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California Code of Civil Procedure
Code of Civil Procedure section 473
CHAPTER 8. Variance—Mistakes in Pleadings and Amendments [[469.] - 475]
( Chapter 8 enacted 1872. )
473.
(a) (1) The court may, in furtherance of justice, and on any terms as may be proper, allow a party to amend any pleading or proceeding by adding or striking out the name of any party, or by correcting a mistake in the name of a party, or a mistake in any other respect; and may, upon like terms, enlarge the time for answer or demurrer. The court may likewise, in its discretion, after notice to the adverse party, allow, upon any terms as may be just, an amendment to any pleading or proceeding in other particulars; and may upon like terms allow an answer to be made after the time limited by this code.
(2) When it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the amendment renders it necessary, the court may postpone the trial, and may, when the postponement will by the amendment be rendered necessary, require, as a condition to the amendment, the payment to the adverse party of any costs as may be just.
(b) The court may, upon any terms as may be just, relieve a party or his or her legal representative from a judgment, dismissal, order, or other proceeding taken against him or her through his or her mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. Application for this relief shall be accompanied by a copy of the answer or other pleading proposed to be filed therein, otherwise the application shall not be granted, and shall be made within a reasonable time, in no case exceeding six months, after the judgment, dismissal, order, or proceeding was taken. However, in the case of a judgment, dismissal, order, or other proceeding determining the ownership or right to possession of real or personal property, without extending the six-month period, when a notice in writing is personally served within the State of California both upon the party against whom the judgment, dismissal, order, or other proceeding has been taken, and upon his or her attorney of record, if any, notifying that party and his or her attorney of record, if any, that the order, judgment, dismissal, or other proceeding was taken against him or her and that any rights the party has to apply for relief under the provisions of Section 473 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall expire 90 days after service of the notice, then the application shall be made within 90 days after service of the notice upon the defaulting party or his or her attorney of record, if any, whichever service shall be later. No affidavit or declaration of merits shall be required of the moving party. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this section, the court shall, whenever an application for relief is made no more than six months after entry of judgment, is in proper form, and is accompanied by an attorney’s sworn affidavit attesting to his or her mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect, vacate any (1) resulting default entered by the clerk against his or her client, and which will result in entry of a default judgment, or (2) resulting default judgment or dismissal entered against his or her client, unless the court finds that the default or dismissal was not in fact caused by the attorney’s mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect. The court shall, whenever relief is granted based on an attorney’s affidavit of fault, direct the attorney to pay reasonable compensatory legal fees and costs to opposing counsel or parties. However, this section shall not lengthen the time within which an action shall be brought to trial pursuant to Section 583.310.
(c) (1) Whenever the court grants relief from a default, default judgment, or dismissal based on any of the provisions of this section, the court may do any of the following:
(A) Impose a penalty of no greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000) upon an offending attorney or party.
(B) Direct that an offending attorney pay an amount no greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000) to the State Bar Client Security Fund.
(C) Grant other relief as is appropriate.
(2) However, where the court grants relief from a default or default judgment pursuant to this section based upon the affidavit of the defaulting party’s attorney attesting to the attorney’s mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect, the relief shall not be made conditional upon the attorney’s payment of compensatory legal fees or costs or monetary penalties imposed by the court or upon compliance with other sanctions ordered by the court.
(d) The court may, upon motion of the injured party, or its own motion, correct clerical mistakes in its judgment or orders as entered, so as to conform to the judgment or order directed, and may, on motion of either party after notice to the other party, set aside any void judgment or order.
This book, written By Paul A. Eads, helps readers know how to prepare before they initiate a legal endeavor and helps make the legal terms of family law issues easier to understand.
Client Testimonials
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"Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field and I will always be available should any of your prospective clients want to contact me as a reference."Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field.- Peter K.
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"Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you."My ex boyfriend was very abusive. His attorney seemed to be very aggressive and was always filing Ex Parte (emergency) hearings for me to appear in court. Due to a cost issue, I attempted to handle matters myself but it seemed that I could not get my point accrues to the judge who seemed to be familiar with my ex boyfriend’s attorney. I found Mr. Eads in the phonebook and I thought I would give him a call. Mr. Eads was able to get the restraining order I was seeking and my ex boyfriend ended up paying Mr. Eads’ attorney fees. I can now feel rest-assured that my daughter and I will be safe. I also happy that I do not have to deal with my ex’s attorney anymore. Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you.- K.Y.
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"Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex."I am a business owner and when I got divorced, I was terrified that I would lose my business. My business was also heavily leveraged against and I did not have enough capitol to sustain the business and pay my wife spousal support. My ex had an attorney who was very intimidating and kept pressuring me to liquidate the business so that I could pay his attorney’s fees. I was referred to Mr. Eads by a friend. Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex. I was also able to shorten my spousal support obligation. I really appreciate Mr. Eads professionalism and guidance during these difficult times.- J.A.
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