California Service Deadline Calculator
Free tool · Find your serve-by and response dates in seconds
General information, not legal advice · Always confirm dates with the court
Not legal advice. This tool does simple date math from the rules cited below. Courts can shorten or extend time, local rules vary, and rules change. Check your papers and the court's instructions, or ask the court's free self-help center.
The rules this calculator uses
- 60-day service rule: In most general civil cases, the complaint must be served on all named defendants and proofs of service filed within 60 days after filing (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.110(b)). The outside limit for serving the summons is 3 years (Code Civ. Proc. § 583.210).
- Personal service is complete when the papers are delivered (Code Civ. Proc. § 415.10).
- Substituted service is complete on the 10th day after mailing (Code Civ. Proc. § 415.20). Posting by court order in an eviction is also complete 10 days after posting and mailing (Code Civ. Proc. § 415.45).
- Civil response: 30 days after service is complete (Code Civ. Proc. § 412.20(a)(3)).
- Unlawful detainer response: 5 days after service, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and court holidays (Code Civ. Proc. § 1167).
- Small claims: serve at least 15 days before the hearing if the person is in the court's county, or 20 days if outside it (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.340). Substituted service adds 10 days.
- Restraining orders: usually at least 5 days before the hearing unless the judge orders a different time (Fam. Code § 243; Code Civ. Proc. § 527.6). Check your order.
- Weekends and holidays: if the last day to act falls on a weekend or court holiday, it moves to the next court day (Code Civ. Proc. §§ 12, 12a).
Next: the court filing checklist and our California process serving guide.
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