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 Washington State, electronic filing (e-filing) is widely accepted and often required for legal documents in the state's court system. The Washington State Courts offer an electronic filing system that allows attorneys and, in some cases, self-represented parties to file court documents online. This system is designed to increase efficiency, reduce paper use, and provide easier access to court records. The specific rules and procedures for e-filing can vary by court, with the Superior Courts and the Supreme Court having their own e-filing portals and guidelines. Additionally, local court rules may dictate particular requirements for e-filing, such as document formatting, fees, and deadlines. It is important for filers to familiarize themselves with the e-filing rules of the specific court where they are filing. For non-government entities, such as arbitration administrators, the availability and requirements for e-filing would depend on the policies of the individual organization.