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The CM-015 form, officially titled "Notice of Related Case," plays a critical role in the California court system by facilitating the identification of cases that share similarities. This form is designed to keep track of all related cases, helping to avoid duplicate judicial resources and ensuring that similar issues are addressed cohesively. Users are required to provide essential information, such as the titles, case numbers, and court details for each related case, and indicate the relationships among them. The form also includes a section for determining if a case has been labeled as "complex," which could impact how it is managed. Importantly, the form includes a part dedicated to serving notice to all involved parties, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal processes. Completing the CM-015 effectively aids in legal efficiency, streamlining case management by alerting the court to interconnections between pending litigation.

Cm 015 Example

same as above
other state or federal court (name and address):

CM-015

ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY (Name, State Bar number, and address):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR COURT USE ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To keep other people from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

seeing what you entered on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

your form, please press the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear This Form button at the

 

 

TELEPHONE NO.:

FAX NO. (Optional):

 

 

end of the form when finished.

 

 

E-MAIL ADDRESS (Optional):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTORNEY FOR (Name):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STREET ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAILING ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY AND ZIP CODE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRANCH NAME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER:

 

CASE NUMBER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUDICIAL OFFICER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEPT.:

 

 

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify, in chronological order according to date of filing, all cases related to the case referenced above.

1.a. Title:

b. Case number:

c. Court:

d.

 

Department:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.

Case type:

 

 

limited civil

 

 

unlimited civil

 

 

probate

 

family law

 

other (specify):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f.

 

Filing date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

g.

 

Has this case been designated or determined as "complex?"

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

h. Relationship of this case to the case referenced above (check all that apply):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves the same parties and is based on the same or similar claims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

arises from the same or substantially identical transactions, incidents, or events requiring the determination of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the same or substantially identical questions of law or fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves claims against, title to, possession of, or damages to the same property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is likely for other reasons to require substantial duplication of judicial resources if heard by different judges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional explanation is attached in attachment 1h

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i. Status of case:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dismissed

 

 

with

 

 

without prejudice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

disposed of by judgment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.a. Title:

b. Case number:

c. Court:

 

same as above

 

 

other state or federal court (name and address):

 

 

d. Department:

 

Page 1 of 3

Form Approved for Optional Use

Judicial Council of California CM-015 [Rev. July 1, 2007]

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.300 www.courtinfo.ca.gov

CM-015

PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER:

DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT:

CASE NUMBER:

2.(continued)

e.

Case type:

 

 

limited civil

 

 

unlimited civil

 

 

probate

 

 

family law

 

other (specify):

f.

 

Filing date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

g.

 

Has this case been designated or determined as "complex?"

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

h. Relationship of this case to the case referenced above (check all that apply):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves the same parties and is based on the same or similar claims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

arises from the same or substantially identical transactions, incidents, or events requiring the determination of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the same or substantially identical questions of law or fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves claims against, title to, possession of, or damages to the same property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is likely for other reasons to require substantial duplication of judicial resources if heard by different judges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional explanation is attached in attachment 2h

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i. Status of case:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dismissed

 

 

with

 

 

 

without prejudice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

disposed of by judgment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.a. Title:

b. Case number:

 

 

c. Court:

 

 

 

 

same as above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other state or federal court (name and address):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d. Department:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e. Case type:

 

 

limited civil

 

 

 

 

unlimited civil

 

 

probate

 

 

family law

 

other (specify):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f.

Filing date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

g.

Has this case been designated or determined as "complex?"

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

h. Relationship of this case to the case referenced above (check all that apply):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves the same parties and is based on the same or similar claims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

arises from the same or substantially identical transactions, incidents, or events requiring the determination of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the same or substantially identical questions of law or fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

involves claims against, title to, possession of, or damages to the same property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is likely for other reasons to require substantial duplication of judicial resources if heard by different judges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional explanation is attached in attachment 3h

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i. Status of case:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dismissed

 

 

with

 

 

without prejudice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

disposed of by judgment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

 

 

Additional related cases are described in Attachment 4. Number of pages attached: ______

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

`

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME OF PARTY OR ATTORNEY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(SIGNATURE OF PARTY OR ATTORNEY)

CM-015 [Rev. July 1, 2007]

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

 

Page 2 of 3

CM-015

PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER:

DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT:

CASE NUMBER:

PROOF OF SERVICE BY FIRST-CLASS MAIL

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

(NOTE: You cannot serve the Notice of Related Case if you are a party in the action. The person who served the notice must complete this proof of service. The notice must be served on all known parties in each related action or proceeding.)

1.I am at least 18 years old and not a party to this action. I am a resident of or employed in the county where the mailing took place, and my residence or business address is (specify):

2.I served a copy of the Notice of Related Case by enclosing it in a sealed envelope with first-class postage fully prepaid and (check one):

a.

b.

deposited the sealed envelope with the United States Postal Service.

placed the sealed envelope for collection and processing for mailing, following this business's usual practices, with which I am readily familiar. On the same day correspondence is placed for collection and mailing, it is deposited in the ordinary course of business with the United States Postal Service.

3.The Notice of Related Case was mailed:

a.on (date):

b.from (city and state):

4.The envelope was addressed and mailed as follows:

a.Name of person served:

Street address: City:

State and zip code:

b.Name of person served:

Street address: City:

State and zip code:

c.Name of person served:

Street address: City:

State and zip code:

d.Name of person served:

Street address: City:

State and zip code:

Names and addresses of additional persons served are attached. (You may use form POS-030(P).)

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME OF DECLARANT)

(SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT)

CM-015 [Rev. July 1, 2007]

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

 

 

 

 

For your protection and privacy, please press the Clear This Form

 

 

 

Save This Form

button after you have printed the form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print This Form

Page 3 of 3

Clear This Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Form Title The CM-015 form is officially titled "Notice of Related Case." It is used to notify the court and parties of related cases that may affect the current proceedings.
Governing Law This form operates under the California Rules of Court, specifically rule 3.300, which addresses the procedures for identifying related cases.
Purpose The primary purpose of the form is to ensure that the court is informed about any related pending cases, which may prevent duplication of judicial efforts and resources.
Complex Case Designation The form includes a section to indicate whether any related case has been designated as "complex." This designation can influence how the case is managed and processed by the court.
Filing Requirements Parties must complete and file the form in the specific court where their case is currently active, ensuring that all known parties in related cases receive a copy of the notice.
Privacy Considerations To maintain the confidentiality of the information, the form provides a clear instruction to use the “Clear This Form” button after completing it, preventing unauthorized access to entered data.

Guidelines on Utilizing Cm 015

After filling out the CM-015 form, you will need to serve the notice to all known parties involved in the related cases. Ensure that the information is accurate and complete to avoid delays in your case. Below are the steps to correctly fill out the form.

  1. At the top of the form, provide the name and address of the court where your case is filed.
  2. Enter the plaintiff/petitioner and defendant/respondent names along with the case number.
  3. Fill in the details of any related cases in chronological order, starting with the first case.
    • Title: Enter the case title.
    • Case number: Write the related case number.
    • Court: Specify the court (same as above or another court).
    • Department: Indicate the department handling the case.
    • Case type: Choose the appropriate case type from the provided options.
    • Filing date: Provide the date when the case was filed.
    • Complexity: Indicate whether the case is designated as "complex."
    • Relationship: Check all applicable statements regarding how the case is related.
    • Status: Update the current status of the case.
  4. Repeat the previous step for up to three additional cases.
  5. If there are more related cases, mention them in Attachment 4. Indicate the number of pages attached.
  6. Date the form and enter your name as a type or print clearly.
  7. Sign the form where indicated to certify the information is true and correct.

Remember to press the Clear This Form button once you finish to ensure privacy of the information you entered.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the CM-015 form used for?

The CM-015 form, also known as the Notice of Related Case, is used in California courts to identify cases that are related to an ongoing case. This form helps inform the courts about any existing cases that may involve the same parties, similar claims, or substantially identical transactions. Ensuring all related cases are recognized helps streamline court proceedings and minimizes duplication of judicial resources.

Who should fill out the CM-015 form?

The CM-015 form should be completed by an attorney or a party involved in a legal action. If you're a party in the ongoing case, you cannot serve the notice yourself. Instead, someone else who is not a party must send it to all known parties in each related action or proceeding to ensure proper notification.

What information is required on the CM-015 form?

The form requires detailed information about related cases, including case titles, numbers, court locations, filing dates, and the status of each case. It also asks if the related case has been designated as "complex" and the relationship of that case to the current one. Be prepared to attach additional explanations if necessary.

How do I serve the CM-015 form to involved parties?

To serve the CM-015 form, you must mail copies to all involved parties in the related cases. You need to include the date of mailing, your address, and details about how the notice was sent (via USPS, for example). The person serving the notice must complete a proof of service section on the form. This adds a layer of formality and provides a legal record of the service.

What should I do after completing the CM-015 form?

After you fill out the CM-015 form, make sure to print it out Legibly. You will also want to serve the completed form to all known parties in each related action. Finally, it's essential to retain a copy for your records and ensure that you clear any entered data appropriately for your privacy and security.

Common mistakes

When filling out the CM-015 form, many individuals make errors that can significantly affect their case. One prevalent mistake is incorrect identification of related cases. Each case listed must not only be accurately titled and numbered but also correctly associated with the proper court and department. If someone links cases that are not truly related, it may lead to confusion and potentially jeopardize the intended judicial process.

Another common oversight involves the completion of sections regarding the relationship of the cases. People often forget to check all applicable boxes that describe how the cases are related. This section is crucial as it helps judges understand the connections between different cases. Omitting information here can result in delays or complications as the court may require further clarification.

Individuals frequently misstate the status of their cases, a mistake that should not be taken lightly. If someone incorrectly marks a case as “pending” when it has been dismissed, the court could draw inaccurate conclusions. This could lead to unnecessary hearings or further legal proceedings that could have been avoided with accurate reporting.

It’s also important to ensure all additional explanations are included if related cases are complex. Many fail to attach necessary documents that provide context and details. While it may seem cumbersome, neglecting to attach these explanations can lead the court to underestimate the significance or intricacies of the relationships between cases.

Moreover, errors can occur in the proof of service section. Many filers overlook the requirement to serve the notice on all parties involved in the related actions. If someone is a party in the action, they cannot serve the notice themselves. This oversight can invalidate the filing and create more problems than originally anticipated.

Lastly, double-checking personal information is crucial. Mistakes in names, addresses, or contact information for both parties and attorneys can create major legal roadblocks. Forms are often processed based on the accuracy of this information, and having incorrect details can lead to missed notifications and hearings.

Documents used along the form

The CM-015 form, also known as the Notice of Related Case, is essential for identifying cases that share similarities or relationships with one another in the legal system. Alongside this form, several other documents are often utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case landscape. Here is a brief overview of four such documents.

  • Proof of Service: This document confirms that all relevant parties have been notified of legal actions or filings. It includes details about who was served, how the service was conducted, and the date of service. Completing this form accurately ensures compliance with service requirements.
  • Case Information Statement: A case information statement provides key details about a case, including parties involved, case number, and the nature of the action. This document serves as a quick reference for court personnel and helps streamline case management.
  • Declaration of Related Cases: This declaration outlines the relationships between the current case and previously filed cases. It includes basic information about each related case and clarifies how they are intertwined. This document facilitates the court's understanding of how to allocate resources effectively.
  • Request for Judicial Notice: This form requests the court to acknowledge certain facts or legal documents that are relevant to the case at hand. The request helps establish context by bringing in information that the court should consider, enhancing the clarity of the arguments presented.

Utilizing these documents in conjunction with the CM-015 form contributes to a well-organized case management process. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that the court and involved parties have a clear understanding of the case's context and its related actions.

Similar forms

  • CM-010: Notice of Case Assignment - This document informs the parties involved in a case about which judge will handle their case. Both forms are used to ensure all parties are aware of essential case details and related information.
  • CM-020: Notice of Hearing - Similar in purpose, this form provides notification about upcoming hearings. Just like the CM-015, it requires accurate identification of related parties and case details to avoid confusion.
  • FL-300: Request for Order - This form requests a court order regarding family law matters. It highlights case relationships, much like the CM-015 documents any related cases to help streamline proceedings.
  • CIV-070: Request for Dismissal - In civil proceedings, this form can dismiss related cases, similar to how the CM-015 identifies and links related cases, ensuring the court has relevant context before making decisions.
  • PV-120: Petition for Relief - This document seeks court relief in various types of cases. Like the CM-015, it identifies relationships and complexities within cases, helping the court understand the broader context.
  • PRO-142: Notice of Motion - This form notifies parties about motions being heard in court. It shares several characteristics with the CM-015 by emphasizing interconnections between cases and the necessity to address them collectively.

Dos and Don'ts

  • Do: Read the form carefully before starting. Understanding the requirements can save time and prevent errors.
  • Do: Clearly fill in your name, address, and contact information. Accurate contact details ensure proper communication.
  • Do: Provide all required related case information in chronological order. This helps in tracking the context of the cases.
  • Do: Review the completed form for any mistakes. Catching errors before submission is crucial.
  • Do: Use clear and legible handwriting, or type out your responses. This improves readability for those reviewing your submission.
  • Don't: Leave any required fields blank. Missing information can delay processing.
  • Don't: Discuss or disclose sensitive information publicly. Maintain the privacy of all parties involved.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The CM-015 form is only for family law cases.

    This is incorrect. The CM-015 form can be used for various case types, including limited civil, unlimited civil, probate, and others. It is not limited to family law matters.

  • Misconception 2: Only attorneys can file the CM-015 form.

    In reality, any party involved in a case can file this form. It is intended for both attorneys and individuals who are representing themselves in court.

  • Misconception 3: The form must list all related cases in detail.

    While it is beneficial to list related cases, you can also attach additional explanations if needed. You are not required to provide extensive details on the main form itself.

  • Misconception 4: Filing this form guarantees that cases will be consolidated.

    Filing the CM-015 form does not automatically result in case consolidation. It simply notifies the court of related cases, and the court will decide on the appropriate action.

  • Misconception 5: Anyone can serve the Notice of Related Case.

    Only individuals who are not parties in the action can serve this notice. There are specific requirements regarding who can complete the proof of service.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the CM-015 form requires attention to detail and careful consideration of the information being provided. Here are some key takeaways to ensure a smooth process:

  • Complete all required fields: Make sure to fill out every section of the form, including the names of the parties involved, the relevant court information, and any related case details.
  • Chronological order is crucial: List all related cases according to their filing dates to help establish the relationship between the cases clearly.
  • Understand the complexity designation: Be aware of whether any of the cases have been marked as "complex," as this may impact how they are processed by the court.
  • Use the proof of service: After completing the Notice of Related Case, ensure that it is served properly to all known parties involved in related actions. Remember, the person serving the notice must complete the proof of service section.
  • Keep confidentiality in mind: To protect sensitive information, always press the "Clear This Form" button after completing the document. This helps prevent others from accessing what you entered.

By following these guidelines, you can facilitate the filing process and ensure that all pertinent information is accurately submitted to the court. It is vital to approach this task with care and consideration for the legal matters at hand.