The Judicial Council of California provides various forms which are either “adopted” or “approved.” An “adopted” form is mandatory. An “approved” form permits the usage of another form that substantially resembles the approved form.
The Judicial Council may adopt forms in either of two ways. Under Government Code section 68511, it may “prescribe” certain forms. Use of those forms is mandatory (rule1.31).
The council may also “approve” forms. Use of an approved form is not mandatory, but the form must be accepted by all courts in appropriate cases (rule 1.35).
Forms thus are “adopted” for mandatory use and “approved” for optional use. The lower left corner of the first page of each form indicates whether the Judicial Council adopted or approved the form. Local rules of many courts make the use of some optional council forms mandatory in those courts.
A form adopted or approved by the council is not subject to the requirements of rule 2.302, which specify the format of papers filed in superior and municipal courts, respectively.
A party may file a “duplicate” of a council form produced entirely by computer (rule 2.150).