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 Montana, electronic filing (e-filing) is an established method for submitting legal documents to courts and other entities. The Montana Judicial Branch has implemented an e-filing system that allows attorneys and, in some cases, self-represented litigants to file documents electronically through the Montana Courts e-Filing system. This system is used by the Supreme Court, District Courts, and Workers' Compensation Court. The use of e-filing streamlines the process, reduces paper use, and can increase the efficiency of case management. It is important for users to be familiar with the specific requirements and procedures for e-filing in Montana, which can vary by court. Additionally, training and resources are often provided by the state to assist users in navigating the e-filing system. While e-filing is becoming more prevalent, there may still be instances or specific types of cases where paper filing is required or preferred, so it is advisable to check the local court rules or consult with an attorney for the most current e-filing practices and requirements.