the request to waive personal appearance. C. A party seeking a waiver of personal appearance shall submit to the court an ex parte application for an order waiving her/his personal appearance, admissible evidence to support that request, and a proposed order. D. The court may grant or deny the application ex parte. (Effective January 1, 2012)

CHAPTER 10:

PROBATE, DECEDENTS’ ESTATES, CONSERVATORSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS OF THE ESTATE ONLY AND TRUSTS

These rules supplement the Probate Code in a few particulars. Pro per parties and counsel are urged to consult the Probate Code

and the California Rules of Court and to become familiar with the provisions that relate to their matters.

RULE 10.00 PROBATE COURT PROCEEDINGS GENERAL RULES – DECEDENTS’ ESTATES, CONSERVATORSHIPS, GUARDIANSHIPS OF THE ESTATE ONLY AND TRUSTS A. CODE CITATIONS. Except for those filing using Judicial Council legal forms, all petitions filed in each case shall cite on the first page, in brackets immediately below the caption, the code section(s) pursuant to which the pleading is brought. B. SUPPLEMENTAL AND AMENDED PLEADINGS A “supplemental pleading” sets forth additional allegations after the original notification is filed, usually in response to probate notes. An “amended pleading” seeks new or additional relief from the original petition. An amended pleading requires the same notice (including publication) as the pleading it amends and must be filed and set for hearing as though an original petition. California Rules of Court, rule 7.104, governs the signing and filing of amended and supplemental pleadings. An amended pleading will result in an additional court filing fee and the court will not allow representation of an amended pleading as a supplemental pleading. C. APPEARANCE 1. TELEPHONIC AND VIDEO REMOTE APPEARANCE (“VIRTUAL APPEARANCES”) AND NOTICE OF SAME. Except as required for “physical appearance” below, the court encourages Virtual Appearances. For all non- evidentiary hearings and appearances, a party or attorney may appear virtually without prior notice unless the court issues an order otherwise. For evidentiary hearings, the option to appear virtually will be considered by the court as the circumstances of the particular case warrant. 2. NON-APPEARANCE. If a tentative ruling has been issued and no one appears in court at the time of the hearing, the tentative ruling shall become the minute order of the court, and the proposed order lodged at the time of filing of the petition will be signed to the extent consistent with the tentative ruling. There is no need to notify the court or its staff that any party “submits” on the tentative ruling. In the event a petitioner without prior opposition fails to appear in reliance upon a tentative ruling, and an unanticipated objector appears at the hearing, the matter will be continued to accommodate petitioner’s appearance to meet the objection(s). 3. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE. Absent prior approval of the court on a properly and timely noticed application, physical appearance in the courtroom of all counsel and all self-represented litigants is required in the following situations: (a) Scheduled contested evidentiary hearings; (b) Evidentiary hearings requested by the court, even where uncontested; (c) Petition to establish conservatorships or guardianships; (d) Petitions to terminate guardianships; (e) Petitions to confirm sale of real property; and (f) When the court expressly orders personal appearance by a party and/or counsel. D. ORDERS 1. Pre-Hearing Orders: In all matters to be heard by the court, counsel or self-represented petitioners shall prepare, lodge with the court and served a proposed form of order, at the same time the petition itself is filed and served. (a) Order for Probate of Lost Will. The Judicial Council form “Order for Probate” must be used for an order probating a lost will with an attachment setting forth the terms of the lost will and/or codicil. (b) Order Involving Real Property. An order affecting real property must include a legal description of the real property, 41

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 the street address (if applicable), and the Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) (c) Order Relating to Future Report or Accounting. An order which will be followed by a future report or accounting shall include blank spaces in which the court will fill in the future dates, such as: The Account and/or Report shall be filed on or before , with a hearing set for at am in Department_____. 2. Post-Hearing Orders: (a) There are occasions during a court hearing when the probate judge may specifically request a particular order or modification of an existing order and possibly additional verified documents in support of that order. Such specifically requested documents will be electronically delivered in .pdf format as an attachment to electronic mail delivered to courtroomJ6@ventura.courts.ca.gov within twenty-four (24) hours of the request by the court unless the court has indicated otherwise. Any such post-hearing electronic submission shall show upon its face an electronic copy delivered to all counsel of record and to all self-represented litigants who have formally appeared or requested special notice. (b) The court’s electronic address is managed by the judge to accommodate the efficient ministerial e-business processing of court orders and is not to be used as a forum for legal argument. Further, the court’s electronic address is not to be used to accept pre-hearing orders or any other document not specifically requested by the probate judge in open court at the time of hearing. Documents or argument not specifically requested by the court, yet delivered to the designated electronic address, will be deemed a nullity and will be deleted without notice. (c) Nunc Pro Tunc Order. When a signed order contains a clerical error, a party may obtain a corrected order by filing an application and presenting a proposed nunc pro tunc order correcting the error. The application for a nunc pro tunc order must include the following: “Upon the consideration of the application of , to correct a clerical error, the “(identify the order to be corrected, giving the title and date thereof) is corrected, by striking the following (set forth the portion to be corrected) and by inserting in lieu thereof the following (set forth the corrected language)”. To prevent confusion, the proposed order must strike the entire erroneous clause or sentence and then restate the entire clause or sentence as corrected. E. PETITION FOR EX PARTE ORDER. Ex parte petitions are strongly disfavored. If supported by a substantial showing of need in existing cases, the court may issue orders shortening time to set the matter for full hearing at the regular probate calendar. 1. The court will require the moving party to give at least twenty-four (24) hours telephone or facsimile notice or five (5) court days mailing notice of the nature of the petition to counsel (or in the absence thereof to the other interested parties themselves) and those who request special notice, together with the proposed time and place of the hearing. No later than noon the preceding day before the ex parte hearing is held, moving counsel shall submit a declaration to the court setting forth the facts showing that notice has been given, or supporting the conclusion that notice should be waived for good cause. 2. The court will not receive live testimony or offers of proof from the moving party. All evidence from the moving party must be in writing and under penalty of perjury. 3. No written opposition is required. Opposition to the ex parte matter may be given by a telephone appearance. 4. An ex parte order will not be granted unless (1) an underlying petition has been filed or will be contemporaneously filed; and (2) the relief sought is supported by documentation under penalty of perjury. 5. As an exception to the above policies, funds may be ordered released from blocked accounts by ex parte petition without notice and without appearance, provided that the following information is included in the petition: (a) Overall size of the estate; (b) Amount not in a blocked account; (c) Amount of the bond; (d) Amount of the release requested; and (e) Itemized use of the amount to be released; (f) If any portion of the amount to be released is not covered by bond, the order must include a provision directing that the amount is to be expended only for the purposes stated. 6. Special Notice – The ex parte application, petition or motion must include an allegation that special notice has been given, has not been requested, or a written waiver of special notice has been filed as required by California Rules of Court, rule 7.55. F. VIDEO REMOTE TECHNOLOGY AT TRIAL. Whenever necessary to present testimony from a witness who is either too ill or infirm to appear in court, or who resides more than 50 miles away from the courthouse, the court encourages the parties to consider the use of video remote technology in order to present such testimony to the court for both direct and cross- examination. Objections to the use of such testimony must be constitutionally or technologically based. It is the responsibility of the party proposing to offer such testimony to assure sufficient bandwidth and audio-visual clarity to render the evidence the functional equivalent of live courtroom testimony. No witness will testify solely by telephone. G. CONTINUANCES

and cross- examination. Objections to the use of such testimony must be constitutionally or technologically based. It is the responsibility of the party proposing to offer such testimony to assure sufficient bandwidth and audio-visual clarity to render the evidence the functional equivalent of live courtroom testimony. No witness will testify solely by telephone. G. CONTINUANCES 1. The Legal Research attorneys must be notified by telephone as soon as possible when a calendared matter is to be continued or placed off calendar in order to avoid unnecessary review. Within the fourteen (14) days preceding the hearing, all continuances must be requested by a Request for Continuance (local form VN-135), a stipulation and proposed order, or a motion for continuance, and not by an informal request to Legal Research. 42

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 All continuances or off calendar requests must be made by the moving or petitioning party and must be with the agreement of the opposing party. A stipulation for continuance must be filed prior to the continued date. A "Notice of Continuance," not signed by both parties, has no effect. A non-stipulated continuance will be granted only on noticed motion, made on an order shortening time. 2. Once the matter has been reviewed by Legal Research, no continuances will be granted, except by order of the court. This applies even if a written stipulation is received prior to the original hearing date. 3. Once the matter has been reviewed by Legal Research, it may not be taken off calendar, except by order of the court, or it is otherwise certain that the matter will not be re-calendared. 4. When utilizing a Request for Continuance form, the moving or petitioning party must notify Legal Research of the requested continuance no later than when the Request for Continuance is submitted to the court. H. PETITIONS TO SHOW WHO IS ENTITLED TO NOTICE. All petitions shall identify the names, addresses, and relationships of all persons entitled to notice if the party or parties have been served with the petition and supporting filings. I. OPPOSITION AND REPLY PLEADINGS. If an oral objection or response is made at the time of the first hearing on a petition, the court will ordinarily continue the hearing to allow a written objection or response to be filed and to allow the petitioner to file a reply to the objection or response. If the court continues a matter to allow a written objection or response to be made, and the responding or objecting party fails to serve and file a timely objection or response, the court may deem the objection or response waived. An objection or other written response to moving papers will be deemed a waiver of further notice as to those papers. J. PROBATE COURT CALENDAR. Effective June 15, 2020, Courtroom J6 has permanently adopted the following modified calendar. MONDAYS 9:00 TRIALS/HEARINGS/MSCs – to be set as needed. TUESDAYS (Conservatorships/Guardianships) 9:00 Regular Motions 10:30 Care Plans/I&As/Annual & Biennial Status Reports WEDNESDAYS (Probate/Trust) 9:00 Regular Motions 10:30 Post Mediation Status Conferences THURSDAYS (Probate/Trust) 9:00 Regular Motions 10:30 New Probate Petitions only FRIDAYS (New Conservatorships and Guardianships) 9:00 New Conservatorships and Guardianships, Transfer-In Hearings K. WALK-THROUGH STIPULATED PETITIONS. A procedure has been implemented for appropriate stipulated probate, trust and conservatorship cases. Most cases will be routine petitions confirming assets of a trust, eliminating the B trust in AB trusts, appointing successor trustees, executors or conservators, petitions for final distribution on waiver of account, and other relatively routine 17200 petitions. The purpose of this procedure is to provide an expedited manner to resolve the many probate, trust and conservatorship petitions that are consented to by all parties entitled to notice and otherwise do not require a hearing. The public defender or appointed counsel shall execute the consent/waiver of notice in cases in which they are appointed. Stipulated cases do not need to be calendared. Beginning June 10, 2020, Walk Through Stipulated Petitions may be submitted to the clerk’s office by eDelivery, U.S. Mail, Drop Box inside the courthouse, or any other manner of filing documents as authorized by the Court, during business hours. These petitions will be expedited once received. (Revised effective 07 01/2023)

RULE 10.01 GUARDIANSHIP A. GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURES 1. INVESTIGATION It is the policy of Ventura County to require investigation, pursuant to Probate Code §1513, of all petitioners for guardianship except upon judicial finding that good cause exists to waive the investigation. The Investigation report regarding petition for guardianship of the person of a minor required under Probate Code §1513, for proposed guardians who are relatives of the minor, shall be prepared by Family Court Services and for a non- relative shall be prepared by the Ventura County Human Services Agency. The clerk of the court shall provide notice of the petition to the appropriate investigator upon the filing of all necessary documents. The completed reports shall include and discuss the information required under Probate Code §1513(a). Upon filing of a petition to terminate the guardianship of a minor, the clerk shall set the matter for hearing. At the hearing, the court may grant or deny the petition or may refer the matter to the appropriate investigator for a report and recommendation regarding the termination of the guardianship and continue the hearing to a date when the report will be completed. When the guardian is a relative the matter will be referred to the Family Court Services for a report. When the guardian is a non-relative the matter will be referred to the Human Services Agency for report.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 2. NATURAL, CUSTODIAL PARENT A proposed guardian who is also a natural, custodial parent may request a waiver by the court of the appointment of a court investigator, probate officer or domestic relations investigator as provided by Probate Code §1513, prior to or after the filing of the petition for guardianship, by either an ex parte motion or notice of motion for good cause. 3. QUESTIONNAIRE Proposed guardians shall submit a Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), pursuant to Probate Code §§1510(f), 1512, and a "Guardianship Questionnaire", pursuant to Probate Code §1513, at the time the petition for guardianship is filed. A copy of a birth certificate, custody order or declaration of a person present at birth, shall be attached to the questionnaire. If such records are not readily available, date of birth shall be proved by other evidence, such as school records. 4. RECORDS CHECK Law enforcement and Children's Protective Services record checks will be conducted on all proposed guardians. 5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Prior to issuance of Letters, Guardians of the person of a minor and of the Estate are required to file with the clerk an acknowledgment of receipt of the duties and responsibilities of their office. (Judicial Council Form GC-248.) 6. COORDINATION OF PENDING CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF VENTURA Where a petition for guardianship of the person of a minor is pending, and where it appears to the court that a custody proceeding concerning the same minor is pending in any other department of the Ventura County Superior Court, the Probate Guardianship Court shall coordinate the proceedings to avoid conflicting custody orders. The Supervising Judge of the Family Law Department shall resolve any conflict and determine in which court the combined custody/guardianship proceedings shall be held. 7. NOTIFICATION TO OTHER COUNTIES WITH CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS RE VENTURA COUNTY GUARDIANSHIP ORDERS (a) Where it appears to the court that custody proceedings exist for the same minor child in one or more counties other than Ventura, the Ventura County Superior Court will notify the other county or counties of the appointment of a guardian for the minor. (b) Parties contemplating petitioning for guardianship of a minor child in Ventura County when there are already existing custody proceedings and orders filed in another county are strongly encouraged to file their petition for guardianship in the county where custody has or will be determined so as to avoid the possibility of conflicting custody orders. B. GUARDIANSHIP MEDIATION 1. GENERAL The court may order the parties in any guardianship proceeding to participate in mediation with Family Court Services for the purpose of attempting to resolve any disputes, including custody of and visitation with the minor. Mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the laws, rules, standards, and procedures specified for Family Law custody and visitation issues, including, but not limited to, the provision of Family Code §3160 et. seq., California Rules of Court, rule 5.210 et. seq. and Ventura County Superior Court Local Rules 9.30 et seq. If the parties are unable to reach agreement, the mediator shall submit a recommendation to the court and provide a copy to all parties who participated in the mediation. C. EX PARTE HEARING FOR TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP OF A MINOR PERSON. 1. Ex parte hearings for temporary guardianship are not favored. In most cases where there is an objection to the guardianship, the court will consider the request ex parte only if the minor has been living with the proposed guardian. If a person believes a child is at risk of harm and the child is not in that person’s physical custody, then she or he should contact the hotline for reporting child abuse operated by the Children and Family Service division of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. 2. The petition for appointment of a temporary guardian of a minor person may be brought ex parte, provided the court finds a good cause exception to the notice otherwise required under Probate Code §2250(e). Any party seeking an ex parte order appointing a temporary guardian must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 7.1012. To comply with California Rules of Court, rule 7.1012 a petitioner (the party seeking the guardianship) must file a Petition for Appointment of Temporary Guardian of the Person (GC-110(P)) or a Petition for Appointment of a Temporary Guardian of the Person and/or Estate (GC-110) and all supporting documents, which are listed in subsection 5 below. 3. If a petitioner is requesting a good cause exception to the notice required under Probate Code §2250(e), and is filing GC- 110(P), it is recommended that petitioner submit Local Form VN-234 APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP; ORDER. Otherwise, petitioner must include the information required by California Rules of Court, rule 7.1012(e) in the Petition. If a petitioner is requesting a good cause exception to the notice requirements under Probate Code §2250(e), and is filing form GC-110(P), it is recommended that the petitioner submit Local Form VN-234. Otherwise, the petitioner must prepare a separate writing that includes the information required by California Rules of Court, rule 7.1012(e). 4. The party seeking an ex parte hearing should call the Ju

cause exception to the notice requirements under Probate Code §2250(e), and is filing form GC-110(P), it is recommended that the petitioner submit Local Form VN-234. Otherwise, the petitioner must prepare a separate writing that includes the information required by California Rules of Court, rule 7.1012(e). 4. The party seeking an ex parte hearing should call the Judicial Secretary for Courtroom J1 to reserve the next available ex parte hearing date. Unless otherwise ordered, all ex parte hearings are heard at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday-Friday. 44

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 If the judge assigned to hear all Guardianships of the Person cases is unavailable, disqualified, or in cases of emergency, the application should be presented to the Supervising Juvenile Judge, who may handle the matter or assign it to another available judge. 5. A petitioner must complete and submit the following forms to the clerk’s office when requesting an ex parte hearing: (a) Ex Parte Forms: i. Application for Ex Parte Hearing On Petition for Temporary Guardianship; Order (VN-234) (recommended as set out in subsection 2 above) or a separate writing that includes the reasons for the request for good cause exception. ii. Declaration re Ex Parte notice (VN-028). iii. Proposed Order: (Optional Form VN-235). (b) Temporary Guardianship Forms: i. Petition for Appointment of Temporary Guardian of the Person (GC-110 (P)) or Petition for Appointment of Temporary Guardian of the Person and/or Estate (GC-110). ii. Order Appointing Temporary Guardian (GC-140) iii. Letters of Temporary Guardianship (GC-150) iv. Consent of Guardian, Nomination and Waiver of Notice (GC-211) v. Notice of Hearing (on Petition for Appointment of Temporary Guardian) (GC-020) (c) General Guardianship Forms: i. Petition for Appointment of Guardian (GC-210 (P)) or (GC-210) ii. Child Information Attachment (GC-210 (CA)) iii. Declaration under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105/GC-120) iv. Order Appointing Guardian of Minor (GC-240) v. Letters of Guardianship (GC- 250) vi. Duties of Guardian (GC-248) vii. Confidential Guardian Screening Form (GC-212) viii. Information Release Authorization (VN-043) ix. Guardianship Questionnaire (VN-042) x. Release of School Information (VN-133) xi. Release of Medical Information (VN-132) xii. Consent of Guardian, Nomination and Waiver of Notice (GC-211) xiii. Notice of Hearing (on Petition for Appointment of Guardian) (GC-020). 6. Absent good cause, the above forms must be provided to the court prior to the ex parte hearing to allow adequate time for review. Whenever practicable, moving papers should be filed by noon the day before the ex parte. 7. A party appearing at the ex parte hearing must serve the ex parte application and supporting documents or any written opposition on all other appearing parties at the first reasonable opportunity. 8. The petitioner(s) shall appear at the time set for the ex parte hearing and check in with the court bailiff or clerk. If no person appears opposing the temporary guardianship, the court may grant or deny the request without a hearing. 9. If the ex parte application hearing is denied, the matter may be set for hearing on the petition for appointment of a temporary guardianship. The petitioner must give notice of the hearing as set out in Probate Code §2250(e). 10. If a temporary guardianship is granted ex parte and the hearing on the general guardianship petition is not to be held within thirty (30) days of the granting of the temporary guardianship, the court shall set a hearing within thirty (30) days to reconsider the temporary guardianship, unless waived by all parties or upon good cause. The petitioner must give notice of the hearing for reconsideration as set out in Probate Code §2250(f). D. GUARDIANSHIP STATUS REPORT If directed by the court, a guardian of the person of a minor must file a Confidential Guardianship Status Report (Judicial Council Form GC-251). The first report is due as directed by the court approximately one (1) year after the initial appointment. Thereafter, additional reports may be due annually, as directed by the court. Failure to file the report as directed, may result in the court ordering the guardian to make himself or herself available to the investigator for purposes of investigation of the guardianship, or in the court ordering the guardian to show cause why the guardian should not be removed. E. DUTIES OF GUARDIAN – LIABILITY OF PARENTS TO SUPPORT CHILD As parents are required by statute to support their children, the court will not permit guardianship funds to be used for the minor’s maintenance and support where one or both parents are living except upon showing of the parent’s financial inability (supported by Judicial Council Form FL-150 - Income and Expense Declaration) or other circumstances, which would justify the court departing from this rule, in the best interests of the minor. F. INVESTMENTS BY GUARDIANS The standard set forth in Probate Code §16040(c), providing for investments by trustees, is the standard applied by the Probate Court in authorizing proposed investments by guardians. The guardian should also consider the circumstances of the estate, indicated cash needs and the date of prospective termination of the guardianship. Investments by guardians should be prudent and in keeping with the size and character of the ward’s estate. Investments in existence at the time of the creation of 45

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 the guardianship usually may be maintained, subject to the provisions of Probate Code §16048. Investments other than as provided in Probate Code §2574, require court authorization, unless the guardian is empowered to so act under Probate Code §§2590, et. seq. The court will not ordinarily approve the investment of the ward’s funds in unsecured loans, secured loans to relatives of close degree or debenture bonds, except those which are part of a large issue, well-seasoned, and listed on an established security exchange. The court will not approve the investment of the ward’s funds in bonds or obligations of foreign governments or corporations, whether payable in dollars or not, without prior court authorization. Investment in real estate, either by purchase or encumbrance, will not be granted, unless supported by an appraisal from a qualified appraiser. G. REQUESTS FOR RESTRAINING ORDERS A guardian or petitioning prospective guardian, requesting any type of restraining order listed in Ventura County Superior Court Local Rule. 9.01, must separately file a petition with the Family Law Court, and not in the Guardianship proceeding. H. PETITION FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE FINDINGS A Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings (GC-220) (Petition) filed with the court must be accompanied by the completed proposed order on Judicial Council form Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings (GC-224). Failure to submit a completed GC-224 proposed order (including the proposed supporting legal conclusions, factual findings, and/or reasons therein) that reflects the “Requested Findings” of the GC-220 Petition may result in delay including continuance of the hearing. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

RULE 10.02 CONSERVATORSHIP A. PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF PROBATE CONSERVATOR 1. The petitioner is not required to submit an order appointing a court investigator pursuant to Probate Code §1454. There is a general order appointing the Ventura County court investigator as the investigator for the court in all cases under Division 4 of the Probate Code requiring appointment of such investigator. 2. The Petition for Appointment of Conservator (Judicial Council form GC-310), page seven, item 11, should include the telephone numbers of all relatives within the second degree of the proposed conservatee or other names listed. 3. Prior to Letters of Conservatorship being issued, individual conservators shall obtain the "Handbook for Conservators", view the video "Understanding Conservatorships", and complete and file with the clerk of the court the "Duties of Conservator" form (Judicial Council form GC-348) and the court’s local form Confirmation of Viewing Conservatorship Video (VN-182). Private professional conservators as defined in Probate Code §2341 are not required to obtain the handbook and view the video in every case. They are required to show proof including the dates of obtaining the handbook and viewing of the video. If the handbook and/or video are revised or replaced the professional conservators will be required to obtain the revised handbook and view the revised video. 4. At the time of filing any type of petition for probate conservatorship (including temporary conservatorships) or upon order of the court, the petitioner shall complete and file local confidential court form VN-262 Preliminary/Interim Financial Declaration. Further, the petitioner is to serve said form, at that time, upon the offices of the Public Defender and the Family Court Services probate court investigator. B. NOTICE, HEARING ON PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT 1. Upon filing a petition for appointment of a conservator, the clerk shall set the same for hearing and issue a citation. If service of the citation is incomplete on the return date, it cannot be perfected by continuance and completion of service except by issuance of an amended citation. In such circumstances, the original citation shall be filed showing no service. Service of a citation cannot ordinarily be waived. 2. In order to eliminate unnecessary delays, upon filing a petition to establish a limited conservatorship, the attorney of record should set the matter for hearing forty-five (45) days after the filing date. The extra time is needed for the Regional Center to complete its required assessment pursuant to Probate Code §1827.5. 3. A declaration must be given setting forth the efforts made to locate the address and telephone number of any person entitled to notice for whom such address information is incomplete. C. APPOINTING AND RELIEVING ATTORNEYS FOR CONSERVATEES AND INCAPACITATED SPOUSES 1. An attorney can be appointed for a conservatee or for a spouse alleged to lack legal capacity in a petition under Probate Code § 3100 may be appointed where appropriate by the court on its own motion, by petition, or by an unnoticed, ex parte application by any interested party. 2. Unless sooner relieved, in matters involving estates, an appointed attorney will remain of record until discharged. In matters involving the person only, an appointed attorney will remain of record until the filing of the death certificate. D. COURT INVESTIGATOR 1. Fees for services of the court investigator shall be paid promptly upon completion of the investigation. In the case of an initial investigation, the fee shall be paid within 120 days of appointment. A petition for waiver of the fee shall be served upon the court investigator's office, and any order thereon waiving fees shall be considered valid for the duration of the conservatorship, unless otherwise ordered by the court. If any change in circumstance occurs, which materially affect the 46

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 financial circumstances of the conservatee, such change shall be reported by any party or counsel for a party with knowledge to the court immediately. 2. With an understanding that the Public Defender is appointed to represent most of the conservatees in conservatorship matters, and that investigation reports are confidential, the court’s investigator’s office may release an investigation report to the Public Defender’s Office, even if the Public Defender has not yet been appointed, if it will serve the interests of the proposed conservatee, as set out in Probate Code §1826(c). If the Public Defender is not appointed, the Public Defender’s Office is to delete/destroy said reports. E. PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARIES 1. A professional fiduciary is defined under Probate Code §60.1 and Business & Professions Code §6501(f). Professional fiduciaries appointed by the court under Probate Code §2340 must comply with all of the provisions and requirements under Chapter 6 (commencing with §6500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code and California Code of Regulations §§4400-4580. 2. All Professional Fiduciaries appointed by the Court are to comply with the applicable provisions found in the California Rules of Court, rules 7.1050-7.1063. F. PETITION TO DETERMINE CAPACITY TO GIVE INFORMED CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT 1. Hearings on petitions to determine capacity to give informed consent to medical treatment shall be set no earlier than forty- five (45) days after the filing date to allow time for the court investigator's report. 2. A declaration by a licensed physician, psychologist or psychiatrist who has examined and/or observed and evaluated the conservatee attesting to the fact that the conservatee is no longer able to determine his or her medical care shall be filed with the court. The declaration as to capacity of the conservatee shall be marked “CONFIDENTIAL”, filed separately (not as an attachment to the petition or any other document), and will be marked as a confidential document in the court’s case management system. G. CONTINUANCES When the attorney of record obtains a continuance in a conservatorship matter where the court investigator is completing a report, the court investigator's office shall be notified by the party requesting the continuance. H. LETTERS OF CONSERVATORSHIP If the letters of conservatorship are not filed within forty-five (45) days of the order appointing conservator, unless application for a longer period is made and granted, the conservator's powers will automatically be suspended, and no letters shall be issued by the clerk until a further order is executed by the court. I. CONSERVATORSHIP LEVEL OF CARE 1. Within 120 days after appointment, the conservator shall file a Probate Code §2351.2 Care Plan using the mandatory Judicial Council form GC-355. For a conservatorship of the person, the Conservatorship Care Plan will satisfy the Conservator’s duty to determine the appropriate level of care for the conservatee under Probate Code §2352.5(b). The Conservatorship Care Plan is a confidential document and will be marked as a confidential document in the court’s case management systems. 2. If the conservator fails to timely file the Conservatorship Care Plan, the court will set a hearing on an Order to Show Cause (OSC) re Removal of Conservator. 3. The conservator must serve a copy of the Conservatorship Care Plan as provided in Probate Code §2351.2 and file a proof of service. J. STATUS REPORTS 1. Notwithstanding the repeal of the statutory requirement to do so, all conservators must file a status report after the first anniversary of the establishment of the conservatorship and biennially thereafter. Status reports shall be filed as separate reports to be included in the conservatee’s confidential file. 2. The conservator must serve a copy of the status report to the individuals identified in Probate Code §2351.2(a)(2)(A) and file a proof of service. 3. If the conservator fails to timely file the one-year status report or any biennial status report, the court will set either an “Order to Show Cause” (OSC) re non-filing of status report or an OSC re dismissal of the conservatorship, depending upon the conservator’s history of timeliness and compliance with statutory and local care plan and status reporting requirements. K. ORDERS FOR SUPPORT 1. Court approval ordinarily is not required to expend funds up to $4,000 per month for the support of a conservatee. Court approval should be sought to expend funds exceeding $4,000 per month for the support of a conservatee, especially if there is a probability that the estate will be entirely consumed by reason of such payments. 2. Prior court approval is required to expend money for the support of anyone other than the conservatee, such as maintenance of dependents of the conservatee and the payment of surplus income to the family of a conservatee. 3. Notice of hearing must be given under Probate Code §1460. L. CONSERVATEE’S ATTORNEY FEES 1. Counsel for conservatee may request fees by counsel’s own noticed motion or by submitting a declaration for fees with attached invoices and proposed order for review at hearing on an already-scheduled hearing date. 2. The request for fees must include a declaration that is sufficiently detailed as to comply with California Rules of Court, rules 7.751(b), and 7.702. 47

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 M. APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CONSERVATOR 1. The conservatee’s presence at the hearing for appointment of a successor conservator will not automatically waive the investigation if there is any opposition or other concerns surrounding the circumstances at the time of the petition. In cases where an investigation is required, the petition shall be set for hearing no earlier than forty-five (45) days following the filing in order to provide the court investigator with sufficient time to complete the investigation. 2. Judicial Council form GC-310 must be used in all petitions for appointment of successor conservators. N. TERMINATION When the conservatorship is being terminated for reasons other than death, it is recommended that the attorney of record set a termination hearing at least thirty (30) days in advance in order to allow time for a court investigator report. O. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS ON ATTORNEY FOR CONSERVATEE 1. If the conservatee, ward or proposed conservatee or ward is represented by counsel that counsel must be served with all documents filed with the court, including the confidential documents, on or about the time of filing. 2. If the conservatee or proposed conservatee is alleged to suffer from a major neurocognitive disorder or a developmental disability, or if the petition is for a limited conservatorship, the petition and related court filings shall also be served on the Public Defender’s Office on or about the time of filing. (Revised effective January 1, 2025)

RULE 10.03 PROVISIONS COMMON TO GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP A. TEMPORARY CONSERVATORSHIPS AND GUARDIANSHIPS 1. Petition for appointment of temporary conservator. The petition for appointment of a temporary conservator may be brought ex parte, provided that the notice provisions of Probate Code §2250(e) are satisfied, either by giving notice or by submission of a declaration showing facts sufficient to allow the court to determine that good cause exists to eliminate or alter the notice requirements and provided that the following information is submitted: (a) The original and copy of the petition and proposed order; (b) A detailed statement of facts in the petition establishing the necessity for the temporary conservatorship; (c) An endorsed filed copy of the petition for appointment of the permanent conservator. However, if the attorney is informed that the petition for appointment of a permanent conservator will be contested, all known potential objectors shall be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time and place the petition for appointment of the temporary conservator will be presented; and (d) A completed Confidential Ex Parte/Temporary Conservatorship Information Summary for Court Investigator (VN- 248). 2. Bond requirement for temporary conservator/guardians. Absent an arrangement consistent with Probate Code §2328 and acceptable to the court, the court will require a bond for temporary conservators/guardians of the estate. 3. Letters. Letters of temporary conservatorship/guardianship expire on the date of the hearing on the appointment of the permanent conservator/guardian or thirty (30) days after appointment of the temporary conservator/guardian, whichever is later, unless the court extends the termination date pursuant to Probate Code §2257(2)(b). 4. Appointment of Attorney for Proposed Conservatee. The appointment of an attorney for the proposed conservatee shall be specified on item 3(I) of the "Order Appointing Temporary Conservator". 5. In cases where the Public Defender’s Office is appointed to represent the interests of a conservatee, the following flat fee payments may be ordered by the court: A. Assuming NO prior Public Defender fees have been ordered: 1. 1 Care Plan: $902.00 at the review hearing for Confidential Care Plan. 2. Inventory and Appraisal: $1,066.00 at the review hearing for the Inventory & Appraisal. B. Assuming that prior Public Defender fees HAVE been ordered: 1. Status Report: $164.00 at the review hearing for a Status Report, (assuming there are no accounting hearings). 2. First Account: $369.00 at the hearing on the First Account. 3. Substituted Judgment: $266.50 at the hearing regarding a Substituted Judgment Petition. 4. Petition to Sell Home: $205.00 at the hearing related to a Petition to Sell the Conservatee’s Home, 5. Subsequent Accountings: $369.00 at the hearings related to all accountings filed subsequent to the First Account. 6. Fee Petitions: $164.00 at the hearing of Fee Petitions. Ordering these flat fees is at the discretion of the court. Any party to the proceeding may object at the time of the subject hearings. The flat fees are based upon a current hourly rate, set by the County of Ventura, of $205 per hour for the Public Defender’s Office. The flat fees noted above shall be automatically increased to reflect any percentage increase made by the County in the hourly rate paid to the Public Defender’s Office. For example, an increase in the hourly rate paid to the Public Defender’s Office from $205.00 to $225.50 per hour would result in a 10% increase to the flat fees noted above. The Public Defender’s Office may waive their flat fee, reserve them for the subject period,

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 request that a fee order be a lien on the estate, or request payment at a later date. Nothing in this rule prevents the Public Defender’s Office from otherwise, alternatively requesting reasonable fees or costs. B. BOND OF CONSERVATOR/GUARDIAN In setting and maintaining bond, the court strictly adheres to the requirements of Probate Code §§2320 and 2321 and California Rules of Court, rules 7.204-7.207. C. REPORTING TO THE COURT BY APPOINTED COUNSEL FOR CONSERVATEES OR WARDS Attorneys who are appointed as counsel for conservatees, wards or proposed conservatees or wards, pursuant to Probate Code §§1470, 1471, or 2356.5, have the following ethical obligations: 1. Clients Who Are Non-Communicative or Clearly Delusional or Not Opposed to the Request Before the Court: If the client is non-communicative, or clearly delusional, or not opposed to the request before the court, the attorney must evaluate the request before the Court and must orally report to the Court his or her observations and recommendations as to what would be in the client’s best interests, unless a written report is requested by the Court. 2. Clients Who Have Impaired Judgment and Are Opposed to the Request Before the Court: If the client appears to have impaired judgment and is opposed to the request before the Court, the attorney must report to the Court the attorney’s observations and recommendations as to what would be in the client’s best interests, as well as the fact that the client is opposed to the request and the apparent reasons for the opposition. The attorney must ensure that the client is given the opportunity to directly address the Court, if reasonably possible. 3. Clients Who Are Communicative, Alert and Are Opposed to the Request Before the Court: If the client is communicative, alert and opposed to the request before the Court, and if the attorney has a good faith belief that sufficient grounds exist to support the position taken by the client, the attorney must use all reasonable and appropriate means to obtain the result sought by the client. 4. Attorney to Disclose Proper Relationship: The attorney must disclose to the Court and all parties whether the attorney currently represents, or has previously represented, the conservator or proposed conservator. D. FEES/COSTS Probate Code §§2640-2646 govern the fees of the conservator and attorney. In addition to these statutory rules, the following apply: 1. In addition to a narrative of the services performed and value to the estate, the petition for fees shall set forth the dates, time spent, specific description of services performed and the hourly rate of the person(s) performing the services. 2. The court will review requests for fees on a case-by-case basis, considering the experience, knowledge, expertise and professional status of the conservator or attorney, as well as the difficulty or complexity of the case, responsibility assumed, and the urgency demanded. Principles by which the reasonableness of the requested fees will be reviewed include: (a) Whether conservators have subcontracted for services that do not require their level of skills and which can be billed at a lower hourly rate. These may include bookkeeping, transportation and housekeeping. The appointed conservator shall be responsible to ensure that the sub-contractors have social security numbers and are licensed and insured if operating an automobile during the course of their duties. (b) Ordinarily, no more than two to three (2-3) hours will be allowed to prepare each fee declaration. 3. Costs for "overhead" generally will not be reimbursed except in extraordinary circumstances. These include expenses for costs of mileage, phone charges and photocopy charges and research (Lexis/Westlaw.) Such costs should be absorbed as part of the fees or commission. 4. In appropriate circumstances, particularly where all or a portion of the fee exceeds the cash on hand in the estate, the court may issue its order imposing a lien for fees on any or all of the assets of the estate, subject to liquidation for reasons other than satisfaction of the unpaid fee. 5. In cases where the Public Defender’s Office is appointed to represent the interests of a conservatee, the following flat fee payments may be ordered by the court: A. Assuming NO prior Public Defender fees have been ordered: 1. Care Plan: $902.00 at the review hearing for Confidential Care Plan. 2. Inventory and Appraisal: $1,066.00 at the review hearing for the Inventory and Appraisal. B. Assuming that prior Public Defender fees HAVE been ordered: 1. Status Report: $164.00 at the review hearing for a Status Report (assuming there are no accounting hearings). 2. First Account: $369.00 at the hearing on the First Account. 3. Substituted Judgment: $266.50 at the hearing regarding a Substituted Judgment Petition. 4. Petition to Sell Home: $205.00 at the hearing related to a Petition to Sell the Conservatee’s Home. 5. Subsequent Accountings: $369.00 at the hearings related to all accountings filed subsequent to the First Account.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 The flat fees are based upon a current hourly rate, set by the County of Ventura, of $205 per hour for the Public Defender’s Office. The flat fees noted above shall be automatically increased to reflect any percentage increase made by the County in the hourly rate paid to the Public Defender’s Office. For example, an increase in the hourly rate paid to the Public Defender’s Office from $205.00 to $225.50 per hour would result in a 10% increase to the flat fees noted above. The Public Defender’s Office may waive their flat fee, reserve them for the subject period, request that a fee order be a lien on the estate, or request payment at a later date. Nothing in this rule prevents the Public Defender’s Office from otherwise, alternatively requesting reasonable fees or costs. E. DEATH. Upon the death of the conservatee or ward, the conservator or guardian shall file a copy of a death certificate with the court within thirty (30) days. F. FINAL ACCOUNTINGS FOLLOWING DEATH OF CONSERVATEE OR WARD. Conservators or guardians shall file a death certificate within thirty (30) days of the death of the conservatee or ward. The final accountings, as required in the Probate Code, shall be filed within ninety (90) days of the death of the conservatee or ward. G. BLOCKED ACCOUNTS. If the conservator/guardian believes that it is in the conservatee’s/ward’s best interests to hold assets in a blocked account, with court approval, the conservator/guardian can avoid formal accountings if they complete local court form, VN-267, Informal Accounting for Blocked Accounts. The form and attachments are to be filed with the court and served on the court-appointed counsel for the conservatee/ward, as well as the Court Investigator’s Offices, thirty (30) days prior to when the hearing of the informal accounting would otherwise be heard. H. SUBSTITUTED JUDGMENT Probate Code §§2580-2586 governs petitions for substituted judgment. (a) Petitions requesting authority to exercise substituted judgment will not be heard until after the permanent conservator is appointed and letters have been issued. Additionally, the "Inventory and Appraisal" shall be filed, unless the court otherwise orders on the basis of a clear and convincing showing that an urgency exists; and (b) If the court waives filing of a formal "Inventory and Appraisal," the petition shall nonetheless include a description of the character and estimated value of the property of the estate. (Revised effective January 1, 2025)

RULE 10.04 PROBATE PROCEEDINGS A. COPY OF WILL. Each petition for probate of a will shall have attached thereto a typed copy of the will. If less than an entire document is offered for probate, the petition, and the proposed order shall specify the material offered for or admitted to probate. B. PROBATE REFEREES. Requests for appointment of probate referees shall be submitted to the Executive Officer and Clerk, together with appropriate forms of orders. The Executive Officer and Clerk shall complete the orders, entering the names of referees in accordance with an approved plan of assignment. Variance from appointment in accordance with the plan shall be made only by a judge. C. METHOD OF GIVING VARIOUS NOTICES 1. Unknown Address. If the address of an heir or beneficiary is unknown, the Court requires a declaration stating specifically what efforts were made to locate such heir or beneficiary before the Court will dispense with notice or prescribe an alternate form of notice. (See Probate Code §1212 and Code of Civil Procedure §413.30 as to what efforts are necessary.) In general, these efforts shall include inquiry of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and employers, an internet search and an investigation of appropriate city and telephone directories and of the real and personal property index at the County Clerk & Recorder’s Office of the county of the last-known residence of the missing heir or beneficiary. (See California Rules of Court, rule 7.52. See Local Form VN-261.) 2. Minors. Except as permitted in Probate Code §1460.1 for guardianships, conservatorships, and certain protective proceedings under division 4 of the Probate Code, notice to a minor must be sent directly to the minor. A separate copy of the notice must be sent to the person or persons having legal custody of the minor, with whom the minor resides. (California Rules of Court, rule 7.51(d).) D. DECLINATIONS TO SERVE. It is insufficient to allege merely that the person named in the decedent’s will as executor declines to act as executor. A written declination to act, signed by the declining named executor or a Declaration of Due Diligence, if the executor declines to sign the Declination, must be filed with the court. E. MULTIPLE REPRESENTATIVES. When multiple personal representatives are appointed, the clerk will not issue letters to less than all of them or separately to any of them, unless the order specifies otherwise. F. APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR 1. Notice. Unless good cause is shown, petitions for special letters of administration will not be granted without notice to the surviving spouse or domestic partner, the person nominated as executor, and any other person whom the court in its discretion determines is entitled to notice. 2. Preference. In making the appointment of a special administrator, the court will give preference to the person(s) entitled to letters testamentary or of administration. If a contest is pending, the court may appoint a disinterested person or the Public

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 Administrator, as special administrator. 3. Bond. The special administrator, including a named executor, will be required to post a bond absent good cause. 4. Necessity. Absent exigent circumstances, a special administrator will not be appointed. 5. Powers. If letters have not previously been issued to a general personal representative, neither general powers nor IAEA authority can be given to a special administrator, except at a hearing for which notice has been mailed and published as required under Probate Code §8003(b). (See Probate Code §8545(a).) This rule does not apply to an Ex Parte Request for Appointment of Special Administrator with Special Powers. (See Probate Code §§8540(b) and 8544.) G. PROBATE BOND 1. Out-of-State Personal Representative. Absent exceptional circumstances, the court will require full statutory bond of personal representatives residing out of state, even if the personal representative is the sole beneficiary and even if all beneficiaries waive bond, as set out in Probate Code §8571 and California Rules of Court, rule 7.201(b). 2. Duty to Request Bond Increase. It is the duty of the fiduciary or the fiduciary's attorney, upon becoming aware that the bond is insufficient (e.g., upon filing an inventory and appraisal or an accounting), to apply immediately for an order increasing the bond. Such application may be made ex parte. H. PROBATE INVENTORY/APPRAISAL. The court requires all appointed personal representatives to honor the time requirements of Probate Code §8800, et seq. with respect to the timely filing of an initial inventory and appraisal of estate assets. To accommodate this statutory time requirement, it is the personal representative’s responsibility to pre-check the “probate referee” box on any proposed order for probate if the probate referee will be required. I. ANNUAL STATUS REPORTS. The court requires all appointed personal representatives to honor the time requirements of Probate Code §12200 with respect to filing and hearing on any applicable one-year or 18-month status report. Absent a previously adjudicated or then-pending petition for final distribution, the failure to have a status report timely filed prior to the appropriate date will be ipso facto cause for the court to consider the possible application of Probate Code §12205 at such time as fiduciary and/or professional compensation is requested. J. ACCOUNTING OF RESERVE. If an order for final distribution of an estate of a decedent includes a reserve of more than $5,000, a noticed hearing on an accounting of the reserve will be required to be held before the Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge (Judicial Council Form DE-295 or GC-395) is filed. K. AGREEMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTION 1. If the distributees seek a distribution in a manner other than that provided by the Will or by the laws of intestate succession, a written agreement between the affected distributees must be filed in the probate proceeding or consent thereto endorsed on the petition. The order of distribution shall include reference to the assignment, agreement, or disclaimer, which is; the basis for the distribution. 2. A minor distributee or other distributee lacking capacity must be represented by his or her legal representative; and prior court approval of the agreement, assignment, or disclaimer must be obtained if the distributee is subject to a guardianship or conservatorship. L. NOTICE TO PRIOR REPRESENTATIVE OR ATTORNEY. If there has been a change of personal representative or fiduciary or a substitution of counsel, notice of hearing must be given to such prior representative, fiduciary or counsel of any probate petition in which fees or commissions are requested by the present personal representative, fiduciary or counsel unless: 1. A waiver of notice executed by the prior personal representative, fiduciary or counsel is on file; 2. An agreement on the allocation of fees and/or commissions is on file or included in the petition; or 3. The file and the petition demonstrate that the fees and/or commissions of the prior personal representative, fiduciary or counsel have been previously provided for and allowed by the court. M. STATUTORY COMPENSATION AND COSTS IN DECEDENT'S ESTATE 1. Calculation Must Be Shown. All petitions requesting payment of statutory compensation -- even if accompanied by a waiver of accounting -- must show the calculation of the compensation requested in the form stated in California Rules of Court,

rule 7.705(a). 2. Detailed Schedules on Waiver of Accounting. When an account has been waived, if the basis for the statutory commissions or fees is other than the inventory and appraisal total, detailed schedules for receipts and gains and losses must be included. (California Rules of Court, rule 7.705(b).) Also, if there are losses, the fee base must deduct the losses. 3. Expenses of Tax Related Services, Accounting and Bookkeeping. The personal representative may employ tax counsel, tax auditors, accountants, or other tax experts for the preparation of tax returns and for other tax related services and pay from the funds of the estate for such services. The Court may deduct from the personal representative's statutory compensation any sums paid from estate funds for performance of the representative's ordinary duties such as ordinary accounting and bookkeeping services, including the preparation of schedules for court accountings. 4. Reimbursement of Costs. a. Allowed Reimbursements. Allowable reimbursement costs include but are not limited to: (i). Court Clerk's fees; (ii). Newspaper publication fees; (iii). Surety bond premium; (iv). Appraisal fees; 51

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 (v). eFiling Fees; (vi). Court Call Fees. b. Absorbed as Part of Statutory Compensation. The following costs are absorbed as part of the statutory compensation: (i). Photocopies and postage, unless justified due to extraordinary nature of costs (i.e., voluminous pleadings and/or mailings); (ii). Secretarial and word processing time; (iii). Paralegal time for ordinary services; (iv). Costs for research subscriptions (i.e., Lexis, Westlaw); (v). Local travel, mileage, and parking. c. Reimbursed Only in Court's Discretion. The following costs may be reimbursed in the court's discretion: (i). Substitutes for U.S. Postal Service (Federal Express, UPS, etc.); (ii). Attorney Services; (iii). Long distance travel; (iv). Photocopy of voluminous pleadings and/or mailings). (Revised effective January 1, 2022)

RULE 10.05 ORDERS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.06 EX PARTE PETITIONS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.07 COPY OF WILL (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.08 BROKERS’ COMMISSIONS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.09 PROBATE REFEREES (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.10 CAVEAT (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.11 SUBMISSION OF ORDERS (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.12 GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURES (Deleted effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 10.13 PETITION FOR CONFIRMATION OF TRUST ASSETS PURSUANT TO ESTATE OF HEGGSTAD/UKKESTAD/KUCKER A. Copies of all testamentary instruments shall be attached to the petition. B. Copies of pertinent and current documents of title to the assets in question shall be attached to the petition. (Adopted effective January 1, 2017)

RULE 10.14 SPOUSAL PROPERTY PETITION A. If the basis for determining that property should pass or be confirmed to the surviving spouse is that the property is community property or quasi-community property, the following information must be included in the spousal property petition: 1. Date and place of marriage; 2. Ownership of any real and personal property on date of marriage and a description and approximation of values; 3. Decedent’s net worth at time of marriage; 4. Decedent’s occupation at time of marriage; 5. An affirmation that none of the property acquired after date of marriage was by gift, devise, descent, proceeds of life insurance or joint tenancy survivorship; 6. The identification of any property described in 2 or 5 above, which is still a part of this estate; 7. A copy (preferably a photocopy showing signatures) of any document establishing the character of the property; 8. Any additional facts upon which the claim that property is community or quasi-community property is based; and; 9. Facts that rebut Evidence Code §662, which provides: “The owner of the legal title to property is presumed to be the owner 52

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 of the fully beneficial title. This presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing proof.” 10. If a Petition references a will, the will must be on deposit with the court pursuant to Probate Code §8200. (Effective January 1, 2017)

RULE 10.15 EXTRAORDINARY COMPENSATION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND ATTORNEYS A. The award of extraordinary fees to the personal representative or to the attorney for the personal representative is within the discretion of the court. The court may consider the amount of statutory compensation when awarding compensation for extraordinary services. (California Rules of Court, rule 7.703) B. Application for compensation for extraordinary services must be accompanied by a declaration under penalty of perjury of the facts upon which such application is based. The statement of facts must specify the nature and difficulty of the tasks performed; the results achieved; the benefit of the services to the estate; specify the amount requested for each category of service performed; state the hourly rate of each person who performed services and the hours spent by each of them; describe the services rendered in sufficient detail to demonstrate the productivity of the time spent; and, state the estimated amount of statutory compensation to be paid by the estate, if the petition is not part of a final account or report. (California Rules of Court, rule 7.702) C. The court will allow the following amounts as extraordinary fees for attorneys without further justification or declaration, as would otherwise be required, as indicated above, by California Rules of Court, rule 7.702-7.703: 1. Court confirmed sales of real property: $1,500.00. 2. Attorney prepared Federal Estate Tax Return: $2,000.00. 3. Attorney prepared Estate Income Tax Return: $1,000.00. (Effective July 1, 2020)

RULE 10.16 PETITION FOR INSTRUCTIONS 1. The use of a petition for instructions by personal representatives is limited to those matters for which no other procedure is provided by statue. 2. Subject to a personal representative’s fiduciary duties (Probate Code §§9600 and 9601) and a trustee’s duty of impartiality to all beneficiaries (Probate Code §16004; Breslin v. Breslin (2021) 62 Cal.App.5th 801), a petition for instructions must state the particular instructions requested and the basis therefor. 3. The relief requested in a petition for instructions must not be stated in the alternative. (Effective July 1, 2022) CHAPTER 11: CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC HEARING CALENDAR PROCEDURES

RULE 11.00 APPEARANCES (INFRACTIONS/MISDEMEANORS) Arresting agencies accepting bail and releasing persons arrested shall fix the date of the appearance of the person arrested in the proper courtroom of this court. In felony cases, the regularly scheduled arraignment shall not be calendared more than five days from such release for felony cases, with the exception of non-custody felony cases with only one defendant may be filed within ten (10) days of arrest. In misdemeanor cases, the appearance shall be scheduled not more than sixty (60) days (using pre-approved appearance card). Except for good cause shown, the person arrested shall be discharged and bail exonerated if the complaint is not on file in said courtroom at the time of his appearance therein thus fixed. (Revised effective January 1, 2014)

RULE 11.01 BAIL, ALL REQUESTS FOR THE INCREASE OR REDUCTION OF SET BAIL (INFRACTIONS/ MISDEMEANORS) When the bail has been set, all requests for the increase or reduction of said bail shall be made to the judge who set such bail, except as follows: A. Bail set ex parte by any judge of this court shall be subject to modification by the judge before whom the defendant appears for arraignment. B. Any judge of this court having a criminal matter before him or her for action, such as for preliminary examination, trial, or change of plea, may, upon motion of either the defendant or the People, modify the amount of bail then set. (Revised effective January 1, 2017)

RULE 11.01.1 ADOPTION OF BAIL SCHEDULE Under Penal Code §1269b(d), the Presiding Judge may appoint a committee of judges to prepare, adopt and annually revise the uniform countrywide schedule of bail for all bailable felony offenses and for all misdemeanor and infraction offenses except Vehicle Code infractions. (Effective January 1, 2017)

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RULE 11.02 TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION (INFRACTIONS/MISDEMEANORS) A defendant charged with any vehicle infraction other than alcoholic beverage infractions, is authorized to have a trial by written declaration as provided in Vehicle Code §40902. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 11.03 GENERAL RULE FOR PRETRIAL MOTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES Unless otherwise provided for in these rules, all pretrial motions in criminal cases must be noticed in writing and briefed, served and filed in compliance within the time limits of Rule 4.111 of the California Rules of Court. This rule applies to both misdemeanor and felony cases. Where pertinent legal authority comes to counsel’s attention after the filing of his or her brief, a supplemental brief should be served and filed where time allows. Where supplemental briefing is not possible, citations should be supplied to the court and opposing counsel as far in advance of the hearing as possible. Any statement of legal authority upon which the party is relying, without written explanation in the body of the points and authorities as to how the authority pertains to the specific facts of this case, is insufficient. The court may consider the failure without good cause of the moving party to serve and file timely points and authorities, which conform to these rules as an admission that the motion is without merit. (Effective January 1, 2002)

RULE 11.04 PENAL CODE §995 MOTIONS Points and authorities in support of or opposition to a motion made pursuant to Penal Code §995 shall include the following: 1. A summary of the relevant procedural history and/or facts of the case with page and line references to any transcript or other document to be relied on at the hearing, except that the People may adopt the procedural or factual history contained in the defendant’s moving papers. 2. A discussion of the issues, specifically identifying the legal and factual basis for the party’s position. (Effective July 1, 1998)

RULE 11.05 PENAL CODE §1538.5 MOTIONS 1. In addition to the requirements of Penal Code §1538.5, moving papers shall include: a. A complete statement of all the facts known to counsel, at the time the motion is filed, upon which the moving party relies in support of the motion, including facts asserting the moving party’s standing to bring the motion, with an explanation as to the basis for such knowledge or belief. b. A complete itemized list of the specific items of property or other evidence sought to be suppressed or returned. A general request to suppress or return “all evidence seized” without greater specificity, is not sufficient. Only the items listed in the motion will be considered by the court for suppression or return, unless it is established that the newly identified item could not reasonably be identified before the motion was filed. c. A discussion of the issues which identifies the specific legal and factual reasons why the defense believes the search or seizure was defective. If the motion seeks to suppress evidence obtained as a result of a series of warrantless searches and seizures, the motion must identify which of the specific searches or seizures are being challenged. 2. Responding papers to Penal Code §1538.5 motions shall include: a. A complete statement of all the facts known to counsel, at the time the responding papers are filed, upon which the responding party relies in opposition to the motion, with an explanation as to the basis for such knowledge or belief. b. A discussion of the issues, specifically identifying in what regard the search or seizure is justified. Such statement shall specifically state the theory or theories, which shall be relied upon and urged to justify the search or seizure. (Revised effective January 1, 2021)

RULE 11.06 ONLINE ADJUDICATION OF TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS & ABILITY TO PAY DETERMINATIONS – PILOT PROGRAM (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 12:

JUVENILE CALENDAR PROCEDURES

RULE 12.00 RELEASE OF JUVENILE CASE FILE INFORMATION A. Documents in a juvenile case file may be inspected and copied only by persons or agencies authorized by law. B. Persons entitled to inspect or copy juvenile case file documents without a court order who request access to a juvenile case file 54

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 from the court clerk must present a photo I.D. and proof that they are entitled to access (e.g., law enforcement badge or Bar card), and comply with reasonable requests of the court clerk. (Welfare & Institutions Code §§827, 828; California Rules of Court, rule 5.552). (Revised effective January 1, 2020)

RULE 12.00.1 PROCEDURE FOR FILING PETITION FOR DISCLOSURE OF JUVENILE CASE FILE A. In all cases in which a person or agency requires a court order to inspect, obtain a copy of, disseminate to others or use documents in a juvenile case file, the person or agency shall file a Petition for Disclosure (JV570), and comply with California Rules of Court, rule 5.552. B. The Petition shall state with specificity the information sought and the relevance to any related legal action, including the specific details of the related legal action. The Petition shall be supported by a declaration of counsel and/or a Petitioner, and if necessary, a memorandum of points and authorities. If the Petition is filed in relation to a pending civil litigation, the petitioner must attach a copy of the complaint and answer, if any. If the Petition is filed in relation to a pending criminal case, the petitioner must attach a copy of the charging document. C. If Petitioner has the right without a court order to inspect by not copy the juvenile case file, the Petition shall identify the requested document(s) with particularity, (including the title of the document, the date of the document, and the page number of the document), and shall identify the contents of each page which is relevant to the Petition and the reasons that the content should be copied, released for dissemination, or used pursuant to the requirements of California Rules of Court, rule 5.552. D. If Petitioner has the right without a court order to inspect and copy the juvenile case file at the time the Petition is filed, petitioner shall lodge two (2) copies of the document(s) requested in a sealed enveloped marked “confidential” with a notation that the copies are lodged for review by the Juvenile Court. 1. One (1) copy of the lodged documents shall be unredacted; 2. The second copy shall be submitted with redaction of any content that is not subject to the Petition, may be inappropriate for release, or identifies any other juvenile who is unrelated to the basis for the Petition. 3. The Petition shall identify with particularity the content of each page, which is relevant to the Petition and the reasons that content should be released for dissemination or use pursuant to the requirements of CRC 5.552. Petitioner shall redact any content of each document that is not subject to the Petition. E. Failure to comply with subdivisions B, C, and D shall be a reason to summarily deny the Petition, F. Upon filing, each Petition shall be assigned a case number beginning with the letters JP and all documents filed in connection with the Petition shall be filed under the JP case number. Unless otherwise ordered, documents filed or lodged in the JP case file are protected from disclosure as a juvenile case file. G. The judge presiding over juvenile dependency cases is, by standing order, authorized to rule on all JV570 Petitions for disclosure of dependency related juvenile case files. H. Disclosure of Juvenile Police Records. Any request to the court for an order to obtain a copy of a juvenile police record shall comply with Welfare & Institutions Code §827.9. (Effective January 1, 2020)

RULE 12.01 STANDING ORDER RE RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO ASSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code §§827 and 5328 and Penal Code §§1543 and 11105, juvenile records are statutorily confidential. In order to assist in the rehabilitation of minors and to promote public safety, continuity of care for the minors is essential. To meet this goal for minors housed in institutions operated by, or under contract with, the Ventura County Probation Agency, or minors ordered into suitable placement, the following confidential information shall be shared, upon request, among the Juvenile Court, Ventura County Behavioral Health, Ventura County Public Health, the contract medical provider for the facilities, and the Probation Agency without further orders from the Juvenile Court: 1. Medication prescribed for the minor; 2. General initial and ongoing treatment needs; 3. General information pertinent to release planning. This standing order shall apply to Ventura County Behavioral Health personnel assigned to juvenile justice. Ventura County Probation Agency personnel regularly or temporarily assigned to institutions, placement, or other juvenile assignments, medical personnel assigned to the facilities, and Ventura County Public Health personnel assigned to complete the health passport for minors ordered into suitable placement. This standing order is in addition to any other individual or standing orders authorizing release of information not specifically covered by this standing order. (Revised effective January 1, 2002)

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RULE 12.02 JUVENILE DEPENDENCY A. TIME-LINES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING SETTLEMENTS, MEDIATION, AND DISCOVERY PROTOCOL FOR CONTESTED MATTERS. 1. Settlements Upon the calendaring of a contested hearing, the court may, in its discretion, set each matter for a Readiness Conference as near the trial date as will most efficiently utilize the resources of the court. In addition, if it is the opinion of the court that a resolution is possible, the court shall also set the matter for a pre-trial conference. 2. Mediation At any time prior to dismissal if there are issues of custody and/or visitation and there is no issue of risk of harm to the minor(s), the court may require the parties to schedule and participate in a mediation with Family Court Services. Parents and minor(s) six (6) years or older must, absent a court order to the contrary, attend the mediation. Mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the laws, rules, standards, and procedures specified for Family Law custody and visitation issues, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Family Code §3160 et seq. California Rules of Court, rules 5.210 et seq. and Ventura County Superior Court Local Rule 9.30 et seq. 3. Discovery Protocol See California Rules of Court, rule 5.546. B. MISCELLANEOUS RULES REGARDING DEPENDENCY CASES 1. COURT FILES a. Each minor child who is subject to a dependency petition shall be assigned a separate file number and a separate court file shall be maintained for each child. b. Each new court file created as a result of a petition filed under Welfare and Institutions Code §300, shall consist of two (2) separate physical folders, the main folder and the Confidential and the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) folder. c. The confidential and ICWA folder shall be divided into two (2) separate sections, one section where confidential documents are to be filed, and one section where ICWA documents are to be filed. d. The Confidential section shall contain documents that contain confidential information that should not be given to parents and/or children without a further court order, for example, proofs of service showing confidential foster care information, confidential caregiver information forms, and confidential de facto parent requests. The confidential section shall also contain any privileged information including psychological evaluation reports. The party filing a confidential document shall be responsible to clearly indicate it is a confidential document by stamping or writing in red ink on the front page “Confidential” unless otherwise required by law. No parent or dependent child, absent a court order shall have access to the confidential part of a dependency file. e. The ICWA section shall contain all documents related to compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, which shall be clearly identified by the party filing the document. f. All documents not filed in the confidential and ICWA file shall be filed in the main folder of the file. 2. In order to protect the parties’ privacy and to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of confidential psychological information, psychological evaluation reports shall not be attached to a court report but shall be separately filed in the confidential part of the court’s file. A copy of the report shall be given to the attorneys for each party before the time of the hearing and the attorneys shall be responsible for the manner of disclosing the information to her or his client. 3. When submitting documents for filing, in cases involving multiple minors, parties shall submit one additional copy of the document for each additional minor named on any document submitted to the court for filing. The clerk will place the additional copies in each minor’s file. 4. If any party proposes findings and orders, the proposed findings and orders shall be submitted to the court separate from any attachments or cover memoranda. 5. If the court orders a party to prepare findings and orders, the party shall serve a copy of the proposed findings and orders on all other parties prior to the time they are submitted to the court. C. GENERAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT OF COUNSEL WHO APPEAR IN JUVENILE DEPENDENCY PROCEEDINGS All public agency and court appointed attorneys who appear in juvenile dependency proceedings, including counsel that represent children, must meet the minimum standards of competence set forth in the California Rules of Court. Attorneys who are privately retained by parents shall provide information to the court as requested regarding her/his competency to represent clients in dependency cases. D. PROCEDURES TO SCREEN, TRAIN, AND APPOINT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING PARTIES 1. All public agency and court appointed attorneys who represent parties in juvenile dependency proceedings shall meet the minimum standards of training and/or experience set forth in these rules. Each public agency and court appointed attorney of record for a party to a dependency matter pending before the court shall complete and submit to the court a Certificate of Competency Form (VN-012). Any public agency and court appointed attorney who appears in a dependency matter for the

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 first time shall complete and submit a Certificate of Competency to the court within ten (10) days of his or her first appearance in a dependency matter. 2. Public agency and court appointed attorneys who meet the minimum standards of training and/or experience as set forth in these rules, as demonstrated by the information contained in the Certification of Competency submitted to the court, shall be deemed competent to practice before the juvenile court in dependency cases except as provided in subdivision 3 of this rule. 3. Upon submission of a Certification of Competency which demonstrates that the attorney has met the minimum standards for training and/or experience, the court may determine, based on conduct or performance of counsel before the court in a dependency case within the six (6) month period prior to the submission of the certification to the court, that a particular attorney does not meet minimum competency standards. In such cases, the court shall proceed as set forth in Rule D4 wherein an attorney fails to comply. 4. Any public agency or court appointed attorney who appears before the court in a dependency case who does not meet the minimum standards of training or experience shall notify the court to that effect and shall have sixty (60) days to complete the minimum number of hours of training required to fulfill the requirements of these rules. If the public agency or court appointed attorney fails to complete such training, the court shall order that certified counsel be substituted for the attorney who fails to complete the required training. 5. In the case of retained counsel, the court shall inquire at that time the attorney first appears as to her or his competency as defined under California Rules of Court, rule 5.660(d) and this rule and whether a Certificate of Competency has been completed and submitted. If the retained attorney does not qualify as competent counsel, the court shall inform the client. The determination whether to obtain substitute private counsel shall be solely within the client’s discretion. 6. In the case of an attorney who maintains his or her principal office outside of this county, proof of certification by the juvenile court of the California county in which the attorney maintains an office shall be sufficient evidence of competence to appear in a juvenile proceeding in this county. E. MINIMUM STANDARD OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING 1. An attorney who appears in a dependency matter before the juvenile court who completes a Certification of Court Competency must meet the following minimum training and educational requirements. (a) Within the prior three years, participated in at least eight (8) hours of training or education in juvenile dependency law, which training, or education shall have included information on the applicable case law and statutes, the rules of court, Judicial Council forms, motions, trial techniques and skills, writs and appeals, child development, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, family reunification and preservation; or (b) Have at least six (6) months of experience in dependency proceedings in which the attorney has demonstrated competence in the attorney’s representation of his or her clients in said proceedings. In the determination of whether the attorney has demonstrated competence, the court shall consider whether the attorney’s performance has substantially complied with the requirements of these rules, and the applicable rules of the California Rules of Court. 2. In order to retain his or her certification to practice before the juvenile court, each attorney who has been previously certified by the court shall submit a new Certificate of Competency to the court on or before February 28 of the third year after the year in which the attorney is first certified and then every third year thereafter. The attorney shall attach to the renewal Certification of Competency evidence that he or she has completed at least eight (8) hours of continuing training or education directly related to dependency proceedings since the attorney was last certified. Evidence of completion of the required number of hours of training or education may include a copy of a certificate of attendance issued by a California MCLE provider; a certificate of attendance issued by a professional organization which provides training and/or education for its members, whether or not it is a MCLE provider; a copy of the training or educational program schedule together with evidence of attendance at such program; or such other documentation as may reasonably be considered to demonstrate the attorney’s attendance at such program. Attendance at a court-sponsored or approved program will also fulfill this requirement. 3. The attorney’s continuing training or education shall be in the areas set forth in subdivision l(a) of this rule, or in other areas related to juvenile dependency practice including, but not limited to, special education, mental health, health care, immigration issues, the rules of evidence, adoption practice and parentage issues, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, state and federal public assistance programs, the Indian Child Welfare Act, client interviewing and counseling techniques, case investigation and settlement negotiations, mediation, basic motion practice and the rules of civil procedure. 4. When a certified attorney fails to s

form Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, state and federal public assistance programs, the Indian Child Welfare Act, client interviewing and counseling techniques, case investigation and settlement negotiations, mediation, basic motion practice and the rules of civil procedure. 4. When a certified attorney fails to submit evidence that he or she has completed at least the minimum required training and education to the court by the due date, the court shall notify the attorney that he or she will be decertified. That attorney shall have twenty (20) days from the date of the mailing of the notice to submit evidence of his or her completion of the required training or education. If the attorney fails to submit the required evidence or fails to complete the required minimum hours of continuing training or education, the court shall order, except in cases where a party is represented by retained counsel, that certified counsel be substituted for the attorney who fails to complete the required training.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 F. STANDARDS OF REPRESENTATION 1. Attorneys or their agents are expected to meet regularly with clients, including clients who are children, regardless of the age of the child or the child’s ability to communicate verbally, to contact social workers and other professionals associated with the client’s case, to work with other counsel and the court to resolve disputed aspects of a case without a contested hearing, and to adhere to the mandated timelines. 2. The attorney for the child must have sufficient contact with the child to establish and maintain an adequate and professional attorney-client relationship. 3. The attorney for the child is not required to assume responsibilities of a social worker and is not expected to perform services for the child that are unrelated to the child’s legal representation. G. ATTORNEYS FOR CHILDREN Appointment of counsel for a child who is the subject of a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code §300, and is unrepresented by counsel is required, unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the appointment of counsel. 1. In order to find that a child would not benefit from the appointment of counsel, the court must find all of the following: (a) The child understands the nature of the proceedings; (b) The child is able to communicate and advocate effectively with the court, other counsel, other parties, including social workers, and other professionals involved in the case; and (c) Under the circumstances of the case, the child would not gain any benefit by being represented by counsel. 2. If the court finds that the child would not benefit from representation by counsel, the court must make a finding on the record as to each of the criteria in 1 and state the reasons for each finding. 3. If the court finds that the child would not benefit from representation by counsel, the court must appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the child, to serve as guardian ad litem, as required in Welfare and Institutions Code §326.5. H. ATTORNEY WITHDRAWAL/SUBSTITUTION No substitution and/or withdrawal of counsel shall be permitted after a matter has been scheduled for pretrial or contested hearing, without a court hearing to determine whether the proposed new counsel/self-represented party will be prepared to proceed at the contested hearing/trial. If a pretrial hearing or contested hearing/trial has been scheduled, any party intending to file a substitution of attorney shall request that the clerk of the court schedule an ex parte hearing. I. COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM (WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE §326.5) If the court makes the findings as outlined in F and does not appoint an attorney to represent the child, the court must appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) as guardian ad litem of the child. 1. The required training of CASA volunteers is set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 5.655. 2. The caseload of a CASA volunteer acting as a guardian ad litem must be limited to ten (10) cases. A case may include siblings, absent a conflict. 3. CASA volunteers must not assume the responsibilities of attorneys for children. 4. The appointment of an attorney to represent the child does not prevent the appointment of a CASA volunteer for that child and the courts are encouraged to appoint both an attorney and a CASA volunteer for the child in as many cases as possible. J. CASELOADS FOR CHILDREN’S ATTORNEYS The attorney for a child must have a caseload that allows the attorney to perform the duties required by Welfare and Institutions Code §317(e) and this rule and to otherwise adequately counsel and represent the child. To enhance the quality of representation afforded to children, attorneys appointed under this rule must not maintain a maximum full-time caseload that is greater than that which allows them to meet requirements set forth in D and E. K. PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS BY PARTIES REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OF ATTORNEYS Complaints or questions by a party regarding representation in juvenile dependency cases shall be addressed as follows: 1. Complaints or questions shall initially be referred to any agency or law firm appointed to represent the client. 2. If the issue remains unresolved, or if there is no designated agency or law firm, the party may submit the complaint to the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in writing. The Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court may follow one of the following procedures. (a) Conduct its own review of the complaint or question and take appropriate action if required, or (b) Refer the complaint to the State Bar. 3. This rule does not preclude any party from complaining directly to the State Bar of California. However, parties are encouraged to first seek resolution of the issue using the procedure provided above. L. PROCEDURES TO INFORM THE COURT OF INTERESTS OF THE DEPENDENT CHILD WHICH REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION, INTERVENTION, OR LITIGATION. At any time following the filing of a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code §300 and until juvenile court jurisdiction is terminated, any interested person may advise the court of information regarding an interest or right of the child to be protected

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 or pursued in other judicial or administrative forums. 1. Judicial Council forms Juvenile Dependency Petition (JV100), Modification Petition Attachment (JV180), or a local calendaring and declaration form shall be utilized to inform the court and request direction from the court. 2. If the attorney for the child, or a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) acting as guardian ad litem learns of any such interest or right, the attorney or CASA must notify the court immediately and seek instructions from the court as to any appropriate procedures to follow. 3. If the court determines that further action on behalf of the child is required to protect or pursue any interests or rights, the court must appoint an attorney for the child if the child is not already represented by counsel, do one or all of the following: (a) Refer the matter to the appropriate agency for further investigation, and require a report to the court and counsel within a reasonable time; (b) Authorize and direct the child's attorney to initiate and pursue appropriate action; (c) Appoint guardian ad litem for the child, who may be the CASA already appointed as guardian ad litem, or a person who will act only if required to initiate and pursue appropriate action. (d) Take any other action to protect the interests and rights of the child. M. DE FACTO PARENT The following provisions govern de facto parent request filed in dependency court proceedings, standings of de facto parents, and duration of status as a de facto parent. 1. Application for de facto parent status. a. De facto parent status will be granted by the court only upon written request on the mandatory Judicial Council form. b. Notice of the request and a copy of the request, unless confidential, will be given to all counsel of record by the clerk of the court. c. Upon filing the request, the clerk shall forward it to the judge for consideration. d. Any party may file a response to the de facto parent request. e. In considering the request, the court may rely upon the contents of the dependency file, any report filed by the social worker or the CASA advocate for the child, and any other relevant and admissible evidence presented by the parties. The court may consider the declaration filed in support of or in opposition to such application. The court may summarily deny the request or set it for an evidentiary hearing. f. An application for de facto parent status shall not, in itself, constitute good cause for continuing any other hearing in the dependency action. 2. Standing of a de facto parent If the court grants the application for de facto parent status, the de facto parent shall have standing to participate as parties in disposition hearings and any hearing thereafter at which the status of the dependent child is at issue. 3. Representation of de facto parent. A de facto parent may be represented by counsel at his or her own expense. A de facto parent shall not be entitled to appointed counsel unless the de facto parent makes an express request for appointed counsel and the court finds that the de facto parent is financially eligible for appointed counsel and that appointment of counsel would substantially benefit the resolution of issues before the court. No right to appointment of counsel shall exist for the purpose of making the application for de facto parent status. 4. Access to juvenile case file. A de facto parent does not have automatic access to all documents in the juvenile case file or to all future reports concerning the dependent child and is only entitled to obtain access to juvenile case file documents and information if expressly authorized by court order. A de facto parent seeking access to juvenile case file documents shall include that request in her or his de facto parent request when filed. 5. Duration of status as de facto parent. De facto parent status shall continue only so long as the bases for granting the request continue to exist between the de facto parent and the child. De facto parent status automatically terminates upon the termination of dependency jurisdiction or upon order of the court. N. DISMISSAL AND CUSTODY ORDERS Subsequent Hearings If a dependency case is dismissed with a custody order, at the request of any party, a hearing on an order to show cause to modify the custody order filed within one year of the dismissal of the dependency case may be heard by the judge who presided over the dismissal of the dependency case who may hear the matter as a family law case.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 O. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS/ORDERS 1. An ex parte application to calendar a hearing or to obtain a court order may be made by use of the form entitled Calendaring Request and Notice; Supporting Declaration and Order or by an equivalent document, which shall be submitted to the clerk. 2. If the Calendaring Request is filed by a party to the case and it seeks a hearing within less than three (3) days, the hearing shall not be set or calendared without court order. If the Calendaring Request is filed by a party to the case and seeks a hearing three (3) or more days after submission, no court order is needed. If a non-party files a Calendaring Request, it shall not be set for hearing without a court order. 3. Advance notice to all other parties of the purpose for seeking an ex parte hearing shall be given and proof of such notice shall be filed at the time the Calendaring Request is submitted to the clerk. 4. The Calendaring Request and Notice; Supporting Declaration and Order form is not a substitute for a Welfare & Institutions Code §388 petition, a formal written motion, or supporting points and authorities. 5. Ex Parte Calendaring Requests may be used to request orders authorizing: a. the minor’s travel, b. termination of life support and do not resuscitate requests; c. surgical or other medical procedures over the religious objections of the parents or in cases where the medical professionals refuse to perform the procedure without a court order; and d. for other matters for which there is a need for immediate orders. 6. The following requests may be submitted without notice to other parties: a. Orders for temporary removal of prisoners or wards and production as a party. b. Orders for protective custody bench warrants for dependent children who have run away from the placement or whose whereabouts cannot be determined. c. Orders to recall protective custody bench warrants. d. Return on a protective custody warrant when the warrant requires the dependent child to appear in court after being returned to placement. P. REQUEST TO CHANGE A COURT ORDER 1. A request to change a court order shall comply with all laws and rules. Absent a stipulation by all parties, the request must be submitted using form JV-180. 2. The request shall be submitted to the clerk of the court who shall forward it immediately to the dependency court judge. 3. The judge shall summarily deny the request, set the matter for a hearing on whether a prima facie showing has been made, or set the matter for an evidentiary hearing. 4. If the request to change a court order is set for a hearing, and if a party to the dependency case has filed the request, he or she shall be responsible to give notice to all other parties and to serve a copy of the JV-180 request on all parties. In all other cases, the clerk of the court shall give notice of the hearing and serve all parties with a copy of the JV-180 request. 5. The requesting party may propose a hearing date to the court at the time the request is submitted. The court shall be responsible to set the hearing date. Q. If the requesting party is seeking an immediate change in court orders pending an evidentiary hearing, that request shall be clearly stated in the JV-180 request. R. VISITATION ORDERS Unless specified otherwise by the court, the following definitions shall apply to visitation orders. 1. “Supervised” visits with the minor child require the supervisor to be present at all times during the visit and close enough to hear all discussions between the child and the visitor. 2. Monitored” visits with the minor child require the monitor to check in on the visit at least every fifteen (15) minutes. 3. “Overnight” visits means up to two (2) consecutive overnight visits at a time. 4. “Weekend” visits means overnight visits on a weekend. 5. “Extended” visit means up to sixty (60) consecutive days and overnights but shall not be considered placement. S. REQUESTS FOR PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS ORDERS The following procedures are in addition to the procedures that must be followed as provided in California Rules of Court,

rule 5.640: 1. Social workers shall be responsible to submit to the court clerk completed applications using mandatory Judicial Council forms for psychotropic medication orders for dependent children. 2. The court clerk shall provide a copy to minor’s counsel who shall indicate agreement with the request by initialing the request. If minor’s counsel objects to the request the reason for the objection shall be discussed either with the social worker or the treating physician, and if the issue cannot otherwise be informally resolved, minor’s counsel shall notify the court clerk, and the matter shall be set for hearing. 3. Upon submission of a medication request to the court to which minor’s counsel has agreed, the court shall rule upon the request, ex parte. If granted, the request and order shall be filed, and a conformed copy of the order returned to the

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 prescribing doctor and social worker by the clerk. 4. If the court grants the requested order but thereafter receives a timely filed opposition to the request, that matter shall be set for hearing. 5. If a request has been submitted to the court but not yet decided and the minor has already been prescribed the requested psychotropic drugs, the attending psychiatrist or physician may continue the administration of those drugs at his or her discretion. However, there shall be no increase in the previously authorized dosage without approval from the juvenile court. 6. Whenever a dependent child is moved to a new placement or to a temporary shelter and the child receiving prescribed medication, the medical or other supervisor at the new placement may continue to administer that medication under supervision of the medical staff or the child’s physician. No further order of the court is required, and the child’s medication must not be abruptly discontinued for lack of such an order. 7. All orders authorizing the administration of psychotropic drugs must be submitted to the court for renewal no later than six (6) months from the date of initial issuance, following the ex parte procedure described in this rule. (Revised effective January 1, 2023)

RULE 12.03 EMANCIPATION OF MINOR (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 12.04 COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES A. The court adopts the guidelines for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) Program as described in Welfare and Institutions Code §100 et seq., and California Rules of Court, rule 5.655. B. CASA of Ventura County (“CASAVC”) is the identified children’s advocate program for Ventura County. CASAVC and the juvenile court shall enter into a memorandum of understanding, which may be revised from time to time, to comply with Welfare and Institutions Code and California Rules of Court concerning the need for court approval of plans and procedures. C. There is no required format for a CASA report. However, any report submitted to the court, shall identify the assigned volunteer (if any), the child and the case number and shall state the date the volunteer was assigned. D. Only parties of record are entitled to receive the CASA report. E. Reports are to be submitted to the court and served on the parties no later than two (2) court days prior to the hearing for which the report was prepared. F. CASAVC shall be responsible to serve a copy of the report on each party’s attorney, to any self-represented party and to the assigned social worker. G. Appointment of CASA in Dependency Cases: 1. At any time after the filing of the petition, any party may request, or the court may make, an order appointing CASA in a dependency case. 2. A conformed copy of the order appointing CASA shall be delivered to CASAVC. 3. CASAVC shall be responsible to determine which CASA volunteer to assign to the case. 4. Upon the assignment of a CASA volunteer to a case, CASAVC shall notify all parties in writing of the name of the volunteer. H. Order Vacating Order Appointing CASA 1. At any time, any party may request the court vacate the order appointing CASA. 2. A request to vacate the order appointing CASA shall be made on the record at a court hearing or in writing submitted to the court. 3. The court may vacate the order appointing CASA summarily without a hearing. 4. If not requested during a regularly scheduled review hearing, CASAVC shall be responsible to give notice of an order vacating appointment of CASA. I. Dependent Child Who Becomes a Ward. 1. If a dependent child has been assigned to a CASA volunteer and that child is subsequently adjudged a ward under Welfare and Institutions Code §602, the CASA volunteer may request the juvenile delinquency court to continue her/his appointment as the child’s CASA. (Revised effective January 1, 2017)

RULE 12.05 HEARINGS FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND RESTRAINING ORDERS IN DEPENDENCY CASES. (WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE §213.5 and CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT, RULE 5.630) A. A party in a dependency case seeking an ex parte temporary restraining order on written application shall file the Judicial Council Form Request for Restraining Order – Juvenile (JV-245) and lodge the Judicial Council Form Notice of Hearing and Temporary Restraining Order – Juvenile (JV-250). The clerk of the court shall calendar the ex parte hearing on the date and time, (8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.) requested by the party seeking the order. B. A party in a dependency case seeking a restraining order only on noticed request and on written application, shall file the Judicial

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 Council Form Request for Restraining Order – Juvenile (JV-245) and the Judicial Council Form Notice of Hearing (JV- 250). The party seeking the order shall write or type in the requested hearing date and time (8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.) on the forms and the clerk shall calendar the hearing on the requested date and time. (Effective July 1, 2017)

CHAPTER 13:

MENTAL HEALTH CALENDAR PROCEDURES

RULE 13.00 PROCEEDINGS The department designated to hear psychiatric proceedings shall conduct all proceedings in the following matters and such other matters as may be specially assigned to it by the Presiding Judge. A. A proceeding of any kind for the evaluation or involuntary treatment of a person pursuant to Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; B. A conservatorship proceeding pursuant to Chapter 3 of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; C. A proceeding arising from a petition for the commitment of an alleged narcotic drug addict pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; D. A proceeding arising from a petition for the commitment of an alleged habit-forming drug addict pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; E. A proceeding of any kind for the commitment or placement of a person alleged to be mentally retarded; F. A habeas corpus proceeding filed by or on behalf of any person being held by an institution, public or private, as defined by §7000 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, including all proceedings pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 13.01 JURY TRIAL AND MATTER, WHICH MAY BE TRANSFERRED In a case in which the subject person is entitled to and makes timely demand for a jury trial the judge conducting the psychiatric proceeding may transfer the case to the Master Calendar Department. In a conservatorship matter, under section (D), supra, the judge conducting the psychiatric proceeding may transfer such matter to the department conducting probate proceedings if it appears that the matter involved does not have any aspects which make it desirable that it be heard on the psychiatric calendar. (Effective January 1, 1997)

CHAPTER 14: APPELLATE DIVISION

RULE 14.00 SESSIONS Regular sessions of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura shall be held on the second Friday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 22 at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, unless otherwise ordered. Special sessions shall be held at the call of the presiding judge of the Appellate Division. (Effective January 1, 2019)

RULE 14.01 PROPOSED STATEMENT AND AMENDMENTS ON APPEAL - CRIMINAL CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.02 SETTLED STATEMENT HEARINGS - CRIMINAL CASES (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.03 BRIEFS A. In criminal cases, no respondent's brief need be filed when appellant has filed a “no merit” brief pursuant to People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436. B. In Civil Limited cases, parties represented by counsel are to electronically file briefs in eCourt. Self-represented litigants may file electronically but are not required to do so. Electronic briefs must be submitted in PDF text searchable format, properly paginated, contain bookmarks and comply with applicable California Rules of Court regarding content and form. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

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RULE 14.04 ORAL ARGUMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.05 EXTENSION OF TIME - CRIMINAL CASES A. Parties should consult Rule 8.810 of the California Rules of Court to determine the proper forum for an extension request. B. Extensions will rarely be granted in the case of a pretrial appeal where the party also has a post-conviction right of appeal. (Revised effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.06 RELIEF FROM DISMISSAL A. Requests for relief from default or to vacate a dismissal shall be accompanied by a declaration establishing good cause, and by a proposed order granting relief. (Revised effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.07 USE OF COURT FILE INSTEAD OF CLERK’S TRANSCRIPT A. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.833 in an appeal from a civil limited case, an appellant may elect to use the original trial court file as the record on appeal. B. An appellant in an appeal in a civil limited case, electing to use the original trial court file as set out in subsection A, must file and serve the notice of election within the same time limits for designation of record set out in California Rules of Court, rule 8.831. C. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.863 in misdemeanor appeals, the court elects to use the original trial court file in lieu of a Clerk’s Transcript. D. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.914 in infraction appeals, the court elects to use the original trial court file in lieu of a Clerk’s Transcript. (Effective January 1, 2009)

RULE 14.08 USE OF OFFICIAL ELECTRONIC RECORDING A. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.835(c), in a civil limited appeal the parties, by a filed written stipulation or on order of the trial court under California Rule of Court, rule 8.837(d), may designate the original of an official electronic recording of the trial court proceedings, or a copy of the electronic recording made by the court, as the record of the oral proceedings, without being transcribed, and in lieu of a Reporter’s transcript or settled statement. B. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.868(c), in a misdemeanor appeal, the parties, by a filed written stipulation or on order of the trial court under California Rules of Court, rule 8.869(d)(6), may designate the original of an official electronic recording of the trial court proceedings, or a copy of the electronic recording made by the court, as the record of the oral proceedings, without being transcribed, and in lieu of a Reporter’s transcript or settled statement. C. Under California Rules of Court, rule 8.915(a)(2), in an infraction appeal, the parties by a filed written stipulation or on order of the trial court under California Rules of Court, rule 8.916(b), may designate the original of an official electronic recording of the trial court proceedings, or a copy of the electronic recording made by the court, as the record of the oral proceedings, without being transcribed, and in lieu of a Reporter’s transcript or settled statement.

RULE 14.09 PRETRIAL APPEAL FROM THE DENIAL OF A MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE; DECLARATIONS AND EXHIBITS A. An appellant seeking pretrial review of the denial of a motion to suppress evidence pursuant to Penal Code §1538.5 filed more than 45 days following the arraignment shall file a declaration explaining how the pretrial appeal complies with Penal Code §1510. The declaration shall be filed with the notice of appeal and may include exhibits related to the issue of Penal Code §1510 compliance. B. The respondent may file a motion to dismiss the appeal based on noncompliance with Penal Code §1510. The motion may be supported by a declaration and exhibits related to the issue of Penal Code §1510 compliance. The motion shall be filed within 20 days after the court clerk sends notification of the appeal, unless an extension is granted for good cause. Any opposition to the motion to dismiss must be served and filed within 15 days after the motion is filed, unless an extension is granted for good cause. C. Declarations must comply with Code of Civil Procedure §2015.5 and exhibits must be properly authenticated. Declarations and exhibits filed under this rule will be included in the clerk’s transcript. D. The court may rule on the motion to dismiss at any time after an opposition or other response is filed or the time to oppose has expired. On a party's request or its own motion, the appellate division may place the motion to dismiss on calendar for a hearing. The clerk must promptly send each party a notice of the date and time of the hearing. (Effective January 1, 2025) 63

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

RULE 14.10 APPELLATE COUNSEL IN MISDEMEANOR CASES A. Unrepresented defendants who are parties to an appeal of a misdemeanor case must: 1. Obtain appellate counsel at their own expense; or 2. Request the court appoint appellate counsel to represent them if they were represented by appointed counsel in the trial court or if they otherwise qualify for appointed counsel; or 3. Be an active member of the State Bar of California. B. Defendants who are not active members of the State Bar of California will not be allowed to represent themselves on appeal. C. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the appellate division appointing appellate counsel for a qualifying defendant on its own motion or the dismissal of the appeal.

(Effective January 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 15:

EX PARTE ORDER PROCEDURES - CIVIL

RULE 15.00 APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE ORDER (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 15.00.A EX PARTES IN GENERAL-CIVIL It is the policy of the Court to discourage unnecessary ex parte applications. Except where the showing required by California Rules of Court, rule 3.1202(c) is made, matters should be resolved by noticed motion. An ex parte application which fails to meet the requirements applicable to ex parte hearings may be summarily denied on procedural grounds or treated as an application for an order shortening time for a noticed motion, in the discretion of the court. (Effective July 1, 2013)

RULE 15.01 TO WHOM PRESENTED An application for an ex parte order shall be presented to the judge to whom the matter is assigned. Counsel or a self- represented party seeking an ex parte hearing should call the Judicial Secretary of the assigned courtroom to reserve the next available ex parte hearing date. Unless otherwise ordered, all ex parte hearings are heard at 8:30 a.m. If the assigned judge is unavailable or disqualified, or in cases of emergency, or if the matter has not yet been assigned, the application should be presented to the supervising civil judge, who may handle the matter or assign it to another available judge. (Revised effective July 1, 2013)

RULE 15.02 NOTICE (Deleted effective January 1, 1998)

RULE 15.03 FILING AND SERVICE OF APPLICATIONS AND ORDERS A. Unless electronically submitted, applications for ex parte orders with a declaration in support of the motion, points and authorities and a proposed order shall be filed in the courthouse in which the department of the appropriate judge is located before being presented to the appropriate judge. The reservation number should be included in the caption of the application. Copies to be conformed are to be brought on the day of the hearing and not lodged prior to the hearing. Absent good cause, ex parte applications must be served on each party and provided to the court prior to the hearing to allow adequate time for review. Therefore, whenever practicable, moving papers should be served on the other parties by personal delivery, facsimile, email or overnight delivery prior to the hearing and preferably filed by noon the day before the hearing. B. All ex parte orders in all categories of proceedings in this court shall be either approved, approved as modified or denied, and shall be so noted and dated by the judge to whom the petition or request is submitted. Regardless of the approval or denial of the petition or request for order, the order, the application or petition, and any supporting affidavits or other writings presented shall remain in the court's file or, where required by statute or rule, in the confidential case file related to the case. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 CHAPTER 16: EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND JURY COMMISSIONER

RULE 16.00 EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S POWERS AND DUTIES (Deleted effective January 1, 2005)

RULE 16.01 RESERVATION OF GOVERNMENT CODE 69898 POWERS (Deleted effective July 1, 2009)

RULE 16.02 TRANSFER OF FORMER COUNTY CLERK EMPLOYEES (Deleted effective January 1, 2010)

RULE 16.03 APPROVAL BY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS/TRANSFER OF REVENUES, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT (Deleted effective January 1, 2010)

RULE 16.04 SEVERABILITY OF RULES AND SUBPARTS (Deleted effective January 1, 2010)

CHAPTER 17:

BAILIFF AND COURT SECURITY SERVICES

RULE 17.00 WEAPONS PROHIBITION AND SEARCHES The Sheriff through Court Services Division shall have signs posted at all public entrances to the Hall of Justice and East County Courthouse which state that bringing unauthorized weapons into the building is prohibited pursuant to Penal Code §171b, and that persons entering the building are subject to search. The Sheriff and his deputies, as well as other peace officers who come to their aid, may conduct pat-down or electronic searches of persons entering or within the Hall of Justice, East County Courthouse and Juvenile Courthouses for weapons, and may examine for weapons the contents of any purses, parcels, and other items carried by such persons, as may be reasonably necessary to ensure the security of the Hall of Justice, East County and Juvenile Courthouses. If any person refuses to submit to a search, he or she shall have the option of leaving the Hall of Justice, East County or Juvenile Courthouses without a search, unless a search is otherwise permitted by law. No examination of any written materials in possession of any person shall be made pursuant to this provision. (Revised effective January 1, 2008)

RULE 17.01 COURT SECURITY The Sheriff of the County of Ventura is designated as the Court Security Officer to be responsible to the court for all matters relating to its security, including security of courtrooms, buildings and grounds. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 17.02 RESTRICTED AREAS Except by specific permission first obtained from judge, bailiff or other designated personnel, no person shall be or remain in any area or any department restricted to the exclusive occupancy of court personnel that has been established by the Sheriff and posted by signs such as “Employees Only”, “No Admittance”, “Restricted Area”, “Authorized Personnel Only”, or by such other signs that may hereafter be posted. (Effective January 1, 1997)

CHAPTER 18:

VERBATIM COURT REPORTING SERVICES

RULE 18.00 COURT REPORTERS A. Official and pro tempore court reporters serving the court shall provide such service and receive such compensation, as provided by §§68086 et seq. of the Government Code, and by other applicable statutes, California Rules of Court http://www.courts.ca.gov/rules.htm, and rules of this court. B. Court reporters shall constitute the Court Reporting Department of the court's Administration division, in accordance with applicable statutes, under the general direction of the Court Executive Officer and Clerk. Official and pro tempore court reporters

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 shall make such reports to the California Judicial Council and to the Administration Division of this court, as provided by statutes and by rules of court, and as otherwise directed by the Court Executive Officer and Clerk. C. Court reporting services must be provided in all Superior Court felony trials and hearings, all proceedings under the Lanterman- Petris-Short Act and all juvenile calendars, except for cases filed under Welfare and Institutions Code §601. D. Reporting services are not available to a party without a fee waiver under California Rules of Court, rule 3.55(6) for the following proceedings: • All Civil matters. • All Family Law matters. • All Probate matters. E. For those matters in subsection D in which the court does not provide a court reporter, the parties have the right to arrange at their own expense for the presence of a certified shorthand reporter to serve as an official pro tempore reporter for hearing or trial. See Government Code §68086; California Rules of Court, rule 2.956(b)&(c). Parties may arrange for their own reporter by filing with the court form (VN-243) “Agreement and Order Re Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore.” Parties must make arrangements for reporters in advance of the hearing to ensure the proceedings will be reported. It is the parties’ responsibility to pay the reporter’s fee for attendance at the proceedings, but the expense may be recoverable as part of the costs, as provided by law. F. (Deleted effective July 1, 2026) G. A party with a fee waiver may request an official court reporter under California Rules of Court, rule 2.956(c)(2) for any proceeding for which reporting services are not available to a party without a fee waiver under subsection D above. The request should be made by using Judicial Council Form FW-020, “Request for Court Reporter by a Party with Fee Waiver” and should be filed at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested. If the requesting party received less than ten (10) days’ notice of the hearing or trial, the requesting party should file the request immediately upon receiving notice. If the requesting party does not file the request on time, the court may be unable to provide a court reporter on the date requested and may have to reschedule the hearing or trial. Even when the request is made timely, given the limited availability of official court reporters, the court cannot guarantee that one will be available at that requested time and the proceeding may need to be rescheduled. H. An official court reporter is not available but the following proceedings will be electronically recorded by the court to make the official verbatim record of proceedings as provided by Government Code §69957 and California Rules of Court, rules, 2.952 and 2.956(e), unless otherwise ordered by the court: Small Claims cases, Infraction Criminal Proceedings, Misdemeanor Criminal Proceedings, limited jurisdiction Civil trials, limited jurisdiction Civil Appeals from Superior Court, Misdemeanor Appeals, and Small Claims trial de novos. (Revised effective July 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 19: JURY SERVICES

RULE 19.00 PURPOSE The purpose of this rule is to supplement the applicable California statutes and State Court Rules regarding jurors and jury service. (Revised effective July 2, 2022)

RULE 19.01 JURY COMMISSIONER (Deleted effective July 1, 2022)

RULE 19.02 JUROR SELECTION PROGRAM A. SOURCE LISTS. The most current Ventura County voter registration list and the Franchise Tax Board filer list, combined with the Department of Motor Vehicles list of licensed drivers and identification card holders who are 18 years of age and older, shall constitute the source from which prospective jurors will be selected. B. RANDOM SELECTION OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS. The name of each prospective trial juror shall be taken by random selection from the merged source lists. The program for random selection shall be designed and maintained by the vendor, Jury Systems, Inc., with approval of the Jury Commissioner (Code of Civ. Proc. §195(a)), to ensure the random selection of a fair cross section of the persons residing in Ventura County. C. EXCUSE FROM JURY SERVICE. The Jury Commissioner shall determine the statutory qualifications of each prospective trial juror. The Jury Commissioner shall exclude from the certified jury lists any person found not statutorily competent to serve and shall excuse from jury service such prospective trial juror who qualifies for excuse under §§204(b) and 218 of the Code of Civil Procedure, provisions of the Standards of Judicial Administration, California Rules of Court, and of these rules. The Jury Commissioner may, upon request, defer the service of a prospective juror for good cause, or may excuse a prospective juror from service altogether, for any of the following reasons:

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 The prospective juror qualifies for excuse from service on the basis of one of the categories set forth in Code of Civil Procedure §§203 and 204, and rule 2.1008 of the California Rules of Court. 1. Other circumstances constituting undue hardship within the meaning of the statutes, Standards of Judicial Administration, or rules of this court apply to the prospective trial juror, as determined by the Jury Commissioner and/or Presiding Judge of the court. D. PROCEDURE FOR EXCUSE FROM JURY SERVICE. A request for excuse from jury service shall be addressed to and determined by the Jury Commissioner. All requests for excuse must be in writing put to §218 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. The Jury Commissioner will grant or deny written requests for excuse pursuant to the Jury Excuse and Deferral Policy established by the Jury Reform Committee of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. The Jury Commissioner may refer any request to the Presiding Judge or designated representative for determination. In the event the Jury Commissioner should deny a request for excuse the prospective trial juror may request and shall be entitled to review and reconsideration by the Presiding Judge or designated representative. The disposition of the request and the reasons therefor shall be noted upon appropriate records maintained by the Jury Commissioner. E. ANNUAL TRIAL JURY LIST/OR MASTER JURY LIST. The Jury Commissioner shall prepare a new master jury list at least once during any consecutive twelve (12) months. The number of names to be placed on such master jury list shall be determined by the Jury Commissioner. F. SUPPLEMENTAL LISTS. Should the judges of the court require supplemental lists of prospective trial jurors who have been qualified as provided by law and by these rules, such lists shall be prepared and submitted to the judges of the court in the same manner as provided in this Rule 19.02. (Revised effective January 1, 2023)

RULE 19.03 JUROR PROCESSING PROGRAM A. The following program is adopted by the court for the maintenance of panels of qualified prospective trial jurors from which jurors shall be drawn as necessary for the conduct of jury trials in all departments of the court, which program shall be known as the "juror processing program." B. DRAWING NAMES: SUMMONS. The Jury Commissioner will generate a random draw of names from the Master Jury List established in Jury Systems, Inc., software. Once drawn, the names will be transmitted electronically to the contracted print vendor to print and mail summons for a sufficient number of prospective trial jurors as determined to be required to provide adequate jury services to the courts for a particular time period. Each person will be summoned by first class mail to attend the court for service as a member of a trial jury panel, or alternatively to remain on telephone standby for the appearance week. Once a juror has been selected to serve on a trial, discharge will be made by order of the court. Jury service is one jury trial or one day of service. C. TRIAL JURY ASSIGNMENTS. Upon each appearance of a juror in either the jury assembly room or a department of the court, a record of attendance will be maintained by the Jury Commissioner or Judicial Assistant in attendance. Confirmation of appearance forms for prospective jurors attending as members of the trial jury panel will be prepared and distributed by the Jury Commissioner. Courtroom staff or Jury Services staff will sign the forms daily confirming appearance for each trial juror in attendance. D. ASSIGNMENT AND SELECTION PROCEDURE DURING TRIAL. Following assignment of prospective jurors to a department of the court for impanelment and service in a particular trial, the Jury Commissioner or assigned deputy shall maintain communication with the judicial officer or judicial assistant and shall provide supplemental jurors as may be required by the court during the impanelment procedure. Prior to and immediately upon impanelment of the trial jury, the judicial assistant shall contact the Jury Commissioner or assigned deputy with judicial instructions regarding reassignment of unselected jurors before such jurors are excused from further service for the day. The Jury Commissioner may reassign any non-selected or otherwise unassigned trial juror to any other department of the court’s trial calendar for the remainder of that day. (Revised effective January 1, 2023)

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RULE 19.04 SPECIAL VENIRE Nothing contained in the foregoing rules shall preclude the Jury Commissioner, upon order of the court, from summoning to the court pursuant to law, a special venire for jury service in a particular case. (Effective January 1, 1997)

RULE 19.05 DISCHARGE OF JUROR FROM SERVICE Prospective jurors may be excused from further jury service for a period of 12 months following discharge. Jurors shall be considered as discharged within the meaning of said section, when any one of the following has occurred: A. Served on one trial until discharged. B. Been assigned on one day to one or more trial departments for jury selection and served through the completion of jury selection or until excused by the Jury Commissioner. C. Attended jury service but was not assigned to a trial department for selection of a jury before the end of that day. D. Served one day on call. E. Served no more than five (5) court days on telephone standby. (Revised effective July 1, 2022)

RULE 19.06 RESERVED FOR COURT USE

RULE 19.07 SELECTION OF GRAND JURORS Grand jurors shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of applicable statutory authority including Penal Code §§903.1, 903.2, 903.3, and 903.4, and the following rules: A. CRIMINAL GRAND JURY SELECTION PROCESS Upon request of the Presiding Judge, a Criminal Grand Jury is formed from the list of jurors selected at random by way of Local Rule 19.02. 1. Upon the direction of the judge and courtroom staff, a panel(s) of jurors will be sent to the courtroom for the selection process. 2. The judge will conduct voir dire of the jurors until the number of qualified jurors is 30 or more. 3. The Jury Commissioner will draw the names of 19 jurors and 11 alternates from the qualified pool who will be sworn as the Criminal Grand jury. 4. The Criminal Grand Jurors will serve for a term of 90 days to one year. B. CIVIL GRAND JURY SELECTION PROCESS 1. The application period shall open on January 1 and close on or before the 4th Friday of April. Any citizen of Ventura County may apply for the Civil Grand Jury. 2. The seated Civil Grand Jury will conduct interviews of the applicants and make recommendations concerning the applicants to the Grand Jury Judicial Committee. To form the Civil Grand Jury panel, the Grand Jury Judicial Committee shall select up to 30 qualified applicants (including selected holdovers from the prior year) representing a cross-section of the community. 3. In June, the panel must be approved by a majority of the judicial officers. 4. On the first court day in July, the Presiding Judge or Assistant Presiding Judge holds a selection hearing. The Jury Commissioner draws 19 names to be seated as the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury for the fiscal year. 5. The remaining jurors are designated as alternates. 6. At the end of its term, the Civil Grand Jury provides the Presiding Judge with a copy of its annual investigative report. (Revised effective January 1, 2023)

RULE 19.08 JURY FEES AND EXPENSES A. IN GENERAL. At no time shall the members of the jury be informed as to which party is paying fees, mileage or other costs. B. FEE AND MILEAGE OBLIGATION. Obligation for payment of jury fees and mileage at the rate provided by law for the jurors selected and sworn to try a civil case shall be paid by the party demanding the jury commencing with the day on which the jury selection begins, and until the jury is discharged. C. PAYMENT OF FOOD AND LODGING EXPENSES. In unusual circumstances a party who demands a jury trial in a civil action shall, upon request of the clerk or bailiff, advance the amount determined by the trial judge to be reasonably necessary to pay the cost of food, lodging, and other necessities of the jurors while they are kept together during the trial and until they are discharged by the court. The monies shall be paid to the bailiff in charge of the jury and any amount remaining after payment of such expenses shall be returned with appropriate receipts to the party. Failure to advance such costs upon request of the court shall be deemed a waiver of trial by jury and the court may in its discretion proceed to judgment without a jury or, upon such

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 D. terms as may be just, with a jury. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 19.09 JURY INSTRUCTIONS A. PROPOSED PATTERN JURY INSTRUCTIONS. In jury trials the instruction forms contained in the most recent editions of "Judicial Council of California Jury Instructions" (CACI) and "Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions" (CALCRIM) should be used when applicable, unless the judge finds that a different instruction would more accurately state the law and be understood by jurors, as provided in California Rules of Court, rule 2.1050. All instructions should be accurate, brief, understandable, impartial, and free from argument. A proposed pattern jury instruction that has been modified by a party shall specify in parentheses or other appropriate manner the respect in which the instruction has been modified. It shall be the duty and responsibility of counsel proposing a pattern instruction to complete all blanks contained in it necessary for the purpose of the instruction. Failure to do so shall be deemed by the court as sufficient cause to refuse the proposed instruction. B. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS DRAFTED BY COUNSEL. Counsel may draft and submit additional proposed instructions. Each shall be numbered in consecutive order and indicate the party upon whose behalf it is requested. Failure to cite on any such instruction the authorities relied upon to support giving it shall be deemed by the court as sufficient cause to refuse the proposed instruction. C. METHOD OF FILING PROPOSED INSTRUCTIONS WITH TRIAL JUDGE. In all jury trials counsel shall present to the courtroom judicial assistant a document setting forth in the usual manner the title of the court, title and number of the action, and title of the document, namely, "Instructions requested by ." A copy of the document shall be served upon each of the other counsel in the case. The document shall list by number the CACI and/or CALCRIM instructions requested by counsel and counsel shall attach to the original list, all instructions requested. D. TIME FOR DELIVERY OF PROPOSED INSTRUCTIONS TO COURT. The court shall require counsel to comply strictly with the provisions of §607a of the Code of Civil Procedure and §1093.5 of the Penal Code. (Revised effective January 1, 2007)

RULE 19.10 RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL JUROR INFORMATION Information contained on each juror information card (address, telephone numbers, occupation and place of employment) will be considered confidential information and will not be released to other than authorized court personnel. Any person, other than those authorized, requesting such confidential information must make application to the court, stating the reasons why such information should be made available. The Jury Commissioner will make the information available only upon order or other direction of the judge hearing the case or the Presiding Judge. (Effective January 1, 1997)

CHAPTER 20:

COURT INTERPRETING SERVICES

RULE 20.00 INTERPRETERS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS. The court is committed to providing interpreters at no cost to any party to a court proceeding who does not proficiently speak or understand English. More information regarding interpreter services is available on the court’s website at ventura.courts.ca.gov/language_access.html. (Effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 20.01 INTERPRETERS-LIST OF COURT APPROVED INTERPRETERS. The Executive Officer and Clerk shall maintain for public examination a list of court approved interpreters and their particular languages. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 20.02 COURT INTERPRETING SERVICES Establishment of competency. Any interpreter whose services are used in the court will be required to be certified, registered by the Judicial Council or provisionally qualified by the court as to his/her competency before he/she may perform such service unless in a particular case the court should waive this requirement. (Revised effective July 1, 2023)

RULE 20.03 REQUESTING AN INTERPRETER For Civil (including Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer), Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Dependency cases, parties must

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 request an interpreter with as much advance notice as possible to ensure that an interpreter will be available for the court proceeding. A request must be made for each court proceeding, including a continued proceeding, for which an interpreter is requested. A minimum of two (2) court days’ notice is required for Spanish and ten (10) court days’ notice for all other languages, including ASL (American Sign Language). Requests must be made in writing using local form VN-250 “Request for Interpreter” and are to be returned to the Clerk’s Office as indicated on the form. Without sufficient notice as set forth in this rule, the court may be unable to provide an interpreter for the hearing which may then need to be continued. If the court cannot accommodate a party’s request, the Interpreter’s Office will contact the party based upon the contact information listed on the VN-250 form. If one or more of the parties changes the date of a hearing, the party requesting the interpreter services at that hearing must notify the court of the changeforty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing. Any failure to do so may result in the court incurring cancellation fees. For any questions, parties are directed to contact the Ventura Superior Court’s Interpreter Officer at (805) 289-8799 or VCSCInterpreting@ventura.courts.ca.gov. (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

RULE 20.04 CANCELING AN INTERPRETER If a proceeding is cancelled or rescheduled (or an attorney elects to appear for defendant pursuant to Penal Code §977), the party or attorney who requested the interpreter shall provide (no less than) forty-eight (48) hours’ notice of the change to the Interpreters’ Office at (805) 289-8799 or VCSCInterpreting@ventura.courts.ca.gov. The failure to provide adequate notice of cancellation may result in the court setting an Order to Show Cause hearing re: why monetary sanctions should not be imposed for the failure to adhere to this rule. (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 21:

ATTORNEY SERVICES AND FEES

RULE 21.00 IN A TORT CASE INVOLVING A MINOR OR PERSON WITH DISABILITY (Deleted effective January 1, 2024)

RULE 21.01 IN AN ACTION ON A PROMISSORY NOTE, CONTRACT PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES AND FORECLOSURE. The following attorney fees shall be awarded under normal circumstances in an action on a promissory note, contract providing for the payment of attorney fees and foreclosure: A. DEFAULT ACTION ON NOTE OR CONTRACT. Exclusive of costs: Any part of first $1,000- $250 20 percent of next $4,000 15 percent of next $5,000 10 percent of next $5,000 5 percent of next $35,000 2 percent of next $50,000 1 percent of the amount over- $100,000. Unlawful Detainer $450. In an action upon a contract providing for attorney fees the Executive Officer and Clerk shall include in the judgment attorney fees in accordance with this schedule, not to exceed the amount prayed for. B. FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE OR TRUST DEED. The same amount as computed under subdivision (A). C. FORECLOSURE OF ASSESSMENT OR BOND LIEN RELATING TO A PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT. The same amount as computed under subdivision (A). (Revised effective July 1, 2025)

RULE 21.02 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL AND PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES A. DETERMINATION OF ATTORNEY COMPENSATION AND NECESSARY EXPENSES OF DEFENSE. In each case in which a person has been furnished services of counsel or other defense services at public expense, upon conclusion of the proceedings the court shall make a determination of the county cost incurred for attorney compensation and necessary expenses of defense. Counsel shall be prepared at that time to submit an approved form of client financial statements and itemized information as to the time devoted to the case, expenses incurred, and all claims made, and compensation received in connection with the case. Expenses will not be considered reasonable unless authorized by the court before they are incurred. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

RULE 21.03 COURT APPOINTED INDIGENT DEFENSE COUNSEL AND COMPENSATION A. Appointment of Counsel. In any case where a defendant cannot afford counsel as determined under Penal Code §987,

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 counsel shall be appointed in the following order: (1) the public defender; (2) conflict defense panel; (3) private counsel. This order may be varied, if appropriate under existing contracts, statutes, or case law. All case appointments are subject to Penal Code §§987.05 and 987.3. B. Attorney Fees & Costs Reimbursement. 1. Private counsel will be compensated under a set hourly rate or fixed amount, as determined by the court under Penal Code §987.3. The Court has adopted the Appointed Services Fee & Expense Schedule, which sets out the allowable rates and reporting requirements for payment and reimbursement. The Schedule is available in the Clerk’s Office, on the court website, or from the office of the County Executive Officer. The rates set by the court are subject to change. 2. Appointment and compensation of private counsel shall be by Minute Order or written order by the Criminal Supervising Judge or his/her designee. Services shall end upon entry of judgment or order granting probation unless otherwise ordered. 3. Subject to Penal Code §987.3, all compensation must be approved by the court and may be capped. If appointed, counsel seeks to receive compensation above and beyond the amounts allowed under the Schedule or for services or expenses that must be pre-approved, counsel must contact the Judicial Secretary to the Criminal Supervising Judge to schedule an in camera ex parte hearing. a. Counsel must submit to the Criminal Clerk’s Office (Room 118) under seal, an application including a declaration before any such services are performed justifying that such services are “necessary” to enable counsel to render legally adequate defense services along with a proposed order. The declaration must include sufficient detail to demonstrate good cause for the additional amounts. A boiler plate declaration will not be considered sufficient. b. The ex parte documents are to be submitted prior to the in camera hearing to allow adequate time for review. Whenever practicable, the papers should be submitted to the clerk’s office by noon the day before the ex parte hearing. Counsel is not to submit the papers to the judicial assistant in the courtroom prior to or at the time of the hearing. c. The court in its discretion may grant the request prior to the in camera hearing and order the hearing off calendar. 4. All requests for payment and reimbursement shall comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the Schedule, unless otherwise approved by the court. All claims must be submitted with an itemized billing or listed on a completed County of Ventura Court-Appointed Claim Form, with copies of receipts for expenses attached along with a copy of any court order(s) that authorized such expenditures. Claims must specify the case number, an hourly rate, and time billed in increments of no greater than six minutes (1/10th hour) intervals. Attorneys shall present the claims to the court. If approved, the court will forward to the County Executive Office for processing. (Effective July 1, 2016)

RULE 21.04 AUTHORIZATION TO USE ANCILLARY DEFENSE SERVICES A. Reasonable ancillary defense services are defined to include, but not limited to: services of investigators, experts, and paralegals. Before incurring expenses for ancillary defense services, counsel or a self-represented defendant shall make an application and follow the procedures and guidelines set out in Local Rule 21.03 and the Appointed Services Fee & Expense Schedule referenced therein. B. Ex parte applications shall be supported by a declaration, setting forth the following facts: 1. The reason such services are reasonably necessary in the preparation of a defense; 2. The type of service being requested; 3. The name of the provider being requested and a brief statement of the provider’s qualifications to provide the requested services; 4. Where the provider is required by law to possess a license to provide the requested service, the application shall include the provider’s license number or specify any exemption to the licensing requirement applicable to the provider; 5. The requested hourly rate and a request for authorization to spend up to a specific dollar amount. If the request is for an expert witness for a subject area included on the “Service Vendor Rate Schedule” referenced in Local Rule 22.00, the listed hourly rate shall be deemed the reasonable approved rate, absent a showing of good cause as to why a higher rate should be approved. If the application is made by privately retained counsel, the initial application must also include a Declaration re Indigence from the defendant in support thereof. C. After the initial approval of ancillary services by the court, counsel or a self-represented defendant may apply for authorization of additional expenditures, if counsel or the self-represented defendant believes there is a reasonable likelihood that the amount originally authorized for ancillary services will be exceeded. An application for additional expenditures shall include in the declaration in support of the request, the amounts previously authorized and/or denied and the reasons a greater amount is being requested. A copy of any previous orders authorizing or denying expenditures shall be attached. D. Only when exigent circumstances exist may an attorney or self-represented defendant engage ancillary services without prior court authorization. If an attorney or self-represented defendant does so, the attorney or self-represented defendant must immediately thereafter make application to the court for authorization for such services and show by declaration, exigent 71

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 circumstances justifying the use of such services without prior court authorization. Exigent circumstances may include, but are not limited to, circumstances in which there is a need to preserve or document physical evidence, which would dissipate before court authorization could be obtained. E. Claims for payment for ancillary services are to be submitted in the manner set out for appointed attorney services in Local Rule 21.03. F. The court will review all claims and the Supervising Criminal Judge will reduce or deny any amounts deemed excessive. (Effective January 1, 2024)

CHAPTER 22:

COURT-APPOINTED EXPERT SERVICES AND FEES

RULE 22.00 EXPERT SERVICE FEES Fees and expenses of court-appointed experts for services rendered pursuant to this chapter, shall be as prescribed by written contract with the court, by statute or other rule of this court or, where not so prescribed, by the most recent "Service Vendor Rate Schedule" adopted by the judges of the court, a majority concurring. Where fees for any expert service are neither provided by contract, statute, court rule or the "Service Vendor Rate Schedule", they shall be prescribed by the appointing judge. Fees and expenses for expert services shall be paid from the budget of the court only where so specifically prescribed by statute, or where the court has made the appointment on its own motion or pursuant to statutory requirement. Such fees shall otherwise be paid from the budget of the county agency or department requesting court appointment of the expert. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

CHAPTER 23:

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

RULE 23.00 ACCESSIBILITY TO THE VENTURA COUNTY COURTS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Deleted effective January 1, 1999)

CHAPTER 24:

VOLUNTARY EARLY CIVIL MEDIATION

RULE 24.00 VOLUNTARY EARLY CIVIL MEDIATION (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.01 DISCOVERY TIMELINES (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.02 DISCOVERY DURING MEDIATION PERIOD (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.03 SERVICE OF QUESTIONNAIRE (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.04 MEET AND CONFER (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.05 MEDIATOR PANELS (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.06 REQUIRED FORM AT FIRST RESPONSIVE PLEADING OF THE LAST DEFENDANT (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.07 MEDIATOR REPORT (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

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RULE 24.08 MEDIATION COMPLETION (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.09 FAILURE TO COMPLY (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

RULE 24.10 MODIFICATION TO THE PROGRAM (Deleted effective July 1, 2012)

CHAPTER 25:

TEMPORARY JUDGES

RULE 25.00 TRAINING FEES In accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 10.815(b)(16) the court may charge a reasonable fee of not more than the actual costs for court-sponsored training programs for attorneys who serve as court-appointed temporary judges, including the costs of materials and food provided to the participants. (Effective January 1, 2007)

CHAPTER 26:

PHOTOGRAPHING, RECORDING AND BROADCASTING IN COURT

RULE 26.00 USE OF CAMERAS, CAMERA PHONES, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES IN COURTHOUSE FACILITIES This rule has been developed for the protection of all parties to ensure the secure and efficient handling of cases and events in all court facilities of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. A. MEDIA REQUESTS Media requests for any type of video, still photography or audio coverage must be made in compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(e). All media requests must be made by using the approved Judicial Council of California form MC-500, Media Request to Photograph, Record or Broadcast, and form MC-510, Order on Media Request to Permit Coverage. The forms are to be submitted directly to the Ventura Superior Court Administration/Public Information Officer located in Room 206, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, Ca, 93009 or emailed to admin-vsc@ventura.courts.ca.gov, at least five (5) court days before the portion of the proceedings to be covered, unless good cause is shown. B. USE OF CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES 1. No one may use a camera, cell phone camera, video, photographic, audio or other electronic device to transmit, record, or take pictures in any part of the courthouse except as permitted by local rule and California Rules of Court, rule 1.150 or upon written approval of the Presiding Judge. For purposes of this rule, court facilities include the full entry security screening areas, lobby, courtrooms, judges’ chambers, clerk’s offices, court offices and the hallways adjacent to these areas. Court facilities do not include offices occupied by non-court agencies including the District Attorney’s Office and Victim Services Division, the Public Defender’s Office or the County Law Library. 2. The use of a camera, cell phone camera, video, photographic or other electronic device is not permitted in any jury assembly area, or juror deliberation room. In addition, photographing, videotaping, filming or electronic recording of anyone wearing a juror badge anywhere inside of the courthouse is prohibited. 3. Photographing, videotaping, filming or electronic recording of anyone involved in any case, including litigants, witnesses and spectators anywhere inside of the courthouse is prohibited, except as permitted by local rule and California Rules of Court, rule 1.150 or upon written approval of the Presiding Judge. Unless the court orders otherwise, this rule does not prohibit photography or recording of ceremonial events held by the court, a governmental agency or bar association, mock trial competitions, weddings, adoptions or a lecture or training that is held in a courtroom when court is not in session, as long as persons who are prohibited from being photographed in this rule are not photographed. 4. Prior to entering a courtroom, cellular phones, pagers, and all other electronic communication or recording devices, not specifically authorized by the judge presiding over the proceedings, must be silenced or in the discretion of the judge, turned off. Any cellular phone, pager, or other electronic device which disrupts the proceedings, may be subject to confiscation and/or search as permitted by law, by the bailiffs. 5. To the extent consistent with this rule, any camera, cell phone, or other electronic device shall not be handled in any way as to indicate that a picture, audio or video recording is being taken. 6. Any electronic device used in violation of this rule may be subject to confiscation and/or search as permitted by law. Further,

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 any person who violates this rule may be subject to criminal prosecution, civil sanctions and/or contempt of court under Penal Code §166, Penal Code §632, Code of Civil Procedure §177.5, Code of Civil Procedure §1209 and/or California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(f). (Revised effective January 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 27:

COURT TESTIMONY BY VIDEOCONFERENCE

RULE 27.00 REQUESTS TO PRESENT TESTIMONY BY VIDEOCONFERENCE (Deleted effective January 1, 2026)

CHAPTER 28: SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

RULE 28.00 ACTIONS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) A. DEFINITION OF A CEQA CASE. A CEQA case is any case where a petition or complaint filed by any party alleges one or more claims under the California Environmental Quality Act, Cal. Public Resources Code §21000, et seq. B. ASSIGNMENT OF CEQA CASES Under Public Resources Code §21167.1, all CEQA cases are assigned to a single judge for all purposes, including the hearing on a petition for writ of mandate and trial. The designated CEQA judge and the number of the CEQA Department are posted on the court’s website. In the event of the temporary unavailability of the judge assigned to a CEQA case for all purposes, another judge may be assigned to hear matters in that case. Until and unless the court issues an order or notice revoking the existing single assignment or assigning a new judge for all purposes, any hearing that may take place before another judge does not affect the status of the case as originally assigned for all purposes. C. PLEADINGS ALLEGING A CLAIM UNDER CEQA. The caption page of the first pleading in any case that alleges one or more claims under CEQA shall identify that the case is a CEQA case by including the words “CEQA case” on the caption page. D. CEQA CASES PROVISIONALLY COMPLEX. The court designates CEQA cases provisionally complex pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.400, subdivision(c). E. INITIAL CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & CASE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT. 1. The court will set an initial case management conference shortly after the filing of the petition (or complaint). Petitioner must provide notice of the case management conference shortly after the filing of the petition (or complaint). Petitioner must provide notice of the case management conference to respondent, real party in interest, and any responsible agency or party to the action who has been served before the case management conference, within two (2) court days of receiving notice from the court or at time of service of the petition or complaint, whichever is later. 2. At the case management conference, lead counsel for each party and each self-represented party must be prepared and be able to knowledgeably discuss the issues: (a) Whether all parties named in the petition or complaint have been served; (b) Whether a list of responsible agencies has been provided, and notice provided to each; (c) Whether all responsive pleadings have been filed, and if not, when they must be filed, and whether any hearing is required to address them; (d) Whether severance, bifurcation, or consolidation with other actions is desirable; (e) Whether the administrative record has been certified and served on all parties, whether there are any issues with it, and whether the court wants to receive a paper copy; (f) Whether the parties anticipate any motions before the hearing on the merits concerning stay orders, injunctions, or other matters, and if so, a briefing schedule for these motions; (g) What issues the parties intend to raise in their briefs on the merits, any matters concerning the parties’ statement of issues (see Pub. Res. Code, § 21167.8, subd. (f)), whether any limitation of issues to be briefed and argued is appropriate, and whether the submission of joint briefs on the merits is appropriate; (h) The schedule for filing briefs on the merits, and whether service by electronic delivery will be ordered; (i) The form and length of all briefs, including whether pagination limits will be aggregate per side or per brief; (j) Whether the court will require a joint appendix of excerpts of documents identified in the parties’ briefs, and, if so, a schedule for filing of the appendix; (k) When the hearing on the merits of the petition will be held, and the amount of time appropriate for it;

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 (l) The potential for settlement, and whether a schedule for settlement conferences or alternative dispute resolution should be set; (m) Any stipulations between the parties; (n) Whether a further case management conference should be set; (o) Whether organizational aids, such as a trial book, may be of value to the court at the hearing on the merits; and (p) Any other matters that the court finds appropriate. 3. At least three (3) court days before the case management conference, petitioner and all parties that have been served with the petition must serve and file a joint case management conference statement that addresses the issues identified in the preceding paragraph and any other pertinent issues. A courtesy copy of the statement shall be emailed to the assigned department’s email proxy (e.g., courtroom41@ventura.courts.ca.gov at the time of filing. 4. PROVIDING ELECTRONIC COPIES OF BRIEFS ON THE MERITS TO THE ASSIGNED DEPARTMENT. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, within five (5) days after filing a brief on the merits (i.e., petitioner’s opening and reply briefs, and respondent’s opposition brief), the filing party must provide the assigned department an electronic version of the brief on a USB drive. The electronic version of the brief shall be in a portable document format (PDF) capable of full text searching and, unless the court directs otherwise, contain hyperlinks to material cited in the brief, including the administrative record, cited decisions, and any other brief in the case filed electronically by the parties. F. PREPARING THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD. 1. The format of the administrative record shall be governed by California Rules of Court, rules 3.2205 - 3.2208. 2. The court requests that within five (5) days of the administrative record being lodged with the clerk, an electronic copy of the record be delivered to the assigned department on a USB drive. This copy shall have all the features described in California Rules of Court, rule 3.2207. 3. Any dispute over the contents of the record must be resolved by noticed motion. (Effective July 1, 2023)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 APPENDIX I: STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PREAMBLE This rule has been adopted to foster orderly proceedings and respect for the Constitution, state laws, and the court as an institution. Its provisions apply unless an individual judge orders otherwise. A. OPENING OF COURT: 1. As each morning session begins the bailiff shall require all present to rise, then say the following words in a clear and dignified tone: "In the presence of the flag of our country, emblem of the Constitution, and remembering the principles for which it stands, the Superior Court for the County of Ventura is now in session. The Honorable, judge presiding." 2. Upon opening court following a recess the bailiff shall proceed as directed by each judge. B. ATTORNEYS SHOULD: 1. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code §6068(b), "maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers". 2. Be familiar with these guidelines as well as other applicable statutes and rules of conduct, ethics, and professionalism. 3. Inform their clients and witnesses, as well as associates and family members of clients and witnesses, of all applicable rules and guidelines for behavior in and around the courtroom, and in relation to other parties, witnesses, and jurors. C. ATTORNEYS ADDRESSING THE COURT: 1. Should address or refer to the court as "your honor" or "the court" rather than as "you" or "judge". 2. Should stand, except during an objection or other brief statement, and should speak from behind a counsel table or lectern. 3. Should not interrupt the court unless absolutely necessary to protect a client's rights. 4. Should accept a ruling without visible reaction, comment, or further argument unless upon request the court has reopened argument. 5. After a ruling in front of a jury, may request to approach the bench for clarification, but should not ask the court to explain its ruling in front of the jury. D. WHEN MAKING AN OBJECTION, ATTORNEYS SHOULD: 1. Only state the legal ground unless further comment is allowed by the court. 2. Address the court, not opposing counsel or a witness. 3. Not interrupt a question unless necessary to protect a client's rights or the partial question is patently objectionable. E. ATTORNEYS SPEAKING TO THE JURY SHOULD NOT: 1. Crowd the jury box or address the jury in a loud or undignified manner. 2. Exhibit familiarity with jurors or address them by name, except during jury selection or a mid-trial inquiry of a juror. F. WITH REFERENCE TO WITNESSES, PARTIES AND OTHER ATTORNEYS, ATTORNEYS SHOULD: 1. Not exhibit familiarity or, except as to young children, use first names. 2. Question from behind counsel table or a lectern unless the court has given permission to approach a witness. 3. Inform their witnesses of any court ruling or order affecting the witness's testimony or conduct. 4. Advise their witnesses to be responsive to questions, but to refrain from answering when an objection is made. 5. Not admonish a testifying witness as to the manner of answering questions but should ask the court to do so. 6. Not, while questioning a witness, make editorial comments of approval or disapproval. G. THE FOLLOWING SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE JURY: 1. Arguments in support of or opposition to an objection. 2. Offers of proof. 3. Offers to stipulate which have not been previously agreed upon between counsel. 4. Discovery requests. H. PERSONS IN THE COURTROOM DURING COURT SESSIONS SHOULD NOT: 1. Dress in a manner that is offensive or distracting to others in attendance. 2. Eat, drink, chew gum, or read newspapers. 3. Converse in a distracting manner. 4. Visibly or audibly display approval or disapproval, agreement or disagreement with any testimony, ruling, or statement of the court, counsel, or a witness. 5. Traverse the area between the bench and counsel table, except with approval of the court. I. EXHIBITS: 1. Should be pre-marked and, if applicable, set up in advance of their use in trial whenever possible, unless expected in good faith to be used for impeachment. 2. Should be shown to the opposing party before their first use in trial. 3. Should be briefly identified by the proponent upon the first reference in trial, but the contents shall not be described. 4. Should, once marked and when not in use in trial, remain in the possession of the court clerk unless the court directs otherwise. 5. Which are in evidence and which the court has permitted to be shown to the jurors, should be handed to the jurors through the bailiff. (Revised effective January 1, 1999)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 APPENDIX II

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF VENTURA KATE BIEKER EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CLERK

(The following fees are current as of our publication deadline) January 1, 2026

Ventura Courthouse, Second Floor, Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA. 93009 East County Courthouse, 3855 - F. Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063-2110 Juvenile Courthouse, 4353 Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93036

Ventura Courthouse, Appeals (805) 289-8527 Ventura Courthouse, Civil (805) 289-8525 Ventura Courthouse, Criminal/Traffic (805) 289-8545 Ventura Courthouse, Family Law (805) 289-8610 Ventura Courthouse, Records (805) 289-8668 Juvenile Courthouse, Juvenile (805) 289-8820 Ventura Courthouse, Small Claims (805) 289-8526 Juvenile Courthouse, Probate (805) 289-8820

Web Site: www.ventura.courts.ca.gov

FEE SCHEDULE Effective: January 1, 2024 See Below

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 APPENDIX III: LOCAL FORMS VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT – ALPHABETICAL

All local forms are available on the court’s website: www.ventura.courts.ca.gov NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. Mandatory VN202 Adoption Agreement (Adult) 07/24 VN001 Affidavit/Certificate/Declaration for Subpoena Duces Tecum 07/03 VN002 Affidavit/Certificate/Declaration for Subpoena Duces Tecum Re: Deposition 07/03 Mandatory VN243 Agreement and Order Re Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore 07/16 VN004 Amendment to Complaint 07/03 VN005 Application and Declaration for Issuance of Writ of Possession 07/03 VN006 Application and Order to Serve Summons by Posting - Unlawful Detainer 07/03 VN007 Application for Issuance of Writ of Execution 07/03 VN008 Application for Order for Publication of Summons/Citation 07/11 Mandatory VN190 Application for Real Property Equity Bond and Delcaration of Property Owner(s) 01/08 Mandatory VN232 Attachment 07/10 VN186 Attachment to Family Law Judgment (Property and Debt) 01/06 VN237 Attachment to Financial Statement (Simplified) 01/11 Mandatory VN009 Award of Arbitrator 07/12 VN245 Calendaring Request and Notice Supporting Declaration (Juvenile Dependency) 01/13 Mandatory VN194 Certificate of Acceptance 01/08 Mandatory VN012 Certificate of Competency to Practice in Juvenile Dependency Court 07/26 VN015 Certificate Re Disqualification of Judge (CCP 170.6) 07/03 VN223 Citation Regarding Petition to Declare Child Free From Parental Custody and 01/09 Control VN251 Citation to Appear at Hearing to Find Parent's Consent Not Necessary for Child's 07/23 Adoption VN278 Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum 07/26 VN175 Clerk's Certificate of Costs (CCP 668.090) 01/04 VN138 Clerk's Certificate Re Satisfaction of Judgement 01/06 VN215 Conditional Settlement Agreement for Judgment Creditor Cases – Small Claims 07/09 Mandatory VN248 Confidential Ex Parte / Temporary Conservatorship Information Summary (For 01/15 Court Investigator) Mandatory VN182 Confirmation of Viewing Conservatorship Video 01/22 Mandatory VN203 Consent of Spouse to Adoption (Adult) 01/08 Mandatory VN262 Conservatorship Preliminary / Interim Financial Declaration 01/21 Mandatory VN233 Conservatorship Status Report 01/25 VN140 Declaration for Entry of Satisfaction of Judgment 07/05 VN032 Declaration in Proceedings Against Joint Debtor 07/03 Mandatory VN033 Declaration in Support of Deficiency Judgment on Sale of Vehicle 07/12 VN115 Declaration in Support of Dissomaster Calculations 07/03 VN261 Declaration of Due Diligence and Request for Order Dispensing with Notice 07/20 VN210 Declaration of Due Diligence in Attempts to Locate Alleged Natural Father (Step- 07/08 Parent Adoption [Family Code Sections 7665, 7666] VN028 Declaration of Re Ex Parte Notice 01/14 Mandatory VN269 Declaration Re: Firearms, Firearms Parts, and Ammunition Ownership 01/25 VN277 Declaration Regarding Notice and Service of Request to Reschedule Hearing 07/26 (Family Law) VN209 Ex Parte Application for Order Dispensing with Notice to Unknown Father or to 07/09 Alleged Father Whose Wherabouts Remain Unknown and Terminating Parental Rights; Order (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Sections 7665, 7666]

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN234 Ex Parte Application for Temporary Guardianship 07/14 Mandatory VN130 Ex Parte Petition to Access an Unlawful Detainer Action (Limited Civil Case) - 07/03 CCP 1161.2 Mandatory VN163 Family Court Services Intake Questionnaire 07/25 Mandatory VN263 Family Law Status Conference Procedural Milestones 07/22 VN208 Findings and Orders Regarding Paternity and Terminating Parental Rights of 07/08 Alleged Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) (Family Code 7664) Mandatory VN042 Guardianship Questionnaire (Probate Code Section 1513) 07/24 VN267 Informal Accounting - Blocked Accounts [Confidential] 01/22 VN043 Information Release Authorization 07/03 Mandatory VN219 Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement 07/26 VN049 Judgment on Sister State Judgment 07/03 VN231 Mailing Address of Parent 07/10 VN185 Marital/Partnership Settlement Agreement (Attachment to Judgment) 07/22 VN274 Mediator's Notice of Acceptance or Recusal 07/25 VN146 Motion for Order Continuing 07/22 VN160 Motion for Order Releasing Evidence 07/12 VN147 Motion for Order Setting Aside/Vacating Default/Staying Execution of Judgment 01/10 (Civil) VN270 Notice of Appeal – Administrative Hearing (Menacing Dog) 01/24 Mandatory VN225 Notice of Appeal – Parking 07/09 VN058 Notice of Arbitration Hearing Date 07/12 VN271 Notice of Assignment of Mediator 07/25 VN059 Notice of Conditional Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal 07/03 VN060 Notice of Filing of Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitaion and Pardon 07/12 VN206 Notice of Hearing to Determine Paternity and to Terminate Parental Rights of 07/08 Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Section 7664] VN153 Notice of Motion and Motion to Pay Judgment in Installments and for Stay of 01/20 Execution of Judgment VN197 Notice of Motion and Motion to Transfer Case to Appropriate Court 01/08 VN246 Notice of Posting Advance Jury Fees 07/13 VN276 Notice of Registration of Out-of-State Support Order (DCSS) 07/26 VN207 Notice to Alleged Father of Right to File Action to Determine Paternity [Family 07/08 Code 7662(A)(2)] VN214 Objection to Motion for Visitation [Guardianship] 07/08 VN213 Objection to Petition for Appointment of Guardian [Probate Code 1514, Ventura 07/08 Court Local Rule 10.00 F.4] VN254 Order - Visitation (Guardianship Case) 01/19 VN162 Order (Civil) 07/25 Mandatory VN192 Order Approving Property Equity Bond 01/08 VN170 Order Confirming Arbitration Award 07/03 VN212 Order Dispensing With Further Notice to Alleged Natural Father and Terminating 07/08 Parental Rights (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Sections 7630(c), 7664(a)] VN155 Order for Continuance (Civil) 07/22 VN268 Order for Investigation and Report - Family Code Sections 7850 and 7851 01/24 VN154 Order for Payment of Judgement in Installments and for Stay of Execution of 01/20 Judgment VN067 Order for Publication of Summons or Citation 01/05 VN148 Order Granting Motion for Order Setting Aside/Vacating Default/Staying Execution 07/10 of Judgment (Civil) Mandatory VN204 Order of Adoption (Adult) 01/21 VN235 Order on Ex Parte Application for Temporary Guardianship 07/14 VN161 Order Releasing Evidence 07/01

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN198 Order Transferring Case to Appropriate Court 01/08 VN240 Parentage Agreement 01/12 Mandatory VN201 Petition for Approval of Adoption Agreement (Adult) 01/21 Mandatory VN200 Petition for Authorization to Inspect Adoption and Birth Record Information and to 01/10 Obtain Copies VN075 Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitaion and Pardon 07/12 VN241 Petition for Dismissal of an Infraction 01/12 VN211 Petition for Order Dispensing With Further Notice to Alleged Natural Father and 07/08 Terminating Alleged Natural Father’s Parental Rights (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Section 7630(c), 7664(a)] VN172 Petition for Restricted License (Adult) 01/24 VN173 Petition for Restricted License (Juvenile) 07/05 VN205 Petition to Determine Parental Rights of Alleged Natural Father and to Terminate 07/08 the Parental Rights of Alleged Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) [FC 7630, 7660 Et Seq] VN125 Petitioner's/Respondent's Statement of Agreement and Disagreement 07/13 Plead Paper - Blank Mandatory VN135 Probate / Parental Rights; Fax for Continuance 01/22 Mandatory VN191 Promissory Note Re: Property Equity Bond 01/08 VN120 Proof of Service - Family Law 07/13 VN258 Proof of Service by Mail for Conservatorship Status Report 07/25 VN255 Proof of Service by Mail of Request for Visitation (Guardianship Case) 01/19 Mandatory VN195 Property Bond Information Sheet 07/16 VN132 Release of Medical Information 01/02 VN133 Release of School Information 07/12 VN084 Request and Order Appointing Probate Referee 07/09 VN156 Request and Order for Publication or Posting 05/21 Mandatory VN230 Request for Continuance 10/25 VN249 Request for Copy of Juvenile Case File/Document 01/16 Mandatory VN193 Request for Copy of Notice of Default and Sale 07/16 VN085 Request for Court Appointed Counsel and Hearing 07/03 VN250 Request for Interpreter 01/26 VN250sp Request for Interpreter (Solicitud Para Intérprete) 01/26 VN179 Request for Relief from Default, Extension of Time to File Appellant's Opening 07/09 Brief; Declaration and Order VN180 Request for Relief from Default, Extension of Time to File Statement On Appeal; 07/09 Declaration and Order VN256 Request for Removal of Co-Guardian 01/19 VN220 Request for Report from Human Services 01/11 VN273 Request for Service by Certified Mail / Return Receipt - Small Claims 01/25 VN171 Request for Visitation (Guardianship) 01/19 VN086 Request/Counter Request for Mandatory Settlement Conference/Trial Setting 01/13 (Family Law) VN139 Small Claims Information Sheet 05/21 VN187 Small Claims Itemization of Debt Attachment 07/07 VN224 Small Claims Settlement Agreement 07/09 VN239 Statement of Legal Grounds for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights 07/11 VN065 Statement Re: Warrant 07/16 VN152 Stipulation and Order for Payment of Judgment in Installments (Limited Civil) 07/03 VN118 Stipulation and Order for Private Mediation 07/20 Mandatory VN189 Stipulation for Court Commissioner to Act as Temporary Judge for All Purposes 07/25 (Family Law) VN093 Stipulation for Judgment and Judgment (Civil) 07/03

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN244 Stipulation to Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore 01/13 VN259 Stipulation to Bar Access to Record of Unlawful Detainer Action 07/19 VN272 Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date 07/25 VN164 Stipulation to Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Process 07/25 VN165 Verification 07/03 VN100 Verification of Translation 07/03 VN131 Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure 07/03 VN174 Writ of Execution - Attachment 20 01/04

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All local forms are available on the court’s website: www.ventura.courts.ca.gov NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. Plead Paper - Blank VN001 Affidavit/Certificate/Declaration for Subpoena Duces Tecum 07/03 VN002 Affidavit/Certificate/Declaration for Subpoena Duces Tecum Re: Deposition 07/03 VN004 Amendment to Complaint 07/03 VN005 Application and Declaration for Issuance of Writ of Possession 07/03 VN006 Application and Order to Serve Summons by Posting - Unlawful Detainer 07/03 VN007 Application for Issuance of Writ of Execution 07/03 VN008 Application for Order for Publication of Summons/Citation 07/11 Mandatory VN009 Award of Arbitrator 07/12 Mandatory VN012 Certificate of Competency to Practice in Juvenile Dependency Court 07/26 VN015 Certificate Re Disqualification of Judge (CCP 170.6) 07/03 VN028 Declaration of Re Ex Parte Notice 01/14 VN032 Declaration in Proceedings Against Joint Debtor 07/03 Mandatory VN033 Declaration in Support of Deficiency Judgment on Sale of Vehicle 07/12 Mandatory VN042 Guardianship Questionnaire (Probate Code Section 1513) 07/24 VN043 Information Release Authorization 07/03 VN049 Judgment on Sister State Judgment 07/03 VN058 Notice of Arbitration Hearing Date 07/12 VN059 Notice of Conditional Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal 07/03 VN060 Notice of Filing of Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitaion and Pardon 07/12 VN065 Statement Re: Warrant 07/16 VN067 Order for Publication of Summons or Citation 01/05 VN075 Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitaion and Pardon 07/12 VN084 Request and Order Appointing Probate Referee 07/09 VN085 Request for Court Appointed Counsel and Hearing 07/03 VN086 Request/Counter Request for Mandatory Settlement Conference/Trial Setting 01/13 (Family Law) VN093 Stipulation for Judgment and Judgment (Civil) 07/03 VN100 Verification of Translation 07/03 VN115 Declaration in Support of Dissomaster Calculations 07/03 VN118 Stipulation and Order for Private Mediation 07/20 VN120 Proof of Service - Family Law 07/13 VN125 Petitioner's/Respondent's Statement of Agreement and Disagreement 07/13 Mandatory VN130 Ex Parte Petition to Access an Unlawful Detainer Action (Limited Civil Case) - 07/03 CCP 1161.2 VN131 Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure 07/03 VN132 Release of Medical Information 01/02 VN133 Release of School Information 07/12 Mandatory VN135 Probate / Parental Rights; Fax for Continuance 01/22 VN138 Clerk's Certificate Re Satisfaction of Judgement 01/06 VN139 Small Claims Information Sheet 05/21 VN140 Declaration for Entry of Satisfaction of Judgment 07/05 VN146 Motion for Order Continuing 07/22 VN147 Motion for Order Setting Aside/Vacating Default/Staying Execution of Judgment 01/10 (Civil) VN148 Order Granting Motion for Order Setting Aside/Vacating Default/Staying Execution 07/10 of Judgment (Civil)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN152 Stipulation and Order for Payment of Judgment in Installments (Limited Civil) 07/03 VN153 Notice of Motion and Motion to Pay Judgment in Installments and for Stay of 01/20 Execution of Judgment VN154 Order for Payment of Judgement in Installments and for Stay of Execution of 01/20 Judgment VN155 Order for Continuance (Civil) 07/22 VN156 Request and Order for Publication or Posting 05/21 VN160 Motion for Order Releasing Evidence 07/12 VN161 Order Releasing Evidence 07/01 VN162 Order (Civil) 07/25 Mandatory VN163 Family Court Services Intake Questionnaire 07/25 VN164 Stipulation to Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Process 07/25 VN165 Verification 07/03 VN170 Order Confirming Arbitration Award 07/03 VN171 Request for Visitation (Guardianship) 01/19 VN172 Petition for Restricted License (Adult) 01/24 VN173 Petition for Restricted License (Juvenile) 07/05 VN174 Writ of Execution - Attachment 20 01/04 VN175 Clerk's Certificate of Costs (CCP 668.090) 01/04 VN179 Request for Relief from Default, Extension of Time to File Appellant's Opening 07/09 Brief; Declaration and Order VN180 Request for Relief from Default, Extension of Time to File Statement On Appeal; 07/09 Declaration and Order Mandatory VN182 Confirmation of Viewing Conservatorship Video 01/22 VN185 Marital/Partnership Settlement Agreement (Attachment to Judgment) 07/22 VN186 Attachment to Family Law Judgment (Property and Debt) 01/06 VN187 Small Claims Itemization of Debt Attachment 07/07 Mandatory VN189 Stipulation for Court Commissioner to Act as Temporary Judge for All Purposes 07/25 (Family Law) Mandatory VN190 Application for Real Property Equity Bond and Delcaration of Property Owner(s) 01/08 Mandatory VN191 Promissory Note Re: Property Equity Bond 01/08 Mandatory VN192 Order Approving Property Equity Bond 01/08 Mandatory VN193 Request for Copy of Notice of Default and Sale 07/16 Mandatory VN194 Certificate of Acceptance 01/08 Mandatory VN195 Property Bond Information Sheet 07/16 VN197 Notice of Motion and Motion to Transfer Case to Appropriate Court 01/08 VN198 Order Transferring Case to Appropriate Court 01/08 Mandatory VN200 Petition for Authorization to Inspect Adoption and Birth Record Information and to 01/10 Obtain Copies Mandatory VN201 Petition for Approval of Adoption Agreement (Adult) 01/21 Mandatory VN202 Adoption Agreement (Adult) 07/24 Mandatory VN203 Consent of Spouse to Adoption (Adult) 01/08 Mandatory VN204 Order of Adoption (Adult) 01/21 VN205 Petition to Determine Parental Rights of Alleged Natural Father and to Terminate 07/08 the Parental Rights of Alleged Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) [FC 7630, 7660 Et Seq] VN206 Notice of Hearing to Determine Paternity and to Terminate Parental Rights of 07/08 Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Section 7664] VN207 Notice to Alleged Father of Right to File Action to Determine Paternity [Family 07/08 Code 7662(A)(2)] VN208 Findings and Orders Regarding Paternity and Terminating Parental Rights of 07/08 Alleged Natural Father (Step-Parent Adoption) (Family Code 7664)

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN209 Ex Parte Application for Order Dispensing with Notice to Unknown Father or to 07/09 Alleged Father Whose Wherabouts Remain Unknown and Terminating Parental Rights; Order (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Sections 7665, 7666] VN210 Declaration of Due Diligence in Attempts to Locate Alleged Natural Father (Step- 07/08 Parent Adoption [Family Code Sections 7665, 7666] VN211 Petition for Order Dispensing With Further Notice to Alleged Natural Father and 07/08 Terminating Alleged Natural Father’s Parental Rights (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Section 7630(c), 7664(a)] VN212 Order Dispensing With Further Notice to Alleged Natural Father and Terminating 07/08 Parental Rights (Step-Parent Adoption) [Family Code Sections 7630(c), 7664(a)] VN213 Objection to Petition for Appointment of Guardian [Probate Code 1514, Ventura 07/08 Court Local Rule 10.00 F.4] VN214 Objection to Motion for Visitation [Guardianship] 07/08 VN215 Conditional Settlement Agreement for Judgment Creditor Cases – Small Claims 07/09 Mandatory VN219 Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement 07/26 VN220 Request for Report from Human Services 01/11 VN223 Citation Regarding Petition to Declare Child Free From Parental Custody and 01/09 Control VN224 Small Claims Settlement Agreement 07/09 Mandatory VN225 Notice of Appeal – Parking 07/09 Mandatory VN230 Request for Continuance 10/25 VN231 Mailing Address of Parent 07/10 Mandatory VN232 Attachment 07/10 Mandatory VN233 Conservatorship Status Report 01/25 VN234 Ex Parte Application for Temporary Guardianship 07/14 VN235 Order on Ex Parte Application for Temporary Guardianship 07/14 VN237 Attachment to Financial Statement (Simplified) 01/11 VN239 Statement of Legal Grounds for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights 07/11 VN240 Parentage Agreement 01/12 VN241 Petition for Dismissal of an Infraction 01/12 Mandatory VN243 Agreement and Order Re Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore 07/16 VN244 Stipulation to Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore 01/13 VN245 Calendaring Request and Notice Supporting Declaration (Juvenile Dependency) 01/13 VN246 Notice of Posting Advance Jury Fees 07/13 Mandatory VN248 Confidential Ex Parte / Temporary Conservatorship Information Summary (For 01/15 Court Investigator) VN249 Request for Copy of Juvenile Case File/Document 01/16 VN250 Request for Interpreter 01/26 VN250sp Request for Interpreter (Solicitud Para Intérprete) 01/26 VN251 Citation to Appear at Hearing to Find Parent's Consent Not Necessary for Child's 07/23 Adoption VN254 Order - Visitation (Guardianship Case) 01/19 VN255 Proof of Service by Mail of Request for Visitation (Guardianship Case) 01/19 VN256 Request for Removal of Co-Guardian 01/19 VN258 Proof of Service by Mail for Conservatorship Status Report 07/25 VN259 Stipulation to Bar Access to Record of Unlawful Detainer Action 07/19 VN261 Declaration of Due Diligence and Request for Order Dispensing with Notice 07/20 Mandatory VN262 Conservatorship Preliminary / Interim Financial Declaration 01/21 Mandatory VN263 Family Law Status Conference Procedural Milestones 07/22 VN267 Informal Accounting - Blocked Accounts [Confidential] 01/22 VN268 Order for Investigation and Report - Family Code Sections 7850 and 7851 01/24 Mandatory VN269 Declaration Re: Firearms, Firearms Parts, and Ammunition Ownership 01/25 VN270 Notice of Appeal – Administrative Hearing (Menacing Dog) 01/24

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 NUMBER DOCUMENT NAME DATE REV. VN271 Notice of Assignment of Mediator 07/25 VN272 Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date 07/25 VN273 Request for Service by Certified Mail / Return Receipt - Small Claims 01/25 VN274 Mediator's Notice of Acceptance or Recusal 07/25 VN276 Notice of Registration of Out-of-State Support Order (DCSS) 07/26 VN277 Declaration Regarding Notice and Service of Request to Reschedule Hearing 07/26 (Family Law) VN278 Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum 07/26

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INDICES

Revised July 1, 2026

VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT County of Ventura 800 S. Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 Telephone (805) 289-8900 ©2025. All Rights Reserved.

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 List of Abbreviations

App. Appendix
BPC Business and Profession Code
CAC California Administrative Code
CC Civil Code
CCP Code of Civil Procedure
CRC California Rules of Court
EC Evidence Code
Exh. Exhibit
FC Family Code
FF Filing Fees of the Superior Court of California

GC Government Code HSC Health and Safety Code JCR Juvenile Court Rules (California Rules of Court) JCF Judicial Council Forms LC Labor Code PeC Penal Code PC Probate Code VC Rules of the Superior Court of Ventura County VCM Rules of the Municipal Court of Ventura County WIC Welfare and Institutions Code

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Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026 Ventura County Superior Court Indices

Accountings .................................... 10.00(D)(5), 10.03(C)(1)(c) Administration ............................1.01-3.00, 16.01-19.07 Adoptions ........................................ 9.50, 9.51, 12.02(E)(3) Alternative dispute resolution .........3.03.1(A) Appeals ............................2.2.01, 12.02(E)(1)(a), 14.00-14.07, 18.00(G) Appearances generally ............................3.03.1, 3.08(B)(2), 3.17, 3.24(A), 4.02(A), 6.08(A)(C)(1)(D)(E)(3)(F), 8.00(A), 9.03.1(D), 9.12(F)(I)(J), 9.13(A), 9.19(A)(4), 9.32(G), 9.33(B)(G), 10.00(B)(D)(5)(E), 10.01(C)(8), 10.02(F)(2), 11.00, 11.01(A), 12.02(D)(1)(4)(5)(E)(1)(N)(6); see PC 1825(b)(c), FC 6303 telephone appearances..............7.00, 7.01, 10.00(B)(E); see CRC 3.670 video appearances .................... 10.00(B)(E), 27.00 Appearance, stipulation and waivers .............................. 9.19(B)(6); see JCF FL130 Application of rules.........................1.00, 1.01, 3.17, 3.18, 9.00, 19.00; see CCP 575.1 Arbitration ............................3.09(A), 3.23, 6.03, 6.04, 6.06, 6.07 Assignment of cases........................3.03.1, 3.21, 3.22, 4.02(F), 9.02, 9.32(D), 12.04(7), 13.00, 13.01, 15.01 Attorneys appointed counsel ..................... 6.08(C)(2), 9.30(A)(3)(c), 9.43, 10.02(C), 10.03(A)(4), 12.02(C)(D)(G)(I)(J)(1)(L)(3)(Q)((2)(3), 21.02, 21.03; see FC 3150, PeC 987, 987.05, 987.3, PC 3100, WIC 317(e) competence ............................12.02(C)(D), Ch. 12, App. III; see CRC 5.660 complaints against attorneys .... 9.43, 12.02(J); see CRC 5.240(e) District Attorney ......................9.18(A), 12.00(C); see WIC 11350, 11350.1, 11475.1, 11476.1, 11489 duties ........................................ App. I; see BPC 6068(b) education/training .................... 12.02(D)(E) fees ............................3.17, 9.02, 9.03.1(D), 9.08(A)(4), 9.15-9.18, 9.19(B)(2)(3), 10.02(I)(1)(h), 21.03, 25.00 meet and confer........................8.12(N), 9.08(A)(1), 9.33(H); see FC 3177 opposing counsel......................8.12(B)(N), 9.19(C)(3), 11.03 paralegals ................................. 21.04(A) probate cases ............................ 10 (Intro), 10.00(B)(C) public defenders ....................... 21.03(A) research attorneys ..................... 10.00(H)(1) Standards of Professional Conduct ............................. App. I standards of representation ....... 12.02(F) substitution/withdrawal ............ 12.02(D)(4)(5)(E)(4) Bonds/undertakings ......................... 4.05, 10.00(D)(5)(c), 10.03(A)(2)(B)(C)(1)(e), 10.04(C); see CRC 7.201(b), 7.204-7.207, PC 2320, 2321, 2328, 8571 Briefs ............................8.12(B)(O)(2), 9.19(C)(3), 11.03, 14.03 Calendaring ..................................... 3.08, 3.21(B), 6.02, 6.03(E), 6.08(E), 8.05, 9.03(A) Case management generally ................................... 3.00 conferences ............................3.03.1(A)(B), 3.08(C), 6.08(A)-(D) generally .............. 9.03 mediator complaint procedure..3.24.1, see also CRC 3.865 Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC)/Mediation...................9.30-9.35; see CRC 5.215 Civil actions generally ................................... 4.05 limited civil cases.....................2.2.01(B), 14.07(A)(B), 14.08(A); see CRC 8.831 unlimited civil cases.................2.2.01(A), 23.13(A) 104

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

Clerks/judicial secretary .................. 2.2.01(A)(B), 2.04(B)(C), 3.03.1(A), 5.05, 8.12(N), 9.03.1(C), 9.05, 9.06(A), 9.12(A)(K), 9.13(C), 9.19(B)(1)(4), 9.20(B)(4), 9.21, 9.32(A), 9.33(A), 10.01(A)(1)(5)(C)(4)-(8), 10.02(A)(3)(B)(1)(D)(1)(H), 10.04(B), 12.02(B)(3)(L)(1)(N)(1)(3)(O)(2)(4)(Q)(1)-(3), 14.07, 15.01, 21.03(B), App. I(I)(4), II Commissioners ................................ 5.04; see CCP 259 Complex litigation ........................... 3.08 Compromise of claims .................... See CCP 372 Confidentiality ................................ 3.13(B), 4.04(D), 10.01(C)(5)(b)(D), 10.02(F)(2)(I)(1)(J)(1), 10.03(C)(1)(b), 12.00(A)(F), 12.01, 12.02(B)(1)(L), 15.03(B), 19.10; see JCF JV590, GC212, PeC 11166, 11168 Conflict of interest ..........................2.04; see 2 AC 18730, GC- 87300 Conservatorships ............................10.00(B)(2), 10.02, 10.03(A); see JCF GC348, PC 2257(2)(b), 2341 Construction defect cases ................ 3.08(B)(C) Contempt proceedings ..................... 18.00(D), 26.00(B) Continuances ................................... 3.24(A)(B), 6.04, 8.04, 9.06(E)(2), 9.12(J), 9.19(B)(6), 9.30(A)(3), 10.00(H), 10.02(B)(1)(D)(1)(G), 10.03(C)(1)(h)(3) Contractual claims ........................... 21.01; see JCF 982.1(20)(21) Coordination of cases ...................... 10.01(A)(6) Corporations .................................... 9.18(A)(2)(a) Courts Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) ........... 12.00(B)(2)-(4)(C)(23), 12.02(G)(3)(H)(K)(2)(3)(c)(L)(1), 12.04; see CRC 5.655, WIC 100 et seq. court employees ....................... 2.3(C)(I), 16.01-16.02 court investigator .....................10.02(A)(1)(D)(F)(1)(G)(I)(3)(N), 10.03(C)(1)(h)(2); see PC 1454, 1826, 1851, 1894, 2684 court reporter............................2.04(C), 14.08(A), 18.00(E); see CRC 2.956(b)(c), GC 68086 courtroom security ................... 17.00 recording/photographing/broadcasting in court ............................26.00; see CRC 1.150(e) , JCF MC500, MC510 Criminal cases ............................2.2.01(A)(B), 10.01(C)(3), 11.00-11.05, 14.07(C)(D), 14.08(B)(C), 18.00(G), 21.02; see CRC 8.863, 8.868, 8.869, 8.915, 8.924, PeC 995, 1538.5 Default proceedings ........................3.03.1(A), 3.17, 3.29, 5.04, 9.19(B), 21.01(A); see JCF FL165, 982(a)(6), 1286, 1286.50, FL165 Delay reduction program.................3.00 et seq., 6.08(C)(3); see JCF DR100-DR120 Delinquency ............................12.00(A), 12.00.1(C)(D) Demurrers........................................ 4.02(A) Departmental organization .............. 2.02, 3.21 Dependency ............................10.02(K)(2), 12.00(C)(19), 12.00.1(B)(D)(F), 12.02, 12.04(7), App. II; see JCF JV100, JV180, IRC 83327 Detention ......................................... 12.00(I)(5) Disclosure ............................9.19(A)(3)(B)(2)(6)(C)(5), 9.30(A)(5), 12.00.1; see JCF FL141, FC 2105, 2106 Discovery ............................9.18, 9.19(C)(1)(7), 12.02, App. I(G)(4); see CRC 5.546, JCF 982(a)(21), 1292.10- 1292.15, FI100-FI129 Dismissal ............................3.03.1(A), 3.09, 3.17, 3.23, 6.08(C)(1), 9.02, 9.03.1(A)(D)(E), 10.02(I)(2)(J)(3), 12.02(A)(2)(M), 14.06; see JCF 982(a)(5), CCP 473(b), 583.210, 583.310, 664.6 Disposition of cases ........................9.03.1(A), 9.12(F), 9.19(C)(8), 12.00(I)(3)(7) East county ...................................... 2.03 Economic hardship .......................... 19.02(C), see JCF 982(a)(17)-(20) Elisor ............................................... 3.31 Electronic mail ................................ 7.01(D) Electronic recordings ......................14.08, 18.00(G); see CRC 2.952, 2.956(e), 8.835(c), 8.837(d), GC 69957 Eminent domain proceedings .......... 4.02 Evidence 105

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

declarations .............................. 3.29, 5.05, 6.06, 6.08(D), 9.06(A)(B), 9.08(A), 9.09(A)(D), 9.12(E)(F), 9.13(C), 9.19(B)(2)(5)-(7)(C)(5), 9.20(A)(2), 9.42, 10.00(D)(1), 10.01(A)(3)(C)(6), 10.02(B)(3)(E)(3)(F)(2), 10.03(A)(1), 12.02(K)(1)(N)(4), 14.06(A), 15.03(A), 21.03(B), 21.04(B)-(D); see JCF 1285.40, JCF FL105, GC120, MC030, MC031, CCP 585(d), 2015.5, EC 452(b), 453, 455(b), 1500.5, FC 2106, 2350.5, 3200.5, PeC 1203.4, 1203.4a depositions ............................... 8.12(O)(7)(9), 9.19(C)(1)(7); see CCP 2025(l)-(u) documents ............................2.2.01(A), 3.21(A), 8.12(O)(9), 9.14, 9.18, 9.19(A)(3)(B)(2)(5)(6)(C)(4), 9.33(C), 10.00(C)(2), 10.01(A)(1)(3)(C)(2)(6)(7)(I)(1), 10.02(D)(1)(E)(1)(F)(2), 11.04(1), 12.00, 12.00.1(E), 12.02(B)(1)(3)(E)(1)(b)(L)(4)(N)(1), 21.03(B); see WIC 827 exclusion .................................. 8.12(E) exhibits ..................................... 5.02(B), 5.04, 8.12(E)(J)(O)(5)(9), 12.00(B)(6), 14.01(B), App. I(I); see CRC 5.552, WIC 827, 828 experts ............................8.12(K), 21.04(A)(B), 22.00 objections ................................. 8.12(C)(2)(D)(2), 9.13(A)(B), 9.32(E), 10.00(B)(2)(E), 10.01(C)(1)(5), 10.03(A)(1)(c), 12.02(N)(5)(Q)(2), 27.00, App. I(D)(F)(4)(G)(1) offers of proof .......................... 10.00(D)(1)(2) translations ............................... 20.00 videoconference ....................... 27.00 witnesses .................................. 8.12(C)(D)(1)(I)-(K)(O)(3), 9.19(A)(3), 9.30(A)(5), 9.33(J)(2), 9.41(1), 10.00(B)(1)(E), 14.01(B), 20.00, 21.04(B), 26.00(B), App. I(B)(3)(D)(2)(F)(H)(4); see JCF DE130, DE131, FC 6211 see Filings, Motions, Trials Ex parte matters............................... 3.19(A), 8.04(C), 9.04(A), 9.05, 9.06(A), 9.08(A), 9.09, 9.12(F), 9.19(A)(4)(C)(8), 9.30(A)(6), 9.33(C), 9.51(C)(D), 10.00(D), 10.01(C), 10.02(C)(1), 10.03(A)(1), 11.01(A), 12.02(N)(Q)(3), 15.00-15.03, 18.00(D); see CRC 3.1302(c), PC 2250(c) Executive Officer ............................ 2.00(B), 2.04(B)(C), 4.02(B)-(D), 5.01, 6.03(C), 9.21, 10.04(B), 16.01-16.02, 18.00(B), 19.01(B), 20.00, 21.01(A), 21.03(B) Family court communication .......... 9.41 Family law proceedings abuse/neglect ............................ 9.33(D), 10.01(C)(1)(4), 12.02(E)(1)(a), 18.00(D); see PeC 11164 et seq. child custody ............................ 9.09(D), 9.10(C)(2)(3), 9.30(A)(1)(3), 9.31, 9.32, 9.33(A)(D)(1)(b)(I)(1), 9.40, 9.41, 10.01(A)(2)(7)(B), 12.02(A)(2)(M); see CRC 5.210 et seq., JCF 1291.10, 1296.31A-1296.31B(3), MC150, CC 4600 et seq., CCP 640.1, FC 3110, 3160 et seq., 4200, WIC 281 child development .................... 12.02(E)(1)(a) Child Protective Services ......... 10.01(A)(4)(C)(3)(4), 12.00(C) child welfare services programs ........................... 12.00(B)(2)-(5) child's interests ......................... 12.02(K) child support ............................9.15-9.18, 9.19(B)(2)(3)(7)(C)(3), 9.20(A)(1)(B)(1); see JCF 1285.25-1285.39, 1285.80, 1296.31B(1)-(3), 1297-1297.93, FC 4055(b)(7) Department of Child Support Services ............... 9.20(A)(5), 18.00(D) dissolution/legal separation/ nullity ............................9.01(A), 9.03(A), 9.03.1(A)(C), 9.19(A)(3)(5)-(7); see JCF FL170 domestic partners ..................... App. II domestic relations .................... 10.01(A)(2) domestic violence ..................... 9.01(J), 9.03(A), 9.05, 9.09(B)(C), 9.33(F), 12.02(E)(1)(a), 18.00(D); see FC 6200 et seq. evaluations ............................... 9.30(A)(1)(3)(d)(e), 9.33(I)(3)(4), 12.02(B)(1); see CRC 5.220, CC 4370, 4370.5, EC 730, FC 3110 et seq., WIC 281 ex parte applications ................9.04(A), 9.05, 9.08(A), 15.01, 15.03 Family Centered Case 106

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

Resolution ......................... 9.03.1; see CRC 5.83 Family Court Services .............. 9.20(A)(5), 9.30(A)(1), 9.31, 9.32(H)(I), 9.33(A), 9.35, 9.42, 9.41(1), 10.01(A)(1)(B)(C)(4), 12.02(A)(2) family law facilitators ..............9.03.1(C), 9.20, 9.21; see FC 10000 et seq., 10100 et seq. family reunification/ preservation ....................... 12.02(E)(1)(a) generally ............................2.2.01(A), 4.05 income computations ............... 9.15(A)(C), 9.16 investigations ........................... 9.30(A)(1)(3)(e), 9.33(I)(3), 12.02(E)(3)(K); see FC 3110 et seq., marital settlement agreements 9.19(B)(2)(3)(6) mediation ................................. 3.07(B), 3.24, 9.10(C)(2)(3), 9.20(B)(6), 9.30, 9.41(1), 12.02; see JCF ADR100, FC 3170, 3183 parental issues ..........................9.03.1(A)(C), 9.20(A)(1), 9.30(A)(1)(3)(a), 9.31, 9.32, 9.33(I)(1), 9.40(1), 9.50, 12.02(A)(2)(E)(3) Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act .................................... 12.02(E)(3) paternity ................................... 9.20(A)(2) public assistance benefits ......... 12.02(E)(3), 9.19(B)(7) spousal/partner support ............9.15-9.18, 9.19(B)(2)(3), 9.20(A)(1)(B)(1), 10.02(C)(1), App. II; see JCF 1285.27, 1285.30A-1285.39, 1285.80, 1296.31C taxes ......................................... 9.18(A)(1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(b) temporary restraining orders ....9.09(A)(C), 9.10(C), 9.33(F)(I)(5); see JCF 1285.05, 1295.90-1296.29, 1296.61, JV250, CCP 527.6, FC 3183(c) uncontested matters..................9.12(I)(J); see JCF 1282.50, 1285.34, 1286.50 Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act ...............10.01(A)(3)(C)(5), 12.02(E)(3); see JCF FL105, GC120, PC 1510(f), 1512 Uniform Parentage Act ............ 9.19(B)(2)(5)(6); see JCF FL250 visitation ................................... 9.10(C)(2)(3), 9.30(A)(1)(3), 9.31, 9.32, 9.33(A)(D)(I)(1), 9.42, 9.40, 9.41, 9.42, 10.01(B), 12.02(A)(2)(P); see CRC 5.210 et seq., JCF 1296.31A, MC150, CC 4601, 4601.5, CCP 640.1, FC 3160 et seq., 3200.5 see Judgments, Orders, Orders to show cause Fees and costs ............................5.05, 7.01(A), 9.02, 9.03.1(D), 9.08(A)(4), 9.12(E), 9.15-9.18, 9.19(A)46)(B)(2), 10.00(G), 10.02(D)(2)(L), 10.03(C)(1)(h)(1), 18.00(D)(E), 21.03(B), 21.04(A), 25.00, App. II; see JCF MC010, MC011, GC 70617(c)(1), PC 2640-2646 Filings access ....................................... 5.02 arbitration award ...................... 6.03(G), 6.04 copies ............................3.03.1(B), 3.14, 3.19(B), 4.01, 4.02(B), 5.05, 6.08(B), 9.13(C), 9.18(A), 9.32(A), 9.42, 10.00(C)(2), 10.01(A)(1)(3)(B), 10.02(D)(1), 10.03(A)(1)(a)(c)(D), 10.04(A), 12.02(B)(2)(3)(5)(E)(2)(L)(1)(O)(4) (Q)(2)(3), 12.04(7), 14.03, 14.08(B)(C), 15.03(A), 21.03(B); see CRC 3.55(2) electronic filing ........................4.05, 10.00(C)(2); see CCP 1010.6 exhibits ..................................... 5.02(B), 5.04 Filings (cont’d) fax filing ................................... 4.04, 9.12(E)(K), 9.19(A)(4), 15.03(A) fees ........................................... App. II; see FF, JCF 982(17)-(19) financial statement ................... 9.19(B)(2) form .......................................... 3.08(A), 3.15(B), 4.02(F), 4.03, 8.12(N), 12.02(L)(1), 15.03(A), 21.03(B), App. III; see JCF income and expense declaration.........................9.16, 9.17, 9.19(B)(2)(C)(4), 12.02(N)(1); see JCF 1285.50-1285.50b, 1292.15, FC 3552 jury instructions ....................... 8.12(L) motions..................................... 31.8(B) 107

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

notice of appeal ........................ 2.2.01 notice of settlement (deleted) ... 3.16 opposition papers ..................... 7.01(B), 8.12(N), 10.00(B)(2)(D)(2), 10.01(C)(7), 10.02(N)(1), 11.04, 12.02(L)(1)(Q)(4); see JCF 982.5(7), 1282, 1285.40, 1296.20, MC020 pleadings ............................3.00, 3.15, 4.02 proof of service ........................3.03.1(A), 3.08(B)(1), 3.14, 3.15, 4.03, 6.03(G), 9.19(B)(2), 9.18(A), 12.02(B)(1); see JCF 982(a)(23), 1283.5, 1285.38, 1296.40, GC030, CCP 1290.4, FC 2106, 2330.5 statement of the case ................ 8.12(G)(O)(3) stipulation for continuance ....... 9.12(E) time requirements ..................... 3.08(B), 3.13(B), 3.15(A), 3.18, 3.24, 6.04(D), 6.08(B), 7.01(C), 9.06(A), 9.10(C), 9.12(C)(E)(1)(F)(J), 9.13(A), 9.19(A)(3)(B)(4), 9.23(A)(1), 10.00(D)(1)(F), 10.01(C)(3)(5), 10.02(I)(2), 10.03(C)(1)(h)(3)(D)(E), 11.00, 12.02(D)(1)(E)(4)(Q)(7), 21.03(B), 27.00 wills .......................................... 10.04(A) see Briefs, Motions, Pleadings Findings ........................................... 6.08(E)(F), 12.02(B)(4)(5)(G)(2)(H) Forfeiture ......................................... 18.00(D) Foreclosure ...................................... 21.01(B)(C) Grand jury ....................................... 19.07 Guardians/Guardian ad litem........... 10.01(A)(2)(5)(C)(3), 12.00(C)(3)(23)(H), 12.02(G)(3)(H)(K)(2)(3)(c); see JCF GC212, GC248, WIC 326.5 Guardianships.................................. 3.08(F), 10.00(B)(3), 10.01, 10.03(A), 12.02(K)(3)(c); see CRC 3.1203(a), JCF JV325-JV355, JV825, DE110-GC250, CCP 372, PC 1513, 2250(c), 2257(2)(b), 2590-2591 Habeas corpus ................................. 13.00(F); see JCF MC275, PC 1473 et seq. Harassment ...................................... 9.01(K), 9.09(E), 18.00(D) Health care issues ............................ 12.02(E)(3) Hearings adoption hearings .....................9.51; FC 8612, 8613, 8613.5, 8718, 8823, 8913, 9007, 9324 appointment of conservator ...... 10.03(A)(3) appointment of guardian .......... 10.03(A)(3) calendaring ............................9.03.1(A), 9.06(E)(3), 9.10, 9.12, 10.00(D), 10.01(A)(1)(C)(5)-(10), 10.02(B)(F)(1)(I)(2)(M)(1), 12.02(A)(1)(L)(1)(N)(1)(2)(O)(3)-(5)(Q)(2)(3)(5), 15.01, 21.03(B), 27.00 continuances ............................. 9.10(C)(3), 9.12(E)(J), 9.30(A)(2), 9.32(C)(I), 10.01(A)(1), 10.02(B)(1)(D)(1)(G), 10.03(C)(1)(h)(3) criminal cases ........................... 11.00 default hearings ........................ 3.29, 9.19(B)(1)(2) disposition hearings ................. 12.02(L)(1) evidentiary hearings ................. 9.12(F), 9.32(H), 10.00(B)(3), 12.02(L)(1)(O)(3)(6) ex parte hearings ...................... 9.05, 10.01(C), 12.02(N)(3), 15.00, 15.03(A), 21.03(B) juvenile hearings ...................... 12.00(B)(6); see WIC 827, 828 notice ........................................ 6.08(C)(1)(E), 9.06, 9.08(A)(1), 9.09(E), 9.12(K), 10.01(C)(3)(9)(10), 10.02(B)(1)(K)(3), 12.02(O)(4); see JCF GC020, PC 1460, 2250(c)(f) oral argument ........................... 9.04(B), 14.03(D) probate cases ............................ 10.02(B)(1)(2)(F)(K)(3)(o) review hearings ........................ 12.04(8) traffic cases .............................. 11.00 uncontested matters..................9.12(I)(J), 10.00(B); see JCF 1282.50, 1285.34, 1286.50 Hearing, stipulation and orders ....... 9.14 Human Services Agency ................. 10.01(A)(1)(C)(2)(4)(5), 12.00(C)(9) Immigration issues .......................... 12.02(E)(3) Indemnification ............................... 3.08(B); see JCF 982.1(14) Indigents ............................9.03.2, 21.03, 21.04(B); see CCP 413.30 Indian Child Welfare Act IWCA) ... 10.01(C)(4), 12.02(B)(1)(E)(3); see JCF ICWA010(A) In forma pauperis ............................ 9.06(B) 108

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

Interpreters ...................................... 9.10(D), 20.00-20.01 Inventory and appraisements ........... 10.00(F), 10.03(C)(1)(b); see PC 2328, 2610, 2613, 2628, 8800 et seq. Investigations .................................. 9.30(A)(1)(3)(e), 9.35, 10.01(A)(1)(D), 10.02(A)(1)(D)(F)(2)(G)(I)(3)(M)(1)(N), 12.00(C)(5)(6), 12.02(E)(3)(K), 21.04(A); see FC 3110 et seq., PC 1454, 1513, 1851 Involuntary commitment/treatment. 13.01 Judges absences ................................... 15.01 appellate judges ........................ 15.03(A) arbitration ................................. 6.03(B) assigned judges ........................ 3.08, 3.21(A), 4.02(F), 10.01(C)(4) assistant presiding judge .......... 2.01 bench officers...........................12.00.1(B) criminal judges ......................... 11.01(A)(B), 21.03(B) disqualification.........................3.22, 10.01(C)(4), 15.01; see CCP 170.1-170.6 elections ................................... 2.01(B) family law judges ..................... 9.12(E)(H)(K), 9.19(A)(4), 9.20(B)(2), 9.34, 9.43(2) generally ................................... 8.00(C), 9.41(1), 19.09(A) grand jury selection .................. 19.07 grievances ................................ 9.35 judicial assistants ..................... 8.12(B), 19.03(C), 19.09(C) judicial officers ........................3.03.1(A), 12.00(C)(20) juvenile court judges ................ 12.02(M)(O)(2)(3) law and motion ......................... 15.03(B) meetings ................................... 2.00, 2.01(B), 19.07(C) peremptory challenges ............. 3.22, 9.32(E)(1)(2) presiding Judge ........................2.00-2.02, 2.04(C), 2.06(B), 6.03(B), 12.00.1(C)(D)(F), 12.02(J)(2)(M), 13.00, 14.00, 19.03(D), 19.07(A)(B), 19.10, 26.00(B)App. I(A) probate judges .......................... 10.00(C)(2), 10.04(B) signatures ................................. 9.13(C) superior court judges ................ 19.07(B)(C) supervising judges....................2.01(A), 9.43(2), 10.01(A)(8)(C)(4), 15.01, 21.03(B), 21.04(F) temporary judges ...................... 25.00 vacation/leaves ......................... 2.06 Judgments ....................................... 3.29, 9.06(B), 9.13(A)(B)(D), 9.14, 9.19(B)(5)-(7), 21.01(A); see JCF 1287-1290, 1295.20, EJ100-EJ195, FL180, FL190, FL230, FL250, CCP 664, PC 2580 et seq. Juries demand/request for jury trial .... 13.01, 19.08(C) generally ............................19.02(D), App. I(B)(3); see CCP 218 instructions ............................... 8.12(G)(I)(L)(2)-(3)(O)(6), 14.01(B), 19.09, Exh. A; see CCP 607 et seq. jury commissioner....................19.01, 19.02(B)-(E), 19.03(C)(D), 19.04, 19.05(B), 19.07(A)(B), 19.10 selection ............................8.12(C), 14.01(B), 19.02-19.07, 19.08(B), App. I(E)(2); see CCP 200, 222.5, 225-232 verdicts ..................................... 8.12(L)(4) voir dire .................................... 8.12(C)(1) waiver of jury trial ................... 19.08(C) Jurisdiction generally ............................3.09(B), 6.08(C)(1), 12.00.1(D), 12.02(K); see PC 1460, CCP 664.6 limited ...................................... 3.21(A), 18.00(G) unlimited .................................. 3.21(A), 18.00(D) Juvenile court cases.........................2.2.01(B), 5.04, 12.00, 12.00.1, 12.04(2); see JCF JV100-JV740, WIC 300, 601, 602, 827, 828 Juvenile division.............................. 2.02(C) Law and motion ............................7.00, 8.04-8.05, 9.04(A), 9.08(A)(3), 9.12(C), 10.00(H), 18.00(D) 109

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

Letters ............................................. 10.01(A)(5)(C)(4), 10.02(A)(3)(H), 10.03(A)(3); see JCF GC150, GC250 Lis pendens ..................................... 4.02(B); see CCP 409 Lodged materials ............................3.13(B), 3.19(B), 8.12(O)(7)(9), 10.00(B)(C), 12.00.1(E), 15.03(A) Mandatory settlement conferences 3.13, 3.24, 9.19(A)(B)(4)(5) Master calendar department ............ 13.01, 18.00(D) Media coverage ............................26.00(A); CRC 1.150(e), JCF MC500, MC510 Mediation/Child Custody Recommending Counseling ............................... 2.04(C), 3.07(B), 3.24, 9.10(C)(2)(3), 9.20(B)(6), 9.30, 9.41(1), 10.01(B), 12.02; see CRC 5.210 et seq., JCF ADR100, FC 3160 et seq., 3183 Mental health proceedings ..............2.2.01(A), 9.33(D)(2), 12.00(B)(1), 12.02(E)(3), 13.00, 13.01, 27.00 Minors ............................................. 9.15(B), 9.32(F), 9.33(J)(1), 10.01(A)(1)(5)-(7)(B)(C), 12.00(A)(C)(14)(19)-(21)(E)(H)(I), 12.01, 12.02(A)(2)(B)(1)(3)(N)(5)(P)(Q)(4) Motions calendaring ............................... 3.19(A), 8.05, 15.01 continuances ............................. 8.04, 9.12(F), 9.19(C)(8) criminal cases...........................11.04, 11.05; see PeC 995, 1538.5 ex parte motions ....................... 10.01(A)(2) family law motions................... 9.10-9.14 motions in limine ..................... 8.12(N)(O)(2) notice of motion .......................8.05, 9.10.1, 9.12(F), 9.19(C)(8), 10.01(A)(2), 15.00; see CRC 5.119, FC 217 pretrial motions ........................ 8.12(N)(O)(2), 11.03 suppression of evidence ........... 11.05; see PeC 1538.5 see Calendaring, Demurrers, Filings Name change ................................... 9.06(B) Narcotics addiction cases ................ 13.00(C)(D) Notice ............................3.03.1, 3.17(E), 3.22, 6.08(B)(C)(1)(D)(E), 7.01(C)(D), 8.00(A)(B), 9.05, 9.06, 9.08(A)(1), 9.10.1, 9.12(E)(K), 9.13(A), 9.19(B)(5)(6), 9.30(A)(6), 9.32(A), 9.42, 10.00(B)(3)(C)(2)(D)(1)(5), 10.01(A)(1)(7)(C)(2)(3)(5), 10.02(B)(G)(I)(3)(J), 10.03(A)(1), 11.03, 12.02(D)(4)(E)(4)(L)(1)(N)(3)(4)(6), 12.02(C)(4)(K)(2)(l)(1)(N)(1)(3)(4)(6)(O)(4), 14.03(D), 14.06, 14.07(B); see CRC 3.722, 3.1204, 5.167, 7.1012, CCP 527.6, FC 6300, PC 1460, 2250(c) Orders administrative orders ................ 2.01(D) appeals ..................................... 14.00 appearances .............................. 9.51(C) arbitration ................................. 3.09, 3.23 CASA orders ............................ 12.04(8) case management orders .......... 3.08(B)(C), 6.08(C), 9.19(A)(1) child custody recommending counseling orders ............. 9.34 child's interests .......................... 9.33(I)(1) conservatorships ....................... 10.02(H) continuances ............................. 9.06(E)(2) court investigator ..................... 10.02(A)(1); see JCF GC310, PC 1454 court orders .............................. 3.13(A), 3.24(A), 5.05, 6.07, 9.06(E)(3), 9.12(F), 9.13(B)-(D), 9.19(B)(5)(C)(7), 9.32(I), 9.33(C)(D), 9.40(2)(a), 9.51(B), 10.00(H)(4)(5), 10.01(B)(C)(5), 10.02(D)(2)(L)(3), 10.03(C)(3), 12.00(A)(C)(12)(24)(I)(5), 12.00.1(B), 12.02(A)(2)(B)(1)(5)(D)(4)(E)(4)(L)(5)(N)(1)(2)(5)(O)(Q)(6), 18.00(G), 21.03(B); see JCF JV180 custody/visitation orders .......... 9.09(D), 9.41, 10.01(A)(3)(6)(7), 12.02(M)(N)(6)(P) dismissal ................................... 14.06 ex parte orders..........................3.24(A), 9.04, 9.06(A), 9.08(A)(2)(4), 9.09, 10.00(D), 10.01(C)(2), 12.02(N), 15.00-15.03; see CRC 7.1012 extension of time......................9.13(D), 14.05; see CRC 8.787 family law orders ..................... 9.20(B)(5); see FC 4200-4203 110

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

fees, waiver of .......................... 9.03.2 form .......................................... 9.14, 10.00(C) guardianship orders .................. 10.01(A)(7) harassment ............................... 9.01(J) information, release of ............. 12.01; see WIC 827, 5328, PeC 1543, 11105 interim orders ........................... 9.30(A)(2) investigations ........................... 10.02(A)(1)(D)(M)(1); see PC 1454 lien for fees .............................. 10.02(L)(3) local rules ................................. 9.00 mediation orders....................... 9.30(A)(1), 9.34 medication orders ..................... 12.02(Q); see CRC 5.640 minute orders ........................... 5.01, 9.12(E), 9.19(B)(4), 10.00(B)(2), 21.03(B) modification ............................. 9.09(D), 10.00(C)(2), 12.02(M) motions..................................... 3.19(A), 8.04(C) preparation ............................... 8.12(N), 9.13 prehearing orders ..................... 10.00(C) pretrial orders ........................... 3.08 proposed orders ........................ 3.18(A)(B), 3.19(B), 3.23, 5.05, 9.13(C), 9.34, 9.51(C), 10.00(B)(2)(5)(C)(F), 10.01(C)(5), 10.03(A)(1)(a), 10.04, 14.06(A), 15.03(A), 21.03(B); see CRC 3.1201, 3.1312 protective orders.......................9.18(A), 9.19(A)(2), 9.41, 12.02(N)(6); see JCF AT105, AT140-AT150 release of juror information ...... 19.10 request for orders .....................9.10.1; see CRC 5.119, FC 217 residence exclusion orders ....... 9.09(B) restraining orders ..................... 9.09(A)(C)(E), 9.10(C), 9.32(B), 9.30(A)(3)(f), 9.33(F)(I)(5), 18.00(D); see JCF 1281, 1285.05, 1295.90-1296.29, 1296.61, JV250, CCP 527.6 return of exhibits ...................... 5.02(B), 5.04 sanctions ................................... 3.17(A) shortening of time ....................9.04(A), 9.08(A)(3), 10.00(D)(H)(3), 15.00 standing orders .........................12.00, 12.00.1(F), 12.01; see WIC 827, 828, 5328, PeC 1543, 11105, EducC 49076 stay away orders ....................... 9.09(C) support ............................9.06(B), 9.15-9.18, 10.02(K); see JCF 1285.27, 1285.32, 1296.31B, 1296.31C, 1297- 1297.20, PC 1460 Orders to show cause ......................3.03.1(A), 3.09(A), 9.03, 9.03.1(D), 9.06(B), 9.09(A), 9.10-9.18, 10.01(D), 10.02(J)(3), 12.02(M), 18.00(D); see JCF 1285, 1285.40, 1285.60, 1296.15, 1296.20, CRC 5.119, FC 217 Parents ............................9.03.1(A)(C), 9.20(A)(1)(5), 9.30(A)(1)(3)(b), 9.41(1)(2), 9.50, 10.01(A)(2), 12.00(C)(3)(H), 12.02(A)(2)(B)(1)(C)(E)(3)(L)(N)(5) Parties defendants ................................ 6.08(A)-(E), 9.41(1), 11.04(1), 21.04(A)(C)(D); see FC 6211 generally ............................3.03.1(B), 3.08(B)(C), 3.13(B), 3.14, 3.19(B), 3.22, 5.05, 6.03(G), 7.01(B), 8.00(A), 8.12(N), 9.03.1(A)(D)(E), 9.06(A), 9.08(A)(1), 9.12(F)(K), 9.13(A)(C), 9.19(B)(3)(5)-(7)(8), 9.21, 9.30(A)(2)(6), 9.32(A)(H)(I), 9.33(D), 9.42, 9.41, 9.43, 9.51(B)(C), 10.00(E)(H), 10.01(A)(7)(B)(C)(2)(4)(6)(7), 10.02(D)(2)(G)(J), 10.03(C)(3), 12.02(A)(2)(B)(1)- (3)(5)(J)(L)(1)(2)(M)(N)(2)(3)(6)(O)(1)(4)(6), 12.04(4)(7), 14.01(B), 14.03(A), 14.05, 14.08(A)(C), 18.00(E), 27.00 plaintiffs ................................... 3.23, 6.08(A)-(D) Personnel ......................................... 2.04, 16.02 Petitions accountings .............................. 10.03(C)(1) adoptions .................................. 9.50 conservatorships.......................10.00(B)(2), 10.02(A)(B)(M), 10.03(A)(1); see JCF GC310 dependency petitions ................ 12.02(B)(1)(K); see JCF JV100, JV180, WIC 300, 388 ex parte orders .......................... 10.00(D) ex parte petitions ......................1.0..(D)(5), 10.03(A)(1) 111

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

fees ........................................... 10.02(D)(2)(L)(1), 10.03(C)(1) generally ............................3.03.1(B), 3.09(A), 10.00(A), 12.00(B)(4)(I)(4), 12.02(K)(1), 15.03; see JCF GC310, GC312, GC348, JV100, JV180, PC 1821, 1827.5, 2341 guardianships ........................... 10.00(B)(5), 10.01(A)(1)(6)(7)(C)(2)(4), 12.02(E)(3); see CRC 3.1203(a), JCF GC110, GC110(P), GC140, PC 2250(e) juvenile cases ...........................12.00.1; see CRC 5.552, JCF JV570, WIC 827 medical treatment ..................... 10.02(F) notice ........................................ 10.03(A)(1); see PC 2250(c) parental rights........................... 9.50 property, sale of ....................... 10.00(B)(4)(D)(4) temporary conservatorships/ guardians ........................... 10.01(C), 10.03(A)(C)(7) wills .......................................... 10.04(A) see Calendaring, Filings, Pleadings Pleadings answers ..................................... 3.08(B)(2) complaints ............................3.03.1(A)(B), 3.14, 3.15, 9.32(A), 11.00; see CCP 387(a) cross-complaints ......................3.03.1(B), 3.08(B), 3.14; see JCF 982.1(14) filing ............................3.00, 3.15, 4.02; see JCF 982.1 form .......................................... 10.00(A); see JCF MC020 property identification .............. 4.02 responsive pleadings ................ 3.15, 4.02(A), 9.16, 9.32(A), 11.05(2); see JCF 982(a)(13), 982.1(15)(35)(95), 1285.40, 1296.20 see Demurrers, Petitions, Summons Points and authorities ...................... 11.03, 11.04 Pretrial conferences ......................... 3.08, 3.13, 3.17, 6.03(E), 12.02(A)(1) Prisoners .......................................... 12.02(N)(6) Probate cases accountings .............................. 10.02(C), 10.03(E) auditors..................................... 10.03(C) conservatorships ....................... 10.00, 10.02, 10.03(A)(D)(E), 13.00(B); see JCF DE110-GC150, GC310-GC385, PC 1851, 1860 et seq., 1894, 2257(2)(b), 2341, 2626, 2628, 2650, 2684, WIC 7357 estates ............................10, 10.00, 10.01(A)(5)(C)(2)(4), 10.02(L)(3); see JCF GC110 fiduciaries ............................10.00(G), 10.02(E); see CRC 7.1050-7.1063, PC 60.1, 2340, BPC 6501(f), CCR 4400-4580 generally ............................2.2.01(A), 2.04(C), 3.00, 4.05, 10; see JCF DE110-GC385, PC 14660, 1821, 1822, 1826, 1827.5, 2250(c), 2257(2)(b), 2328, 2590-2591, 2610, 2613, 2628 general plans ............................ 10.02(I)(J)(3); see JCF GC355, PC 1460, 2352.5 guardianships ........................... 3.08(F), 10.00, 10.01, 10.03(A)(E), 12.02(K)(3)(c); see JCF JV325-JV355, JV825, DE110-GC250, CCP 372, PC 1513, 2250(c), 2257(2)(b), 2590-2591, see also CCR rule 7.1012 personal representatives ........... 10.00(F)(G), 10.01(A)(4), 10.04(C); see CRC 7.201(b), JCF DE147, reports ............................10.00(G), 10.01(D), 10.02(I)(2)(J)(N), 10.03(C)(1)(b); see PC 1851, 12200 trusts ......................................... 4.05, 10.00 wills .......................................... 4.05, 10.04(A) see Conservatorships, Guardianships Probation ......................................... 12.00(B)(2)-(5)(C), 12.01, 18.00(D), 21.03(B) Promissory notes ............................. 21.01 Pro per litigants ............................3.03.1(B), 5.05, 9.03.1(C), 9.12(E)(H), 9.19(A)(2)(3), 9.20(B)(5)(6), 9.31, 9.32, 9.33(J), 10 (Intro), 10.00(B)(1)(3)(C), 12.02(G), 15.01, 21.04(A)(C)(D) Public improvements ....................... 21.01(C) Publication of rules ......................... 1.01 Readiness conferences .................... 12.02(A)(1) 112

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

Real property ................................... 2.04(C), 4.02, 10.00(B)(3)(E), App. III; see JCF DE260, DE265, DE305-DE315, GC060, GC065 Records ........................................... 10.01(A)(2)(3), 12.00(A)(B) Referees ........................................... 5.04, 10.00(F), 10.04(B) Reporting ......................................... 8.12(O)(4)(P), 18.00; see JCF 982(17)-(20) Rulings, tentative ............................ 8.00, 10.00(B)(2) Sales of property ............................. 10.00(B)(4), 10.03(C)(1)(h) Sanctions ............................3.03.1(A), 3.17, 3.24(A), 7.01(B), 9.02, 9.08(A)(3), 9.32(G), 26.00(B); see CRC 1.150(f), CCP 128.5, 177.5, 575.2, 1209, PeC 632 Service 3.03.1(B), 3.08, 3.14, 3.15, 3.24(B)(D), 4.02(B), 6.08(B)(C)(1)(D)(E), 8.12(N), 9.03.2, 9.05(C), 9.12(J)(K), 9.13(A)(C), 9.16-9.17, 9.18(A), 9.19(A)(3)(B)(6)(C)(4)(5)(7), 10.00(G), 10.02(B)(1)(D)(2)(J), 10.03(C)(3), 11.03, 12.02(B)(5)(O)(4), 12.04(5), 14.07(B), 15.03, 27.00; see CRC 5.167(a), JCF FL120, FL141, FL220, 982(a)(4), 1283.5, CCP 387(a), 413.30, 415.10 et seq., 1011(a), FC 215 Servicemembers' Relief Act ............6.08; see 50 USC App. 501-591 Settlement conferences .................... 9.19(A)(4)(B)(4) Settlement negotiations ................... 3.08, 3.24, 6.06, 9.19(A)(2), 12.02(E)(3) Settlements ............................3.09(A), 3.16, 6.00, 9.19(A)(3)(B)(5)(C)(1), 9.30(A)(1), 10.00(H), 12.02, 18.00(D) Sheriff’s Department ....................... 12.00(C) Small claims cases ..........................2.03, 2.2.01(B), 4.05, 18.00(G); see JCF SC100, SC140, CCP 116.222 Social workers ................................. 12.00(B)(2)-(4), 12.02(F)(1)(3)(G)(1)(b)(L)(1)(Q)(1)-(3) Special masters ................................ 9.20(B)(6) Statement of decision ...................... 9.13(A)(B) Status conferences...........................9.03.1(A) Status reports ............................10.01(D), 10.02(J); see JCF GC251 Stays ................................................ 6.08(C)(1)(D)-(F), 9.09(C) Stipulations arbitration ................................. 3.23, 6.07 child custody recommending counseling ......................... 9.33(A)(B)(D)(I)(1), 9.34 complex litigation .................... 3.08(B) continuances ............................. 3.24(A), 9.12(E)(F), 9.19(A)(4)(C)(8), 10.00(H); see GC 68616(d) dependency cases ..................... 12.02(O); see JCF JV180 electronic record ....................... 14.08(A)(C) extensions of time .................... 3.18 evidence ................................... 8.12(E)(F) form .......................................... 8.04(C) issues ........................................ 9.20(B)(2), App. I(G)(2) judgments ................................. 9.19(B)(6) jury instructions ....................... 8.12(L)(O)(8) location of hearings .................. 3.24(e) statement of the case ................ 8.12(F)(G)(O)(3) Summons ............................3.14, 6.08(D), 9.19(B)(2); see JCF 982(a)(4)(9)-(11)(23), 1283, 1283.5, 1291.40, DE125 Traffic cases ............................5.04, 11.01, 12.00(C)(15), 14.03(A); see CCP 77(j), VC 20008-20012 Transcripts ............................11.04(1), 12.00(B)(5), 14.01(B), 14.03(C), 14.07, 14.08; see CRC 8.833 Transfer of cases ............................. 13.01 Trials conduct ..................................... 8.12(C)((G)-(P) criminal cases ........................... 11.01(B) default trials ............................. 9.19(B) family law proceedings ............ 9.19 preparation ............................... 6.00, 8.12(A)-(O) setting ............................3.08, 3.21(B), 6.00, 6.03(E), 9.19(B)(5)(C)(7)(8), 27.00 short cause trials ....................... 6.07 trial by declaration ................... 11.02; see VC 40902 113

Ventura County Superior Court Rules July 1, 2026

trial de novo ............................. 18.00(G)

uncontested trials ..................... 9.19(B) see Briefs, Evidence, Juries, Pretrial conferences

Trust deeds......................................................... 21.01(B) Uninsured motorist cases ................................... 3.09; see IC 11580.2(f) Unlawful detainer............................7.00, 21.01(A); see JCF 982(a)(11), 982.1(90)(95), FI128, SC110 Venue ......................................... 2.03 Ventura division ................................................ 2.04(A) Videoconference ................................................ 10.00(E), 27.00 Waiver appearances............................................... 9.51 arbitration ................................................. 6.04 declaration of disclosure ........................... 9.19(B)(2)(6)(C)(5) fees ............................5.05, 9.03.2, 9.06(B), 10.01(C)(4), 10.02(D)(2); see JCF GC211 generally ......................... 9.13(A) investigation ............................................. 10.01(A)(1)(2)(M)(1) jury trial .................................................... 19.08(C) mediation ................................................... 9.31, 9.32(E)(1)(2) notice ............................9.08(A)(3), 10.00(D)(1), 10.01(C)(4)(b)(13); see JCF DE166, GC211 parcel numbers 4.02(E) rules .......................................................... 3.18 service ....................................................... 10.02(B)(1); see FC 2100, 2105 Wards ............................10.01(C)(3), 10.03(C)(3), 12.00(C)(19), 12.02(N)(6), 12.04(9); see WIC 602 Warrants ............................................. 12.02(N)(6) Web site ............................................................. 1.01, 3.29, 4.04(D)(E), 4.05(B)(C), 8.00(A), 18.00(E), 21.03(B) Writs .................................................................. 12.02(E)(1)(a) Youth authority .................................................. 12.00(C)(10)

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