What is electronic filing?
Electronic filing is the electronic transfer of legal documents to and from the court clerk. It permits attorneys in designated civil cases to file documents with the clerk and to serve (eServe) opposing parties electronically directly from their computers through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP).

Electronic filing improves accuracy, promotes uniformity, and provides significant cost savings to attorneys, their clients, and the courts.

When can I start eFiling into a case?
eFiling into a case at any time is optional unless the judge has mandated eFiling for the case. Then you must eFile and eServe documents as instructed by the judge. eFiling is the method to submit your document to the courthouse, so think of us as an electronic courier.

What is Case Title/Style?
Case title is the title of the document. For example, the title for a divorce document might be: In the Matter of the Marriage of B. Jones and M. Jones.

What is the Client Matter Number?
Client Matter Number is a number used by firms and agencies to bill their clients and track their cases. You may use your own internal number. It will not impact your eFiling.

Do I need to scan/convert documents prior to eFiling?
The rules require that eFiled documents be sent to the clerk in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader) format. Documents, attachments, and exhibits that are uploaded through CaseFileXpress are automatically converted to .pdf files before being sent to the clerk. We can convert most commonly used document formats, such as Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, JPEG, TIF, RTF, TXT, and HTML to .pdf.

However, if your document is only available in a hard copy format, you will need to scan and/or convert it to .pdf prior to filing. The minimum resolution for scanned documents is 200 DPI (dots per inch).

The Adobe Reader Software is available for download free of charge at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

Can I include exhibits/attachments with my lead document or do I need to attach them separately?
You can file them separately or all in one document.

What proof will I have that I eFiled my document?
You will receive an instant receipt when you "Submit" your filing that will display your time stamp and information about your filing, such as attorney of record, jurisdiction, party names, fees paid, and client matter number. We recommend that you print this page for your files.

After the clerk has confirmed your filing, you will also receive an electronic file stamped copy in .pdf format that can be retrieved on our system by accessing CaseFileXpress with your user-id and password, clicking on "Review Status," selecting the trace number of the document, and clicking on your file name. A .pdf document will open with your file stamp in the upper right hand corner.

Does CaseFileXpress provide online document access?
Yes. You may access any document filed by you or your delegate or documents eServed to you by opposing counsel.

The document will remain in your CFX inbox for up to one year and you can access it as many times as you want at no additional cost. You may also copy a .pdf document from our site to your computer or save it in your document management system.

Your eService documents will be available on the CFX system, in your eService Inbox, for two (2) weeks from the time you receive the service.

Which counties/ currently accept eFiling?
A list of jurisdictions that currently accept eFiling is available at
http://www.casefilexpress.com/jurisdictions_TX.html.

Please make sure your court/jurisdiction is included with the county listing. In some cases, the County Courts at Law accept eFiling, while the District Court does not.

Can I use CFX to file into the Federal Court System?
No, CFX provides electronic filing services for state courts, not federal courts. Federal courts typically utilize the PACER system for electronic filing.

Can I eFile in criminal cases?
No, TexasOnline/CFX currently processes eFilings only in civil, family, and probate cases.

What is the maximum file size for eFiling documents?
The maximum filing size is 30 megabytes (MB). If your filing (total size of all documents combined) is larger than 30MB, you will need to separate your filing into 30MB or smaller segments and submit multiple filings. For instance, if you have a Motion for Summary Judgment with 20 attachments, the motion and five exhibits may equal 30MB and your remaining 15 exhibits may equal another 20MB. Submit the motion and 5 exhibits in one filing and submit the motion and 15 exhibits in a second filing.

Be sure to notify the clerk through the "Special Instructions" box on step 2 that you are filing multiple times, but they are to be considered one filing.

To help you determine the size of your filing, CFX provides a counter, on step 6 of the upload page, which calculates the file size for you as you upload your documents, exhibits and attachments.

In addition, to determine the size of your document right click on your document, select properties, and the software will display the file size.

How big is a megabyte?
A megabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to approximately one million bytes.

For example 30 MB is about 5 reams of paper of text and a .pdf document of 120 pages is approximately 8 MB.  Scanning documents will make them larger since scanning makes a digital image of the paper.

Who will receive eFiling notifications?
The filing attorney and the delegate who files on his/her behalf will receive an Acknowledgement email when the document is received by the clerk, and either a Confirmation email when the document is accepted by the clerk or an Alert email when the filing is rejected by the clerk.

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What is eService?
eService permits attorneys in designated civil cases to file documents with the court and to serve opposing parties directly from their computers through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs).

How do I add an attorney to a case for eService?
To add an attorney to a case, execute the first five (5) steps of submitting an electronic filing. In step five (5) of seven (7), instead of continuing to the next step, click "Save Filing Information" to save all attorney and party information that you entered.

You may sign off without submitting the filing. The attorney you added to the case will begin receiving all electronic service that is associated with the case.

How do I retrieve a copy of electronic service documents?
1. Click the link provided in your e-mail notification.
2. Access the system using your CaseFileXpress user ID and password.
3. Click "Review Filings / eService" from the main menu options.
4. Click the "eService Inbox" tab.

How will I receive eService notifications?
If you are served electronically by opposing counsel or the judge sends an order electronically, you will receive notification of the eService via email. As an alternative method to see if you were eServed, you can log in to your CFX account click on "Review Filings / eService," and click on the "eService" tab to view all service sent by opposing counsel or the judge. In addition, delegates may check their eService Inbox to see if any of their attorneys have been eServed. 

Who will receive eService notifications?
The attorney on the case being eServed and anyone who is a delegate of the attorney will receive the eService notification via email and will have the eServed document(s) in their eService Inbox on the CFX website.

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Does eFiling extend the filing deadline?
With eFiling, you can file 24x7 (Rule 4.3 Time Document is Filed) and receive your time stamp immediately after filing your document. There is no longer a requirement to present your document to the clerk before the courthouse doors close. You can now file until 11:59 p.m. and meet your deadline for a filing due that day. However, if you file after 5:00 p.m., service is deemed the next day. eFiling does not change statutory deadlines. For example, an answer deadline of 10 a.m. the Monday following the expiration of 20 days from the date of service. The document will still be due at 10:00 a.m. So, you must eFile by 9:59 a.m.

Is it okay to eFile a document without a signature?
Yes. Local rules (Rule 4.2 - Signature) have been established by the courts to accept your registered user-id and password as your electronic signature.

This electronic signature is accepted by the courts for your pleadings. In addition, you may use a digital signature, typographical signature or /s/ and typed signature such as:

/s/ John Smith                         
John Smith, DC BAR Number: 999999
Smith & Jones, LLC
100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 555-0000
john.smith@example.com

However, there are times when you are required by the court to submit a signature on an exhibit or attachment such as an affidavit. In this instance, you must scan the signed document and convert it to a .pdf or a Word file, then upload it as an exhibit with your filing. Local rules for eFiling are posted on our web site for your convenience.

What proof will I have that I eFiled my document?
You will receive an instant receipt when you "Submit" your filing that will present your time stamp and information about your filing, such as attorney of record, jurisdiction, party names, fees paid, and client matter number. We recommend that you print this page for your files.

After the clerk has confirmed your filing, you will also receive an electronic file stamped copy in .pdf format that you can retrieve as follows: Access CaseFileXpress with your user-id and password, click on "Review Status," select the trace number of the document, and click on your file name. A .pdf document will open with your file stamp in the upper right hand corner.

What proof will I receive when sending eService?
The filer and the attorney of record sending the service will receive an email with a .pdf document attached. The subject line of the email will state "Proof of Service for cause number…" A .pdf document attached to the email will provide "proof" of the service. Information contained in the document includes the jurisdiction, cause number, trace number, court assignment, case style, date and time of service, serving party, name of documents filed and method of service for each attorney.

How is process service done?
When eFiling a new petition, you will have the option in Step 4 (Parties) to request process service. After adding your parties to the case, you will see a drop down list for "citation delivery method." Select the appropriate method. The citation and copies for parties being served will be printed by the clerk and given to the appropriate private Process Service, constable, sheriff; be available for pick-up; or mailed according to your instructions.

When do I need to request copies from the clerk?
When you are requesting citation delivery with your new petition, please request a copy and a citation for each party being served.

The citation and copies for parties being served will be printed by the clerk and given to the appropriate private Process Service, constable, sheriff; be available for pick-up; or mailed according to your instructions,

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How much does it cost to eFile with CFX?
Electronic filing costs for CFX are $10.00 per filing

How much does it cost to send eService?
Electronic service costs are $9.00. CFX charges $4.50 and TexasOnline charges $4.50. This is a flat rate. You can eServe one attorney or several for the same fee.

How are eFiling fees calculated?
Total eFiling fees equal the traditional court filing fee (if applicable) plus the court eFiling fee ($2) plus the TexasOnline fee ($4) plus the CFX fee ($10.00) plus a credit card processing fee of 2.25% of the sum of all other fees.

What payment options do you offer?
CFX accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. CFX also offers monthly billing for firms/agencies following credit approval.

Does CFX charge for an electronic filing rejected by the court?
Any electronic filing rejected by the court clerk is not assessed a CFX filing fee or court fee.

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Can I print a list of Document Types?
Yes. Log in to your CFX account and select the "jurisdictions" tab. Click on "jurisdictions" then click the jurisdictional list or court document that you would like to print.

Can I change my user-id and password?
You can change your password any time; however, your user-id is permanent.

What are the minimum system requirements for using CFX?
- Windows 2000 operating system or later
- Internet Explorer 6.0 (NOTE: Netscape web browsers are not supported)
- 56 Kbps Internet connection (standard dialup)
- 64 MB or memory (RAM)
- 400 MHZ Processor
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0

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Do you provide training?
Yes, CFX provides training to firms and agencies through various means, including live presentations, conference calls, web-based training, and one-on-one customer support. Additionally, our website offers an online tutorial and Tips & Guidelines on every page of the 7-step eFiling process.

Does CFX provide filing assistance/customer support?
Yes. CFX provides customer support, including assistance with eFiling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no additional cost. Our toll-free customer support number is (877) 433-4533.

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What if I forget my user-id and/or Password?
Access the login page for CFX at https://www.casefilexpress.com/cfxSystem/login.aspx
Click "Forgot your user-id" or "Forgot your Password." We will send your user-id and/or a temporary Password via e-mail.

Why am I not receiving case filings via e-mail?
When you or your delegate submits an eFiling, you will receive an email from eFiling@texasonline.state.tx.us. This is known as the "Acknowledgement" email and serves as a receipt that your filing was submitted to the clerk. Once the clerk accepts or alerts your filing, you will receive a second email. This is known as the "Confirmation" or "Alert" email. Confirmation, Alert and eService email are sent from notifications@cfxpress.com. Your email server may be blocking these emails. Please check with your Information Technology Department to add notifications@cfxpress.com to your acceptable email list.

How can I correct an eFiling submitted with the wrong document type?
If your profile (user-id) allows the clerk to modify your document type, the court clerk's office can/will correct the document type for you.

To ensure that you are set up to allow the clerk to modify your document type, edit your CFX profile as follows: Access your account at
https://www.casefilexpress.com/cfxSystem/login.aspx, enter your CFX user-id and password, click on "Change Profile" and check the box that says, "Allow the Clerk to Modify."

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