Common types of civil lawsuits include breach of contract, personal injury, negligence and real estate issues. Filing a lawsuit with the court is the first step any plaintiff in a civil case must take to ask the court to decide a dispute. These first papers filed with the court identify who is being sued the basis for the lawsuit, and the court in which the lawsuit is filed. Taking this step causes the court to create a file for the case, and issue a case number. Filing a response is an important first step for any defendant in a civil lawsuit. By filing a response, the defendant establishes that they are contesting the case and requiring the plaintiff to prove their case at trial in order to win.
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Forms
The Judicial Council creates many of the forms needed for a civil lawsuit in California state courts. Sacramento County Superior Court also creates forms for use in this county specifically. For other situations, you may need to create your own forms. Our Legal Research Guides and Step by Steps have instructions and samples for many commonly-used forms.
Form Resources
Judicial Council Forms
These California-wide forms can be filled out online, and printed for filing.
Research Guides
The Law Librarians have created these research guides as an aid for those starting a legal research project. These guides recommend print and electronic resources that will help you find answers to your law-related questions. Many guides provide step-by-step information, as well as sample forms, for common legal procedures.
- Case Management Statement
- Ex Parte Applications: Ask the Court for an Order as Quickly as Possible
- Fee Waiver
- Limited Civil Case Status Memorandum: Setting a Case for Trial
- Motion for Disbursement of Surplus Funds
- Motion for Mandatory Dismissal
- Motion to Continue Trial and Mandatory Settlement Conference
- Motions in Civil Cases
- Peremptory Challenge of a Judge
- Personal Service
- Petition to Remove Mechanics' Lien
- Requesting a Preliminary Injunction by Noticed Motion
- Serving Documents by Mail
- TROs: Applying for a Temporary Restraining Order in a Civil Case
- Withdrawing Funds from a Blocked Account
Pamphlets
The Law Librarians created these pamphlets in response to frequently asked questions on subjects not appropriate for more substantive guides.
Videos from the Sacramento County Public Law Library
Completing Your Case Management Statement
Provides background and explanation of the Case Management Program forms.
How to Serve Court Papers by Mail
Explains how to serve documents by mail and complete the Proof of Service form.
Personal Service of Court Papers
Explains the proper personal service of court papers, and the Proof of Service form.
See You in Court! How to Start a Civil Lawsuit in Sacramento
Describes the steps of writing, filing and serving a civil complaint.
Court System: Who Are the Players? What Do They Do?
Sacramento County Superior Court staff discuss the roles of various court personnel.