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The California CV-71 form, known as the Civil Cover Sheet, serves a critical role in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. This form is essential for initiating civil cases and provides the court with vital information about the parties involved, the basis for jurisdiction, and the nature of the lawsuit. It requires the identification of plaintiffs and defendants, along with their respective attorneys, if applicable. Additionally, it helps establish the jurisdictional basis of the case, whether it involves federal questions or diversity of citizenship. The form also prompts users to indicate the origin of the case, whether it is original, removed from state court, or related to previous cases. A section is dedicated to the nature of the suit, allowing litigants to specify the legal grounds for their claims. Furthermore, the CV-71 includes inquiries about jury demands and class action status, alongside a request for monetary damages. Completing this form accurately is crucial, as it aids the court in organizing and managing its docket effectively.

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL COVER SHEET

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS ( Check box if you are representing yourself )

DEFENDANTS ( Check box if you are representing yourself )

(b)Attorneys (Firm Name, Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing yourself, provide same.)

(b)Attorneys (Firm Name, Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing yourself, provide same.)

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in one box only.)

III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES-For Diversity Cases Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Place an X in one box for plaintiff and one for defendant)

 

 

 

 

1. U.S. Government

3. Federal Question (U.S.

 

PTF

DEF

Incorporated or Principal Place

PTF

 

DEF

Citizen of This State

1

1

 

4

4

 

 

 

 

of Business in this State

 

Plaintiff

Government Not a Party)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citizen of Another State

2

2

Incorporated and Principal Place

 

5

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Business in Another State

 

2. U.S. Government

4. Diversity (Indicate Citizenship

Citizen or Subject of a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defendant

3

3

Foreign Nation

 

6

6

of Parties in Item III)

 

Foreign Country

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IV. ORIGIN (Place an X in one box only.)

 

 

 

5. Transferred from Another

6. Multi-

 

 

 

 

1. Original

2. Removed from

3. Remanded from

4. Reinstated or

District (Specify)

 

District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation

 

 

 

 

 

State Court

Appellate Court

Reopened

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: JURY DEMAND:

Yes

No (Check "Yes" only if demanded in complaint.)

 

 

 

 

CLASS ACTION under F.R.Cv.P. 23:

Yes

No

MONEY DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT: $

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI. CAUSE OF ACTION (Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and write a brief statement of cause. Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity.)

VII. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an X in one box only).

OTHER STATUTES

CONTRACT

REAL PROPERTY CONT.

IMMIGRATION

PRISONER PETITIONS

PROPERTY RIGHTS

375 False Claims Act

110 Insurance

240 Torts to Land

462 Naturalization

Habeas Corpus:

820 Copyrights

 

 

245 Tort Product

Application

463 Alien Detainee

 

400 State

120 Marine

 

 

830 Patent

Liability

465 Other

510 Motions to Vacate

Reapportionment

 

 

 

Immigration Actions

Sentence

840 Trademark

410 Antitrust

130 Miller Act

290 All Other Real

 

530 General

 

430 Banks and Banking

140 Negotiable

Property

TORTS

SOCIAL SECURITY

 

TORTS

 

535 Death Penalty

861 HIA (1395ff)

Instrument

PERSONAL PROPERTY

450 Commerce/ICC

150 Recovery of

PERSONAL INJURY

370 Other Fraud

Other:

862 Black Lung (923)

Rates/Etc.

310 Airplane

540 Mandamus/Other

Overpayment &

 

371 Truth in Lending

 

460 Deportation

Enforcement of

315 Airplane

550 Civil Rights

863 DIWC/DIWW (405 (g))

 

Judgment

 

 

470 Racketeer Influ-

Product Liability

380 Other Personal

 

864 SSID Title XVI

 

555 Prison Condition

 

 

enced & Corrupt Org.

151 Medicare Act

320 Assault, Libel &

Property Damage

560 Civil Detainee

865 RSI (405 (g))

480 Consumer Credit

 

Slander

385 Property Damage

152 Recovery of

330 Fed. Employers'

Conditions of

 

 

Defaulted Student

Product Liability

Confinement

FEDERAL TAX SUITS

 

Liability

490 Cable/Sat TV

 

Loan (Excl. Vet.)

BANKRUPTCY

FORFEITURE/PENALTY

870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or

 

 

340 Marine

850 Securities/Com-

153 Recovery of

422 Appeal 28

625 Drug Related

Defendant)

345 Marine Product

modities/Exchange

USC 158

 

Overpayment of

Seizure of Property 21

871 IRS-Third Party 26 USC

 

Liability

423 Withdrawal 28

890 Other Statutory

Vet. Benefits

USC 881

7609

 

Actions

160 Stockholders'

350 Motor Vehicle

USC 157

 

 

CIVIL RIGHTS

690 Other

 

 

355 Motor Vehicle

 

891 Agricultural Acts

Suits

 

440 Other Civil Rights

 

 

 

Product Liability

 

 

893 Environmental

190 Other

 

LABOR

 

360 Other Personal

441 Voting

 

Matters

Contract

710 Fair Labor Standards

 

Injury

 

 

 

 

895 Freedom of Info.

 

 

Act

 

195 Contract

362 Personal Injury-

442 Employment

 

Act

720 Labor/Mgmt.

 

Product Liability

Med Malpratice

 

 

896 Arbitration

196 Franchise

365 Personal Injury-

443 Housing/

Relations

 

Accomodations

 

 

 

Product Liability

740 Railway Labor Act

 

899 Admin. Procedures

REAL PROPERTY

445 American with

 

367 Health Care/

 

 

210 Land

751 Family and Medical

 

Disabilities-

 

Act/Review of Appeal of

Pharmaceutical

 

Condemnation

Employment

Leave Act

 

Agency Decision

Personal Injury

 

790 Other Labor

 

 

220 Foreclosure

Product Liability

446 American with

 

 

Litigation

 

950 Constitutionality of

230 Rent Lease &

368 Asbestos

Disabilities-Other

 

 

791 Employee Ret. Inc.

 

State Statutes

Personal Injury

448 Education

 

Ejectment

Security Act

 

 

Product Liability

 

 

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Case Number:

AFTER COMPLETING PAGE 1 OF FORM CV-71, COMPLETE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON PAGE 2.

CV-71 (02/13)

CIVIL COVER SHEET

Page 1 of 2

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CIVIL COVER SHEET

VIII(a). IDENTICAL CASES: Has this action been previously filed in this court and dismissed, remanded or closed?

NO

YES

If yes, list case number(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIII(b). RELATED CASES: Have any cases been previously filed in this court that are related to the present case?

NO

YES

If yes, list case number(s):

Civil cases are deemed related if a previously filed case and the present case:

(Check all boxes that apply)

A. Arise from the same or closely related transactions, happenings, or events; or

 

 

B. Call for determination of the same or substantially related or similar questions of law and fact; or

 

C. For other reasons would entail substantial duplication of labor if heard by different judges; or

 

D. Involve the same patent, trademark or copyright, and one of the factors identified above in a, b or c also is present.

IX. VENUE: (When completing the following information, use an additional sheet if necessary.)

(a)List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named plaintiff resides.

Check here if the government, its agencies or employees is a named plaintiff. If this box is checked, go to item (b).

County in this District:*

California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country

(b)List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named defendant resides.

Check here if the government, its agencies or employees is a named defendant. If this box is checked, go to item (c).

County in this District:*

California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country

(c)List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH claim arose.

NOTE: In land condemnation cases, use the location of the tract of land involved.

County in this District:*

California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country

*Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, or San Luis Obispo Counties

Note: In land condemnation cases, use the location of the tract of land involved

X. SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY (OR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANT):

 

DATE:

Notice to Counsel/Parties: The CV-71 (JS-44) Civil Cover Sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required pursuant to Local Rule 3-1 is not filed but is used by the Clerk of the Court for the purpose of statistics, venue and initiating the civil docket sheet. (For more detailed instructions, see separate instructions sheet).

Key to Statistical codes relating to Social Security Cases:

Nature of Suit Code

Abbreviation

861

HIA

862

BL

863

DIWC

863

DIWW

864

SSID

865

RSI

Substantive Statement of Cause of Action

All claims for health insurance benefits (Medicare) under Title 18, Part A, of the Social Security Act, as amended. Also, include claims by hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc., for certification as providers of services under the program. (42 U.S.C. 1935FF(b))

All claims for "Black Lung" benefits under Title 4, Part B, of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. (30 U.S.C. 923)

All claims filed by insured workers for disability insurance benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended; plus all claims filed for child's insurance benefits based on disability. (42 U.S.C. 405 (g))

All claims filed for widows or widowers insurance benefits based on disability under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 U.S.C. 405 (g))

All claims for supplemental security income payments based upon disability filed under Title 16 of the Social Security Act, as amended.

All claims for retirement (old age) and survivors benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 U.S.C. 405 (g))

CV-71 (02/13)

CIVIL COVER SHEET

Page 2 of 2

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose of the Form The California CV-71 form serves as a Civil Cover Sheet required by the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It provides essential information about the case being filed.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, specifically Local Rule 3-1.
Use of the Form The CV-71 form is not filed with the court but is used by the Clerk for statistical purposes, venue determination, and to initiate the civil docket sheet.
Filing Requirements When completing the CV-71 form, individuals must provide accurate information regarding parties involved, basis of jurisdiction, and nature of the suit. This ensures the court can process the case efficiently.

California Cv 71: Usage Guidelines

After filling out the California CV-71 form, you will need to complete any additional required information on the second page. Make sure all details are accurate and complete before submitting the form.

  1. Identify Yourself: In the first section, indicate whether you are the plaintiff or defendant. Check the appropriate box if you are representing yourself.
  2. Provide Attorney Information: If you have an attorney, fill in their firm name, address, and phone number. If you are self-represented, provide your own information.
  3. Select Basis of Jurisdiction: Choose one box to indicate the basis of jurisdiction. This may include options like U.S. Government or Diversity.
  4. List Citizenship of Principal Parties: For diversity cases, mark one box for the plaintiff and one for the defendant based on their citizenship status.
  5. Select Origin: Indicate the origin of your case by placing an X in the appropriate box. This includes options like Original, Removed from State Court, etc.
  6. Indicate Jury Demand: Check "Yes" or "No" to indicate if a jury demand is made in the complaint.
  7. Specify Money Demanded: Write the amount of money demanded in the complaint.
  8. Cite Cause of Action: Write the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and provide a brief statement of the cause.
  9. Select Nature of Suit: Choose one box that best describes the nature of your suit.
  10. Identify Identical or Related Cases: Answer the questions about whether this case has been previously filed or is related to any other cases.
  11. Provide Venue Information: List the counties where each named plaintiff and defendant resides, and where the claim arose.
  12. Sign and Date: Finally, sign and date the form. If you are self-represented, make sure to sign in the designated area.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the California CV-71 form?

The California CV-71 form, known as the Civil Cover Sheet, serves as a crucial document for initiating civil cases in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It helps the court organize and manage cases effectively. By providing essential information about the parties involved, the basis of jurisdiction, and the nature of the suit, the CV-71 allows the court to categorize cases accurately. This form is not filed with the court but is used by the Clerk for statistical purposes and to determine the appropriate venue.

Who needs to complete the CV-71 form?

Any individual or entity that is initiating a civil lawsuit in the Central District of California must complete the CV-71 form. This includes both attorneys representing clients and self-represented litigants. The form requires information about the plaintiffs and defendants, including their citizenship, the basis for the court's jurisdiction, and details about the nature of the suit. Filling out this form accurately is essential for the smooth processing of your case.

What information is required on the CV-71 form?

The CV-71 form asks for several key pieces of information. First, you need to identify the plaintiffs and defendants, including whether you are representing yourself. Next, you must indicate the basis of jurisdiction, such as federal question or diversity jurisdiction. If your case involves diversity jurisdiction, you will also need to provide details about the citizenship of the principal parties. Additionally, you will specify the origin of the case, the nature of the suit, and any jury demand. Finally, you must include information about related cases, if applicable.

What happens if I do not complete the CV-71 form?

Failing to complete the CV-71 form can lead to delays in your case or even dismissal. The court relies on this form to gather essential information about your case and to manage its docket effectively. Without it, the Clerk of the Court may be unable to process your filing properly, which could result in complications down the line. Therefore, it is vital to fill out the CV-71 completely and accurately to ensure that your case moves forward without unnecessary obstacles.

Common mistakes

  1. Not Checking the Right Boxes: Many people forget to check the appropriate boxes for representation, jurisdiction, or nature of suit. It's crucial to ensure that the correct boxes are marked to avoid delays.

  2. Incomplete Information: Leaving out essential details, such as names or addresses of plaintiffs and defendants, can lead to complications. Double-check all sections to make sure everything is filled out completely.

  3. Incorrect Jurisdiction: Selecting the wrong basis of jurisdiction can result in the case being dismissed or transferred. Make sure to choose the correct jurisdiction type based on your case.

  4. Failure to Cite the Cause of Action: Not providing a brief statement of the cause of action or citing the wrong statute can weaken your case. It's important to clearly state the legal basis for your claims.

  5. Missing Signature: Forgetting to sign the form is a common mistake. Without a signature, the form is considered incomplete, and the filing may be rejected.

  6. Incorrect Venue Information: Listing the wrong county for plaintiffs, defendants, or the location of the claim can create significant issues. Verify that all venue information is accurate and up-to-date.

  7. Not Following Instructions: Ignoring the specific instructions provided for filling out the form can lead to errors. Always review the instructions carefully to ensure compliance.

Documents used along the form

The California CV-71 form, also known as the Civil Cover Sheet, is an essential document used in civil cases filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It provides important information about the case, including the parties involved, the basis of jurisdiction, and the nature of the suit. Along with the CV-71 form, several other documents may be required to support the filing process. Here are five commonly used forms and documents that often accompany the CV-71.

  • Complaint: This is the primary document that outlines the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. It details the facts of the case, the legal basis for the lawsuit, and the relief sought by the plaintiff.
  • Summons: A summons is a legal document that notifies the defendant that they are being sued. It provides information about the court where the case is filed and instructs the defendant on how to respond to the complaint.
  • Notice of Related Cases: This document is used to inform the court about any other cases that are related to the current case. It helps the court manage cases that involve similar issues or parties.
  • Proof of Service: This document verifies that the defendant has been properly served with the complaint and summons. It provides evidence that the defendant has received notice of the lawsuit.
  • Case Management Statement: This statement outlines the parties' views on how the case should proceed. It includes information about discovery, settlement discussions, and proposed timelines for the case.

These documents play a crucial role in the legal process and help ensure that all parties are informed and prepared for the proceedings. Properly completing and submitting these forms can significantly impact the efficiency and outcome of a case.

Similar forms

The California CV-71 form is similar to several other documents used in civil cases. Here are five documents that share similarities with the CV-71 form:

  • Civil Cover Sheet (Form JS-44): This federal form serves a similar purpose by providing essential information about a civil case, including the parties involved and the nature of the suit. Like the CV-71, it is used to help the court manage its docket.
  • Notice of Removal (Form AO 106): This document is filed when a case is moved from state court to federal court. It includes details about the original case and the reasons for removal, similar to how the CV-71 outlines the basis for jurisdiction.
  • Complaint: The complaint initiates a civil lawsuit and outlines the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. While the CV-71 does not contain the substantive claims, it provides context and categorizes the nature of the suit, which complements the complaint.
  • Answer: This document is filed by the defendant in response to the complaint. It addresses the claims made and provides defenses. The CV-71 form, in its nature of suit section, helps categorize the type of response that may be expected.
  • Case Management Statement: This document is used to outline the status of a case and the issues that need to be resolved. It is similar to the CV-71 in that both documents aim to provide the court with a clear understanding of the case and its progress.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California CV-71 form, it is essential to approach the task with care. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure that all sections of the form are completed accurately.
  • Do check the box if you are representing yourself.
  • Do provide complete contact information for your attorney or yourself if you are self-represented.
  • Do clearly indicate the basis of jurisdiction by placing an X in the appropriate box.
  • Don't leave any section blank unless instructed to do so.
  • Don't cite jurisdictional statutes unless specifically required.
  • Don't forget to check the jury demand box only if it is included in your complaint.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your form is filled out correctly and efficiently, minimizing potential delays in processing your case.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California CV 71 form is crucial for anyone involved in a civil case in the Central District of California. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are four common myths:

  • The CV 71 form is optional. Many people believe that completing the CV 71 form is not necessary. In reality, this form is required for initiating a civil case in the Central District of California. It helps the court organize and manage cases efficiently.
  • Only attorneys can fill out the CV 71 form. Some individuals think that only licensed attorneys can complete this form. However, self-represented litigants can also fill it out. If you are representing yourself, you can provide your information in the designated sections.
  • The CV 71 form determines the outcome of the case. There is a misconception that filling out the CV 71 form will influence the court's decision on the case. This form is merely a procedural requirement and does not affect the merits of your claims or defenses.
  • All information on the CV 71 form is public. While much of the information is public, some details may be confidential, especially if they involve sensitive matters. It’s important to be mindful of what you include, as certain information may not be suitable for public disclosure.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can better navigate the legal process and ensure they comply with necessary requirements.

Key takeaways

When filling out the California CV-71 form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are key takeaways to consider:

  • Self-Representation: If you are representing yourself, check the appropriate box at the top of the form for both plaintiffs and defendants.
  • Jurisdiction: Clearly indicate the basis of jurisdiction by placing an "X" in the correct box. You can choose from options such as Federal Question or Diversity.
  • Citizenship Information: For diversity cases, accurately mark the citizenship status of both the plaintiff and defendant to avoid delays in processing.
  • Nature of Suit: Select one box that best describes the nature of your suit. This helps categorize your case appropriately within the court system.
  • Related Cases: If there are any related cases, indicate this by checking the relevant box and providing the case numbers. This can streamline your case's processing.
  • Signature Requirement: Ensure that the form is signed by either an attorney or yourself if you are self-represented. This validates the information provided.
  • Use of Page 2: After completing Page 1, do not forget to fill out the required information on Page 2 of the form to complete your submission.

Following these guidelines will help facilitate a smoother filing process and ensure that your case is handled efficiently by the court.