ALAMEDA COUNTY CIVIL E-FILING FAQS
Updated: September 2021

1. What civil case types are categorized under mandatory e-filing?

Currently all Civil case types to include sub-categories of unlawful detainers, small claims, civil harassment restraining orders and civil appeals. Probate, mental health, and family law cases are not yet available through e-filing.

2. Is e-filing mandatory?

Self-represented litigants are not required to file documents electronically at the time; however, are encouraged to do so.
Litigants represented by attorneys must e-file as of January 1, 2022 in all civil cases. See Local Rule 3.27.

3. What documents are exempt from e-filing?

(1) Bench Warrants
(2) Subpoenaed documents
(3) Bonds
(4) Undertakings
(5) Certified judgments
(6) Out of State or Out of County Abstracts or Commissions
(7) Sister State Judgments
(8) Subpoenas for Out of State Actions
(9) Payee Data Records

4. How do I submit documents exempt from e-filing?

Documents that are exempt from e-filing can be submitted for filing in the Clerk’s Office between office hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays or by mail (visit www.alameda.courts.ca.gov for courthouse addresses).

5. Will fax filing still be available after e-filing is implemented?

Fax filing will not be available for civil documents after e-filing is implemented on October 12th, 2021. Fax filing will only remain available for Probate and Family Law case types.

6. Which electronic service provider (EFSP) can I use to e-file?

You may use any EFSP that is listed on the Court’s civil e-filing webpage.

7. Do I have to use an EFSP?

Yes. All courts accepting e-filed documents are mandated to use independent EFSP’s in accordance with CRC 2.259(e).

8. Is there a cost to e-file?

Yes. The Court’s e-filing transaction fee and the EFSP’s service fee are collected by the EFSP when the filing is submitted.

9. What are the filing hours for e-filing?

Documents can be e-filed 24 hours a day. Any e-filing received by the Court before midnight will be deemed received or filed on the same business day if accepted. Any electronic filing submitted after midnight will be deemed received or filed as of the next business day if accepted. Any document received electronically on a non-court day, is deemed to have been effectively filed on the next court day if accepted. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(6); Code Civ. Proc. § 1010.6(b)(3)). See Local Rule 3.27.

10. Once a document is e-filed, what is the processing time?

Processing time will depend on the type of document filed. Processing office hours are 8:30 a.m. and 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The court will review and process all documents submitted via e-filing within three business days.

11. What if my document is rejected?

Any document Rejected will include the reason for the rejection of the document. If your document is rejected, you must correct and resubmit the document.

12. What are the requirements for e-filing?

The requirements for e-filing are described in the e-filing Technical Requirements on the court’s civil e-filing webpage.

13. Do I need to submit a printed courtesy copy?

Yes, in certain instances and pursuant to Alameda County Superior Court Local Rule 3.30(c). During trial, motions, memoranda, and matters presented to the Court in writing for decision may be served in open court in hard copy form after having been e-filed.

14. Can I e-file a complaint or petition with a fee waiver application?

Yes, the initiating document and fee waiver application will be processed at the same time. These documents may be submitted in the same transaction.

15. How are motions scheduled in e-file?

Motions must first be scheduled using Court Reservation System (CRS) in the Court’s Public Portal. Upon obtaining the reservation the motion can be e-filed. The CRS reservation receipt must be included when e-filing a motion. If submitted without a reservation receipt, the e-filing will be rejected.

16. How should motions and supporting documents be submitted?

Motions with supporting documents can be submitted in the same transaction. However, all documents, including any proposed order, must be submitted as separate PDF documents.

17. Have I consented to electronic service?

Yes, parties required to file documents electronically have agreed to accept electronic service at the electronic service address provided. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.251(C)(3).) Self-represented litigants and parties exempt from e-filing must affirmatively consent to acceptance of electronic service. (California Rules of Court, rule 2.251(b)(1)(B).)

18. When will e-filing be available for Family Law, Probate, Adoptions and Mental Health cases?

E-filing be available for Family Law, Probate, Adoptions and Mental Health cases in October of 2022.