21. How long will it take for a case to be decided?

That depends upon various factors. Certain cases are entitled to priority status, such as juvenile cases, dependency cases, environmental impact cases, conservatorships, criminal cases, election contests, probate cases, public utility cases, and zoning cases. Other categories of priority cases include arbitration, eminent domain, uniform child custody, and unlawful detainers. These cases are calendared as soon as possible, in order of priority. Although the clerk attempts to note those cases which are entitled to statutory priority, it would be well for counsel to remind the court of any particular case that is entitled to priority handling.

Besides the priority status, the length of time to complete a case is affected by the time required for preparation of the record, filing of briefs, and court staffing resources.