Rule 3.221.Information about alternative dispute resolution
Division 3. Filing and Service · Chapter 3. Papers to Be Served · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.221 requires every California trial court to hand plaintiffs an alternative dispute resolution information package when a general civil complaint is filed, and requires plaintiffs to pass that package on to each defendant along with the complaint.
(a)Court to provide information package Each court must make available to the plaintiff, at the time the complaint is filed in all general civil cases, an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) information package that includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)General information about the potential advantages and disadvantages of ADR and descriptions of the principal ADR processes. Judicial Council staff have prepared model language that the courts may use to provide this information.
(2)Information about the ADR programs available in that court, including citations to any applicable local court rules and directions for contacting any court staff responsible for providing parties with assistance regarding ADR.
(3)In counties that are participating in the Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA), information about the availability of local dispute resolution programs funded under the DRPA. This information may take the form of a list of the applicable programs or directions for contacting the county’s DRPA coordinator.
(4)An ADR stipulation form that parties may use to stipulate to the use of an ADR process. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2016; previously amended effective July 1, 2002, and January 1, 2007.)
(b)Court may make package available on Web site A court may make the ADR information package available on its Web site as long as paper copies are also made available in the clerk’s office. (Subd (b) adopted effective July 1, 2002.)
(c)Plaintiff to serve information package In all general civil cases, the plaintiff must serve a copy of the ADR information package on each defendant together with the complaint. Cross-complainants must serve a copy of the ADR information package on any new parties to the action together with the cross- complaint. (Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (b) effective January 1, 2001; previously amended and relettered effective July 1, 2002.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 3.221 puts information about mediation, arbitration, and other out-of-court options in front of litigants at the very start of a case. When a plaintiff files a general civil complaint, the court must make available an ADR information package explaining, at minimum, what the main ADR processes look like, what programs that particular court offers, and how to reach the people who run them. Courts in counties that fund local dispute resolution programs through the Dispute Resolution Programs Act must also point litigants toward those programs, and every package includes a stipulation form parties can sign if they want to try ADR.
Courts can post the package on their website, but only as a backup — paper copies still have to be available at the clerk's office for anyone who needs one. The heavier obligation falls on the plaintiff, who must serve a copy of the package on every defendant along with the complaint, and on any cross-complainant, who must do the same for any new party pulled into the case by a cross-complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADR information package a California court must provide?
It is a set of materials, required by Rule 3.221(a), describing the main forms of alternative dispute resolution, the specific programs that court offers, and how to reach the staff who handle ADR questions.
Does the plaintiff have to send the ADR package to the defendant?
Yes. Rule 3.221(c) requires the plaintiff to serve a copy of the ADR information package on each defendant along with the complaint in general civil cases.
Does a cross-complainant have the same obligation?
Yes. A cross-complainant must serve the ADR information package on any new party brought into the case by the cross-complaint, at the same time as the cross-complaint itself.
Can a court just put the ADR package online instead of handing out paper copies?
No. A court may post the package on its website, but Rule 3.221(b) still requires paper copies to remain available in the clerk's office.
Amendment History
Rule 3.221 amended effective January 1, 2016; adopted as rule 1590.1 effective January 1, 2001; previously amended and renumbered as rule 201.9 effective July 1, 2002, and as rule 3.221 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:ADR information package california courtmediation packet served with complaintrule 3.221 alternative dispute resolutiondispute resolution programs act california court