eFiling Main Information

TexasOnline eFiling for Courts
About eFiling for Courts
Benefits of eFiling for Courts
Getting Started with eFiling for Courts
Participating Counties
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

About eFiling for Courts

The problem -

Processing pleadings utilizing a paper-based system creates inefficiency and higher costs throughout the courts. The filing of paper pleadings with the court imposes significant burdens on court personnel and facilities. Legal firms and their clients also incur costs for the delivery and processing of these documents.

The solution -

TexasOnline developed eFiling for Courts to address the growing needs of a geographically dispersed legal community, and the increased costs associated with processing, tracking, and storing paper documents.

eFiling for Courts was developed and is provided in conjunction with the Texas Supreme Court's Judicial Committee on Information Technology (JCIT) and the Office of the Court Administration.

Texas is the first state to implement a statewide system based on a common "electronic post office" that supports an open model for vendors serving both attorneys and courts.

Case Study - Learn more about how TexasOnline eFiling for Courts has improved efficiency in the courts.

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Benefits of eFiling for Courts

For attorneys -

With TexasOnline eFiling for Courts, filers can submit documents online and receive a response from the court regarding the status of their filing. Filers can eFile into any participating court using the Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) of their choice.

Partnering with a single EFSP eliminates the need to learn and maintain multiple systems for different courts. The EFSP assists filers with eFiling to participating courts across Texas, and tracking the status of documents.

Receive Electronic Service Another valuable component of eFiling for Courts is eService. eService is available to attorneys with or without an associated filing. Parties who only want to receive eService but do not want to register to eFile can set up a complimentary account here.

For courts -

The TexasOnline eFiling for Courts model enables courts to electronically receive and review documents submitted for filing. eFiling for Courts streamlines and automates filing and payment procedures, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the time spent on redundant activities.

Additional Benefits

For attorneys -
  • Convenient - eFile at any time, from any location with Internet access
  • Flexible - all standard document formats are accepted
  • Timely - eFile up to 11:59 pm to meet a deadline, even when the courthouse is closed
  • Confirmation - receive immediate verification of a successful filing
  • Fee calculation - fees are automatically calculated upfront with no guessing or interaction with the court required
  • Cost effective - eFiling is cheaper than producing, processing, and tracking paper
  • Secure - eFiling meets state, national, and industry security standards
For courts -
  • Automatic fee calculation - corrections, miscalculations, and collection duties by staff are eliminated
  • Minimal impact on IT - TexasOnline staff manages the website, as well as related hardware and software
  • Eliminate scanning - documents are delivered in electronic format, ready for uploading to an existing case management, document management, or imaging system
  • Direct payment - receive payment directly from TexasOnline
  • Secure - single, safe, secure eFile portal
  • Flexible - select the back office (CMS/DMS) vendor of choice
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Getting Started with eFiling for Courts

For attorneys -

Select an Electronic Filing Service Provider

To begin eFiling in a participating county, you simply select a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) and complete the free registration.

When you register with the EFSP, you provide a valid email address* that is used to send electronic notification that confirms the status of your filing, or that you have received electronic service.

As a registered filer, you can also choose to be served electronically in your cases via eService. eService is available for delivery of discovery requests, interrogatories, letters, and service of electronically filed documents. To receive eService for a case, follow these steps:

  • Log on to your EFSP website
  • Click on the eService profile option
  • Update your eService profile to accept eService in all cases or in selected cases

*If your email address changes, be sure to update your profile with the EFSP. This will allow you to continue to receive confirmation and eService notices.

For courts -

To receive more information on electronic filing services for your court, or to sign up as an eFiling court system, please contact:

Mike Griffith
BearingPoint, Inc.
512.542.8022
mike.griffith@bearingpoint.com
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Court
County District County Probate Justice
Austin x
Bee x
Bell x x
Bexar x
Brazoria x x
Brazos x x
Burnet x x
Cameron x x
Cass x x
Collin x x
Dallas x x x
Denton x x x
El Paso x x x
Fayette x
Fort Bend x x x
Goliad x x
Guadalupe x
Harris x x
Hidalgo x x
Johnson x
Lubbock x x x
McLennan x
Midland x x
Moore x x
Nueces x x
Potter x
Randall x x x
Schleicher x
Tarrant x x
Tom Green x x
Travis x
Upton x x
Victoria x x
Waller x x
Webb x x
Williamson x
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TexasOnline eFiling for Courts?

eFiling for Courts is the statewide electronic filing solution for the State of Texas, provided through TexasOnline - the Texas e-government portal.

How do I register to eFile?

Go to Getting Started with eFiling for Courts for information on how to register and select an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) from the list.

After registering with an EFSP, you can begin eFiling new cases or eFile and eService documents in an active case.

Visit Texas Supreme Court's Judicial Committee on Information Technology for more information on rules, standards, and .

How do I select an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP)?

Certified EFSPs for TexasOnline eFiling for Courts include:

Select an EFSP

How does eFiling for Courts work?

Once you have registered, log on to your EFSP. Click on the applicable jurisdiction and complete the filing information online. Add your document and any attachments. Click the Submit button and you're done.

What hardware or software do I need to eFile?

All you need is a computer with Internet access and free Adobe Reader software to read PDF documents.

What document formats are accepted?

All standard document formats are accepted and automatically converted to PDF files to maintain formatting and remove editing history.

What documents can I eFile?

eFiling for Courts accepts filings in civil, family, and probate cases. You can file original petitions, as well as pleadings and motions in established cases, even if they were initiated with traditional paper filings.

Can I eFile a document that requires a physical signature or that exists only in paper format?

Yes. You may submit these documents as scanned images.

How will I know if my eFiling was received?

You will receive an immediate message upon receipt, and a file stamped copy upon acceptance by the clerk.

What time and date stamp is applied?

The time and date applied to your accepted filing is the time and date you submitted the document.

What is eService?

eService is a feature offered by eFiling for Courts that allows filers to electronically serve documents to other case parties, as well as be served electronically. As a registered filer, you can choose to be served electronically in your cases via eService. To receive eService, log on to your Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) website and click on the eService Profile option to accept eService in all cases or in selected cases. Remember, if your email address changes, be sure to update your profile with your EFSP so you can continue to receive confirmation and eService notices. Filers should also use eService rather than eFiling to serve discovery, interrogatories, letters, and other documents that are not normally filed with the court.  The cost to send eService is $4.50* for any number of parties and any number of documents. *Your EFSP may collect an additional fee. Parties who only want to receive eService but do not want to register to eFile can set up a complimentary account here.

Can I eServe discovery without eFiling?

Yes. You can electronically serve discovery, letters, and other documents that are not filed with the court.

What are the fees for eFiling and eService?

eFiling fees average $10 per filing. eService is $4.50 for any number of parties and any number of documents. *Your EFSP may collect an additional fee.

How do I pay to eFile?

You may pay by credit card or monthly billing, depending upon the options offered by your selected EFSP.

Is the eFiling for Courts system secure?

Yes. eFiling for Courts features multiple firewalls and full-time intrusion detection monitoring that is compliant with the security standards for the State of Texas.

How is eFiling for Courts different?

With eFiling for Courts, you can eFile in any participating court across the state through the EFSP of your choice.

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Contact Us

Mike Griffith
BearingPoint, Inc.
512.542.8022
mike.griffith@bearingpoint.com