California · Code of Civil Procedure - CCP

CCP §491.320: The defendant shall be joined in an action brought pursuant to this article but is not an indispensable party.

What this law says, in plain English

A defendant may be included in a civil action under this article but is not required to be a party for the action to proceed.

Read the full statutory text

The defendant shall be joined in an action brought pursuant to this article but is not an indispensable party. The residence of the defendant may not be considered in the determination of proper venue unless otherwise provided by contract between the defendant and the third person.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.