Electronic filing (e-filing) is the process of filing legal documents with courts and other government and nongovernment entities (arbitration administrators) electronically—often through a website—rather than mailing or delivering paper copies of the documents to be filed.
In Massachusetts, electronic filing (e-filing) is widely accepted and often required for many types of legal documents. The Massachusetts court system utilizes an e-filing system that allows attorneys and, in some cases, self-represented parties to file court documents electronically. This system is designed to increase efficiency, reduce paper use, and provide easier access to court filings. The e-filing process typically involves creating an account on the e-filing portal, submitting documents in an acceptable electronic format, and sometimes paying associated filing fees online. The Commonwealth's e-filing system is managed by the Executive Office of the Trial Court, and specific e-filing rules and procedures may vary by court department and division. It's important to note that while e-filing is prevalent, there may still be instances or specific types of cases where paper filing is necessary or preferred, and parties should consult the rules for the specific court where they are filing.