The rules in this division apply to proceedings in civil law and motion, as defined in rule 3.1103, and to discovery proceedings in family law and probate.
Rule 3.1100.Application
Division 11. Law and Motion · Chapter 1. General Provisions · Last amended 2007 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.1100 marks the starting point for Division 11 of the California Rules of Court, stating that its law-and-motion rules cover civil law and motion proceedings as Rule 3.1103 defines them, plus discovery proceedings in family law and probate.
Full Text of Rule 3.1100
Plain-English Summary
Rule 3.1100 is a short scope statement that tells you which cases the rest of Division 11 governs. It says the division’s law-and-motion rules apply to civil proceedings that count as “law and motion” under Rule 3.1103’s definition — things like pretrial applications for court orders, motions to enforce judgments, and petitions to compel arbitration.
The rule also reaches beyond ordinary civil cases in one respect: it extends the same law-and-motion rules to discovery proceedings that come up in family law and probate matters, even though those case types otherwise follow their own separate procedural rules. So if you are fighting over discovery in a probate proceeding, the format and filing rules in this division still apply to that fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rule 3.1100 apply to every motion filed in a California civil case?
It applies to what Rule 3.1103 defines as law and motion — mainly pretrial applications for orders and a specific list of post-judgment and enforcement proceedings. Some subject areas, like most family law and probate matters, fall outside that definition except for their discovery disputes.
Why does a probate case need to follow Division 11's motion rules?
Because Rule 3.1100 specifically pulls discovery proceedings in family law and probate cases into Division 11’s coverage, even though those case types are not otherwise treated as ordinary civil law and motion matters.
Where do I find the actual definition of law and motion?
Rule 3.1103, which Rule 3.1100 points to directly. It lists the categories of pretrial applications and enforcement proceedings that count.
Amendment History
Rule 3.1100 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 301 effective January 1, 1984; previously amended effective July 1, 1984, July 1, 1997, and January 1, 2002.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
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