Washington ecf

ECF allows authorized users to electronically file and manage pleadings and cases pending before the Court. Pleadings are filed electronically via the Internet using a standard web browser. Attorneys, trustees and examiners are required to file all pleadings electronically through ECF. Institutional creditors, court transcribers and court mediators may request an ECF account that allows a limited number of documents to be filed electronically.

Members of the general public do not have electronic filing capability but may register for a PACER account in order to view documents on the electronic court docket. Proofs of claim and claims related documents can be filed electronically without the need for an ECF account through " Claims E-Filing ", accessed through the Court's website. How do attorneys and institutional creditors request access to ECF? If the request is granted, the filer will receive an email confirming activation of the account.

Allow one full business day for the processing of new ECF permission requests. The public is welcome to view electronic case files during business hours at computer terminals available in the lobbies of the clerk's office in Seattle and Tacoma.

Remote access to the court's electronic case files is available to the general public with a PACER login and password. Members of the general public and parties who have filed without an attorney can use a PACER account to remotely access the court's electronic case files.

For helpful information on attorney registration, click here. A "Filing Agent" is a user that can file on behalf of attorneys or trustees. All filing agents must have their own upgraded PACER account and may be linked to multiple attorneys and trustees. Filing agents have the same access and permissions as the attorney or trustee; however, when they use their login and password, the attorneys' or trustees' name appears in the docket text as the filer.

Follow steps 1 through 4 below to access the new electronic filing system. Step 2: If you have your own individual PACER account and it was created prior to August 11, also known as a Legacy account , you must upgrade your account before you can electronically file in a NextGen court.

This is the login and password you are currently using. If you do not know your current login and password, please contact our Help Desk Line at: See instructions here. No, addresses should only be entered at case opening for parties who will be proceeding pro se. How do I know how to enter a party's name? What if I need to add a minor as a party? If the minor is the party initiating the lawsuit, or is a defendant without guardian, they must be entered by their initials only in the Last Name field with periods : For example: If the party name listed on the complaint is "Gerald Erickson as guardian on behalf of minor J.

How should I add the Social Security Administration as a party? How can I open a civil case as a pro se representing yourself? I forgot to enter a party! How do I get my additional parties added? How do I get a summons issued? Can cases still be filed over the counter or through mail and email? How do I determine if it is a Seattle or Tacoma jurisdiction?

The jurisdiction is determined by the county in which: defendants reside, or defendants have their principal places of business, or the claim arose. How do I get a judge assigned to the case? Can I submit my filing fee a different way?