eFiling for Los Angeles Superior Court – Civil Cases
An update on the status of Los Angeles Superior Court (“LASC”) going live with eFiling for Civil Cases.
It is expected that eFiling for Limited Civil Cases will begin in mid-2018, with eFiling for Unlimited Civil Cases sometime late summer 2018. As we get closer to these timeframes we will post updates confirming the Court dates.
Strict eFiling Requirements Enforcement and What It Means for You
Courts have recently begun strictly enforcing the following rules regarding electronic filings.
Documents Must be Electronically Filed in PDF, Text-Searchable Format
Under California Rule of Court 2.256(b)(3) and California Rule of Court 8.74(b)(2)(a), a document that is filed electronically with the court “must be text-searchable while maintaining original document formatting.” The County of Los Angeles published General Order of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, wherein section (c)(2)(A) further provides that documents must be electronically filed in PDF format. This includes Declarations, Proofs of Service, and Exhibits to documents.
The County of Los Angeles, Civil Department has begun rejecting order submissions if the documents are not text-searchable. Not all courts currently enforce this requirement, however, it is a state requirement for eFiling.
Documents Must be Bookmarked
California Rule of Court 3.1110(f)(4) and the General Order published by the County of Los Angeles also provides that documents must include electronic bookmarks. A bookmark is a PDF document navigational tool that allows the reader to quickly locate and navigate to a designated point of interest within a document.
Self-Service Tools
We understand that compliance is of the utmost importance with regard to minimizing the rejection rate of electronic submissions. As such, here are some tips and links to help you ensure your next electronic filing will be compliant.
- Making Text Searchable: Adobe Acrobat provides this guide that helps users OCR a document. OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, which is a method of digitizing text so that they can be electronically searched on a computer.
- Bookmarking: For Adobe users, this guide will help users create bookmarks in a document.
eFile with Less Worry Using Our Expert Review Service
Finally, we provide Expert Review as an add-on service to help clients reduce their eFiling rejection rates when clients are unsure whether they are in compliance with new requirements regulating electronic filings. Under Expert Review, a Document Specialist will personally examine the key components of an eFiling in three distinct areas:
- Filing Basics (e.g., case number, parties, signatures, dates, court location, case type, document type)
- Electronic Assembly (e.g., font style, searchable text, pagination, file size, layout, scan readability)
- Jurisdictional Requirements (e.g., confirmation the filing contains locally required information such as bookmarks, and mandated forms)
Want to save time, and minimize eFiling rejections by the court? Check out our Concierge Service.
Our program has a proven successful track record in minimizing rejection rates. Contact us today at (800) 366-5445 to learn more about how we can help you scratch one less worry off your list.
Los Angeles Superior Court Surpasses 30,000 eFilings in the First Few Weeks
Are you ready for the Court’s next mandatory deadline on January 2, 2019?
Since the launch of eFiling for Limited Civil on November 13, 2018, followed by the launch of eFiling for Unlimited Civil on December 3, over 30,000 cases have already been digitally filed.
We are proud to report that Rapid Legal was fully integrated with the LASC on the first day the platform launched and has served as the Electronic Service Provider of choice for thousands of eFilings in the first few weeks.
While the Court’s overall eFiling rollout has been impressive, there has been a high number of rejections in the early weeks as the court and eFilers become accustomed to the new system and requirements. We strongly recommend Law Firms and Legal Professionals give particular attention to the following areas causing many of the rejections to date:
Party’s name does not match the party’s name listed on the initial lead document
For example: If plaintiff name on the caption of the complaint shows “Jane C. Doe”, then it must be entered to match throughout the eFiling. If defendant name is “John Doe, an individual” it must also be entered to match including “an individual.”
Incorrect case type selected
The case type must match the selection on the Civil Case Cover Sheet.
Incorrect document type selected
If the document is for a “judgment,” then that specific category must be selected. Following that selection, then choose the document title within that category.
Rapid Legal’s Concierge Service is also available as a “white glove” solution for any order you would prefer to not have to compliance check, digitally process and/or troubleshoot on your own.
Looking ahead to immediately after the holidays, take note that Limited Civil and Unlimited Civil cases will become mandatory on January 2, 2019.
Rapid Legal® Adds the Los Angeles Superior Court as its 19th eFiling Court System in California
As of December 3, law firms and legal service professionals face major changes in Los Angeles Superior Court filing procedures. Rapid Legal services are helping the legal community comply with the Court’s new mandatory eFiling requirements.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Rapid Legal has added the Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC) as one of the 19 California eFiling court systems it serves. The company’s implementation mirrors the LASC’s mandatory December 3, 2018, deadline for Civil Limited cases and its pending January 2, 2019, deadline for Civil Unlimited cases.
Rapid Legal’s CEO, David Nill, shared “We are extremely pleased to be one of the first attorney service providers to recognize how the digital transformation of court systems across the state is enabling cases to be handled with far greater efficiency by the courts and related parties. With over five years of experience as a certified eFiling Service Provider across 18 other California counties, we are well positioned to help our clients comply with all aspects of the LASC’s newly mandated eFiling requirements.”
To submit an LASC eFiling with Rapid Legal, customers can simply go to their Rapid Legal customer portal and select “Los Angeles” from the drop-down menu. All other aspects of the submission process remain the same. For those not currently registered with Rapid Legal, a secure account can be established in minutes on the company’s website.
Rapid Legal’s VP of Operations, Henry Negrete, said, “We recognize the legal community will be dealing with a learning curve due to the Los Angeles Superior Court’s new eFiling procedures that are rolling out over a very short period. Hundreds of our customers have already been working with us during the Court’s voluntarily eFiling period, which began on November 13, to ensure their offices are fully prepared for this major process change.”
Rapid Legal’s prominence as an eFiling provider across California is bolstered by its experience in working with Law Firms and Courts to develop a solution that offers an easy-to-use portal with 24/7 court filing availability, knowledgeable phone support, and a hassle-free satisfaction guarantee.
In addition to Los Angeles, some of the other 19 California counties where Rapid Legal is eFiling certified include Fresno, Orange, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. The company also offers a full range of physical court filing and service of process services across the state.
About Rapid Legal
Rapid Legal® is a leading court filing and process serving provider in the legal services industry. Utilizing its innovative LegalConnect® Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, Rapid Legal enables law firms and legal service professionals to operate a more efficient business, reduce their risk profile, and deliver a higher level of service to their clients. Legal documents delivered by Rapid Legal are executed timely and accurately, and are always backed by a no-hassle satisfaction guarantee. Rapid Legal is headquartered in Chino Hills (Los Angeles), California, and has been serving the legal community for over two decades.
To learn more about how we can fulfill your law firm’s eFiling and process serving needs, contact us today.
Closure of Courthouse Buildings San Diego
On November 9, 2017, the Superior Court of California County of San Diego posted this Public Notice.
Pursuant to Government Code § 68106 and Rule 10.620 of the California Rules of Court, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, is providing notice that it will be closing the Family Court Building at 1555 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 and the Madge Bradley building at 1409 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (including both business operations and courtrooms), and transferring the these operations to the new San Diego Central Courthouse at 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (the “Central Courthouse”).
The Family Court Building, which currently houses courtrooms F-1 to F-6, will now close at 3:30 p.m. on December 13, 2017.
The Madge Bradley building, which currently houses courtrooms F-8, F-9 and PC-1, PC-2, and PC-3 will now close at 3:30 p.m. on December 14, 2017.
eFiling for Los Angeles Superior Court - Civil Cases
An update on the status of Los Angeles Superior Court (“LASC”) going live with eFiling for Civil Cases.
It is expected that eFiling for Limited Civil Cases will begin in mid-2018, with eFiling for Unlimited Civil Cases sometime late summer 2018. As we get closer to these timeframes we will post updates confirming the Court dates.
We’re Certified to eFile for You
As a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP), you can trust we’re compliant with all current eFiling standards. See all the counties we eFile on Electronic Court Filing page.
LASC Offers Limited Jurisdiction UD Cases in More Courts
LASC announces limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer (eviction) cases to be heard in every judicial district.
Effective Oct. 10, 2017, Los Angeles Superior Court will expand limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer operations from seven to eleven courthouses as follows:
- Chatsworth Courthouse, 9425 Penfield Ave., Chatsworth 91311 (New)
- Compton Courthouse, 200 West Compton Blvd., Compton 90220 (New)
- Inglewood Courthouse, One Regent Street, Inglewood 90301 (New)
- West Covina Courthouse, 1427 West Covina Parkway, West Covina 91790 (New) (Effective Oct. 10, 2017, unlawful detainer cases will no longer be heard at Pomona Courthouse.)
- Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, 42011 Fourth Street West, Lancaster 93534
- Governor George Deukmejian (Long Beach) Courthouse, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach 90802
- Norwalk Courthouse, 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk 90650
- Pasadena Courthouse, 300 East Walnut, Pasadena 91101
- Santa Monica Courthouse, 1725 Main St., Santa Monica 90401
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles 90012
- Van Nuys East Courthouse, 6230 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys 91401
View the Notice To Attorneys information here.
eFile at Superior Court of California, County of Butte
Effective immediately, you can eFile at Superior Court of California, County of Butte. Please note, this is optional and the date for mandatory eFiling has not yet been announced.
The Superior Court of California, County of Butte, accepts electronic filing (eFiling) in the following case types:
- Juvenile Dependency matters (W&I 300)
- All Family Law matters
- All Civil matters
- All Probate matters
View the Court’s eFiling information on Butte Superior Court website.
County of Santa Clara Notice - eFile Unlawful Detainer cases
Effective June 26, 2017, you can eFile Unlawful Detainer cases at Santa Clara Superior Court. Please note, this will be permissive. Mandatory eFiling of UD cases will start on July 31, 2017.
Closure and relocation of Stockton and family law courthouses
Effective July 28, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. (noon), the Stockton Courthouse located at 222 E. Weber Ave. and the Family Law Courthouse located at 540 E. Main St. will be permanently closed. All services currently provided to the public by the San Joaquin Superior Court at the Stockton and Family Law Courthouses will be relocated to the soon to be completed new Stockton Courthouse at 180 E. Weber Ave. in Stockton. Public services will resume at the new Stockton Courthouse on July 31, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.