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Federal civil case cover sheet

JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet - Federal District Court - California 2026

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The document is a Civil Cover Sheet (JS 44) used in U.S. federal courts to initiate a civil docket sheet. It outlines the required information for filing, including details about plaintiffs and defendants, jurisdiction, nature of suit, cause of action, and related cases. The form is essential for clerks to process civil complaints and includes instructions for attorneys on how to complete it.

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Click ‘Get Form’ to open the JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet in our editor.
In Section I, enter the names of the plaintiffs and defendants. Ensure you include last names followed by first and middle initials. For government entities, use full names or standard abbreviations.
For Section II, indicate the basis of jurisdiction by placing an 'X' in one box only. Choose from options like U.S. Government Plaintiff, Federal Question, or Diversity.
In Section III, mark the citizenship of principal parties if you selected Diversity in Section II. This helps clarify the jurisdiction.
Proceed to Section IV and select the nature of suit by placing an 'X' in the appropriate box that best describes your case.
Complete Section V by indicating the origin of your case with an 'X' in one of the seven boxes provided.
Fill out Sections VI through VIII as required, providing details about your cause of action, any related cases, and signing at the bottom.

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We have answers to the most popular questions from our customers. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us.

Is a civil cover sheet required to file lawsuits in California?

(1) Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) must be filed in each civil action or proceeding, except those filed in small claims court or filed under the Probate Code, Family Code, or Welfare and Institutions Code.

What is a JS 44 form?

This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of Court for each civil complaint filed.

What is a JS form?

In JavaScript a form is an HTML element used to collect user input. Forms consist of one or more input elements and a submit button used to submit the forms data to a web server. To create a form you can use HTML markup.

What is a civil case cover sheet?

Summary. Defendants often seek to move their cases to federal court after being sued in state court for reasons such as procedural consistency, efficient docket management, and reduced liability.

What is required to file a federal lawsuit?

To begin a civil lawsuit in federal court, the plaintiff files a complaint with the court and serves a copy of the complaint on the defendant.

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Why would a civil case go to federal court?

Federal courts are authorized to hear only civil cases that involve one or more of the following: Questions regarding the Constitution. Questions of federal law (as opposed to state law) A dispute among residents of different states with an amount in controversy of more than $75,000.