eFile Frequently Asked Questions
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)
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.
Not at this time.
In Siskiyou, 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.
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.
Yes, all users must register with an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) prior to using e-Filing.
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.
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.
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 Court Clerk’s office at 530-842-0411.
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 electronic files to be submitted and received by the court.
Each EFSP may offer different type of e-Filing notifications. When you pick your EFSP look at their specific support notifications.
Refer to California Rule of Court 2.257 for the Requirements for Signatures on documents.
The document requiring a Judge's signature must be its own separate filing.
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, or send an e-mail.
Yes, refer to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.251(b)(1)(B).
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 document. Another way to think about it is that anything that needs its own file stamp should be filed separately.
PDF, however some EFSPs allow you to file as a Word document because they then turn it into a PDF for you.
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.
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.
Yes. Judicial Council forms are fillable and can be uploaded for e-Filing.
No. Retention of original signed documents is governed by California Rules of Court 2.257 and Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6.
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).
No. Documents should not be password protected and will be rejected if the content cannot be viewed.
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.
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.
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.
Not at this time. You can submit certain types of Restraining Orders via email by going to the Siskiyou Court website at https://www.siskiyou.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.
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
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.
Yes. You can request a refund of court filing fees. Requests must be submitted in writing or 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.