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1. Do I have to Efile?

Supreme Court Order Misc. Docket Number 9208-Order Requiring Electronic Filing in Civil Cases.

Once a court is subject to mandatory e-filing under this Order-courts and clerks must not offer to attorneys in civil cases any alternative electronic document filing transmission system (including fax filings) except in the case of emergency. Courts and clerks must not accept, file, or docket any document filed by an attorney in a civil case that is not in compliance with this Order, except in the event of emergency.

Supreme Court Order Misc. Docket 16-003-Order Mandating Statewide Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases.

Once a court is subject to mandatory e-filing under this Order- courts and clerks must not offer to attorneys in criminal cases any alternative electronic document filing transmission system (including fax filings) except in the case of emergency. And courts and clerks must not accept, file, or docket any document filed by an attorney in the criminal case that is not filed in compliance with this order, except in the event of emergency.

Pro Se/Self Represented Litigants may e-file but are not under Mandate to do so.

2. How does e-filing work?

• Electronic filing or e-filing enables filers and courts to efficiently process documents and fees online.
• eFileTexas, manages the flow of information among filers, clerks, court personnel and judges:
• Filer submits documents: after selecting an online provider (EFSP), filers log on to their provider's website to file case-related documents online to any participating court in Texas.
• EFSP Delivers documents to the court by checking for submissions for completeness, calculate filing fees and court costs, and electronically deliver the submitted documents to the participating court.
• Clerk ACCEPT or RETURN FOR CORRECTION -the court clerk will receive the electronically filed documents and associated fees for processing and acceptance, review the documents, accept or return for correction the filings and provide an electronic time stamp notification to the filer for the accepted documents.

3. What is an electronic filing service provider?

E-filing in Texas is facilitated by electronic filing service providers (EFSP), that is, web portals operated by independent companies that collect filings from filers and transmit to eFileTexas.

Certified EFSPs for Texas on Line:

• American LegalNet, Inc.
• CaseFile Xpress
• CourtFile America
• eLawServices
• MyFileRunner
• OneLegal
• ProDoc

4. Is e-filing secure?

Yes. The eFile Texas system adheres to state and federal security regulations and meets Payment Card Industry Security Stand protect filer and transaction information.

5. What is e-service?

E-service is a feature provided by eFile Texas where documents are electronically served to other parties in a case. Using this option, you can track when each party received and opened the filing. Note: Transaction and service fees will apply.

6. How do I serve other individuals with my e-filed documents

The filers are responsible for accomplishing service of all filings as required by the applicable court rules. For this purpose, filers may use the mail service, serve by hand delivery, send an e-mail, or use eFile Texas as it offers the option of electronic service for each filing to the designated service contact. NOTE: Transaction and service fees will apply.

7. How is the eFile Texas system different from the one currently in place?

The new platform will reduce costs for filers by up to 94%, and will provide for expanded e-filing in Texas using a proven system already operational in several states.

8. I have questions, who can I call?

Questions regarding the vendor decision or awarding of the contract should be addressed with the OCA. The process of transitioning to the eFile Texas platform is in progress and updated information will be posted to the eFile Texas website You can also email efiling technical support with questions.

9. What if I have a case with an Affidavit of Indigency? Or I am court appointed to represent a litigant?

You will have a “waiver” option for those instances where you are not required to make a payment.

10. When can I use eFile Texas?

eFile Texas is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

11. May I include more than one document for filing per submission?

Yes. eFile Texas will allow multiple documents (same cause number) for file-marking per submission.

12. My motion needs the hearing date and time entered. How is that handled?

When accepted your document is entered directly into the case management system and may not be altered. Your notice of hearing will need to be a separate e-filed submission.

13. What if I am not sure if document requires a fee?

Please call the clerk prior to your submission. Although the clerk may have the authority to add additional fees, the amount is not guaranteed therefore your submission will be rejected.

14. What time and date stamp is applied?

The time and date applied to your accepted filing is the time and date you submitted the document.

15. How do I pay to eFile?

You may pay by credit card, depending on options offered by your selected EFSP.

16. How will I know if my eFiling was received?

You will receive an immediate acknowledgement message upon submission, and a confirmation message and file stamp copy upon acceptance by the clerk. If not accepted return for corrections and reason will be sent.