Tentative Rulings

The Court has a tentative ruling procedure pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1308 and Alameda County Superior Court Local Rule 3.30.

What Is a Tentative Ruling?

Prior to the hearing of a law and motion matter, the court may issue a tentative ruling.

The tentative ruling will become the order of the court, and no hearing will be held, unless a party contests the tentative ruling.

How Do I Obtain a Tentative Ruling?

Tentative rulings are available on the internet and by telephone. In some cases (such as recently filed unlawful detainer (eviction) cases), tentative rulings may only be available by telephone.

To find a tentative ruling on the internet, you can search by department number or case number.

To search by department number, click here and then do the following:

• Select the court location and hearing date.
• Click "Get Department Listings."
• Click the department in which your motion is set.
• Click the civil law and motion calendar for the date.

To search by case number, click here and then do the following:

• Enter the case number.
• Click "Submit."
• Click the "Tentative Rulings" tab in the left-hand column.

To listen to a tentative ruling by phone, please call 1-866-223-2244.

How Do I Contest a Tentative Ruling?

Notify the court and all other parties no later than 4:00 p.m. one court day before the scheduled hearing, and briefly identify the issues you wish you argue. If you are leaving a phone message, also give your name and phone number, the case name and number, and the date and time of the hearing.

For Department 31, call 510-208-3939.

For all other departments, call the clerk of that department or follow the instructions in the Notice of Assignment.

To obtain a phone number for a department other than Department 31, click here and then click on the department number or the judge's name.