Chatham County Court

Unless otherwise specified, filers must file all documents electronically using the Supreme Court E-filing/Docket (SCED)​ system. The e-filing system will need to meet OASIS LegalXML (https://www.oasis-open.org/committees/legalxml-courtfiling/charter.php#item-2)  standards for legal data exchange​. 

• E-filing mechanism: Unless otherwise specified, file all documents electronically using the Court’s e-filing system (SCED)​.
• Login and security:  Maintain a secure login for the EFSP, which serves as your electronic signature​.
• Public access terminals: Use public terminals available at courthouses for free e-filing access​if you do not have private access​.

Probate

• Original wills: Filers and attorneys applying to probate a document as an original will must file the original one with the necessary court clerk within three business days of the application.

Here, you will find information about documents where the general e-filing rules may not apply. This section covers pro se filers exemptions and alternative filing methods.

• Pro se filers: If you are representing yourself, you are not required to e-file, but you may choose to do so. Courts will accept paper filings and convert them into electronic format​.

Review filing deadlines crucial to avoiding delays in your case. This section explains how the court determines the filing date and what steps to take if technical issues prevent you from submitting documents on time​.

• Filing time: E-filed documents are deemed filed once the EFSP confirms receipt with a timestamp. If confirmation is not received, the document is not considered filed.
• Technical failures: In case of a system outage or user error, the court may provide extensions or allow for nunc pro tunc (retroactive) filing to meet deadlines. If technical failures prevent you from filing on time, document the issue and file a motion requesting relief.

Your electronic signature is required for all filings. This section provides the proper format for electronic signatures and explains how they are used in both civil cases.

• Authorized signatures: Attorneys will need to include an electronic or conformed signature by typing “/s/ [Your Name]” on all filings​ representing digital authorization.
• Multiple signatures: You can e-file documents with multiple signatures. The filing attorney’s signature will certify the authenticity of any co-signer’s electronic signature.

Documents must meet specific format standards to ensure consistency and readability. This section explains the file format, font, spacing, and margin standards you need to follow for electronic submissions.

• File format: Submit filings in searchable PDF format.
• Font: Use a 12-point Courier or 14-point Times New Roman​.
• Spacing and margins: Ensure that documents have 1.2x or double spacing, with one-inch margins on all sides​.

Once your documents are submitted, the Court will send electronic notifications for updates and case actions. 

In civil matters, filers will receive notifications of case updates and filings electronically through the Court’s system, and exempt parties will receive notifications via mail​.

Pleadings

Subsequent pleadings should be filed with the court clerk unless the judge explicitly allows filing directly with the presiding judge. The judge must note the filing date and forward the documents to the court clerk.

If a party claims they did not receive an electronically served pleading and can certify this under oath, the court will presume you did not receive it unless the serving party disputes your claim. The court will then decide the issue of service.

• Consent: Consent to e-service can be obtained by filing a notice of consent and providing an email address or including an email address in the signature block of a complaint or answer. All filers are responsible for updating their email addresses after giving consent.
  • For an attorney’s e-filing pleading, consent is obtained automatically through your submission, and you cannot rescind consent in cases initiated through e-filing.
• Notice of rescission: A non-attorney can rescind their consent to electronic service by filing a notice of rescission.

You are required to properly serve documents to all relevant parties in your case. 

• Serve documents: According to Rule 14, filers must serve documents on opposing counsel. A certificate of service must accompany every filing​.

Proof of Service

• Electronic service: Documents filed electronically are deemed served on all registered parties. Those not registered must be served via traditional methods (e.g., mail).
• Service confirmation: The filing party will receive confirmation of service through the EFSP, which marks the document as successfully served.

Protecting sensitive information is critical when filing documents electronically. This section details the requirements for redacting personal data and handling sealed materials in your filings.

Filings cannot contain sensitive personal information, such as minor’s names, home addresses or unredacted personally identifiable information. 

• Redact sensitive information: Filers must ensure that filings do not contain sensitive personal information, such as minors’ names, home addresses, or unredacted personally identifiable information​.

Sealed materials

In civil matters, the court requires sealed documents to be filed provisionally under seal.

• Submit sealed documents electronically with a motion requesting the court’s approval to maintain the seal. If denied, filers will need to refile the document according to the court’s instructions.

All documents must be filed electronically using an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). Submit records, including transcripts, electronically through the SCED-Trial Court Access System​ whenever possible.

• E-filing system: The Judicial Council authorizes the use of e-filing systems that meet the OASIS LegalXML standards for legal data exchange.
• Login and security: Each attorney must maintain a secure login for the EFSP, which acts as their electronic signature.
• Public access terminals: Free public access to the e-filing system is provided at courthouses for individuals without access to private e-filing methods.