Yes! You can use AI to fill out Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010)
The Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010) is a required Judicial Council of California form that plaintiffs (and certain defendants in specific situations) file at the start of a civil case in Superior Court. It captures key administrative information—such as the primary case type, remedies sought, number of causes of action, class action status, and whether the case should be treated as a complex case under California Rules of Court rule 3.400. Courts use the information for case assignment, management, and statistical reporting, and failure to file it with the first paper may result in sanctions under the California Rules of Court. In complex cases, the cover sheet (and complex designation) must also be served on other parties.
Form Complexity Index
Basic
42 / 100
| Fillable fields | 86 |
| Pages | 3 |
| Fields per page | 29 |
| Sections | 5 |
| Conditional rules | — |
| Tables & lists | — |
| Instruction pages | — |
| Instafill Form ID | IF-CIVIL-CASE-COVER-SHEET-JUDICIAL-COUNCIL-OF-CALIFOR-1 |
CM-010 has a basic Form Complexity Index of 42/100 — 86 fillable fields across 3 pages. Instafill’s AI completes it accurately in under a minute.
Form specifications
| Form name: | Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010) |
| Number of fields: | 86 |
| Number of pages: | 3 |
| FCI: | Basic (42/100) |
| Field instructions: | CM-010 Instructions |
| Filled form examples: | CM-010 Examples |
| Language: | English |
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How to Fill Out CM-010 Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a CM-010 form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your CM-010 form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your CM-010 form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Enter attorney/party information (name, State Bar number if applicable, firm, address, phone, email) and identify who the attorney represents.
- 2 Fill in the court information (county, branch, addresses) and the case caption (case name); add the case number/judge/department if already assigned.
- 3 Select the jurisdiction designation (Limited vs. Unlimited) and indicate whether the filing is a complex case designation, counter-designation, or joinder (as applicable).
- 4 Complete Item 1 by checking the single case type box that best describes the primary cause of action (choose the most specific category available).
- 5 Complete Item 2 by marking whether the case is complex under rule 3.400 and, if yes, check the applicable complexity factors requiring exceptional judicial management.
- 6 Complete Items 3–6: mark remedies sought (monetary/nonmonetary/punitive), state the number of causes of action, indicate whether it is a class action, and note related cases (and prepare a Notice of Related Case, form CM-015, if needed).
- 7 Date and sign the form (type/print name and signature), then download/print for filing with the first paper; if designated complex, serve a copy on all other parties as required.
Our AI-powered system ensures each field is filled out correctly, reducing errors and saving you time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CM-010
CM-010 has a Form Complexity Index of 42 out of 100, placing it in the basic complexity tier. This score is calculated deterministically from the form’s own structure using Instafill’s published Form Complexity Index methodology, so it can be reproduced and independently verified — it is not a subjective estimate.
For CM-010 specifically, the score reflects 86 fillable fields across 3 pages, grouped into 5 sections. The number of fields is the largest factor in the base score (weighted 36%), followed by how difficult those fields are to complete based on their type, where free-text and signature fields count for more than simple checkboxes (26%). The number of pages that actually contain fields (15%), the amount of conditional “fill-only-if” logic (16%), and how many sections the form is divided into (7%) account for the rest of the base. On top of that base, the index adds points for tables and repeating lists, bundled instruction pages, and dense page layouts — capturing difficulty the base alone can miss.
In practical terms, a basic score means the form is relatively light, but still needs careful, accurate entry. Instafill removes that effort entirely: our AI reads your information, maps each value to the correct field — including the conditional ones — and completes CM-010 accurately in under a minute, with every field available for you to review before you download. See exactly how the Form Complexity Index is calculated.
CM-010 is a mandatory Judicial Council form used to identify the type of civil case being filed and to collect basic case information for court administration and statistics. It is filed with the first paper in most civil cases.
The plaintiff (or other party filing the first paper, such as a complaint or petition) must file CM-010 at the same time as the first paper filed in the action. It is generally filed only once at the start of the case.
Yes. The form states it is not required for small claims cases or cases filed under the Probate Code, Family Code, or Welfare and Institutions Code.
Items 1 through 6 must be completed. These include the case type, complex case designation (if applicable), remedies sought, number of causes of action, class action status, and related cases notice information.
Check the one box that best describes the primary nature of your case. If your case fits both a general and a more specific category, select the more specific one, and if there are multiple causes of action, choose the primary cause of action.
A limited case is where the amount demanded is $35,000 or less, and an unlimited case is where the amount demanded exceeds $35,000. You should check the box that matches the amount demanded in your complaint or petition.
A Rule 3.740 collections case is an action to recover a certain amount of money not more than $35,000 (excluding interest and attorney’s fees) arising from a credit transaction. It cannot include tort damages, punitive damages, recovery of real or personal property, or a prejudgment writ of attachment.
A complex designation means the case may require exceptional judicial management under California Rules of Court, rule 3.400. If you believe it is complex, you mark “Yes” and check the factors that apply (such as many parties, extensive motions, or large amounts of evidence).
Yes. The form states that if the plaintiff designates the case as complex, a copy of the cover sheet must be served with the complaint on all parties to the action or proceeding.
Yes. A defendant may file a joinder agreeing the case is complex, a counter-designation that it is not complex, or (if the plaintiff made no designation) a designation that the case is complex, no later than the time of the defendant’s first appearance.
Check all remedies you are requesting in the case: monetary relief, nonmonetary relief (declaratory or injunctive), and/or punitive damages. You can select more than one if your complaint requests multiple types of relief.
Enter the total number of causes of action (claims) you are alleging in your complaint or petition. This should match the number of separately stated causes of action in your pleading.
Check “Yes” only if the case is being filed as a class action (seeking to represent a class of people) and “No” if it is not. This should be consistent with what your complaint alleges.
Related cases are other court cases that involve the same parties, facts, or issues. If you know of related cases, you must file and serve a Notice of Related Case, and the form suggests you may use form CM-015.
The form warns that failure to file the cover sheet with the first paper may result in sanctions against a party, the party’s counsel, or both under California Rules of Court, rules 2.30 and 3.220.
Compliance CM-010
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Ensures Items 1–6 are completed as required for initial filing
Validates that the filer has provided responses for each of Items 1 through 6, since the form explicitly states these items must be completed. This is critical because the cover sheet is mandatory with the first paper filed (with limited exceptions) and missing required items can trigger rejection or sanctions. If any of Items 1–6 are blank, the submission should be flagged as incomplete and prevented from final submission until corrected.
2
Validates exactly one case type selection in Item 1
Checks that exactly one checkbox is selected under Item 1 (case type), because the instructions require selecting the single case type that best describes the case. Multiple selections undermine statistical reporting and can misroute the case for case management purposes. If zero or more than one case type is selected, the system should return an error requiring the filer to choose only one.
3
Validates Unlimited vs. Limited jurisdiction selection is made and mutually exclusive
Ensures the filer selects either 'Unlimited' or 'Limited' and not both, since these are mutually exclusive jurisdictional designations tied to the amount demanded. This matters because it affects filing fees, court assignment, and procedural rules. If neither or both are selected, the submission should be blocked until a single valid choice is made.
4
Checks amount-demanded logic against Limited/Unlimited selection
Validates that the filer’s selection aligns with the stated thresholds on the form: Limited is $35,000 or less and Unlimited exceeds $35,000. This logical consistency check helps prevent jurisdictional misclassification that can cause delays, transfers, or fee issues. If the filer provides an amount elsewhere in the filing package (or in integrated systems) that conflicts with the selected tier, the system should flag the inconsistency and require confirmation/correction.
5
Validates Complex Case designation (Item 2) is answered Yes/No and consistent with factor checkboxes
Ensures Item 2 has exactly one of 'Yes' or 'No' selected for whether the case is complex under rule 3.400. If 'No' is selected, none of the complexity factor checkboxes (a–f) should be checked; if 'Yes' is selected, at least one factor should typically be checked to support the designation. If the selection and factors conflict (e.g., 'No' with factors checked), the system should require correction before submission.
6
Validates Remedies sought (Item 3) has at least one selection
Checks that at least one remedy type is selected among monetary, nonmonetary (declaratory/injunctive), and punitive. This is important for statistical reporting and can affect downstream processing and case evaluation. If no remedy is selected, the system should flag the omission and require at least one checkbox.
7
Validates punitive remedy selection is logically compatible with Rule 3.740 collections designation
If the case type selected is a collections case under rule 3.740 (the form lists collections under Contract/Collections (09)), the instructions state collections cases do not include punitive damages. This check prevents an internally inconsistent designation that could misapply case management rules. If 'punitive' is checked while a Rule 3.740 collections case type is selected, the system should require the filer to revise either the remedy selection or the case type designation.
8
Validates Number of causes of action (Item 4) is present and a positive integer
Ensures Item 4 is completed with a whole number (no decimals, text, or negative values) and is at least 1. This matters because it is a required statistical field and helps courts understand case complexity at intake. If the value is missing or not a valid positive integer, the system should reject the entry and prompt for correction.
9
Validates Class action response (Item 5) is answered Yes/No
Checks that Item 5 has exactly one selection (Yes or No) regarding whether the case is a class action. This is important because class actions can trigger different procedural requirements and case management handling. If neither or both are selected, the system should require a single definitive answer.
10
Validates signature block completion: typed/printed name and signature presence
Ensures the 'TYPE OR PRINT NAME' field is completed and that a signature is provided for the 'SIGNATURE OF PARTY OR ATTORNEY FOR PARTY' line (electronic signature acceptable if supported). This is critical to authenticate the filing and identify the responsible party or counsel. If either the printed name or signature is missing, the submission should be blocked as unsigned.
11
Validates Date field format and plausibility
Checks that the Date is provided in an acceptable format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) and represents a real calendar date. It should also be plausibility-checked (e.g., not far in the future relative to submission date, unless local rules allow). If the date is missing or invalid, the system should prompt the filer to correct it.
12
Validates attorney/party identification completeness (State Bar Number vs. party-without-attorney)
If the filer indicates they are an attorney (by providing a State Bar Number or entering an attorney name), the State Bar Number should be required and must be in a valid numeric format consistent with California bar numbers. If the filer is a party without an attorney, the system should allow the bar number to be blank but require the party name. If the combination is inconsistent (e.g., attorney name provided but no bar number), the system should flag it for correction.
13
Validates contact information formats (telephone, fax, email) when provided
Checks that telephone and fax numbers conform to acceptable formats (e.g., 10 digits with optional punctuation and country code) and that email addresses match standard email syntax. This matters because courts and parties rely on accurate contact details for notices and service-related communications. If a provided value fails format validation, the system should require correction or removal of the invalid entry.
14
Validates address fields completeness and structure for attorney/party and court location
Ensures that when an address is provided, it includes required components such as street address, city, state, and ZIP code (ZIP should be 5 digits or ZIP+4). This is important for correspondence, venue confirmation, and record integrity. If key address components are missing or ZIP/state formats are invalid, the system should flag the entry and require completion.
15
Validates court and case identification fields are not blank (County, Case Name, Branch information)
Checks that the 'SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF' field and the 'CASE NAME' field are completed, and that branch/location fields are completed if required by the filing channel or local rule configuration. These identifiers are essential for routing the filing to the correct court and associating it with the correct matter. If missing, the system should prevent submission or route to an exception queue for manual review.
16
Validates defendant first-appearance designations (Counter/Joinder) are not both selected
If the filing is marked as 'Filed with first appearance by defendant' and includes the 'Counter' and 'Joinder' options, the system should enforce that mutually exclusive designations are not both selected unless the court explicitly allows both in the same filing event. This matters because it affects how the court interprets the defendant’s position on complex designation and related procedural handling. If both are selected in a context where only one is allowed, the system should require the filer to choose the correct single designation.
Common Mistakes in Completing CM-010
People often skip the top caption fields (State Bar number, name, firm name, address, phone, email) or enter information that doesn’t match the complaint (e.g., different party name or outdated address). This happens because filers treat the cover sheet as “statistics only” and rush through it. Missing or inconsistent contact information can cause clerk rejections, misdirected notices, and delays in case processing. Avoid this by copying the exact attorney/party information from the first paper filed and confirming all contact fields are complete and current.
Filers sometimes omit the county, branch name, or court addresses, or they select the wrong venue when multiple courthouses exist in the same county. This usually happens when someone uses an old template or assumes the clerk will fill it in. The consequence can be a rejected filing, transfer delays, or notices being routed incorrectly. Avoid this by confirming the correct Superior Court county and branch for the venue and entering the branch name exactly as the court lists it.
A frequent error is leaving the Limited/Unlimited boxes blank or checking the wrong one because the filer confuses the amount demanded with damages “to be proven” or forgets the $35,000 threshold. This can lead to assignment to the wrong case track, incorrect filing fees, and later motions or orders to reclassify the case. Avoid it by determining whether the amount demanded exceeds $35,000 (exclusive of certain items as applicable) and ensuring the selection matches the complaint’s jurisdictional allegations and filing fee paid.
Item 1 requires checking one box that best describes the case, but people often check several boxes (e.g., both “Breach of contract” and “Fraud”) or pick a general category when a more specific one is listed. This happens because complaints often include multiple causes of action and filers try to reflect all of them. The result can be incorrect case coding, misassignment for case management, and confusion about applicable rules (especially for UD, collections, or judicial review). Avoid this by selecting the single most specific box that matches the primary cause of action and using the examples on page 3 to confirm the best fit.
Filers frequently mark “Rule 3.740 collections” without meeting the definition (sum certain not more than $35,000, credit transaction) or they fail to mark it when it does apply. This mistake happens because “collections” sounds like any debt case, and the exclusions (tort damages, punitive damages, recovery of property, attachment) are overlooked. Misclassification can place the case under the wrong procedural track and affect service/case management timelines. Avoid it by comparing the complaint to the rule’s definition and exclusions before checking the 3.740 collections box.
People often check “Yes” for complex because the case feels complicated, or they check “No” even when the case is provisionally complex (e.g., construction defect, mass tort), and they frequently forget to mark the specific factors (a–f). This happens because “complex” has a specific meaning under rule 3.400 and the form requires both the designation and the management factors. The consequence can be improper assignment, disputes at first appearance, and delays if the court must re-evaluate complexity. Avoid it by confirming whether the case is complex under rule 3.400 (or provisionally complex under the listed categories) and, if “Yes,” checking the applicable factors that justify exceptional judicial management.
A common error is leaving Item 4 blank, writing “see complaint,” or entering an incorrect number that doesn’t match the pleaded causes of action. This happens when filers count legal theories incorrectly (e.g., remedies or allegations) or forget amended/alternative counts. Inaccurate counts can affect statistical reporting and sometimes case management expectations, and it can prompt clerk questions or corrections. Avoid it by counting the distinct causes of action listed in the complaint’s headings (including statutory claims) and entering the total number.
Filers often check only “monetary” even when the complaint seeks injunctive/declaratory relief, or they check “punitive” when punitive damages are not actually pleaded (or are not legally available for the claim). This happens because people equate “punitive” with “large damages” or overlook prayer-for-relief details. Incorrect remedy selections can mislead case coding and create inconsistencies with the complaint that may require correction. Avoid it by matching Item 3 strictly to the remedies expressly requested in the complaint and prayer (monetary, nonmonetary, and punitive only if pleaded).
People sometimes mark “Yes” because there are multiple plaintiffs or because the dispute affects many people, even though no class allegations are pleaded; others mark “No” despite including class allegations. This happens due to confusion between “multiple parties” and a certified/putative class action. Mislabeling can affect case handling, complexity assessment, and early case management requirements. Avoid it by checking “Yes” only if the complaint includes class action allegations (a putative class) and “No” otherwise.
Filers often leave Item 6 unaddressed and fail to file/serve a Notice of Related Case even when there are known related matters (same parties, same transaction, or overlapping issues). This happens because the cover sheet doesn’t ask for details in Item 6 and people assume it’s optional. The consequence can be missed opportunities for coordination, inconsistent rulings, reassignment delays, or court orders requiring a late related-case notice. Avoid it by actively checking for related cases (including prior or pending matters) and promptly filing and serving CM-015 when any are known.
A frequent last-step mistake is submitting the form without a signature, without typing/printing the name, or without dating it. This happens especially with e-filing when the filer assumes the electronic submission is the signature. An unsigned or incomplete verification block can lead to rejection by the clerk or a request to cure, delaying issuance of summons and case setup. Avoid it by completing the Date, Type/Print Name, and Signature fields exactly as required before filing (and ensuring e-signature format complies with the court’s e-filing rules).
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