OpenCaseAsk a question

What is the deadline for filing an opposition to a motion?

IRAC

Issue. The deadline for filing an opposition to a California civil motion scheduled for August 31, 2026.

Rule. Opposition papers must be filed and served at least nine court days before the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005(b) [1]

Application. Counting backward from Monday, August 31, 2026, and excluding the hearing date:

Court dayDate
1Friday, August 28
2Thursday, August 27
3Wednesday, August 26
4Tuesday, August 25
5Monday, August 24
6Friday, August 21
7Thursday, August 20
8Wednesday, August 19
9Tuesday, August 18

California excludes weekends and court holidays when counting court days. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 12 [3] Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 12c [2]

Conclusion. The opposition must be filed no later than Tuesday, August 18, 2026. It must also be served in a manner reasonably calculated to ensure delivery no later than the close of the next business day after filing. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005(c) [1]

Sources & References

  1. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005
  2. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 12c
  3. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 12

Related Questions

How do electronic service or mail-service extensions change the August 18, 2026 opposition deadline?What should I do if the court’s local rules or an order set a different opposition deadline?