California Court Forms · Civil Cases

CM-010: Civil Case Cover Sheet

The cover sheet that tells the court what kind of civil case is being opened. A guide to the current form and the rule that calls for it.

Revised July 1, 2026 · 3 pages · The first paper in a covered civil case

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Not legal advice. This page explains what the form asks; it does not tell you what to put in your case.

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What it is

A cover sheet, separate from the complaint

Rule 3.220 calls for CM-010 with the first paper in covered civil actions. The rule excludes small claims and proceedings under the Probate, Family, or Welfare and Institutions Codes. A local court may also require its own cover sheet.

When it is used

Classification can have consequences

The form asks about the type of case and complex-case designation. Rule 3.220 explains that the cover sheet is used for statistics and may affect assignment of a complex case. It also specifies when the cover sheet must be served with the complaint.

Section by section

What each part asks

Use the current official form and its instructions. The descriptions below identify the questions without choosing answers for your situation.

Page 1 · Case identification

Caption: Filer and court information, case name, number, judge and department.
Civil classification: Limited or unlimited designation and any complex-case counter-designation or joinder.
1 · Type of case: One classification from the form’s list. The list includes civil tort, contract, real-property and other categories.

Page 2 · Case details and signature

2 · Complex-case designation: Whether the case is complex under rule 3.400. Listed factors concern separately represented parties, motion practice, documents, witnesses, related actions and postjudgment supervision.
3 · Remedies: Monetary, nonmonetary declaratory or injunctive relief, and punitive remedies.
4 · Causes of action: The number of causes of action.
5 · Class action: Whether the case is a class action.
6 · Related cases: Notice of known related cases; the form identifies CM-015 as an available notice form.
Date and signature: Printed name and signature of the party or attorney, followed by the filing notice and instructions.

Page 3 · Case-type examples

Examples for information: Examples accompanying the case categories in item 1. They help explain the categories rather than add another set of requested case facts.
Review classification carefully: The examples do not decide which legal claims belong in a particular case.

Before you file

Common filing problems to check

These checks come from the official form and instructions. They are not a ranking of rejection reasons; the court decides whether a filing meets its requirements.

CM-010 is missing from the first paper in a case covered by rule 3.220.
The six required numbered items have not all been completed.
A local cover sheet required by the court is absent.
The complaint and cover sheet have inconsistent case information.

E-file it

How to e-file CM-010 with Legal Hub Group

Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts. Availability depends on the live court, case type, document type and whether the case is new or existing.

Confirm the court

Check the current court and case-type list. A court must support the particular filing; this guide does not make every form available in every county.

Upload and check

Upload the finished papers and their attachments. Lexary checks them for common filing problems. Review the documents and the results before continuing.

Review the filing and fees

Confirm the case, document types and payment choice. Review every fee shown before submitting.

Submit and track the answer

The court reviews the filing. Keep the court’s acceptance and returned copy, or read its rejection notice before deciding what to do next.

$14.99 Legal Hub Group fee per e-filing, plus applicable court and court-system fees. Each fee is shown before submitting.

E-service is included free where available. No subscription. E-filing and service of opening papers are separate requirements.

Create a free account Check courts and case types

Live counties with a relevant case type: Butte · Calaveras · Colusa · Contra Costa · Glenn · Los Angeles · Madera · Mariposa · Mendocino · Merced · Napa · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Luis Obispo · San Mateo · Santa Barbara · Santa Clara · Santa Cruz · Sonoma · Stanislaus · Sutter · Tehama · Yolo · Yuba. Check each listing’s new-case or existing-case status and document restrictions.

Questions

CM-010 questions

Is CM-010 required for small claims?

Rule 3.220 excludes small claims from its statewide CM-010 requirement. Check the court’s instructions for any local forms.

Does CM-010 replace a complaint?

No. It provides case information and accompanies the first paper when required.

Why does this page show three pages?

The official July 1, 2026 revision is three pages. Older copies may have a different layout or page count.

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Guides & comparisons

Not legal advice. This page explains public filing information. It does not tell you what to put in your own case. Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts, not a law firm.

Information checked as of October 2026. Rules, form revisions and provider prices can change. The court decides whether to accept a filing.

CM-010 form revision: July 1, 2026.