Electronic Filing (E-Filing)

Electronic Filing (e-Filing)

The court accepts electronically filed documents (“e-filing”) for all non-criminal case types. Those case types include:

Civil Limited/Unlimited
Small Claims
Family Law/Adoption
Probate

At this time, e-Filing is permissive for attorneys and pro per litigants. Self-Represented Litigants are encouraged to use e-filing but are not required. Filings may also be submitted by mail or in person at the clerk’s windows during regular business hours. You may also go on our website to schedule an appointment for in person filing.

Getting Started:

The first step in e-filing is to read the resources located below:

The second step in e-filing is to select a service provider. You will find a list here: Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSP)

The EFSP acts as an intermediary between you and the court’s case management system. When reviewing the list of EFSP’s keep in mind that most offer do-it-yourself and concierge services for filing. Additionally, the service fees charged vary by EFSP and each offer e-filing support. When deciding on your EFSP look at the level of filing support offered to see if it fits your needs.

Once you pick the EFSP you would like to use for e-filing you will be able to go through their tutorial on how to e-file. If you have technical issues with filing, please contact your preferred EFSP first for assistance.

DISCLAIMER: This EFSP list is sorted alphabetically and does not constitute any endorsement of services by the Court. The Court is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, legality, practices, or availability of linked sites (including any related services, content, software applications, and other technologies). The Court is not responsible for any interruption of services, malfunctions, or security breaches involving these third-party sites. If you have any questions or concerns about the products and services offered on these third-party sites, please contact them directly.

After Submitting:

Once you submit your documents through the EFSP you should receive a confirmation email that your submission was received. A clerk will then review your forms.

After review, you will receive an email accepting or rejecting your submission. The email accepting your submission will have a link to download a file-stamped copy of your document. Documents are also accessible by logging into the e-filing service provider’s site.

Don’t forget that you need to have a copy of your filed documents served on the other party in accordance with California law.

After reviewing the materials posted on this site if you still have questions about Solano Superior Court e-filing please contact: Civildivision@solano.courts.ca.gov for civil/small claims case types or familydivision@solano.courts.ca.gov for family/probate/adoption case types.

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FAQs

How does e-Filling work?

Electronic filing or e-filing enables filers and courts to efficiently process documents and fees online. E-filing manages the flow of information among filers, clerks, court personnel and judges.

The filer submits documents by establishing an account with an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP)

Is e-filing secure?

Yes. The e-filing system adheres to state and federal security regulations and meets Payment Card Industry Security Standards to protect filer and transaction information.

Is e-filing mandatory for Solano Court?

Not at this time.

What type of cases can I e-File?

In Solano, e-filing is permissive for all non-criminal case types, which includes Civil, Small Claims, Family Law, Probate and Adoption. At this time, we do not offer e-filing for Criminal, Traffic and Juvenile cases.

Can I e-file if I’m a self-represented litigant (pro per or pro se)?

Yes, self-represented parties are eligible to use the site for e-filing. However, it is not mandatory and they may continue to file by mail or in person.

Do I have to register to use e-file?

Yes, all users must register with an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) prior to using e-filing.

See How to Set up an e-Filing Account and Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSP) List

Is support available for the e-File system?

Yes, support is provided for both attorneys and self-represented litigants. Each EFSP offers a different type of e-filing support. When you pick your EFSP look at the level of filing support that is offered and see if it meets your needs.

Can I change my EFSP after I have chosen and registered with one?

You may choose any EFSP. You may change to a different service provider at any time. Selecting and using an EFSP is similar to using an “attorney service” for filings, except the types of filings processed are electronic.

Who can I speak with if I have a question about an electronic filing?

The first point of contact for any question should be your EFSP. If the question cannot be resolved with the EFSP, you may contact the clerk’s office.

What time do I have to submit my document to have it deemed filed the same day?

Any document received electronically by the court between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59:59 p.m. on a court day shall be deemed filed on that court day.

Any document that is received electronically on a non-court day shall be deemed filed on the next court day, See Civil Code of Procedure Section 1010.6.

Please keep in mind that some of the EFSP companies have a cut-off time for same-day processing because of the time it takes for the envelope to be submitted and received by the court.

How will we be notified about whether a e-filing is accepted or rejected?

Each EFSP may offer different type of e-filing notifications. When you pick your EFSP look at their specific support notifications.

Can I sign my document with an electronic signature?

Refer to California Rule of Court 2.257 for the Requirements for Signatures on documents.

How do I e-file documents requiring a Judges’ signature?

The document requiring a signature must be its own lead document. Any letter or cover sheet accompanying the document must be submitted under a separate filing code as its own lead document.

What is e-service?

E-service is a feature provided by efileCA where documents are electronically served to other parties in a case via e-mail. Using this option, you can track when each party received and opened the filing.

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

Filers are responsible for accomplishing service of all filings as required by applicable court rules. Filers may use the mail service, serve by hand delivery, send an e-mail, or use eFileCA as it offers the option of electronic service of each filing to the designated service contact.

If I file electronically, have I consented to electronic service on this case?

Yes, refer to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.251(b)(1)(B).

Do I need to add new parties when filing into an existing case?

When electronically filing into an existing case, parties that already exist in the case should not be added as new parties. The only time new parties should be added to the case is when the filing adds new parties to an existing case. This could be an amended complaint adding new defendants, cross complaints, amendment to complaint naming a doe, etc.

Can I upload all documents together or must they be separated?

Documents should be filed as you would file them at the clerk window. For instance, a document that would have been stapled together at filing should be filed as one lead document. Another way to think about it is that anything that needs its own file stamp should be filed separately, as a lead document that gets its own separate event code. Multiple documents can be filed together in one envelope but each document to be filed needs its own event code.

What format do I have to save my document in?

PDF, however some EFSPs allow you to file as a Word document because they then turn it into a PDF for you.

Do I have to bookmark my document?

For Civil and Discovery Motions: Yes, pursuant to California Rule of Court 3.1110(f), a document filed electronically with exhibits must include electronic bookmarks with links to the first page of each exhibit and a bookmark title that identifies the exhibit number or letter and briefly describes the exhibit.

Do I have to add OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to my document?

Yes. pursuant to California Rules of Court 2.256(b)(3), a document filed electronically must be text searchable.

For assistance you can contact the filer support number for the electronic service provider you are using.

Can Judicial Council forms be e-Filed?

Yes. Judicial Council forms are fillable and can be uploaded for e-Filing.

Do I need to scan a document that includes an original signature?

No. Retention of original signed documents is governed by California Rules of Court 2.257 and Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6.

Does it matter what DPI (dots per inch) is used when scanning a document?

Yes. The Trial Court Records Manual recommends 300 DPI resolution. DPI refers to the output resolution of the scanner when a document is scanned. This only applies if you’re scanning and attaching any document(s).

Should a document be password protected?

No. Documents should not be password protected and will be rejected if the content cannot be viewed.

What is a filing document name?

A Filing Document Name refers to the type of filing (e.g. petition, complaint, response, answer, demurrer, motion, etc.) and is used by the EFSP to properly designate the document(s) upon submission. Using the correct Filing Document Name is extremely important as it determines the appropriate fee and court workflow. The court has made every effort to develop a comprehensive list of document names that closely match the type of document(s) that may be submitted.

What if I cannot find the document name for the document I am filing?

If you are unable to identify the document you are filing in the list of document names, you must use the name of the document that most closely describes your filing. If you are unsure about the document name(s), please check that the filing fee(s) are correct before submitting your document(s). There is a “comments” field if you need to include any additional explanation for the filing staff. If the document names are not offered by the EFSP you selected, please contact them directly.

What is a lead document?

If multiple documents are filed in one submission, the lead document is the one that is most important. For example, if you were filing a motion with a supporting declaration and a proof of service, the motion would be the lead document. It is important to properly identify the lead document as this will affect the priority and timing for processing by the court and ensures that the document is directed to the appropriate location or court personnel.

Can I cancel a submission?

Submissions cannot be cancelled after they have been completed in the EFSP. Please double check your documents and any data entry prior to completing your submission.

Can I e-file Restraining Orders?

Not at this time. You can submit certain types of Restraining Orders via email by going to the Solano Court website at solano.courts.ca.gov The types of Restraining Orders that can be submitted via email are:

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO)
Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO)
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO) and Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (WVRO) must be submitted in person or via the mail.

Are any documents exempt from e-Filing?

The following documents are exempt from e-Filing:

Any Order with an original judicial officer’s signature;
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders;
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders;
Workplace Violence Restraining Orders;
Gun Violence Restraining Orders;
Notice of Defendant’s Deposit of Jury Fees (CCP Section 631(b);
Family Law Request for Entry of Default;
Family Law Judgment and Notice of Entry of Judgment;
Original will and codicil;
Probate Letters and Bonds;
Copy Request;
Exhibits to be lodged for Hearings or Trials;
Subpoenaed Documents;
Sealed Records;
Request for Administrative Records;
Any paper document ordered by the court to be filed in a clerk’s office;

Can I use my personal computer to e-File?

Yes. You can use your personal computer to submit filings through an EFSP. You will use the internet to select the EFSP and submit your documents for filing. You will upload the document as an attachment. For instructions, refer to your EFSP’s website.

Can I Request a Refund of Court Filing Fees?

Yes. You can request a refund of court filing fees only. Requests must be submitted in writing and may be submitted in person at the filing window or via U.S. Mail to the location where the case is assigned. The request will be reviewed by the Court.

Approved refund requests for e-filed documents will be refunded to the EFSP pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 411.20 and Government Code Section 6159.

Refunds will be processed for the following reasons:

Fees were inappropriately charged by the Court;
Fees were inappropriately charged due to Court system errors;
Fees were inappropriately charged to a party after a fee waiver has been granted;
Fees were inappropriately charged to an agency that is exempt per GC 6103;
Fees that are ordered refunded by the judicial officer.

NOTE: Requests for Refund of the Electronic Filing Service Provider processing fees must be submitted to the EFSP for processing.

What Is The Difference Between My Refund Being Denied and Rejected?

Denied means the request was not deemed to be a valid reason for a refund and will not be processed. Rejected means that the Request for Refund form was not thoroughly completed and was missing information or the information was incorrect and needs to be returned for completeness or correction.