Mandatory e-Filing for Attorneys in Most Cases Begins Monday

Mandatory e-Filing for Attorneys in Most Case Types Begins Monday
Cases in family law, probate, mental health and adoption join civil with e-filing requirement.  

Oakland, Calif. – October 20, 2023 – Starting Monday, all attorneys filing cases in family law, probate, mental health and adoption must electronically file their documents using a Court approved electronic filing service provider.

This mandatory e-filing requirement is the last step in the Superior Court of Alameda County’s transition of all case types, except traffic, to a modern, electronic case management system. Case types in family law, probate, mental health and adoption were moved to eCourt over Labor Day weekend joining civil cases which were transitioned to the system in 2021. Criminal and juvenile cases are also stored electronically on the Odyssey platform.

Litigants representing themselves are encouraged to e-file but it is not mandatory.

The Court has transitioned almost all its case files to electronic systems to provide users with a more streamlined approach to filing, scheduling, reviewing and monitoring the development of cases. Among the significant changes are the electronic filing of most documents related to a case, an online court reservation system, elimination of fax filing and a modern interface that provides easier access to case files.

A limited number of documents such as wills, codicils, bench warrants, subpoenaed documents and bonds, cannot be electronically filed. These documents will have to continue to be submitted as a hard copy in person, at a courthouse drop box or by mail. Please review the Court’s local rules for specific exemptions. Local rules for each area of law can be found here: https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules-forms

How to e-File
Litigants seeking to e-file can visit the Court’s e-filing webpage (https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing) and click on the corresponding case type. There, you will find all the information you need to e-file including a link to approved e-filing service providers (EFSP).

How to Access Cases
Case documents can be accessed by visiting our eCourt public portal here: https://eportal.alameda.courts.ca.gov/

If you are the attorney of record or a self-represented litigant, please make sure to use the same email address to create an eCourt account as used when e-filing a document. Using the same email address will provide access to documents in a litigant’s case at no additional charge.

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