§ 412.20. — 412.20. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 344, Sec. 1.)

California § 412.20.

• Jurisdiction: California
• Code CCP: Code of Civil Procedure - CCP
• Title: 5.
• Part 2.: TITLE 5. JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
• Ch. 3.: CHAPTER 3. Summons

Text

(a)
Except as otherwise required by statute, a summons shall be directed to the defendant, signed by the clerk and issued under the seal of the court in which the action is pending, and it shall contain:
(1)
The title of the court in which the action is pending.
(2)
The names of the parties to the action.
(3)
A direction that the defendant file with the court a written pleading in response to the complaint within 30 days after summons is served on the defendant.
(4)
A notice that, unless the defendant so
responds, their default will be entered upon application by the plaintiff, and the plaintiff may apply to the court for the relief demanded in the complaint, which could result in garnishment of wages, taking of money or property, or other relief.
(5)
The following statement in boldface type:
“You may seek the advice of an attorney in any matter connected with the complaint or this summons. Such attorney should be consulted promptly so that your pleading may be filed or entered within the time required by this summons.”
(6)
The following introductory legend at the top of the summons above all other matter, in boldface type, in English and Spanish:
“Notice!
You have been sued.
The
court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days.
Read information below.”
(b)
Each county may, by ordinance, require that the legend contained in paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) be set forth in every summons issued out of the courts of that county in any additional foreign language, if the legend in the additional foreign language is set forth in the summons in the same manner as required in that paragraph.
(c)
A summons in a form approved by the Judicial Council is deemed to comply with this section.
(d)
For actions regarding residential property brought pursuant to Section 1161, the Judicial Council shall, by January 1, 2027, create for mandatory use a single summons form that includes the information described in paragraphs (3) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a) in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean.
The Judicial Council shall publish this form on its internet website.

Legislative History

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 344, Sec. 1. (AB 863) Effective January 1, 2026.