Educational guide
Requesting a California Court Disability Accommodation
A practical general-information checklist for requesting a disability accommodation in a California court, based on official California Courts instructions, form MC-410 and rule 1.100. It is not individualized legal advice or medical guidance.
- Review the California Courts instructions and How to Request a Disability Accommodation for Court, form MC-410-INFO, before submitting anything. An accommodation may address access to court services, programs, facilities or proceedings.
- Identify the proceeding or court activity involved, the accommodation requested and when it will be needed. Explain how the requested accommodation addresses a disability-related access need without adding unrelated medical details.
- Complete Disability Accommodation Request, form MC-410, using the correct court and case information. The form is confidential, so follow the court's instructions rather than attaching it to a public filing or serving it as ordinary case papers.
- Submit the request as far in advance as possible. California Rules of Court, rule 1.100 generally requires a request at least five court days before the accommodation is needed, although the court may consider a late request when circumstances justify it.
- Use the superior court's published delivery method and keep a copy. If the court has an access coordinator or Americans with Disabilities Act contact, use that office for procedural questions and confirmation of receipt.
- Read the court's decision carefully. The court may grant the requested accommodation, offer an effective alternative, ask for additional information or deny the request under the standards in rule 1.100.
- If dates, locations or needs change, notify the court promptly and ask what updated request or information is required. A granted accommodation does not automatically change filing, service or hearing deadlines.
- For questions about a particular case, contact the court's self-help center or a qualified lawyer. This checklist summarizes the public process and does not determine what accommodation a court must provide in an individual situation.
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.