NYSCEF Case Search -New York State Courts Electronic Filing

NYSCEF lets you file legal documents electronically with the court instead of using paper. It also allows you to send legal documents to other parties electronically.

Before you file, make sure the court you’re dealing with and the type of case you have are part of the NYSCEF system. Before filling case have a look on authorized courts and case types.

You can do e-file without an attorney, visit Unrepresented Litigants page.

1.Sending Documents Electronically (EDDS):
You can use the court’s Electronic Document Delivery System (EDDS) to send documents to many courts that don’t yet allow regular e-filing, or, even in courts that do allow e-filing, specifically to send a “Stipulation of Consent” or a “Letter Application” to switch a case to e-filing. Learn more about using EDDS by clicking the link “Sending Documents to the Court Using EDDS.”

Important Note: If your “Stipulation & Consent” is for a case in Bronx, Nassau, New York, Orleans, or Queens Supreme Court, you should e-file it through NYSCEF, not EDDS.
Emergency Applications:
For emergencies only in Supreme Court civil cases outside of normal court hours, call (800) 430-8457 or email emergency@nycourts.gov

2.Free Training Classes (CLE Credits Available):
The court system offers free training classes. CLE credits may be available. Upcoming classes:
Surrogate Court: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Supreme Court: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Family Court: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

NY E Filling Login

Supreme Civil Court
Surrogate Court
Town/Village Court
Available in limited courts
for document viewing only

NYSCEF Search As Guest

Search for cases as a public user. You do not have to login to search.

NOTE: NYCEF has both a Live system and a Training system. Each system requires you to register and obtain a distinct user name and password. Create an Account

Imagine a courtroom overflowing with towering stacks of paper, legal professionals scrambling to find specific documents, and countless hours lost in manual filing and retrieval.

This was the reality of legal proceedings before the advent of electronic filing. Today, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system has revolutionized how legal professionals and the public interact with the courts, ushering in an era of efficiency and accessibility.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to efiling New York, exploring its benefits, functionalities, and impact on the New York court system. Whether you are a seasoned legal professional, a self-represented litigant navigating the complexities of the legal world,

A researcher seeking access to court records, or simply someone interested in the evolution of our legal system, this guide will provide you with the essential information you need to understand and utilize New York Electronic filing effectively.

What is NYSCEF Case Search?

NYSCEF Search The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system is an initiative that has transformed the way legal documents are filed and accessed in New York State courts. It’s a digital platform that allows legal professionals and self represented to file court papers electronically, decreasing the need for traditional paper filing.

It’s core function is to smooth legal process, making it more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Its primary purpose is to modernize court operations, reduce administrative burdens, and improve public access to court records. The main goals of efiling New York include:

Efficiency: Accelerating the filing and processing of court documents.
Accessibility: Providing easier access to court records for all stakeholders.
Transparency: Enhancing public trust by making court information readily available.
Cost-effectiveness: Reducing the expenses associated with paper filing and storage.
Collaboration: Facilitating better communication and collaboration among parties involved in a case.

History of New York Electronic filing

It’s journey began in the early 2000s with pilot programs in select courts. Recognizing the potential of electronic filing to revolutionize court operations, the New York State Unified Court System gradually expanded NYSCEF’s reach to include more courts and case types.

The system has undergone continuous development and improvement over the years, incorporating feedback from users and adapting to evolving technological advancements.

Today, NYCEF is a widely used platform, although its availability varies across different courts and case types. The system is continually evolving, with ongoing efforts to expand its functionality and improve user experience.

Benefits of New York Electronic Filing

NYCEF offers a multiple advantages as compared to traditional paper filing:

Increased Efficiency and Speed: Electronic filing significantly reduces the time required to file documents. No more waiting in line at the courthouse or relying on mail delivery. Documents are filed instantly, and processing time is often faster.
Reduced Paperwork and Storage: efiling New York drastically reduces the need for physical paper documents, saving valuable storage space and minimizing the environmental impact of paper consumption. This also simplifies document management and retrieval.
Improved Access to Court Documents: e filing NY provides easier and more convenient access to court records. Authorized users can access filed documents from anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7. This eliminates the need to physically visit the courthouse to review case files.
Enhanced Collaboration: The electronic platform facilitates better communication and collaboration among parties involved in a case. Documents can be easily shared and accessed by all authorized parties, streamlining the exchange of information.
Cost Savings: It can lead to cost savings for both the courts and legal professionals. Reduced paper usage, storage costs, and administrative expenses contribute to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Transparency: By making court records more accessible, e filing NY promotes greater transparency in the judicial process. This allows the public to better understand court proceedings and hold the system accountable.

NYSCEF Search vs. Traditional Paper Filing

The contrast between NYSCEF and traditional paper filing is stark. Paper filing is often cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. It requires physical transportation of documents, manual filing, and significant storage space.

Retrieving paper documents can be a slow and laborious process. In contrast, e filing NY offers a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly experience.

Electronic filing eliminates the need for physical document handling, reduces the risk of lost or misplaced files, and provides instant access to court records. The benefits of New York Electronic filing are clear, making it an essential tool for modern legal practice and enhancing access to justice for all.

How NYSCEF E Filling Works

It simplifies legal proceedings through electronic filing and service. This section provides a detailed walkthrough of the registration, e-filing, service, and document access processes.

Registration

Who Needs to Register?

Attorneys: All attorneys practicing in New York courts where it is authorized are generally required to register.
Self-Represented Litigants : Individuals representing themselves in court can also register to use it. While not always mandatory, it’s often beneficial for managing their cases effectively.

Instructions on Creating an Account:

e filing NY has separate “Live” and “Training” systems. The Training system is for practice and learning, while the Live system is for actual case filings. You need separate accounts for each.

For Attorney

Go to the official webiste to create account page.
Select the page “Attorney admitted“
Enter your Attorney Registration Number (Search Attorney Directory)
Fill out the required information, including your name, contact details, bar number (if applicable), and other relevant information.
Review and accept the terms and conditions of use.
Submit your registration form.
You may receive an email with instructions to activate your account. Follow the instructions to complete the registration process.

Unrepresented Litigants

If you are representing yourself without an attorney then you can choose this method to proceed further

Go to the official NYSCEF Unrepresented Litigants page
Select either the Create an E-Filing Account for new cases or existing cases
Accept the terms and conditions of use.
Fill out the required information, including your name, contact details, mailing address and email mail address.
Submit your registration form.
You may receive an email with instructions to activate your account. Follow the instructions to complete the registration process.

Registration Issues:

Password Issues: If you forget your password, use the password recovery option on the NYSCEF website.
Technical Difficulties: Contact NYSCEF support for technical assistance.
Account Activation Problems: If you don’t receive an activation email, check your spam folder or contact support.

Instructions for E filing

Here’s a simplified version of the provided text:

File Format: All documents you upload to NYSCEF must be in PDF format.
Registration: Lawyers and people representing themselves in court (pro se) need to create an account on the NYSCEF website before they can file anything.
Filing Fee: When you file a claim electronically, you’ll need to pay a $50 fee, either online with a credit card or in person at the court clerk’s office. You don’t have to pay a fee for motions to file a late claim.
No Extra Copies: After you e-file a document, don’t send paper copies to the court unless the judge specifically asks for them.
Serving the Defendant: You have to officially notify the defendant(s) about the lawsuit (this is called “service”). After you do this, you must file proof with the court that you served them (called an “affidavit of service”). This proof must also be filed electronically.
Notice of Electronic Filing: When you file a claim, you also need to serve and file a “Court Notice Regarding Availability of Electronic Filing.” You fill out this form, print it (even though you won’t have the claim number yet), and then serve and file it.
Converting Existing Claims: If you already have a claim filed in paper form and want to switch to electronic filing, you need to serve and file the “Court Notice Regarding Availability of Electronic Filing” and also use the “Consent to E-Filing” form.
Working Copies: Sometimes, the court might need a paper copy of a document for review. If so, you’ll need to attach the “Confirmation Notice” you got from New York Electronic filing when you e-filed to that paper copy. This helps the court know it’s a working copy of something that was already filed electronically.
Original Documents in E-Filed Cases: In some rare cases, you might need to file an original paper document even if the case is being e-filed. If this happens, attach the “Notice of Hard Copy Submission – E-Filed Case” form to the original document. This lets the court know it’s an original and who needs to upload it to NYCEF.
Hard Copy Exhibits: If the court lets you submit exhibits (evidence) in paper form (as per Rule 202.5-b), you need to fill out and e-file the “Notice of Hard Copy Exhibit Filing” form.

E-Filing Process

Here is step by step process for e filling

Log in to your NY SCEF account.
Navigate to the file document section.
Select the correct court and proceed next
Select the Casy stype
Input parties name and proceed further
Upload your PDF documents.
Proceed your payment methods(If there are filing fees, you will be prompted to pay them electronically (usually via credit card)
Review the information and submit it .

Select the correct case type from the available options. This ensures your documents are filed in the proper location. These are some Available options

Appellate Court
Civil Court
Court of Claims
Criminal Court
Digital Submission
Family Court
Supreme Court
Surrogate Court
Town/Village Court
Send Evidence

Electronic Service: Serving Documents Electronically

How to Serve Documents Electronically:

NY SCEF allows for electronic service of documents on other parties in the case.

Rules and Procedures for E-Service:

There are specific rules and procedures governing e-service. Familiarize yourself with these rules before attempting to serve documents electronically.
Typically, you will need the email addresses of the parties being served.

Affidavit of Service Requirements:

After serving documents electronically, you must file an affidavit of service with the court. This affidavit confirms that the documents were served on the other parties.

Accessing Filed Documents: Retrieving Information

How to Search and Retrieve Documents:

Log in to your NYCEF account.
Use the search function to locate the case you are interested in.
Browse the case file to find the documents you need.

Public Access vs. Restricted Access:

Some documents may be available to the public, while others may have restricted access. Access levels are determined by court rules and the nature of the case.

Downloading and Printing Documents:

You can typically download and print documents from NYSCF for your records.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources available on the NYCEF website, you can effectively navigate the system and manage your legal filings electronically.

NYSCEF for Different Court Types

It’s functionality and requirements can vary depending on the specific court and case type. This section provides an overview and guidance for different courts and self-represented litigants.

It is not universally available across all New York courts. Its implementation varies. It’s crucial to check the website for the most up-to-date list of authorized courts and case types. Commonly, It is used in:

Supreme Court (Civil): Many civil cases in Supreme Court are handled through it.
Court of Claims: Claims against the State of New York are often filed electronically.
Family Court: Some Family Courts utilize New York Electronic filing for certain proceedings.
Surrogate’s Court: Electronic filing may be available for specific Surrogate’s Court matters.
County Court: Availability varies by county.
New York City Civil Court: Certain case types in NYC Civil Court might be eligible.

Specific Instructions and Requirements for Different Courts:

Each court may have its own specific rules and procedures for e-filing. These can include:

Document Formatting: Specific requirements for formatting documents (e.g., margins, font size).
Filing Fees: Varying fee schedules for different courts and case types.
Required Forms: Specific forms that must be used for certain filings.
Deadlines: Different deadlines for e-filing compared to paper filing.
Local Rules: Local rules of the court that may impact the e-filing process.

Highlighting Any Variations in the E-Filing Process for Different Courts:

Variations can exist in:

Case Initiation: The process for initiating a case electronically.
Document Types: Which document types can be e-filed.
Service Requirements: Rules for electronic service of documents.
Technical Requirements: Specific technical requirements for uploading documents.

It is essential to consult the website and the individual court’s rules and procedures for detailed information.

Efilling Training

New York Electronic filing offers training programs to help users become proficient with the electronic filing system. These programs are designed for both legal professionals and self-represented litigants (pro se filers) and cover various aspects of it, from basic navigation to more advanced features.

Training is crucial for ensuring accurate and efficient use of the system, minimizing errors, and maximizing the benefits of e-filing.

The training programs typically include:

Online Webinars: These interactive sessions are conducted over the internet, allowing participants to learn from the comfort of their own homes or offices. Webinars often cover specific topics or features of it and allow for real-time Q&A with instructors.
In-Person Classes: These classroom-style sessions provide hands-on training and allow participants to interact with instructors and other attendees. In-person classes may be particularly helpful for those who prefer a more traditional learning environment.
Self-Paced Tutorials and Guides: It provides a wealth of online resources, including user manuals, step-by-step guides, and video tutorials. These materials can be accessed anytime, allowing users to learn at their own pace.

NY Efilling Contact:

The website provides contact information for support, including:

Phone Number: 646-386-3033
Fax Number: 212-401-9146
E-mail Address: nyscef@nycourts.gov
Website: www.nycourts.gov/efile
Address: Office of Court Administration
Attn: E-Filing Resource Center
25 Beaver Street – 9th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Hours: 8:00am – 5:30pm

NYSCEF and Other Court Systems (Integration)

It interacts with other court systems, most notably:

WebCrims: While it is for filing, WebCrims is primarily for viewing criminal case information. These systems are separate but complementary. You might file a document via it and then later check WebCrims to see if it has been processed and is publicly accessible.
EDDS (Electronic Document Delivery System): EDDS serves a different purpose than NYSCEF. It’s used for sending documents to courts where e-filing isn’t available for that specific task, or for sending specific document types like Stipulations of Consent to E-Filing. It is the preferred method for e-filing when available.

Explain How These Systems Work Together (or Independently):

These systems work independently but can be used in conjunction. For example, a lawyer might use New York Electronic filing to file a motion, WebCrims to check the status of the case, and EDDS to submit a document to a court that doesn’t yet fully support for all filings.

Best Practices and Tips

Recommendations for Efficient and Accurate E-Filing:

Plan Ahead: Give yourself sufficient time for the e-filing process.
Use the Training System: Practice using the Training system before filing real documents.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure your documents are in the correct PDF format and that all information is accurate.
Keep Confirmation Notices: Save copies of all confirmation notices you receive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Filing in the wrong court or case type.
Using the incorrect PDF format.
Missing deadlines.
Failing to pay filing fees.

Tips for Organizing Electronic Files:

Use a consistent naming convention for your files.
Create folders to organize your documents by case.
Back up your files regularly.

Security Considerations:

Protect your login credentials.
Be cautious about sharing access to your account.
Ensure your computer and network are secure.

Important Links

Conclusion

NYSCEF offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced paperwork, improved access to court records, and enhanced collaboration. Its key features include electronic filing, electronic service, and online access to case information.

Using it is essential for anyone involved in legal proceedings in courts where it is authorized. It streamlines the process, saves time and money, and improves access to justice.

The NYCEF website is a valuable resource for information, training, and support. Explore the website, utilize the available guides and tutorials, and take advantage of training opportunities to become proficient with New York Electronic filing.

By embracing electronic filing, legal professionals and the public can contribute to a more efficient and accessible court system.

Training Content & Format:

Training covers account creation, document preparation (including PDF formatting), e-filing procedures, electronic service, accessing filed documents, and troubleshooting.

The length of training sessions varies depending on the format and topic. Webinars might be an hour or two, while in-person classes could be longer.

Yes, NYSCEF online tutorials are designed to be user-friendly and provide step-by-step instructions.

You can usually contact the New York Electronic filing Help Desk or support team for assistance. Contact information is usually provided on the NYSCEF website.

Technical Issues:

Most online training platforms have built-in support features. You can also contact the New York Electronic filing Help Desk for technical assistance.

Contact the NYSCEF Help Desk for assistance with accessing online resources.

You’ll typically need a computer with internet access and a web browser. Specific requirements might be listed on the New York Electronic filing website.

Contact the New York Electronic filing Help Desk for assistance with any issues related to the NYSCEF system, regardless of whether they arise during training or regular use

FAQ

The New York Electronic filing training program is designed to help users learn how to use the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system. It covers everything from account creation to electronic filing and service.

The training is for anyone who needs to use it, including legal professionals (attorneys, paralegals, etc.) and self-represented litigants (pro se filers).

Training helps you understand the system, avoid common mistakes, and file documents efficiently and correctly. It can save you time, money, and frustration.

It’s training typically includes online webinars, in-person classes, and self-paced tutorials and guides.

Generally, training is free. However, it’s always best to check the website for the most up-to-date information on training costs.

CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits may be available for some New York Electronic filing training programs, particularly those designed for attorneys. Check the training announcement or the official website for details.

Information about upcoming training classes and registration details are usually posted on the official website.

IT offers self-paced tutorials, guides, and other online resources that you can access anytime.