Educational guide
Requesting a California Civil Court Interpreter
A practical general-information checklist for requesting language help for a party or witness in a California civil court case, based on official California Courts guidance. It is not individualized legal advice or a deadline calculation.
- Ask as soon as you learn that a party or witness will need language help in court. California Courts says court interpreters are provided free of charge, but a request must be made in advance and each superior court publishes its own procedures.
- Check the specific court's website for its request method and advance-notice requirement. Some courts accept an online or email request, while others use Request for Interpreter (Civil), form INT-300, or a local form.
- Gather the case number, the language needed and the date, time and department for the next hearing. If more than one witness needs an interpreter, the official form instructions say to prepare a separate request for each witness.
- Complete the English version of the required form in English, even when using a translated copy to understand the questions. Review the caption and hearing information carefully before filing or submitting it to the court.
- Submit the request using the court's published procedure and keep a copy. Contact the court's interpreter coordinator or language-access office to confirm that the request was received and learn how the court will communicate its decision.
- Understand the interpreter's role. California Courts explains that the interpreter communicates everything said in the courtroom, interprets the party's or witness's words into English, keeps attorney-client communications confidential and discloses conflicts of interest.
- If the requested person is represented and will not attend a noticed proceeding, counsel should notify the court in advance as California Rules of Court rule 2.895 requires. Do not assume a prior interpreter request automatically covers a changed or continued date.
- Reconfirm arrangements before the hearing and bring a copy of the request. Availability can vary, so follow the court's instructions promptly and seek qualified legal help for case-specific questions rather than relying on this checklist.
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.