Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 8.70 and Rule 8.71, all filings in Civil, Criminal, Juvenile and Original proceedings must be made through electronic filing (e-filing).

Self-represented parties may, but are not required to register for electronic filing, but must comply with this rule and the requirements of e-filing if they elect to register.

Before submitting your documents, please note that electronic documents must be text searchable, properly paginated, and contain bookmarks. For formatting guidelines and resources, please review the How to Prepare Electronic Filings section below:

For Civil cases, filing your documents through e-filing will satisfy the requirements for service on the Supreme Court under rule 8.212(c)(2).

Notice: Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in California Rules of Court, Rule 8.500(f)(1), submission of a petition for review through e-filing that is accepted for filing by the Supreme Court constitutes service of the petition on the Court of Appeal.

Notice: Users of the court’s electronic filing system should be aware that although parties may submit documents electronically 24 hours a day, telephone or online assistance may not be available outside of normal Court business hours, and requests for immediate relief made after the close of the Court’s normal business hours may not be addressed until the next court day.

Specific E-filing Information for the Third District Court of Appeal

Local Rule: Local Rule 5

Clerk’s Office contact: 916-654-0209 or 3DC-Questions@jud.ca.gov

Special Instructions: Please see Local Rule 5 for requirements governing Administrative Records, providing electronic copies of Reporter’s Transcripts, Technical Failure, and Noncompliance.

How to Prepare Electronic Filings

Please visit the links below for formatting requirements and guidelines:

Court FAQs
Tips on Adobe PDF Bookmark Settings
PDF Bookmark Zoom Settings
Briefs
Sample Brief
Petitions
Sample Writ Petition
Sample Petition for Transfer
Appendix
Sample Appendix
Exhibits
Sample Writ Exhibit

Other Third District Court of Appeal Resources

Justices
Forms and Local Rules
Practices and Procedures
Calendars
Fees
Court Programs
Self-Help Resources
California Judicial Mentor Program (Appellate)
Contact Third Appellate District Court of Appeal