Los Angeles, CA asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for California

Q: Motion(s) requesting consolidated hearing. California superior court.

If plaintiff requests consolidated hearing on two motions, can motions be consolidated into one document? Please provide CCP or california rules of court that defines consolidated hearing procedural rules.

2 Lawyer Answers
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
Answered
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Licensed in California

A: Practice manual state that each motion or demurrer should normally be set forth in a separate document. But, CRC 3.1112(c) states a motion, notice of hearing and points and authorities may be combined in a single document “if the party filing a combined pleading specifies these items separately in the caption of the combined pleading.” [CRC 3.1112(c)] But the manual says that while not entirely clear, CRC 3.1112(c) simply provides that all papers relating to the same motion or demurrer may be combined. It should not be read to authorize combining papers relating to separate motions. Further, even where no rule expressly prohibits combining several motions in a single document, it is not recommended. The judge may not be receptive to this practice or may overlook one of the combined motions. Investigate local practices and local rules. But a motion to strike filed in conjunction with demurrer: Where a motion to strike is filed in conjunction with a demurrer, courts prefer two separately captioned documents. They should be filed concurrently, however, and set for hearing on the same date.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California Superior Court, consolidating motions into a single hearing is possible, and it can streamline the process. This practice allows for the joint hearing of related motions, which can be more efficient. To understand the specific rules and procedures for consolidation, you should refer to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) and the California Rules of Court.

The CCP provides the general guidelines for civil procedures in California courts, including motion practices. For the detailed rules on consolidated hearings, the relevant sections of the CCP would be the starting point. Additionally, the California Rules of Court set forth the procedures courts follow in civil cases. These rules often detail how motions should be presented and handled, including provisions for consolidation.

It's important to review these resources carefully to ensure compliance with procedural requirements. Local court rules may also provide further guidance, as practices can vary slightly between different jurisdictions within the state. Consulting these rules will help in preparing your motions effectively and in accordance with court procedures.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.