Civil Department

Civil Department News:

Prior to Your Virtual Hearing, Please Visit: https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/court-connect

Changes to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Settlement Conferences

The Civil Department has modified the process for referring matters to ADR settlement conferences.  In cases referred to ADR on or after 2/1/2023, parties must file a Joint Certification of Readiness for Setting Settlement Conference Under Rule 16(i). 

Parties must confirm the following information: discovery and disclosure required to meaningfully engage in the conference is complete and there are no pending disclosure or discovery disputes that would interfere with the conference, the parties have engaged in good faith settlement discussions and have been unable to reach an agreement, any anticipated private mediation has been completed or efforts have otherwise been exhausted, there are no pending or anticipated motions that need to be decided before engaging in good faith settlement discussions, the parties understand their obligations to facilitate the scheduling of the conference, the parties understand they need to attend and any representative with authority needs to be available throughout the conference, they will comply with the requirement to submit materials in advance of the conference, and they understand sanctions may be imposed if the certification is not true, the parties are not prepared to participate in the settlement conference, or they fail to participate in good faith.  Counsel must also certify they have discussed Rule 16 and the certification requirement with their clients.  Failure to timely file the Joint Request will result in ADR notifying the assigned judge and an order vacating the ADR referral with leave for the parties to seek another referral after completing the certification process.

Click Here for Administrative Order 2023-009: In the Matter of Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Procedures for Civil Cases.

Joint Certification of Readiness for Setting Settlement Conference-

English | Spanish

Other links:

• Settlement Conference Memorandum Template
• Settlement Conference Video 

For more information on the ADR program, click here.

About the Civil Department

Civil cases involve legal conflicts among individuals, businesses, corporations, partnerships and governmental entities. Most civil cases are the result of personal injury, property damage, medical malpractice or contract disputes.

The Civil Department is committed to exploring ways to make justice more affordable and more accessible to its customers via Complex Litigation Cases and supreme court-approved Internet-based E-Filing. 

Civil Forms

Court staff cannot give legal advice. If you need legal advice or help filling out forms, you have several options.

Also available is a Frequently Asked Questions section.

Compulsory Arbitration

The department dedicates itself to reducing delay, cutting costs, facilitating public access, and providing more choices in resolving disputes through Compulsory Arbitration for disputes valued under $50,000. View more information regarding Compulsory Arbitration.

Commercial Court

The Arizona Supreme Court established Commercial Court as a program that provides a new superior court venue for commercial litigation.

Complex Litigation 

A "complex case" is a civil action that requires continuous judicial management to avoid placing unnecessary burdens on the court or the litigants and to expedite the case, keep costs reasonable, and promote an effective decision making process by the court, parties and counsel. For more information regarding complex litigation cases.

Glossary of Common Terms

Provided is a listing of court related terms, defined to help you with the filing of your forms. To locate your definition, click on the initial letter of the word or phrase you're searching for.

Commissioner Information

The commissioners of Superior Court preside over the following:

• Judgment Debtor Exams
• Name Changes
• Forcible Detainers
• Garnishments
• Defaults
• Injunctions Against Harassment
• Order of Continuing Lien
• Commissioner Calendar

Update Attorney Information

Per Rule 2.10 of Arizona Court Procedures, each attorney shall promptly advise the Clerk of the Superior Court and the Court Administrator, separately and in writing, of that attorney's office address, telephone number, e-mail address, or law firm affiliation if it is different from that listed in the current Directory of the State Bar of Arizona or is omitted from the directory. The Clerk of the Superior Court and the Court Administrator shall promptly note that information on the records of their offices, together with the date of receipt of that information, and they shall not otherwise be responsible for the office address, telephone number, e-mail address, or law firm affiliation of any attorney. For your convenience, the Clerk of Court in Maricopa County has a webpage to update your address: https://www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/services/address-changes/attorney-address-changes

Civil Jury Trial Information

For information on Civil Department cases heard by a jury.