Motion to Compel - Comprehensive Guide

Timing

• 45 Days (Written Discovery): File within 45 days after an insufficient response.
• Interrogatories: CCP §2030.300(c)
• Inspection Demands: CCP §2031.310(c)
• Requests for Admission: CCP §2033.290(c)
• 60 Days (Depositions): File within 60 days from the completion of the deposition transcript. CCP §2025.480(b)
• No Time Limit (No Response/Unverified): An unverified response counts as no response, allowing indefinite time to compel.
• Interrogatories: CCP §2030.290(b)
• Requests for Production: CCP §2031.300(b)
• Requests for Admission: CCP §2033.280(b)
• Additional Time (Mail Service):
• +2 days (electronic), +5 days (CA mail), +10 days (US outside CA), +20 days (outside US). CCP §1013(a)

Final Deadline (Trial Date): Motion hearing must be held at least 15 days before initial trial date. CCP §2024.020(a)

Meet and Confer

• Mandatory Attempt: Declaration required demonstrating a reasonable, good-faith attempt at informal resolution. CCP §2016.040
• Sanctions: Court must sanction if motion is filed without attempting informal resolution. CCP §§2023.010(i), 2023.020, 2023.030

Format of Moving Papers

• Page Limit: 15 pages. CRC 3.1113(f)
• Table of Authorities: Required if over 10 pages. CRC 3.1113(f)
• Sanctions: Clearly state sanctions requested in Notice of Motion, including calculation and authority. 
• Exhibits: Must have exhibit tabs.

Service and Filing

• Personal Service: 16 court days before hearing. CCP §1005(b)
• Add Time for Mail/Fax:
• Mail: +5 CA, +10 US outside CA, +20 outside US

Fax/Express Mail: +2 days. CCP §1005(b), CRC 2.306

Specific Motions to Compel

Interrogatories

• Grounds: Incomplete, evasive, or improper objections. CCP §2030.300(a)
• Requirements:
• Identify set number/name. CRC 3.1345(d)
• Meet and confer declaration required. CCP §2030.300(b)
• Separate statement required. CRC 3.1345(a)(2)

Deposition Testimony

• Grounds: Refusal to answer or produce documents. CCP §2025.480(a)
• Requirements:
• Meet and confer declaration required. CCP §2025.480(b)
• Separate statement required. CRC 3.1345(a)(4)-(5)
• Deposition transcript excerpts attached.

Requests for Production

• Grounds: Incomplete production, inadequate objections. CCP §2031.310(a)
• Requirements:
• Identify request by set number/name. CRC 3.1345(d)
• Meet and confer declaration required. CCP §2031.310(b)(2)
• Separate statement required. CRC 3.1345(a)(3)
• Good cause required. CCP §2031.310(b)(1)

Requests for Admissions

• Grounds: Evasive, incomplete responses or improper objections. CCP §2033.290(a)
• Requirements:
• Identify set number/name. CRC 3.1345(d)
• Meet and confer declaration required. CCP §2033.290(b)
• Separate statement required. CRC 3.1345(a)(1)

May move to deem matters admitted if no response. CCP §2033.280(b)

Additional Requirements

Separate Statement

• Include request, response, legal and factual arguments clearly outlined for each disputed item. CRC 3.1345(c)

Meet and Confer Declaration

• Include facts demonstrating reasonable good-faith efforts. CCP §2016.040
• Must include statutory declaration language. CCP §2015.5

Proposed Order

• Prepare separately, do not attach to other documents. CRC 3.1113(m)
• Include detailed terms for relief sought. CRC 3.1312

Sanctions

• Sanctions applicable for misuse of discovery, unsuccessful motions, and failure to meet and confer. CCP §§2023.010-2023.030
• Clearly state sanction request in notice, including legal authority and detailed calculation.