eFiling, or electronic filing, is a process that allows legal professionals and self-represented litigants to file court documents online instead of delivering them in person. In Alameda County, you can submit civil, probate, and other types of filings through the approved eFiling system, making the process faster, more convenient, and available 24/7.

You can eFile documents in various case types, including civil, family law, and probate cases. However, certain filings, like small claims and criminal cases, may still require in-person submission. Always check the court’s website for updates on eligible case types.

Yes, eFiling is mandatory for most civil cases in Alameda County, including complex civil litigation, probate, and family law cases. Self-represented litigants may have the option to file in person, but attorneys are typically required to eFile.

eFiling offers several advantages, including:

Submitting documents anytime, anywhere.

Reducing paperwork and storage issues.

Receiving instant confirmation and tracking for your submissions.

Saving time by eliminating trips to the courthouse.

When eFiling, documents must meet certain formatting and size requirements. These may include:

PDF format for all documents.

Specific naming conventions for files (e.g., "Petition.pdf").

Size limits for uploaded documents.

For detailed eFiling guidelines, visit our 123 eFiling Portal for step-by-step instructions and requirements.

To log in, visit the 123efile portal and enter your registered email and password. From there, you can start a new filing, manage your case submissions, and track document statuses.

eFiling fees include court filing fees and a small convenience fee charged by the eFiling service provider. Payment is usually made by credit or debit card during the eFiling submission process.

After submitting your documents, you can check the status by logging in to your account on the 123efile portal. The system will show whether your filing is "Under Review," "Accepted," or "Rejected."

If your eFiling is rejected, review the rejection reason provided by the court. Common issues include incorrect formatting, missing documents, or unpaid fees. Once corrected, you can resubmit your filing through the 123efile portal.

Documents requiring a judge’s signature, such as proposed orders, can usually be eFiled as long as they follow the court’s specific requirements. Attach the proposed order as a separate PDF and label it accordingly (e.g., “Proposed Order – Case Number XYZ123”).

Yes, self-represented litigants can use eFiling in Alameda County for eligible case types. They can register and submit filings online just like attorneys. To get started, visit our 123 eFiling Portal. However, if they prefer, they may still file documents in person at the courthouse.

If you encounter technical issues, such as login problems or errors during submission, visit the 123efile portal for troubleshooting tips or contact their support team for assistance.

When eFiling exhibits or confidential documents, follow these steps:

Clearly label exhibits (e.g., “Exhibit A – Declaration”).

Use any court-required cover sheets for confidential filings.

Submit sealed documents only when explicitly allowed and follow the court’s sealing procedures.

Yes, you must serve opposing parties through traditional methods unless they have agreed to electronic service.

Many resources are available online to help you navigate eFiling, including user guides, webinars, and FAQs. You can also visit our How-to Guide for step-by-step instructions, or explore the 123efile portal for additional support, including how-to videos and support articles