California courts should grant a one-time deferral on request, made in writing under penalty of perjury or through the court's online system, following local procedure, without requiring you to appear1. There is no statewide limit on how far out; the Judicial Council's model summons allows up to six months2.
California Rules of Court, rule 2.1004:
The jury commissioner should accommodate a prospective juror's schedule by granting a prospective juror's request for a one-time deferral of jury service.
Rule 2.1004 sets no statewide maximum for an ordinary postponement1. The Judicial Council's model summons allows requests up to six months from the summons date2. Follow the instructions on your own summons or check your court's juror portal for available dates.
San Diego County: how far you can postpone
Los Angeles: request a postponement through the My Jury Duty Portal or by calling (213) 972-0970. The court's pages currently give different ranges for online requests, so check the portal for available dates4.
Questions
Can I postpone a second time?
The Judicial Council's handbook says a second postponement within 12 months usually requires appearing before a judge5.
How far out can I go?
It depends on your court. Official sources differ: the model summons says up to six months, while the Judicial Council's employer FAQ mentions three, six or even nine months2. Your summons controls.
What about San Diego?
I'm breastfeeding.
You can defer for up to a year, renewable while you are still breastfeeding7.
In Los Angeles County, postponement is not possible if you call the weekend before your service week4. Ask early.
What to do next
Related
Sources
7 official sources, with the exact sentence each rule comes from
- Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1004. Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1004(a)."The jury commissioner should accommodate a prospective juror's schedule by granting a prospective juror's request for a one-time deferral of jury service."
- Judicial Council of California, Model Juror Summons (rev. 2020). Judicial Council Model Juror Summons (2000, rev. 2020)."I request a postponement of jury service to the following date (may request up to 6 months from summons date):"
- Jury Service Frequently Asked Questions | Superior Court of California - County of San Diego. San Diego Superior Court, Jury Service FAQ #5 and #9."Yes, you may postpone your service for up to six months from your reporting date."
- Los Angeles Superior Court - Jury postponement FAQ. Los Angeles Superior Court, juror FAQ: "Can I postpone my jury service to a more convenient date?"."You may only request a 30-90 day postponement on the web portal under the tab Reschedule. ... For postponements over 90 days please contact a jury representative at (213) 972-0970."
- Judicial Council of California, Jury Handbook. Judicial Council Jury Handbook."If you have already received one postponement during the past 12 months, you will probably have to come to court and speak to a judge to further delay your service."
- Jury Service Frequently Asked Questions | Superior Court of California - County of San Diego. San Diego Superior Court, Jury Service FAQ #5."Summoned jurors are also permitted to report for jury duty up to two weeks before or two weeks after your summoned reporting date, as long as jurors are called in for duty."
- Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1006. Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1006; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. ยง 210.5."A prospective juror who is breastfeeding a child may request that jury service be deferred for up to one year, and may renew that request as long as the prospective juror is breastfeeding. If the request is made in writing, under penalty of perjury, the jury commissioner must grant it without requiring the prospective juror to appear at court."
Reviewed by Roger K. Neustadt, JD, attorney admitted in Georgia. Verified November 10, 2026.
Roger K. Neustadt is admitted in Georgia; pages about other states and federal courts are general information checked against official sources. How we check every rule: editorial policy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
This page explains the law in general terms and is not legal advice. Jury Duty Explained is not affiliated with any court. Your summons and your court's instructions control, so check them first.