Calculate response deadlines for FRCP motions, answers, discovery, and appeals with service method adjustments and weekend/holiday handling
This calculator computes court filing deadlines according to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and state court rules. Understanding these deadlines is critical for practicing attorneys, paralegals, and pro se litigants to avoid dismissals, defaults, and sanctions.
The calculator supports both federal court (governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure) and state court rules. Each jurisdiction has different deadline computation methods, holidays, and service day additions. Federal courts follow FRCP Rule 6, while state courts like California follow CCP Section 12 and CRC Rules 1.10-1.11.
Different documents have different response periods. An Answer to a Complaint under FRCP Rule 12(a)(1)(A)(i) requires response within 21 days, while a Motion to Dismiss under FRCP Rule 12(b) triggers a 14-day opposition deadline under Local Rules. Discovery responses under Rules 33, 34, and 36 allow 30 days. The calculator automatically applies the correct baseline period for your document type.
The trigger event is the date from which the deadline period begins. Common trigger events include: the service date (when papers were served), the filing date (when papers were filed with the court), the order date (when the court issued an order), or the judgment date (when judgment was entered). Under FRCP Rule 6(a)(1)(A), the day of the trigger event is NOT counted - counting begins the next day.
Under FRCP Rule 6(d), certain service methods add extra days to response deadlines. Service by mail adds 3 days. Service by leaving with the clerk adds 3 days. Electronic service (ECF/e-filing) does NOT add extra days in federal court, though some state courts still add days for electronic service. Personal service never adds extra days.
Under FRCP Rule 6(a)(1)(C), if a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal legal holiday, it automatically extends to the next business day. The calculator includes all 2025 federal court holidays and handles this extension automatically. For state courts, the calculator applies the applicable state holiday calendar.
If you receive a Complaint by mail on January 6, 2025 (Monday), the 21-day Answer deadline is calculated as follows: Day 1 is January 7 (excluding the service date), adding 21 days brings you to January 27, plus 3 days for mail service equals January 30, 2025. If that date fell on a weekend or holiday, it would extend to the next business day.
This calculator provides general deadline computations based on standard rules. It does not account for: local court rules that may impose shorter deadlines, case-specific scheduling orders, holidays unique to your jurisdiction, or statutory deadlines that may override procedural rules. Always verify deadlines against applicable rules and court orders. When in doubt, file early.
Rule 6 is the master rule for calculating deadlines in federal court. Under Rule 6(a)(1), when computing any period stated in days:
When a party must act within a specified time after being served, 3 days are added after the period would otherwise expire if service is made under Rule 5(b)(2)(C) (mailing), (D) (leaving with clerk), or (F) (other means consented to). Importantly, NO additional days are added for electronic service under Rule 5(b)(2)(E).
Rule 12 establishes key response deadlines:
Discovery response deadlines are uniform at 30 days:
Summary judgment timing under Rule 56:
Appeal deadlines are jurisdictional - missing them cannot be excused:
Under 5 U.S.C. Section 6103, federal courts observe the following holidays in 2025:
California state courts follow different computation rules than federal courts:
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) deadline computations:
Texas state court deadline rules:
Florida deadline computation rules:
Illinois deadline rules:
Important variations to consider:
Personal service is the "gold standard" for service of process. Under FRCP Rule 4(e), personal service on an individual is accomplished by delivering a copy to the individual personally. For corporations, service is made on an officer, managing agent, or registered agent under Rule 4(h).
Deadline Impact: Personal service adds NO additional days to response deadlines. The deadline period begins running immediately.
After the initial service of process, subsequent papers may be served by mail. The server places copies in a properly addressed, postage-prepaid envelope and deposits it in the United States mail.
Deadline Impact: Under FRCP Rule 6(d), service by mail adds 3 calendar days to the response deadline. In California, CCP Section 1013 adds 5 days for service within California, 10 days outside California, and 20 days outside the United States.
In federal court, electronic service through the CM/ECF system is now the standard method. Under Rule 5(b)(2)(E), papers may be served by sending them to a registered user through the court's electronic filing system, which constitutes service upon registration.
Deadline Impact: Electronic service in federal court adds NO additional days under FRCP Rule 6(d). However, California CCP Section 1010.6 adds 2 court days for electronic service, and other states may have different rules.
If a party has no known address, papers may be left with the court clerk. This is a fallback method used only when other methods are impractical.
Deadline Impact: Under FRCP Rule 6(d), leaving papers with the clerk adds 3 calendar days.
Many courts permit service by overnight delivery services like FedEx or UPS. Under FRCP Rule 5(b)(2)(C), this is generally treated as mail service.
Deadline Impact: Typically adds 3 days, same as regular mail. However, some jurisdictions treat commercial carrier service differently - always check local rules.
Fax service is permitted in some jurisdictions with party consent. Its use has declined significantly with the rise of electronic filing.
Deadline Impact: Varies by jurisdiction. Often adds no additional days if received during business hours. Some states add 1-3 days.
Under FRCP Rule 5(b)(1), once a party is represented by an attorney, all papers must be served on the attorney rather than the party directly (except for service requiring personal service).
Under FRCP Rule 5(d)(1), papers served must include a certificate of service or be filed with the court accompanied by proof of service. Failure to properly document service can result in the served papers being disregarded.
Personal: +0 days
Electronic (ECF): +0 days
Mail: +3 days
Clerk: +3 days
Personal: +0 days
Electronic: +2 court days
Mail (CA): +5 days
Mail (US): +10 days
Mail (Int'l): +20 days
Personal: +0 days
Electronic: +0 days
Mail: +5 days
Overnight: +1 day
Personal: +0 days
Electronic: +0 days
Mail: +3 days
Fax: +3 days
While this calculator provides general deadline computations based on standard rules, every case has unique circumstances. Scheduling orders, local rules, and case-specific factors can modify standard deadlines. Always verify calculations against applicable rules and consider consulting with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
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Comprehensive answers to common questions about court filing deadlines, FRCP rules, and deadline calculations.
Under FRCP Rule 12(a)(1)(A)(i), you have 21 days to file an Answer after being served with the summons and complaint. This is the standard deadline for individual and corporate defendants. If the United States or a federal officer/agency is the defendant, the deadline extends to 60 days under Rule 12(a)(2). If service was waived under Rule 4(d), the defendant has 60 days from when the request for waiver was sent (90 days if the defendant is outside the United States). Remember that filing a Rule 12 motion to dismiss extends the Answer deadline - if the motion is denied, you have 14 days after the court's denial to file your Answer.
Under FRCP Rule 6(a)(1)(A), when computing deadlines stated in days, you exclude the day of the triggering event. Day 1 is the day AFTER the triggering event. For example, if you are served with a complaint on Monday, January 6, Day 1 is Tuesday, January 7. You then count every subsequent day (including weekends and holidays for counting purposes) until you reach the deadline number. This is different from some state courts - California, for instance, also excludes the first day, but other states may have different counting methods. Always verify the counting method for your specific court.
Under FRCP Rule 6(a)(1)(C), if a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal legal holiday, the deadline is automatically extended to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. Importantly, intermediate weekends and holidays are counted when calculating the deadline period - the extension only applies if the final deadline date itself falls on a weekend or holiday. For 2025, federal court holidays include: New Year's Day (Jan 1), MLK Day (Jan 20), Presidents' Day (Feb 17), Memorial Day (May 26), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (Sept 1), Columbus Day (Oct 13), Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (Nov 27), and Christmas (Dec 25).
Missing a court filing deadline can have serious consequences depending on the type of deadline. For an Answer deadline, the opposing party can seek entry of default under FRCP Rule 55, potentially leading to a default judgment against you. For discovery deadlines, the court may impose sanctions, preclude evidence, or deem requests for admission admitted. For appeal deadlines, missing the notice of appeal deadline is generally fatal - appeal deadlines are considered jurisdictional and cannot be extended except in narrow circumstances. If you've missed a deadline, you should immediately consult with an attorney about potential remedies such as motions for extension of time, motions to set aside default, or other relief under FRCP Rule 6(b) or Rule 60.
Under FRCP Rule 6(d), when service is made by mail under Rule 5(b)(2)(C), you add 3 calendar days to the response deadline. This applies to papers served after initial service of process (like motions, discovery requests, etc.). The calculation works as follows: first calculate the regular deadline, then add 3 days for mail service, then check if the resulting date falls on a weekend or holiday. In California state courts, the mail extension is more generous: CCP Section 1013 adds 5 days for service within California, 10 days for service elsewhere in the United States, and 20 days for service outside the United States.
In federal court, electronic service through CM/ECF under FRCP Rule 5(b)(2)(E) does NOT add any extra days to response deadlines. Rule 6(d) specifically excludes electronic service from the 3-day extension. This is a significant difference from mail service. However, state courts vary in their treatment of electronic service. California CCP Section 1010.6 adds 2 court days for electronic service. New York does not add time for electronic service. Texas does not add time. Always verify the rules for your specific jurisdiction when calculating deadlines after electronic service.
Personal service under FRCP Rule 4(e)(2)(A) means physically handing the documents directly to the individual being served. Substitute service under Rule 4(e)(2)(B) means leaving the documents at the individual's dwelling with someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there, or under Rule 4(e)(2)(C), delivering to an agent authorized to receive service. Both methods are valid for initial service of process and neither adds extra days to response deadlines. However, substitute service may be challenged more easily than personal service if there are questions about whether service was properly effected. For corporations, Rule 4(h) allows service on officers, managing agents, or registered agents.
Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, most discovery responses are due within 30 days after service. Specifically: Interrogatories (Rule 33(b)(2)): 30 days. Document requests (Rule 34(b)(2)(A)): 30 days. Requests for admission (Rule 36(a)(3)): 30 days - and these are DEEMED ADMITTED if you fail to respond. Responses to Rule 45 subpoenas: typically 14 days for objections. These deadlines can be extended by stipulation of the parties or by court order. In practice, parties often agree to reasonable extensions for discovery responses. However, requests for admission should be treated with extreme caution because failure to respond results in the matters being deemed admitted, which can be case-dispositive.
Under FRCP Rule 36(a)(3), if you fail to serve a written answer or objection to requests for admission within 30 days after service (plus any applicable service method extensions), the matters are DEEMED ADMITTED. This is one of the most dangerous deadlines in litigation because deemed admissions can establish critical facts against you and may be very difficult to withdraw. Under Rule 36(b), the court may permit withdrawal or amendment of an admission only if it would promote presentation of the merits and the party relying on the admission fails to show it would be prejudiced. Courts are often reluctant to withdraw deemed admissions. Never miss this deadline.
Under Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) Rule 4(a)(1)(A), a Notice of Appeal in a civil case must be filed within 30 days after entry of the judgment or order appealed from. If the United States or a federal officer/agency is a party, the deadline extends to 60 days under Rule 4(a)(1)(B). For criminal cases, the deadline is only 14 days under FRAP Rule 4(b)(1)(A). These deadlines are jurisdictional - the court of appeals lacks jurisdiction to hear an appeal filed after the deadline expires. Under Rule 4(a)(5), a district court may extend the time to file a notice of appeal if a party moves within 30 days after the original deadline expires and shows excusable neglect or good cause.
Appeal deadlines are extremely rigid because they are jurisdictional. Under FRAP Rule 4(a)(5), the district court may grant a motion to extend the appeal deadline if: (1) the motion is filed within 30 days after the original deadline expires, AND (2) the party shows excusable neglect or good cause. The maximum extension is 30 days after the original deadline or 14 days after the order granting the extension, whichever is later. Under Rule 4(a)(6), the district court may reopen the time to appeal if: (1) the motion is filed within 180 days of judgment entry or 14 days after receiving notice of entry, (2) the party did not receive notice of entry within 21 days, and (3) no party would be prejudiced. These are narrow exceptions - do not rely on them.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure do not specify a uniform deadline for motion oppositions - this is governed by Local Rules, which vary by district. Common deadlines include: 14 days after the motion is filed (many districts), 21 days after the motion (some districts), or as specified in the court's scheduling order. In California state court, oppositions are due 9 court days before the hearing under CCP Section 1005(b). Reply briefs are typically due 7-14 days after the opposition in federal court, or 5 court days before hearing in California. Always check the Local Rules for your specific federal district court and any applicable standing orders.
Under FRCP Rule 12(b), a motion to dismiss asserting defenses like lack of jurisdiction, improper venue, insufficient service, or failure to state a claim must be made BEFORE filing a responsive pleading (the Answer). This is not a specific number of days - it means you must choose whether to file a Rule 12 motion or an Answer. Filing a Rule 12 motion extends your Answer deadline: if the motion is denied, you have 14 days after notice of denial to file your Answer under Rule 12(a)(4)(A). Some Rule 12 defenses (personal jurisdiction, venue, service) are waived if not raised in the first response - whether that's a motion or an Answer. Failure to state a claim (12(b)(6)) can be raised later but is most effectively raised early.
Under FRCP Rule 59(b), a motion for new trial must be filed no later than 28 days after entry of judgment. This deadline is strictly enforced and cannot be extended. Grounds for a new trial under Rule 59(a) include: errors of law, verdict against the weight of evidence, excessive or inadequate damages, newly discovered evidence, attorney or juror misconduct, or any other reason that previously would have justified a new trial. A timely Rule 59 motion suspends the appeal deadline - the 30-day period to file a notice of appeal runs from entry of the order disposing of the Rule 59 motion, not from the original judgment.
Under FRCP Rule 59(e), a motion to alter or amend a judgment must be filed no later than 28 days after entry of judgment. Like the motion for new trial, this deadline cannot be extended under Rule 6(b)(2). Rule 59(e) motions are appropriate for: correcting clear errors of law, presenting newly discovered evidence not available at trial, or addressing manifest errors of fact. A timely Rule 59(e) motion also suspends the appeal deadline. Note that Rule 59(e) motions are distinct from Rule 60(b) motions for relief from judgment, which have different grounds and timing requirements - Rule 60(b) allows motions within a "reasonable time" (up to 1 year for certain grounds).
Calendar days include every day on the calendar - weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Court days (also called business days or judicial days) exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and court holidays. Federal courts primarily use calendar days under FRCP Rule 6, with the provision that if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends to the next business day. California state courts use both: some deadlines are stated in calendar days, while others (particularly motion opposition and reply deadlines under CCP 1005) are stated in court days. When a California rule says "9 court days before hearing," you count only court days and skip weekends and holidays. Always pay careful attention to whether a deadline is stated in calendar days or court days.
Under FRCP Rule 6(b)(1), the court may extend most deadlines for good cause if the request is made before the deadline expires, or after the deadline expires if the party failed to act because of excusable neglect. However, Rule 6(b)(2) specifically prohibits extensions for certain critical deadlines including: motions for judgment as a matter of law (Rule 50), motions to amend findings (Rule 52), motions for new trial (Rule 59), and motions to alter/amend judgment (Rule 59). Appeal deadlines under FRAP Rule 4 have their own limited extension provisions. For discovery deadlines, parties can often agree to reasonable extensions by stipulation without court involvement, though you should confirm this with a written agreement.
Local rules can supplement the Federal Rules but generally cannot conflict with them. Under 28 U.S.C. Section 2071 and FRCP Rule 83, local rules must be consistent with Acts of Congress and the Federal Rules. However, local rules can fill gaps where the Federal Rules are silent - for example, setting specific deadlines for motion oppositions and replies (not specified in FRCP), imposing page limits, requiring meet-and-confer before filing certain motions, and establishing procedures for electronic filing. Additionally, case-specific scheduling orders under FRCP Rule 16 can modify discovery deadlines and set case milestones. Always check: (1) the applicable Federal Rules, (2) Local Rules for your district, (3) any judge-specific standing orders, and (4) the case scheduling order.
In federal court with electronic filing through CM/ECF, filings are typically accepted 24 hours a day, and a document is considered timely if filed by 11:59:59 PM in the court's local time zone on the deadline date. However, always verify this with your specific district's Local Rules. Some courts have earlier cutoff times. For paper filings, the clerk's office hours apply - typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM. If you're filing at the physical courthouse, you must complete filing before the clerk's office closes. In California state courts, electronic filings must be submitted by midnight, but filings submitted after the close of business may be deemed filed the next court day for some purposes. Always build in a buffer - do not wait until the last minute.
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