Who must eFile: All attorneys in all case types except Appellate Department. Self-represented parties are encouraged but not required to eFile.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7 (see page 5)

File Format

All documents must be in text-searchable PDF format. Image-only PDFs are insufficient. Apply OCR to scanned documents.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(D)(1) (page 6)

Pagination

Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) starting with page 1 on the first page. Number consecutively throughout the document. If serving in both paper and electronic format, pagination must be identical in both versions.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(D)(2) (page 6)

Exhibits - Most Common Rejection Reason

Electronic exhibits must include PDF bookmarks that:

• Link to the first page of each exhibit
• Include the exhibit number or letter
• Briefly describe the exhibit

Exhibits without proper bookmarks are subject to rejection.

Examples of proper bookmark titles:

• "Exhibit A - Purchase Agreement dated 5/15/2024"
• "Exhibit 1 - Email Chain Re: Contract Dispute"
• "Exhibit B - Invoice #45678"

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(D)(4) (page 6-7)

Hyperlinks

If including hyperlinks, they must be active and formatted according to California Rules of Court, rule 1.200.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(D)(3) (page 6)

No Special Local Requirements Found

Monterey County Superior Court does not appear to require special local cover sheets or addendums for civil filings beyond standard Judicial Council forms.

Standard Requirements:

• Use standard Judicial Council forms (e.g., CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet for new civil filings)
• Follow statewide California Rules of Court for cover sheet requirements
• No Monterey-specific cover sheet addendum identified in local rules

Documents served by hand in court must be e-filed before close of business on the next court day. The Proof of Service must reference the date the document was originally served in open court.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(F) (page 7)

Filer is solely responsible for redacting personal identifiers and privileged information. The clerk will not review documents for compliance. The court may impose sanctions for violations.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(H) (page 7)

Documents are deemed filed only after acceptance by the clerk. The filer is solely responsible for confirming acceptance and verifying document accuracy. The court is not responsible for transmission errors.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(C) (page 6) and Local Rule 1.7(G) (page 7)

The following may be filed in paper:

1. Self-represented party filings
2. Court-ordered exemptions (ex parte application required)
3. Documents not feasibly converted to electronic form
4. Sealed or confidential documents per CRC 2.551
5. Documents with jurisdictional time limits (eFiling encouraged):
   • Notices of appeal
   • Motions for new trial
   • Motions for JNOV
   • Motions to quash service for personal jurisdiction
   • Petitions for writs from local court
6. Original documents required for proceedings (bench warrants, subpoenaed documents, bonds, letters, wills, etc.)
7. CCP § 170.1 challenges to judicial officers

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(B) (pages 5-6)

A judge may order a courtesy copy at any time. Courtesy copies are not automatic. Provide only when specifically ordered by the judge.

Mandatory courtesy copies:

• Trial management reports, briefs, and motions in limine (same day as e-filing) - See Local Rule 6.11(B) (page 5)
• Complex litigation filings - See Complex Litigation Order (page 1)

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(E) (page 7)

Parties with court-granted fee waivers are exempt from electronic filing service provider fees.

Authority: Local Rule 1.7(I) (page 7)

Quick Reference

Authority

Local Rule 4.31(C): "In all contested matters or upon request of the court, parties shall comply with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312 in preparing and submission of orders. In lieu of electronically submitting editable word-processing versions of proposed orders to the court's electronic service address, parties must electronically file the proposed order in PDF format using the court's electronic filing system."