New LA Superior Court Rule – Unlawful Detainer Cellular Phone Info Form Required in 2026

Effective January 2, 2026, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (LASC) has issued a new rule requiring that each party involved in a limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer (UD) case must provide all known cellular telephone numbers for defendant(s) at the time of filing by submitting a Unlawful Detainer Cellular Telephone Information form (LASC CIV 312). This change aims to boost court operational efficiency and ensure parties receive timely text reminders about hearing dates, deadlines, and case notices.

New LA Superior Court Rule – Unlawful Detainer Cellular Phone Info Form Required in 2026
AUTHOR:

Countrywide Process

DATE:

January 24, 2026

What the New LASC Requirement Means for Unlawful Detainer Plaintiffs

Under General Order 2025-GEN-022-00, anyone filing a limited jurisdiction UD complaint must:

  • Submit Form LASC CIV 312 at the same time as the complaint.
  • Include all known cellular telephone numbers for defendant(s) on the form.
  • Certify that the information is complete, or check the box if no numbers are known.

The court uses this information to send text message reminders to both defendants and interested plaintiffs about upcoming hearings and filing deadlines.

Filing Requirements and Best Practices for E-Filing

Submit the Form as a Separate Document

When e-filing your UD complaint, always upload Form LASC CIV 312 as a standalone document within the same transaction, rather than attaching it to the end of the complaint. This helps ensure compliance and proper indexing by the court.

Mandatory at Time of Filing

The completed form must be submitted concurrently with the complaint—not afterward or in a separate submission—to satisfy the new General Order.

Why This Change Matters to Practitioners

This requirement is intended to improve access to justice and court efficiency by enabling the Superior Court to utilize automated text notifications to keep litigants informed. It reduces the chance of miscommunication or missed hearings due to outdated or unavailable contact methods.

Attorneys should begin collecting cell phone numbers from clients for use in UD cases as early as the pre-filing notice stage to ensure compliance. (LASC News CenterNotice to Attorneys)

Role of the Court in Enforcing the New Requirement

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County is taking a proactive approach to enforce the new electronic service (eService) requirement for Limited and Unlimited Civil cases. Beginning February 10, 2025, the court will start delivering electronic notices for appeals documents, streamlining the filing process and enhancing access to justice for everyone in Los Angeles County.

To support this transition, the court offers a range of additional resources designed to help both attorneys and self-represented litigants navigate the new eService system. By visiting the court’s official website, users can access step-by-step information on how to opt-in to eService, view important notices, and search for the latest details about the new requirements. The website provides a secure platform to deliver and access court documents, ensuring the protection and integrity of sensitive information throughout the filing process.

Under California Rule of Court 2.251, electronic service is recognized as legally equivalent to traditional methods such as mail, express mail, overnight delivery, or fax. The court now requires attorneys to accept eService, while self-represented litigants can choose to participate by filing a consent form. This allows parties to select electronic delivery of notices and access court documents online, saving valuable time and improving the efficiency of court operations in Los Angeles.

To get started with eService, users simply click on the “eService” tab on the court’s website and follow the provided instructions. The site is designed for easy navigation, enabling parties to view and manage their cases, access additional resources, and stay informed about their filings. By leveraging technology, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County is committed to delivering excellent service and making justice more accessible for all residents.

If users encounter technical issues or have questions, they can visit the court’s website for troubleshooting guides or contact the court’s support team directly. The court’s location and contact information are readily available online, making it easy to get assistance and resolve any concerns promptly. With a strong focus on security, access, and efficiency, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County is setting a new standard for court operations and ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and on time.

As the court continues to implement and enforce the new eService requirement, it is crucial for all parties to stay updated on the latest procedures and notices. Regular updates and important information will be posted on the court’s website, allowing users to access the most current details and plan their filings accordingly. By working together and utilizing the court’s additional resources, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County is building a more efficient and accessible court system for everyone in Los Angeles.

Essential UD Filing Documents for Los Angeles County in 2026

In addition to Form LASC CIV 312, the following documents are required to initiate a limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer case:

  • Complaint — Unlawful Detainer (UD-100)
  • Summons — Unlawful Detainer (SUM-130)
  • Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010)
  • Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum (LASC CIV 109)
  • Unlawful Detainer Cellular Telephone Information (LASC CIV 312)

Ensuring all these documents are included and correctly filed reduces the risk of delays or rejections.

Tips for Law Firms and Landlords

  • Collect cellular numbers early: Ask clients to gather all known telephone numbers for defendants and interested plaintiffs ahead of filing.
  • Certify completeness: If no numbers are known, make sure the correct box is checked on the form.
  • Use assisted eFiling: Assistance from an experienced filing service like Countrywide Process can help ensure all forms are filed accurately and in compliance with the new requirements.

Countrywide Process provides assisted eFiling services for unlawful detainer cases in Los Angeles and can help you meet this new requirement efficiently—contact us at 888-962-9696 or email info@countrywideprocess.com.

Form LASC CIV 312 is the Unlawful Detainer Cellular Telephone Information form used to list all known cellular numbers for defendant(s) (Mandatory) and Plaintiffs (Optional) when filing a limited jurisdiction UD complaint.

The form must be submitted at the same time as the complaint in every limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer case, as a separate document.

If you have no known mobile numbers for a defendant, you must check the appropriate box on the Unlawful Detainer Cellular Telephone Information Form LASC CIV 312 noting that fact.

This new rule helps the court send text reminders and notices to parties, improving communication and access to justice.

No. The requirement applies only to limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer cases. Unlimited jurisdiction filings are not included in this order.

Yes. All plaintiffs—even those representing themselves—must comply when initiating a limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer case.

Yes—using an experienced assisted eFiling provider such as Countrywide Process can minimize errors and help ensure your filing meets all court requirements.