Emergency rule 12 (click here for attachment) was adopted by the Judicial Council, effective today. The rule applies in all general civil cases and proceedings under the Family and Probate Codes, unless a court orders otherwise.

The latest emergency action expands on a 2003 rule that allowed electronic service of documents in civil cases only when both sides agreed to it. Under the new rule, only one side needs to request e-service.

The California Judicial Council action expanded electronic delivery of legal papers that in normal times would be sent to a law office via mail, fax or overnight delivery.

The attachment covers the other Emergency Orders from the Judicial Council that extended the statute of limitations until the crisis is over, approved a procedure for remote depositions and granted a six-month extension of the five-year limit for bringing civil cases to trial.