Jurisdiction in Certain Civil Actions

Part 2, Title 5, Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure deals with jurisdiction in civil actions. Section 410.50 provides that the court in which an action is pending has jurisdiction over a party from the time summons is served on him. A general appearance by a party is equivalent to personal service of summons on such party. In addition, jurisdiction of the court over the parties and the subject matter of an action continues throughout subsequent proceedings in the action.

Section 410.60 specifies that, in an action against a corporation which has forfeited its charter or right to do business, or has dissolved, the court in which the action is pending has jurisdiction over all the trustees of such corporation and of its stockholders or members from the time summons is served on one of the trustees as provided.

Section 410.70 states that, in an action against two or more persons who are jointly, jointly and severally, or severally liable on a contract, the court in which the action is pending has jurisdiction to proceed against such of the defendants as are served as if they were the only defendants.