(a) Time of notice A party seeking an ex parte order must notify all parties no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance, absent a showing of exceptional circumstances that justify a shorter time for notice. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2008.)
Rule 3.1203.Time of notice to other parties
Division 11. Law and Motion · Chapter 4. Ex Parte Applications · Last amended 2008 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.1203 requires a party seeking an ex parte order to notify everyone else in the case by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing, unless exceptional circumstances justify less notice, with a relaxed reasonable-notice standard for unlawful detainer cases.
Full Text of Rule 3.1203
(b) Time of notice in unlawful detainer proceedings A party seeking an ex parte order in an unlawful detainer proceeding may provide shorter notice than required under (a) provided that the notice given is reasonable.
Plain-English Summary
Skipping the normal notice period does not mean skipping notice altogether. This rule sets a firm deadline: a party seeking an ex parte order has to notify everyone else in the case by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance.
That deadline bends only for exceptional circumstances — the applicant has to show why less notice was justified, not just assert that it was convenient. Unlawful detainer cases get their own, more flexible standard: notice can be shorter than the general rule allows, as long as it remains reasonable given how fast those cases move.
Frequently Asked Questions
By when must the other parties be notified of an ex parte request?
No later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance.
Can that deadline be shortened?
Yes, if the applicant shows exceptional circumstances justifying less notice.
Does unlawful detainer work differently?
Yes. Shorter notice is allowed there, as long as it remains reasonable.
Amendment History
Rule 3.1203 amended effective January 1, 2008; adopted effective January 1, 2007.
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
Also known as: ex parte notice deadline california10 a.m. notice rule for ex parte hearingsunlawful detainer ex parte notice period