Q: Options for result of hearing to show cause regarding proof of service

A: In California, if the court schedules a hearing to show cause regarding proof of service, particularly in a scenario where the filer of a dismissal has not yet served the filed dismissal on the defendants, the result of this hearing could vary. The court may seek to verify whether all parties have been properly notified of the dismissal and any relevant proceedings. If the filer can demonstrate a valid reason for not serving the dismissal or if there was an attempt to serve it but was unsuccessful, the court may grant additional time to complete the service. Alternatively, the court might confirm the dismissal of the defendants if it finds that the filer's actions were in compliance with procedural requirements, or it could potentially reinstate the case against the defendants if it deems the dismissal was filed in error or without proper notice to all parties involved. The outcome largely depends on the filer's ability to justify their actions and the court's assessment of adherence to procedural rules.

A: There are a few potential outcomes from a hearing to show cause regarding proof of service if the court previously dismissed certain defendants sua sponte (on its own motion) in a case where the dismissals were filed but not yet served:

1. The court could determine there was improper or insufficient service of the dismissals. If so, the court would likely set aside its previous order dismissing those defendants. Their dismissal would essentially be revoked since proper notice was not provided.

2. The court could find service was proper and the previous dismissals stand. If evidence shows the filings were properly served or reasonably attempted, the prior dismissals likely will be upheld.

3. The court could continue the hearing to allow the filer of the dismissals more time to complete service. The court may give an extension and temporally reinstate the defendants while further service efforts are undertaken.

4. The court could sanction the filer for failure to properly serve and document orders. Though less likely, courts have authority to impose sanctions like monetary penalties for procedural violations.

In summary, the most likely outcomes are either resetting the dismissals (option 1) or upholding the prior dismissals after finding service sufficient (option 2). The show cause hearing gives the filer a chance to prove compliance before dismissals are finalized.