Educational guide
California Civil Case Management Conference Checklist
A practical preparation checklist for a California civil case management conference, based on California Courts Self-Help and the California Rules of Court. It provides general information, not individualized legal advice.
- Read the court's notice as soon as it arrives and calendar the conference date, the Case Management Statement deadline and any local requirements. Different superior courts may use additional local procedures.
- Use the mandatory Case Management Statement, form CM-110, and complete every applicable item. The form gives the court information about service, pleadings, discovery, alternative dispute resolution, trial readiness and scheduling.
- Communicate with the other parties about the case-management issues required by the California Rules of Court. Rule 3.724 describes the duty to meet and confer before the conference and identifies subjects to discuss.
- State facts and scheduling information accurately. Review which parties have appeared, whether additional parties or pleadings are expected, the discovery still needed, possible motions, estimated trial length and whether a jury is requested.
- Consider appropriate settlement or alternative-dispute-resolution options without assuming that discussions pause other deadlines. Note any agreed process or scheduling proposal on the statement when applicable.
- File and serve the completed CM-110 no later than 15 calendar days before the conference, as Rule 3.725 requires. Follow the current form instructions and the court's filing and proof-of-service procedures.
- Check the court's docket, tentative rulings and remote-appearance instructions shortly before the conference. Do not assume the hearing is canceled or remote unless the court confirms it.
- Bring the filed statement, the court notice, a current deadline calendar and notes about unresolved scheduling issues. Court staff and self-help centers can explain procedure, but case-specific strategy or legal advice should come from a qualified lawyer.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.