Tentative Rulings
Effective July 1, 2023, tentative rulings may be issued in any civil, family or probate law and motion matter. See Monterey County Local Rules Chapters 7.9 (civil), 4.4 (probate) and 10.1(A)(5) (family).
Tentative Rulings are available to view on the Public Portal.
Tentative Rulings:
Prior to the day of the hearing, any civil, probate or family department may issue a tentative ruling on any law and motion matter, in the sole discretion of the assigned judge. If a tentative ruling is issued, it will be issued in conformance with the tentative ruling procedures set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 3.1308(a)(1).
Tentative Rulings will be available on the court’s website by 3:00 p.m. the court day before the hearing or by telephoning the court at (831) 647-5800 ext. 3040, between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The tentative ruling becomes the order of the court, and no hearing is held, unless one of the parties contests the tentative ruling by complying with California Rules of Court 3.1308 and the applicable local rule.
If a tentative ruling is not posted, or the tentative ruling directs oral argument, then the parties must appear at the hearing.
Contesting a Tentative Ruling:
Those parties wishing to present oral argument must notify all other parties and the Court no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day prior to the hearing; otherwise, NO ORAL ARGUMENT WILL BE PERMITTED AND THE TENTATIVE RULING WILL BECOME THE ORDER OF THE COURT AND THE HEARING VACATED.
You must notify the Court before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the hearing by emailing TentativeRulings@monterey.courts.ca.gov or by telephoning the Calendar Department at (831) 647-5800 extension 3040.
Order after Hearing:
If you are the prevailing party, you must prepare and submit a formal order in compliance with the applicable local rule.