(a) Request before trial If a party files a written request for a court order before the hearing on the claim, the requesting party must mail, personally deliver, or if agreed on by the parties electronically serve a copy to all other parties in the case. The other parties must be given an opportunity to answer or respond to the request before or at the hearing. This subdivision does not apply to a request to postpone the hearing date if the plaintiff's claim has not been served. (Subd (a) amended