Cal. R. 3.896

As amended through July 24, 2024

Rule 3.896 - Coordination with Trial Court Delay Reduction Act

(a) Effect of mediation on time standards

Submission of an action to mediation under the rules in this chapter does not affect time periods specified in the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act (Gov. Code, Section 68600 et seq.), except as provided in this rule.

(b) Exception to delay reduction time standards

On written stipulation of the parties filed with the court, the court may order an exception of up to 90 days to the delay reduction time standards to permit mediation of an action. The court must coordinate the timing of the exception period with its delay reduction calendar.

(c) Time for completion of mediation

Mediation must be completed within 60 days of a reference to a mediator, but that period may be extended by the court for up to 30 days on a showing of good cause.

(d) Restraint in discovery

The parties should exercise restraint in discovery while a case is in mediation. In appropriate cases to accommodate that objective, the court may issue a protective order under Code of Civil Procedure section 2017(c) and related provisions.

Cal. R. Ct. 3.896

Rule 3.896 renumbered effective 7/1/2009; adopted as rule 1637 effective 3/1/1994; previously amended and renumbered as rule 3.876 effective 1/1/2007.