Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A CIVIL ACTION BY A NON-PRISONER

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A CIVIL ACTION BY A NON-PRISONER

INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES

1. CIVIL COMPLAINT - You must file a "Civil Complaint" in the form and manner as set forth in Local Rule 11 of this Court. Any complaint in any other form will not be accepted by the Clerk's Office. The complaint must be prepared by you. This office does not have any standard forms for this purpose. The complaint must also be accompanied by a:

A. Summons - CV-01A (Original plus two copies)

B. Civil Cover Sheet - CV-71 (Original plus two copies)

C. Certification and Notice of Interested Parties - CV-30 (Original plus two copies)

These three forms are available in the Clerk's Office. They must be completed in full. Each original document filed in this Court must also be accompanied by a clear and legible copy of the document filed. Both the original and copy must be blue-backed.

2. FILING FEE - The filing fee for a civil complaint is $350.00. Personal checks are NOT accepted.

3. FILING IN FORMA PAUPERIS - If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may petition the Court to allow you to file your complaint without the prepayment of the filing fee. Forms for your use are available in the Clerk's Office. These forms must also accompany the complaint. (Declaration in support of request to proceed in forma pauperis)

4. REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY - A request for appointment of an attorney must be prepared by you in the form and manner set forth in Local Rule 11. A request in any other form will not be accepted.

The request must accompany the complaint and be presented as a separate document. Your request must also state the reasons why you want the Court to appoint an attorney for you.

OTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE DO NOT seek the assistance of an employee of this office to help you in this matter. Title 28 U.S.C. 995 prohibits members of this office from providing any type of legal advice.

In the event the Court denies your request for the appointment of any attorney and you find yourself acting as your own attorney, you must comply with the provisions of Local Rule 83-2.10.

Copies of the Local Rules are also available in any law library or from this Court’s website at: www.cacd.uscourts.gov.

Pertinent parts of Local Rules 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 26, 38, 41, 56 and 83 as well as Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(i)(1) are attached for your information and convenience.

Also attached is a list of lawyer referral services.

F.R.CIV.P.3. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION

L.R. 3-1 Civil Cover Sheet. All civil actions presented to the Clerk for filing shall be accompanied by a Civil Cover Sheet, in duplicate, completed and signed by the attorney or party presenting the matter. In all cases where jurisdiction is invoked in whole or in part under 28 U.S.C. § 1338 (regarding patents, plant variety protection, copyrights and trademarks), the Clerk shall also be provided at the time of filing with the original and two copies of the required notice to the Patent and Trademark Office in patent, plant variety protection and trademark matters and the original and four copies of the required notice in copyright matters. Copies of the Civil Cover Sheet and the required forms of notice to the Patent and Trademark Office are available from the Clerk.

F.R.CIV.P.5. SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS

L.R. 5-3 Proof of Service

L.R. 5-3.1 Form. Proof of service shall be made by declaration of the person accomplishing the service. That declaration shall include the following information:

(a) The day and manner of service;

(b) Each person and/or entity served;

(c) The title of each document served; and

(d) The method of service employed (e.g., personal, mail, substituted, etc.)

L.R. 5-3.2 Proof of Service - Attachment to Document Served. If the proof or acknowledgment of service is attached to the original document, it shall be attached as the last page of the document.

F.R.CIV.P.7. PLEADINGS ALLOWED; FORM OF MOTIONS

L.R. 7-1 Stipulations. Stipulations will be recognized as binding only when made in open court, on the record at a deposition, or when filed in the proceeding. Written stipulations affecting the progress of the case shall be filed with the Court, be in the form provided by L.R. 52-9, and will not be effective until approved by the judge, except as authorized by statute or the F.R.Civ.P.

L.R. 7-2 Applicability. The provisions of this rule shall apply to motions, applications, petitions, orders to show cause, and all other proceedings except a trial on the merits (all such being included within the term “motion” as used herein) unless otherwise ordered by the Court or provided by statute, the F.R.Civ.P., or the Local Rules.

L.R. 7-3 Conference of Counsel Prior to Filing of Motions. In all cases not listed as exempt in L.R. 16-11, and except in connection with discovery motions and applications for temporary restraining orders, counsel contemplating the filing of any motion shall first contact opposing counsel to discuss thoroughly, preferably in person, the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.

F.R.CIV.P.7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

L.R. 7.1-1 Certification as to Interested Parties. To enable the Court to evaluate possible disqualifications or recusal, counsel for all parties shall file with their first appearance an original and two copies of a Notice of Interested Parties which shall list all persons, associations of persons, firms, partnerships and corporations (including parent corporations) which have a direct, pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, including any insurance carrier which may be liable in whole or in part (directly or indirectly) for a judgment that may be entered in the action or for the cost of defense.

F.R.CIV.P.8. GENERAL RULES OF PLEADING

L.R. 8-1 Jurisdiction - Allegations. The statutory or other basis for the exercise of jurisdiction by this Court shall be plainly stated in the first paragraph of any document invoking this Court’s jurisdiction.

F.R.CIV.P.11. SIGNING OF PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND OTHER PAPERS; REPRESENTATIONS TO COURT; SANCTIONS

L.R. 11-1 Signature of Counsel. All documents, except declarations, shall be signed by the attorney for the party or the party appearing pro se. The name of the person signing the document shall be clearly typed below the signature line.

F.R.CIV.P.15. AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS

L.R. 15-1 Lodging - Separate Document. An original and one copy of the proposed amended pleading shall be lodged as a separate document with any notice of motion or stipulation to amend a pleading.

F.R.CIV.P.16. PRETRIAL CONFERENCES; SCHEDULING; MANAGEMENT

L.R. 16-2.4 Witnesses. The parties shall exchange a list of names and addresses of witnesses (including expert witnesses) to be called at trial other than those contemplated to be used solely for impeachment.

F.R.CIV.P.19. JOINDER OF PERSONS NEEDED FOR JUST ADJUDICATION

L.R. 19-1 Fictitiously Named Parties. No complaint or petition shall be filed that includes more than ten (10) Doe or fictitiously named parties.

F.R.CIV.P.26. GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISCOVERY; DUTY OF DISCLOSURE

L.R. 26-1 Conference of Parties; Report. At the conference of parties held pursuant to F.R.Civ.P. 26(f), the parties shall discuss the following matters in addition to those noted in F.R.Civ.P. 26(f):

(a) Complex Cases.

(b) Motion Schedule.

(c) Settlement.

(d) Trial Estimate.

(e) Additional Parties.

(f) Expert Witnesses.

F.R.CIV.P.38. JURY TRIAL OF RIGHT

L.R. 38-1 Jury Trial Demand - Included in Pleading. If the demand for jury trial is included in a pleading, it shall be set forth at the end thereof and be signed by the attorney for the party making the demand. The caption of such a pleading shall also contain the following: “DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL.”

F.R.CIV.P.41. DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS

L.R. 41-6 Dismissal - Failure of Pro Se Plaintiff to Keep Court Apprised of Current Address. A party proceeding pro se shall keep the Court and opposing parties apprised of such party’s current address and telephone number, if any.

F.R.CIV.P.56. SUMMARY JUDGMENT

L.R. 56-1 Papers Required From Moving Party. There shall be served and lodged with each notice of motion for summary judgment pursuant to F.R.Civ.P. 56 a proposed “Statement of Uncontroverted Facts and Conclusions of Law” and the proposed judgment.

F.R.CIV.P.83. RULES BY DISTRICT COURTS; JUDGE’S DIRECTIVES

L.R. 83-1.3 Notice of Related Cases

L.R. 83-1.3.1 Notice. At the time a civil action is filed, or as soon as known thereafter, the attorney shall file and serve on all parties who have appeared a Notice of Related Case(s).

L.R. 83-2.10 Persons Appearing Without an Attorney - Pro Se Litigants. A corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or trust may not appear in any action or proceeding pro se. Any person representing himself or herself without an attorney must appear pro se for such purpose.

F.R.CIV.P. 4 SUMMONS

(i) Serving the United States, Its Agencies, Corporations, Officers, or Employees.

(1) Service upon the United States shall be effected by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the United States attorney for the district in which the action is brought or by sending a copy by registered or certified mail to the civil process clerk and the Attorney General of the United States.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICES

(These organizations are not affiliates of the District Court.)

Los Angeles County

Bet Tzedek / 323-939-0506

Beverly Hills Bar Lawyer Referral & Information Service / 310-553-4022

Burbank Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service and Legal Aid) / 818-843-0931

El Centro de Accion, Inc. Community Service / 626-792-3148

Glendale Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service / 818-956-1633

Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Service / 213-243-1525

Long Beach Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service) / 562-432-5913

San Fernando Valley Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service / 818-340-4529

San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service / 626-966-5530

Santa Monica Bar Association (Lawyer Referral & Information Service) / 310-581-5163

Southeast District Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service) / 562-868-6787

Orange County

College Legal Clinic / 714-278-5850

Orange County Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Service / 949-440-6747

Orange County Trial Lawyers (Lawyer Referral Service) / 714-571-5204

Riverside County

Lawyer Referral Service of the Riverside County Bar Assn. / 909-682-7520 or 909-568-5555

San Bernardino County

College Legal Clinic / 909-880-5936

San Bernardino County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service / 909-888-6791

San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service / 626-966-5530

Western San Bernardino County Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service) / 909-945-2980

Santa Barbara County

Lawyer Referral Service of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association / 805-962-8191

Ventura County

San Fernando Valley Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service / 818-340-4529 (serves Ventura and San Fernando Valley)

Ventura County Bar Association / 805-650-7599

Signature

Date

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court header is and why it matters

The phrase Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court usually appears in the caption or heading of federal filings when a case is assigned to that judge or when a document is prepared for filing in that court. A correct caption identifies the court, the presiding judge, the parties, and the case number, and it frames the filing so clerks, opposing counsel, and the judge can process and docket it without delay. Consistent use of the court heading helps ensure compliance with local rules and reduces administrative rejects or clerical questions.

Why using the correct court caption reduces filing friction

Accurate use of the Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court caption helps clerks route papers, avoids rejections, and preserves the docket record. It also establishes who the matter is assigned to and ties filings to the correct case number and calendar.

Why using the correct court caption reduces filing friction

Who typically prepares and reviews filings that use this court heading

Ensuring everyone follows the same caption conventions reduces clerical delays and supports a clear public record.

  • Private litigators and law firms preparing pleadings and motions for federal court.
  • Pro se litigants filing documents who must follow local rules and caption format.
  • Court clerks and judicial assistants who verify caption accuracy and docket entries.

Core elements to include in a professional court caption

A professionally formatted caption reliably identifies the case and the filing party, and it follows local rules for line spacing, font, and content order. Include all required components and attach certificates or exhibits as separate labeled attachments to avoid ambiguity.

Court Name

Include the full court heading (Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court) exactly as required by local rules and the judge’s preferences.

Case Caption

List plaintiff(s) v. defendant(s) on separate lines, using official party names and punctuation consistent with the docket entry.

Case Number

Place the docket or case number on the caption so the clerk can immediately match the filing to the correct file.

Document Title

Use a concise title (for example: Motion to Dismiss, Notice of Appearance) and include any supporting exhibit identifiers.

Judge Line

If required, include the judge’s name or chambers line exactly as directed by the court’s filing instructions.

Certificate of Service

Attach a signed certificate indicating how and when opposing parties were served and list service recipients clearly.

Required metadata and short reference items

Filing Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Case Number: Docket or civil case number
Judge Name: Official judge name or chambers line
Party Names: Full legal names of parties
Document Title: Concise title of filing
Service Method: E-service, mail, or hand delivery

Step-by-step: preparing a filing with the court heading

Follow these core steps to prepare a filing that uses the Honorable Terry J. Hatter Jr. United States District Court heading and meets typical clerk requirements.

  • 01
    Prepare caption: Enter court name, parties, and case number in the top-center caption.
  • 02
    Add title: Provide a short descriptive document title beneath the caption.
  • 03
    Attach exhibits: Label and paginate exhibits separately; reference them in the body.
  • 04
    Certificate of service: Sign and date the certificate, and include service recipients and method.

How electronic submission typically flows in federal court filings

Electronic filing and eService reduce paper handling but require correct metadata and service information. Courts use CM/ECF systems with defined upload and confirmation steps.

  • Upload: Submit PDF via the court’s CM/ECF portal following size and format rules.
  • Select event: Choose the correct docket event to match the document content.
  • Attach exhibits: Upload exhibits as separate attachments and reference them in the main filing.
  • Confirm: Review the CM/ECF confirmation for docketing and service details.

Configuring an eFiling workflow for federal court documents

Set up your digital workflow to match court technical and procedural requirements before the first filing attempt.

Field Configuration
Authentication Use firm credentials and CM/ECF user accounts with two-factor authentication when supported.
Document Format Upload compliant PDF/A files; include searchable text where required.
Signer Order Set signing order for counsel and clients to capture all approvals before submission.
Audit Trail Enable audit logs for signatures, timestamps, and IP addresses for retention.

Technical and platform considerations for e-submission

Use a platform that preserves document integrity, includes an audit trail, and exports court-ready PDFs to meet clerk and local rule expectations.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace supported
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and other common formats accepted by most portals
  • Security: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest required

Key timing considerations when filing with a federal district court

Timing rules affect service, response deadlines, and preservation obligations. Confirm local rules and CM/ECF timestamps for filing cutoff times.

Response Deadlines:

Motion response periods vary; typically 14–21 days depending on rule and local practice

Filing Cutoffs:

Electronic filing cut-off times are set by each district court and affect filing dates

Service Timelines:

After filing, serve opposing counsel per local rules and list service method in certificate

Appeal Notices:

Notice of appeal deadlines are strict—verify the exact day counts under FRAP

Preservation:

Preserve evidence and communications as soon as litigation is reasonably anticipated

Common mistakes that delay court processing

  • Using an incorrect or incomplete case caption that does not match the docket entry.
  • Failing to attach or paginate exhibits properly, making the document hard to review.
  • Omitting a certificate of service or mis-stating service recipients and methods.
  • Uploading files in noncompliant formats or without required searchable text.

Consequences and procedural risks of incorrect filings

Clerk Rejection: Filing errors can lead to administrative rejection and require re-filing.
Missed Deadlines: Incorrect filing dates or service can forfeit rights and result in sanctions.
Sanctions Risk: Frivolous or late filings may expose the submitting party to monetary sanctions.
Evidence Challenges: Improper exhibit handling can weaken admissibility or record clarity.
Ethics Complaints: Repeated noncompliance with local rules can trigger disciplinary review.
I-9 and Tax Analogues: Separate compliance frameworks (employment or tax) carry statutory penalties when incomplete.

Practical examples of electronic signing and court document workflows

These short examples show how firms and organizations have used digital signing and workflow automation to prepare and route court-ready documents.

Optica Ventures — COO

Firm streamlined signature collection for client filings.

  • The interface was simple for staff and clients.
  • The team reported easier external signature collection and fewer missing pages when assembling court exhibits.

Martin Properties — Founder

Handled transactions and supporting affidavits entirely online.

  • Mobile and offline signing supported field agents.
  • This enabled timely submission of documents to the clerk and consistent exhibit formatting across filings.

Comparing eSignature vendor pricing and basic capabilities

Below is a concise pricing and capability snapshot. signNow is listed first for parity; verify vendor plans for enterprise or site-license details.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about preparing filings with this court heading

Answers to common questions about caption accuracy, eSignature use, notarization, and corrections when a filing contains errors.


Need help? Contact support

Explore Templates

Letter Informing of Event Change Nonexclusive License Agreement for Manufacture and Sale
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.