California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 2 — Of Civil Actions, Title 6 — Of the Pleadings in Civil Actions, Chapter 2 — Pleadings Demanding Relief, Article 4 — Cross-Complaints, Section 428.50
(a) A party shall file a cross-complaint against any of the parties who filed the complaint or cross-complaint against him or her before or at the same time as the answer to the complaint or cross-complaint.
(b) Any other cross-complaint may be filed at any time before the court has set a date for trial.
(c) A party shall obtain leave of court to file any cross-complaint except one filed within the time specified in subdivision (a) or (b). Leave may be granted in the interest of justice at any time during the course of the action.
Notes
Requires a cross-complaint against a party who filed the complaint or cross-complaint to be filed before or with the answer, while allowing other cross-complaints before a trial date is set. Requires court leave for later cross-complaints and allows leave at any time during the action when the interests of justice support it.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 428.50 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-6/chapter-2/article-4/section-428-50