California / Motion practice
California motion opposition deadline
In California, papers opposing a noticed motion must be filed and served at least 9 court days before the hearing (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005(b)).
Estimates based on standard California rules and court-holiday closures. For use by licensed attorneys only. This calculator is for informational purposes, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Verify every deadline and citation against the applicable rules and court orders before relying on it. See our Terms.
How the deadline works
Under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005(b), opposition papers are due at least 9 COURT days before the hearing; court days exclude weekends and California court holidays, so the calendar gap is usually longer than 9 calendar days. This calculator counts 9 court days backward from the hearing date and lands on the last day to file and serve the opposition.
The 16-court-day notice period for the moving party (and the 5-court-day reply) run on the same court-day basis. Service by mail or electronic means can extend the moving party’s notice period (e.g., +2 court days for overnight/e-service, +5 calendar days for in-state mail under CCP § 1010.6/§ 1013), but the 9-court-day opposition floor is measured from the hearing.
- Court days, not calendar days Weekends and California court holidays do not count toward the 9 days, so the deadline is typically ~13 calendar days before the hearing.
- Measured from the hearing Set the hearing date above; the calculator counts backward 9 court days.
Questions
- When is opposition to a motion due in California?
- At least 9 court days before the hearing, under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1005(b). Court days exclude weekends and court holidays.