California / Dispositive motions
California summary judgment opposition deadline
In California, opposition to a motion for summary judgment is due at least 20 days before the hearing (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 437c(a), as amended effective January 1, 2025).
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 § 437c(a), as amended effective January 1, 2025, the motion must be served at least 81 days before the hearing, the opposition is due at least 20 days before the hearing, and the reply at least 11 days before. These summary-judgment periods are counted in CALENDAR days (unlike general law-and-motion under § 1005, which uses court days). This calculator counts 20 calendar days backward from the hearing and rolls a weekend/holiday landing to the prior business day so the full notice is preserved.
- Calendar days (not court days) Summary-judgment timing under § 437c runs on calendar days, unlike § 1005 motions.
- 2025 amendment The periods rose to 81/20/11 days effective January 1, 2025 (from 75/14/5).
Questions
- When is opposition to summary judgment due in California?
- At least 20 days before the hearing under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 437c(a) (effective Jan. 1, 2025). The motion is served 81 days before, and the reply is due 11 days before.