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AO 85

Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge

Federal · United States Courts · Effective February 1, 2017

This form is used to notify the court that a magistrate judge can handle all parts of a civil case, including a trial. It asks all involved parties to agree to let the magistrate judge take over the case.

Open the official PDFfrom United States Courts

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is used when all parties in a civil case agree to let a United States magistrate judge handle all court proceedings, including the trial and final judgment.

Either party may file.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The form is for all parties involved in the case to sign if they agree to the magistrate judge's authority.
What happens if I do not sign this form?
The text states that withholding consent will not have negative consequences for the party who does not sign.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect February 1, 2017.

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