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Streamlined Requests for Extensions of Time

  1. How long will it take for the Court to act on my streamlined request to extend time?
  2. If my initial streamlined request is for less than 30 days, may I submit a second streamlined request for the remainder of the time?
  3. If I obtained a streamlined extension of time to file my opening brief, may I request a streamlined extension of time to file my reply brief?
  4. Must I provide advance notice to the opposing party before I make the streamlined request?
  5. Do I need to inform the opposing party of the new briefing schedule?
  6. I need more than a 30-day extension of time, but I'm past the 7-day advance period to file a written motion pursuant to Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(b). Should I use the streamlined request to extend time for 30 days and then file a written motion pursuant to Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(b)?
  7. When is Form 13 necessary?
  8. My opponent is representing himself/herself and is registered for electronic filing. The pro se party submitted a letter request for a 30-day extension of time. Will the court consider a request not submitted on Form 13?
  1. How long will it take for the Court to act on my streamlined request to extend time?
    In the vast majority of cases, you will receive notice within 24 hours of the Court's receipt of your request. [Back to Top]
  2. If my initial streamlined request is for less than 30 days, may I submit a second streamlined request for the remainder of the time?
    No. Rule 31-2.2(a) provides for a single streamlined extension of time. If you need more time after your initial request, you must file a written motion pursuant to Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(b). You may use Form 14 as your written motion for extension of time, available at http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/forms/. If you are using CM/ECF, select the document type Motion for any Type of Relief (Other than Reconsideration or to Seal). If you are using ACMS, use the specific Motion for Extension of Time filing type for the relevant brief. [Back to Top]
  3. If I obtained a streamlined extension of time to file my opening brief, may I request a streamlined extension of time to file my reply brief?
    Yes. You may make an initial streamlined request for extension of time for each individual brief. See Advisory Note to Rule 31.2.2. [Back to Top]
  4. Must I provide advance notice to the opposing party before I make the streamlined request?
    No, there is no requirement to provide advance notice to the opposing counsel. If you choose do so, it is not necessary to provide the clerk with any verification of the notice. [Back to Top]
  5. Do I need to inform the opposing party of the new briefing schedule?
    No. The Court will send a new briefing schedule to all parties if the request is approved. [Back to Top]
  6. I need more than a 30-day extension of time, but I'm past the 7-day advance period to file a written motion pursuant to Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(b). Should I use the streamlined request to extend time for 30 days and then file a written motion pursuant to Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(b)?
    No. Sequential requests are time consuming for the court and are disfavored. If you need more than a 30-day extension of time, file a written motion that requests the amount of time you need. The 7-day advance period is not mandatory, so the Court will still consider a late motion. You may use Form 14 as your written motion for extension of time, available at http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/forms/. [Back to Top]
  7. When is Form 13 necessary?
    Only parties who are not registered for electronic filing should use Form 13. Parties registered for electronic filing must make the request via CM/ECF or ACMS using the Filing Type Streamlined Request to Extend Time to File Brief. No form or motion is required with your electronic filing. The court will respond to a letter request from a non-registered pro se party for a streamlined extension of time. [Back to Top]
  8. My opponent is representing himself/herself and is registered for electronic filing. The pro se party submitted a letter request for a 30-day extension of time. Will the court consider a request not submitted on Form 13?
    Yes. If a pro se litigant requests the streamlined request via a letter, the court will consider the request for extension of time. [Back to Top]

If you still have questions about CM/ECF after reviewing the information in this page, please do the following:

  1. Check the FAQs on this site.
  2. Check the CM/ECF Frequently Asked Questions page at PACER. (link opens in new window or tab)
  3. Check the PACER Frequently Asked Questions page. (link opens in new window or tab)
  4. If you still do not have an answer, submit your question using this form: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/cmecf/feedback/. You can expect a reply from the Court during the Court's business hours, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Note: If you submit a question, please do not also send an email, since that will only result in duplicate requests to the help desk.

Last Update: 19 October 2023

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