- About 2 minread
- General ideashold in most courts
- Checked October 26, 2026educational only
Many court deadlines are stated as a number of days from an event, such as being served with papers. Courts often count the first day differently from the last, and some rules change the count when the last day falls on a weekend or holiday.
Start with the event, not the due date
Write down the date of the event that starts the clock, such as the day papers were delivered. Mark that date first, then count forward.
Check how the day is counted
Look for a counting rule in your court's rules or in the papers you received. Some rules say the start day is not counted. Others add days when papers are mailed. Do not assume; read the rule.
Weekends and holidays
Many courts move a deadline that lands on a weekend or public holiday to the next business day. Confirm this with the rule that applies to your case rather than relying on memory.
When in doubt, count early
If you are unsure, plan to act before the earliest possible date. Clerks can tell you how the court's calendar works, but they cannot tell you how a rule applies to your case.
