Court Deadline Calculator
Calculate federal and state court filing deadlines with automatic weekend and holiday adjustments.
Federal vs. State Court Deadlines
Federal court deadlines are governed primarily by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP). State courts follow their own rules, which vary by jurisdiction but often mirror federal rules with slight modifications.
FRCP Rule 6 — Computing Time
Under FRCP Rule 6, when counting days: exclude the day of the event that triggers the period; count every day including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; and if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period runs until the end of the next day that is not one of those days.
Common Federal Deadlines
Under the FRCP, a defendant has 21 days to respond to a complaint (or 60 days if served by waiver). Responses to motions are typically due 14 days after service. Notices of appeal in civil cases are due within 30 days of judgment entry (60 days when a government party is involved).
Why Business Day Bumping Matters
Missing a court deadline — even by one day — can result in waiver of claims, default judgment, or dismissal of an appeal. Counsel must verify deadlines carefully, particularly around federal holidays and court closures, which can shift deadlines in non-obvious ways.
Important Caveat
This tool uses standard day-counting rules and a fixed list of federal holidays. Court-specific local rules, service method adjustments (e.g., adding 3 days for mail service), extensions, and other factors can alter deadlines significantly. Always verify with applicable rules and court staff.