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APP-202-INFOOptional

How to Use Form APP-202 in Limited Civil Cases

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2025

This information sheet explains how to use the Appellant’s Reply Brief form (APP-202) to write a reply brief in a limited civil case. A reply brief is a written document that responds to arguments made by the other side in the case.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This guide is used when a party is appealing a decision in a limited civil case (one involving $35,000 or less) and the other party has already filed a response brief.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What kind of case can I use this form for?
This form is for limited civil cases, which are civil cases involving $35,000 or less. It cannot be used in an unlimited civil case or a criminal case.
Do I have to file a reply brief?
No, you do not need to file a reply brief unless you want to. If you do file one, it will be the final brief unless the appellate division orders more writing.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2025.

Related forms

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