§ 1242 Citation Service Requirements

Probate Code·California

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This law explains how much advance notice must be given to a person before a court date when they receive a citation, and how it must be served.

Key Takeaways

•The citation must be served at least five days before the return day.
•Service must follow the rules in Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
•The five‑day rule applies unless another statute provides a different timing.

Example

You get a traffic ticket that says your court date is June 10.

The citation must be delivered to you at least five days before June 10, so by June 5 at the latest, following the service rules in Chapter 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1242 Citation Service Requirements

The citation shall be served on the person cited in the manner provided in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 413.10) of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the citation shall be served at least five days before its return day. (Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

citation served Chapter 4 Title 5 Part 2 Code of Civil Procedure five days return day

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Probate Code. Section 1242.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References