Cameron Miranda
As of November 15, 2021, e-filing has been made mandatory for attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court for family law cases. Self-represented litigants, however, are not mandated to do so and can opt for conventional methods of filing documents via drop box, mail, or in person. The Los Angeles Superior Court is transitioning to electronic paperless case files, and e-filing can be done through an electronic filing service provider (EFSP). Family law case document images are not available online, but copies of divorce judgments may be obtained through the court's online services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory e-filing for family law cases | Yes, for attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court since November 15, 2021 |
| Mandatory e-filing for self-represented litigants | No, it is optional but possible through their personal computer |
| E-filing for cases involving the Department of Child Support Services | Yes |
| E-filing for AB1058 case numbers | No |
| E-filing for Civil Limited and Unlimited cases | Yes |
| Obtaining case documents for divorce & family law cases filed before 2005 | Through the Archives & Records Center |
| Obtaining case documents for divorce & family law cases filed after 2004 | Summary case information may be available online |
| Case Index search for family law cases | Available online for cases filed from 1983 to the present |
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What You'll Learn
Los Angeles Superior Court e-filing
The Los Angeles Superior Court is transitioning to electronic "paperless" case files. As of November 15, 2021, e-filing became mandatory for all attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court for Family Law Cases. Self-represented litigants are not mandated to e-file and can continue to file all documents via drop box, mail, or in person. However, e-filing may be the easiest option as it can be done from a personal computer.
To e-file, you must first set up an account. Then, you can choose to e-file on an existing case or initiate a new case filing. The court will then accept or reject the documents. If the documents are rejected, they will be returned to the filer through the EFSP's electronic filing portal.
The Los Angeles Superior Court e-filing service allows for the electronic submission and processing of documents for Civil Limited and Unlimited cases. You can also file your probate paperwork through an electronic filing service provider (EFSP) such as CourtFiling.net.
It is important to note that some documents are exempt from e-filing. For example, documents for divorce and family law cases filed before 2005 must be obtained from the Archives & Records Center. Additionally, AB1058 document filings cannot be e-filed and must be filed conventionally or via fax.
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E-filing for self-represented litigants
As of November 15, 2021, e-filing or eFiling has been made mandatory for all attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court for Family Law Cases. However, self-represented litigants are not mandated to e-file and can opt for conventional filing methods such as drop box, mail, or in-person submissions.
The Los Angeles Superior Court is transitioning to electronic "paperless" case files, and eFiling is the easiest way to submit your documents. You can file from your own personal computer, and there are several electronic filing service providers (EFSPs) to choose from, such as CourtFiling.net.
To eFile, you will first need to set up an account with your chosen EFSP. You can then choose to eFile on an existing case or initiate a new case filing. When filing, you will need to use Judicial Council forms, which are available for Family Law cases. These forms can be used in every Superior Court in California.
It's important to note that there may be specific technical requirements for your documents, and certain documents may be exempt from eFiling. For example, documents related to AB1058 case numbers cannot be eFiled and must be submitted through conventional methods. Additionally, scheduling motions and hearings must be done by contacting the applicable courthouse directly.
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E-filing for lawyers
The Los Angeles Superior Court is transitioning to electronic "paperless" case files, including for family law cases. Lawyers and those represented by lawyers must e-file. Self-represented litigants may choose to e-file but are not mandated to do so and can continue to file all documents via drop box, mail, or in person.
To e-file, you must first set up an account with an electronic filing service provider (EFSP) such as CourtFiling.net. You can then choose to e-file on an existing case or initiate a new case filing. The EFSP will notify you whether your documents have been accepted or rejected by the court. If your documents are rejected, they will be returned to you through the EFSP’s electronic filing portal.
When e-filing, it is important to be aware of the nuances and processes inherent in each case type, as well as general e-filing rules. For example, fee waivers and initial court documents can be filed together, but scheduling motions and hearings must be completed by contacting the applicable courthouse and courtroom. Petitions are automatically scheduled within their given timeframe, and you can request an extension if you cannot attend a hearing date.
Some documents are exempt from e-filing, including lodged documents and AB1058 case numbers. Exempt documents can be submitted using the designated drop box outside of the courthouse where your case is pending, in the Clerk’s Office of the Family Law Division during office hours (8:30 a.m.).
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Obtaining case documents
Understanding the Electronic Filing System
Los Angeles County has expanded its electronic filing (eFiling) initiative, allowing for the submission and retrieval of court documents online. The county uses electronic filing service providers (EFSPs), such as CourtFiling.net, through which users can create accounts and manage the filing of documents with the court. This system offers convenience, speed, and flexibility in accessing case documents from any location with an internet connection.
EFiling Requirements and Procedures
When eFiling court documents, it is essential to follow specific requirements and procedures. The Los Angeles Superior Court mandates eFiling for attorneys in family law cases, while self-represented litigants have the option to eFile or use conventional filing methods. The court's website provides access to the necessary forms and information on filing fees. Before submitting documents, ensure that you meet the technical requirements outlined in the General Order Re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Family Law.
Common Reasons for Rejection
To avoid delays, be mindful of common reasons why the court may reject your eFiling submission. These include incorrect or mismatched information in the data fields, failure to submit documents as separate PDFs, and not accurately designating documents as sealed when required.
Retrieving Case Documents
Once a case has been initiated, you can retrieve case documents through the court's website using the docket number. The LA Superior Court website provides access to dockets and certain case documents for civil, small claims, family law, and probate cases. If the documents were filed using the court's e-filing system, you can purchase them through the same system. However, if the documents were filed in paper form at the courthouse, you will need to visit the courthouse in person to view and copy or scan them.
Fee Waivers and Refunds
When filing your case documents, you can submit a fee waiver request along with your initial court documents. If you have already paid filing fees and are eligible for a refund, you can use form LACIV150 to make the request.
By following these steps and staying informed about the latest updates from the Los Angeles Superior Court, you can effectively obtain case documents for family law matters in the county.
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Filing fee information
The Los Angeles Superior Court is transitioning to electronic "paperless" case files. As of November 15, 2021, e-filing became mandatory for all attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court for Family Law Cases, but it remains optional for self-represented litigants. Self-represented litigants may continue to file all documents via drop box, mail, or in person.
For those choosing to e-file, there are several nuances and processes to be aware of. Firstly, sensitive personal information, such as social security and financial information, must be removed or redacted from the documents. Sanctions may be imposed if this information is included. Secondly, the Los Angeles Superior Court recommends scanning documents at 300 DPI (dots per inch) resolution. If a text-searchable PDF is being submitted, the document must already be text-searchable before conversion to PDF.
There are also specific rules regarding fees. A $9.45 eFiling Service Provider fee plus 2.75% of any court filing fee will be collected for each electronic submission, in addition to any regular court filing fees. These fees are non-refundable. For a single motion filed for multiple cases, only one fee will be charged. However, for multiple motions for multiple cases, a fee for each separate motion will be charged.
It is important to note that the Los Angeles Superior Court will be implementing a new procedure effective February 5, 2024, which will enable EFSPs to submit a Proposed Order with both a PDF and Word version of the document. Government Entity filers are exempt from filing fees if GC 6103 compliant.
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Frequently asked questions
E-filing is mandatory for all attorneys in the Los Angeles Superior Court for Family Law Cases. Self-represented litigants can choose to e-file but are not mandated to do so and may continue to file all documents via drop box, mail, or in person.
For divorce and family law cases filed after 2004, summary case information may be obtainable online. For cases filed before 2005, you will likely have to obtain case documents from the Archives & Records Center. Case documents are available from 1983 to the present.
Yes, you can file your probate paperwork into the Los Angeles court system through an electronic filing service provider (EFSP) such as CourtFiling.net.
