Before finalizing any court date in your master calendar, run through this 10-point audit checklist:
- Trigger Event Verified: Did you confirm the exact date and method of service?
- Counting Mode Confirmed: Is the period measured in calendar days, court days, or business days?
- First Day Excluded: Did you exclude Day 0?
- Service Extension Included: Did you add applicable days for mail (5 days) or electronic service (2 court days)?
- Weekend Adjustments Checked: If the final day falls on Saturday or Sunday, did you roll forward to Monday?
- Judicial Holidays Audited: Did you check state AND local county court closure schedules?
- Local Department Rules Checked: Does the assigned judge have a standing order setting specific motion days or page limits?
- Court Reservation System (CRS): Did you reserve the hearing date with the clerk prior to filing notice?
- Opposing Counsel Conferral: Has the mandatory meet-and-confer requirement been completed and documented?
- Calendar Sync Complete: Have all key dates been exported to digital calendars with automated reminders?