Adoptions e-filing FAQ's

Self-represented litigants are not required to file documents electronically at the time; however, are encouraged to do so.

Litigants represented by attorneys must e-file as of September 5th, 2023 in all Adoption cases.

See Local Rule 3.27.

Some documents may be exempt from e-filing.  For a list of all efiling eligible documents. Go to e-filing Document Finder

Documents that are exempt from e-filing can be submitted for filing in the Clerk’s Office between office hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays or by mail (visit our Locations page for courthouse addresses).

Fax filing will not be available after e-filing is implemented on September 5th, 2023.

You may use any EFSP that is listed on the Court’s Adoptions e-filing Service Provider webpage.

Yes. All courts accepting e-filed documents are mandated to use independent EFSP’s in accordance with CRC 2.259(e).

Yes. The Court’s e-filing transaction fee and the EFSP’s service fee are collected by the EFSP when the filing is submitted.

Documents can be e-filed 24 hours a day. Any e-filing received by the Court before midnight will be deemed received or filed on the same business day if accepted. Any electronic filing submitted after midnight will be deemed received or filed as of the next business day if accepted. Any document received electronically on a non-court day, is deemed to have been effectively filed on the next court day if accepted. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(6); Code Civ. Proc. § 1010.6(b)(3)). See Local Rule 3.27.

Processing time will depend on the type of document filed. Processing office hours are 8:30-4:00pm Monday-Friday excluding holidays. The court strives to review and process all documents submitted via e-filing within three business days.

Any document Rejected will include the reason for the rejection of the document. If your document is rejected, you must correct and resubmit the document.

The requirements for e-filing are described in the e-filing Technical Requirements on the court’s family law e-filing webpage.

Yes, in certain instances and pursuant to Alameda County Superior Court Local Rule 3.30(c). During trial, motions, memoranda, and matters presented to the Court in writing for decision may be served in open court in hard copy form after having been e-filed.

Yes, the initiating document and fee waiver application will be processed at the same time.

These documents may be submitted in the same transaction.

Motions must first be scheduled using Court Reservation System (CRS) in the Court’s eCourt Public Portal. Upon obtaining the reservation the motion can be e-filed. The CRS reservation receipt must be included when e-filing a motion. If submitted without a reservation receipt, the e-filing will be rejected. For self-represented litigants the above is not required but encouraged.

Motions with supporting documents can be submitted in the same transaction.  However, each form, including any proposed orders, must be submitted as its own PDF document.

Yes, parties required to file documents electronically have agreed to accept electronic service at the electronic service address provided. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.251(C)(3).) Self-represented litigants and parties exempt from e-filing must affirmatively consent to acceptance of electronic service. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.251(b)(1) (B).)

Potential EFSPs can reach out to Journal Technologies at eFilingsupport@journaltech.com for more information.

To obtain an Alameda County case number you must open a new case with the Courts.

You may complete a Name Search using the eCourt Public Portal.