Educational guide
Requesting a Court Interpreter in a California Civil Case
A practical general-information checklist for requesting a qualified interpreter for a party or witness in a California civil case, based on California Courts Self-Help, form INT-300 and rule 2.895. It is not individualized legal advice.
- Check the assigned superior court's language-access page as soon as a hearing or trial is scheduled. California Courts explains that each court publishes its own interpreter-request procedure, including how far in advance to ask and whether requests may be submitted online, by email or through the clerk.
- Identify who needs interpretation, the language and dialect needed, the case number and the date, time and department of the next proceeding. Complete a separate request when the court requires one for each witness.
- Use Request for Interpreter (Civil), form INT-300, if the court accepts or requires it. The form is available for reference in several languages, but California Courts instructs users to complete and file the English version in English.
- Submit the request through the court's stated channel as early as possible. California Courts says court interpreters are provided free of charge and should be requested in advance; filing a last-minute request may affect availability.
- Confirm receipt and status with the court's interpreter coordinator or language-access representative. Keep a copy of the request and any confirmation, and notify the court promptly if the hearing date, department, language need or attendance changes.
- If a represented party who requested an interpreter will not appear, counsel should follow rule 2.895(c) and notify the court in advance. Do not leave an unnecessary interpreter reservation in place.
- At the proceeding, speak directly to the person asking questions and tell the judge immediately if the interpretation cannot be heard or understood. A court interpreter interprets the proceeding but cannot give legal advice.
- Use the court's complaint process or the Judicial Council Court Interpreters Program if there is a concern about interpreter conduct or qualifications. Seek a qualified lawyer for case-specific questions, and do not assume an interpreter request changes any hearing or filing deadline.
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.