2016: What Are the Court Holidays and Why Is This Important in Your Divorce, Legal Separation or Paternity Case in San Diego?

The San Diego Superior Court locations in downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Vista and El Cajon are all open and closed on same dates. All legal separation, paternity and divorce cases are heard in the San Diego Superior Court. Below is a list of the court approved holidays for 2016:

As you will note, there is only one week during the year in which there are two holiday days and this is Thanksgiving week.

It is vital to know when the court’s are closed for many reasons. First, there are filing deadlines which must be met. These are either calendar days or court days. As such, it is easily possible to mis count if a holiday is not excepted. For moving papers, these must be filed and served at least 16 days before the court hearing. More time needed if mailed or faxed. Some moving papers, such as a petition for divorce or legal separation or a complaint to establish a paternal relationship, must be personally served or a notice of acknowledgment and receipt executed and file. Opposing pleadings must be filed and served at least 9 court days before the hearing. Reply pleadings must be filed 5 court days before the hearing. Failing to file and serve timely may result in a denial of the relief requested even if substantively the relief should be granted. In addition, many take time off to go to court and it is very frustrating to show up to court only to have the court house closed. For example, as above, many do not know that the day after Thanksgiving is a court holiday when Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are not. In addition, if you go yourself to the court house to file, you do not want to come and find out court is closed and that was last day you can file.

The law office of Doppelt and Forney, APLC can help you with filings and meeting deadlines. Please feel free to ask for your free in-person or virtual consultation up to 30 minutes at their office when you call to set an appointment. Their office is conveniently located just off the I-15 at Bernardo Center Drive and there is free parking as well.