NOTE: This page was updated on May 13, 2022.
Table of Contents
General LASC Civil eFiling Information
Los Angeles County Court Website
Superior Court of California – County of Los Angeles Local Court Rules
Instructions for eFiling of Ex Partes:
Mandatory Case Types: Probate, Civil.
Filing Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on the court day that the filing is due.
Formatting Requirements: Documents must be eFiled as separate text searchable PDF and otherwise comply with CRC, Rule 3.1110(f)(4). Attachments to Probate Accountings shall be bookmarked exhibits. Writs and abstracts must be submitted as a separate electronic envelope. Sealed and conditionally under seal documents pursuant to CRC Rule 2.551 shall be eFiled; the burden of accurately designating the documents at the time of submission is the party’s responsibility. It is also the filing party’s responsibility to redact confidential information.
Courtesy Copies: In certain instances, and pursuant to the operative General Order Re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil, printed courtesy copies must be submitted to the Court. Proof of electronic submission must be submitted with all courtesy copies. Regardless of the time of electronic filing, a printed courtesy copy is required for the following documents:
- Any printed document required pursuant to a Standing or General Order.
- Pleadings and motions (including attachments such as declarations and exhibits) of 26 pages or more.
- Pleadings and motions that include points and authorities.
- Demurrers.
- Anti-SLAPP filings, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 425.16.
- Motions for Summary Judgment/Adjudication.
- Motions to Compel Further Discovery.
- Opposition to an ex parte application.
Limitations on eFilings:
- Peremptory challenges or challenges for cause of a judicial officer
- Bond/undertaking documents
- Trial and evidentiary hearing exhibits
Any ex parte application filed concurrently with a new complaint, including those that will be assigned to the Writs and Receivers departments in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Documents submitted conditionally under seal. The actual motion or application shall be electronically filed. A courtesy copy of the electronically filed motion or application to submit documents conditionally under seal must be provided with the documents submitted conditionally under seal and delivered directly to the courtroom to which the case is assigned.
Need to eFile into other courts?
Rapid Legal provides electronic filing services to 100% of California courts that accept eFiling.
See the current list of those courts on eFiling page.
Phone hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
| Compton 310-761-4300 |
Spring St 213-310-7000 |
Santa Monica 310-255-1963 |
| Glendale 818-265-6497 |
SMC Probate 213-830-0850 |
Torrance 310-787-3693 |
| Norwalk 562-345-0899 |
Compton 310-761-8657 |
Van Nuys 818-901-4799 UD 818-901-4795 |
| Lancaster 661-483-5797 |
Stanley Mosk 213-830-0831 |
LASC Makes Complex Civil eFiling Mandatory
As of Sept. 20, 2021, LASC made eFiling for complex litigation mandatory. For legal professionals who have questions about this development, the Court will temporarily provide an email address for questions about complex litigation eFiling.
That email address is: ComplexEfilingQuestions@lacourt.org.
Where to find it: Comprehensive eFiling info
A presentation from LASC tailored specifically to the needs of legal professionals is available as a downloadable PDF and can also be read online. Topics of special interest include:
- General Order and Authorizing Statutes
- Bulletin Board
- Requirements for Complex Documents
- Complex Filing Fees
- Common Rejection Reasons and eFiling Tips
- Proposed Orders
38 answers for legal pros
In addition to the presentation mentioned above, LASC has created a Q&A that aims to provide clarity and context to a variety of questions around Complex eFiling. There are a total of 38 Q&As on this web page, each offering a deep dive into concerns many legal professionals may have specific to LASC.
Among the subjects this Q&A clarifies:
- Bulletin Board (what is it and how you should use it)
- Bulk Party List (including whether to submit as a “live” Excel spreadsheet or convert to PDF)
- Electronic envelopes/transactions
- Documents under seal
- Deadlines for eFiling
- Document size and type
- JCCP
Family Law eFiling
Effective November 15, 2021, LASC implemented mandatory eFiling for documents filed by litigants represented by attorneys. Self-represented litigants have the option to electronically file their documents with the court.
What LASC’s eFiling experts say
A video presentation that details the rollout of eFiling in the Family Law Division is available for public viewing. The speakers on this 36-minute video include Hon. Eric Taylor, Presiding Judge, LASC; Sherri R. Carter, Executive Officer/Clerk, LASC; Anaruth Gonzalez, Director, Family Law, LASC; and Hon. Lawrence Riff, Supervising Judge of Family Law, LASC.
Among the important points discussed in this video are:
- General order and authorizing statutes
- Exempt documents
- Common rejection reasons
- Proposed orders
- Court’s website for information
Watch the video presentation for in-depth information about eFiling in LASC.
Family Law eFiling
FAQs
LASC Family Law eFiling
If you don’t have time to watch the video or prefer to scan the information on a standard web page, LASC has a complete list of FAQs regarding Family Law eFiling available for download or reading online. A total of 93 questions are answered in this list, updated as of Nov. 17, 2021.
Here are just a few of the important tips these FAQs provide:
Q.) Is eFiling the same as Faxfiling?
A.) No. For eFiling, the filing party must use an EFSP and submit documents for filing over the internet.
Q.) Can I use my personal computer to eFile?
A.) Yes. You can use your personal computer to submit filings through an EFSP.
Q.) Are my eFiled documents printed for the court file?
A.) No. Documents that are electronically filed and accepted by the Court are automatically uploaded to the court’s case management system.
Q.) How do I submit my judgment packet?
A.) Judgment packets should continue to be filed in paper via drop box, mail, or in person and shall continue to include self-addressed stamped envelopes for return of conformed copies.
Q.) Are documents available to the public upon submission or upon processing?
A.) Filing parties may view submitted documents immediately through their EFSP’s portal. All other parties will be able to view a document from the internet, or on public terminals located at any Los Angeles County courthouse, after filing by the court.
Family Law and eService in LASC
If service of process is a new part of your job, be sure to read How Service of Process Works to develop a 360-degree understanding about this crucial aspect of the court system.
However, even if service of process is all part of a day’s work for you, but you typically use traditional process serving methods, you’ll need to get up to speed about eService before you begin working with LASC’s Family Law Division.
A set of FAQs updated by LASC on Nov. 17. 2021 was created to help you do exactly that.
Below is a sampling of topics the complete list of FAQs addresses that has been edited for length. The unabridged version of these FAQs appears in the Court’s Family Law eFiling FAQ.
Q.) Can I use an EFSP to electronically serve other parties?
A.) Yes. EFSPs offer this service for a fee. Refer to the specific EFSP’s website to determine which service best fits your business needs.
Q.) What are the rules or guidelines for electronic service?
A.) Refer to California Rules of Court, rule 2.251 and Code of Civil Procedure Section 1010.6.
Q.) If I file electronically, have I consented to electronic service on this case?
A.) Yes. By eFiling the document, you agree to accept electronic service at the electronic service address you provided.
The FAQ also includes information that addresses court requirements for courtesy copies and scanned documents. Here are three of them:
Q.) Do I need to submit a printed courtesy copy?
A.) A judicial officer may request a courtesy copy of documents as needed.
Q.) Does it matter what DPI (dots per inch) is used when scanning a document?
A.) Yes. The Trial Court Records Manual recommends 300 DPI resolution.
Q.) Do I need to scan a document that includes an original signature?
A.) No. Retention of original signed documents is governed by California Rules of Court.
These are just a few helpful tips you can use to make your eService successful. Be sure to check out the complete list in the Family Law eFiling FAQ
Resources for eSuccess
There is plenty to be excited about with eFiling and eService making its way into LASC. Two things virtually every law firm can look forward to is less time spent on-task and a lower cost of doing business.
If you’d like to develop a more global view of how technology platforms are helping drive these positive changes be sure to check out the resources below. They’re fast, easy reads that you can use to strengthen your own position as a 21st century legal professional.
If you’re looking for an electronic filing service provider (EFSP) that can meet your court filing needs as well as provide an array of other valuable services, use the following three resources to find your ideal match.
Wondering how Rapid Legal Can Help?
Get off on the right foot when you eFile into LASC. Put the unrivaled industry experience and technology platform Rapid Legal provides to work for you. Book a demo or schedule a call with a Rapid Legal team member.
Information on this web page is current as of May 1st, 2022. Please consult the Los Angeles Superior Court website to get the most up-to-date information about electronic filing for the Court.