Civil discovery.

Initial disclosures after demand in California lawsuits

In California civil cases filed on or after January 1, 2024, each party who has appeared and has a lawyer must serve initial disclosures within 60 days after any party demands them. This includes the party who made the demand, unless everyone agrees to a different schedule. You must list people with relevant information (with contacts and subjects, excluding impeachment-only witnesses) and describe or provide documents, electronic files, and things you may use or that are relevant. You must also share insurance policies and the key parts of any contracts that could cover, indemnify, or reimburse a judgment (like who is covered, limits, and any coverage disputes). Disclosures are based on what you reasonably know and cannot be delayed for incomplete investigation. They must be verified by a signed declaration or your lawyer’s signature. Courts can enforce these duties on their own or on a party’s request. A party may send up to two supplemental demands before the initial trial date and one after; a judge may allow one more for good cause. These rules do not apply to unlawful detainer, small claims, Family Code, Probate Code, or cases with a Section 36 preference, and they do not apply to any unrepresented party. The law also repeals the 2023 version of this section and keeps these disclosure rules in place.