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 New Jersey, electronic filing (e-filing) is widely accepted and often required for many types of legal documents. The New Jersey Courts have implemented an electronic filing system known as the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, which allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file court documents electronically. This system is used for various case types, including civil, family, and probate matters. Additionally, the New Jersey Courts' eCourts system is mandatory for certain case types, such as criminal and foreclosure cases, where attorneys must file documents electronically. The use of e-filing streamlines the process, reduces paper use, and provides immediate confirmation of submission. It's important for filers to be aware of the specific e-filing requirements and procedures for the type of case they are involved in, as these can vary. Failure to comply with e-filing requirements can result in the rejection of documents or other procedural complications.