Educational guide
California Civil Request for Admission Checklist
A practical general-information checklist for requesting or responding to admissions in a California civil case, based on official California Courts Self-Help guidance. It is not individualized legal advice, a discovery strategy or a deadline calculation.
- A Request for Admission asks another party to admit that a fact is true or that a document is genuine. California Courts explains that an admitted matter generally does not need to be proved or authenticated at trial.
- If preparing requests, use one fact or one document per numbered item. California Courts provides optional form DISC-020 and says a copy of any document whose genuineness is at issue should be attached as an exhibit.
- Check the discovery limits that apply to the case before serving requests. California Courts explains that limited civil cases have combined limits and that different rules can apply in unlimited civil cases.
- Make copies for each attorney or self-represented party, keep the original and arrange service under the current discovery instructions. Discovery requests are ordinarily served on the parties rather than filed with the court.
- If responding, confirm that you are the named answering party and calendar the response date immediately. California Courts says the usual period is 30 days after personal service or 35 days after mailing within California, but other methods and case types can change the calculation.
- Respond separately to every numbered request by admitting, denying, stating an inability to determine after reasonable inquiry, or making an appropriate objection. Partial admissions and denials should identify which part is admitted and which part is denied.
- Sign and verify substantive responses under penalty of perjury as the official instructions require, then have a qualified adult who is not a party serve them. Keep the response, verification and proof of service together.
- Do not ignore a Request for Admission. The requesting party may ask the court to deem unanswered matters admitted, and an unreasonable denial can create cost consequences. Use the official resources below and seek a qualified lawyer or self-help center for case-specific questions.
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.