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efiling/Texfile

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1. How does e-filing work?

Electronic filing or e-filing enables filers and courts to efficiently process documents and fees online.

TexFile manages the flow of information among filers, clerks, court personnel, and judges:

Filer Submits Documents:
After selecting a certified electronic filing service provider (EFSP), filers log on to their
providers website to file case-related documents online to any participating court in Texas.

EFSP Delivers Documents to the Court:
EFSPs check submissions for completeness, calculate filing fees and court costs, and
electronically deliver the submitted documents to participating courts.

Clerks Accept or Reject Submissions:
Court clerks receive the electronically filed documents and associated fees for processing and
acceptance, review the documents, accept or reject the filings, and provide an electronic
timestamp notification to the filer for the accepted documents.

2. What is an EFSP?

E-filing in Texas is facilitated by electronic filing service providers (EFSP), that is, web portals operated by independent companies that collect filings from filers and transmit them to TexFile.

3. Is e-filing secure?

Yes. The TexFile system adheres to state and federal security regulations and meets Payment Card Industry Security Standards to protect filer and transaction information.

4. What is e-service?

E-service is a feature provided by TexFile where documents are electronically served to other parties in a case. Using this option, you can track when each party received and opened the filing. Note: Transaction and service fees will apply.

5. How do I serve other individuals with my e-filed documents?

The filers are responsible for accomplishing service of all filings as required by the applicable court rules. For this purpose, filers may use the mail service, serve by hand delivery, send an e-mail, or use TexFile as it offers the option of electronic service of each filing to the designated service contact. Note: Transaction and service fees will apply.

6. Can I use e-service without filing a document with the court?

Yes, TexFile may be used to exchange documents between parties without filing the documents through the courts. Note: Transaction and service fees will apply.

7. How is the TexFile system different from the one currently in place?

The new platform will reduce costs for filers by up to 94%, and will provide for expanded e-filing in Texas using a proven system already operational in several States. The cost reduction is made possible by a shift in the funding mechanism for e-filing, from a transaction-based model to a small ($5-20), one-time fee paid per civil, justice, and criminal case.

8. What is the timetable for transitioning to TexFile?

The TexFile system will be implemented using a phased approach beginning September 1, 2013, and continuing through February 28, 2014.

During this time, the 52 counties currently offering electronic filing through the Texas.gov e-filing system and any counties affected by the Supreme Court?s January 1, 2014 mandate will be transitioned to TexFile.

The system will be available to remaining counties following this phased approach.

9. What is the schedule for mandatory filing?

E-filing will be mandatory in civil cases in the district courts, statutory county courts, constitutional county courts and statutory probate courts according to the following implementation schedule based upon the counties? 2010 Federal Census population.

Courts in counties with a population of:

500,000 or more ? January 1, 2014
200,000 to 499,999 ? July 1, 2014
100,000 to 199,999 ? January 1, 2015
50,000 to 99,999 ? July 1, 2015
20,000 to 49,999 ? January 1, 2016
20,000 ? July 1, 2016

10. How will my court be notified of my official transition plan?

A more detailed transition plan will be announced within the coming months, with specific dates and counties. You will be notified via email and/or phone and the OCA will place updates on its website and on the TexFile website.

11. Will I have access to prior e-filed documents? If so, how far back?

No prior information will be available. There will not be a data conversion from the Texas.gov e-filing system to TexFile. All records housed in the Texas.gov system a court wishes to retain should be processed and recorded by court staff prior to the court?s transition date.

12. My court is currently e-filing. Will all of the fees and other data need to be reconfigured into the new system manually?

Yes, reconfiguration will be necessary. A TexFile representative will assist with this process as each county transitions to the new system.

13. What do I have to do to ensure that my vendor?s case management system is ready and can maximize efficiencies?

TexFile will be providing known court management systems (CMS) vendors integration tools using an industry standard data transfer format.

A list of known Texas CMS vendors is located on the Judicial Committee for Information Technology website at http://www.courts.state.tx.us/jcit/casemngt.asp.

If your county uses a CMS vendor not on this list, please send an email to info@texfile.com.

If your county uses Tyler Technologies? Odyssey CMS, integration with TexFile is already in place; however, configuration may be required. The OCA will be working with the TexFile team and all additional CMS vendors to facilitate a smooth transition.

14. What kind of user support will the new system have?

When you need technical support, online chat, telephone and email support are available free of charge to filers and courts. Support hours are 7 a.m. ? 7 p.m. central time excluding major holidays.

15. How will court personnel be trained?

Training is free of charge. Court training will include document processing training as well as a view into the filer-side interface. Training will be conducted via webinar, and will be supplemented by downloadable content and user guides.

16. I have questions. Who can I call?

Questions regarding the vendor decision or awarding of the contract should be addressed with the OCA. The process of transitioning to the TexFile platform is in progress and updated information will be posted to the TexFile website ? www.TexFile.com. You can also email TexFile support at info@texfile.com with questions.

17. Is e-filing mandatory for my court?

Contact your local court for e-filing rules.

18. What type of cases can I e-file using TexFile?

Contact your local courts for filings currently being accepted in your courts.

19. When can I use TexFile?

TexFile is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Note: The system may be temporarily offline from time to time for maintenance purposes. Consult your local court rules for the court review timelines and schedules.

20. When I need to file with a specific court, how will I know whether the county has transitioned to the new system?

The list of courts currently accepting filings through the TexFile system is available on the Participating Courts Web page.

21. Do I have to register to use TexFile?

Yes, all users must register prior to using TexFile.

22. Is support available for the TexFile system?

Yes, for customer support, contact the Help Desk at 800.297.5377 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CT), Monday through Friday.

23. Is documentation available for using TexFile?

Yes, the TexFile User Guide, Quick Reference Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the website for your reference.

24. Is training available for using TexFile?

Yes, TexFile offers regularly scheduled online training sessions for the TexFile application. Visit the TexFile portal at https://filer.texfile.com and click the Web Conference Training Sessions link under the Train section on your home page. You can also click the Info link at the top of your screen, and locate your court from the list provided to view the current training options in your area.

25. What are the computer requirements for using TexFile?

TexFile is a web-based system, it is designed to be compatible with typical office workstations. No special setup or software installations are required to use TexFile. See the recommended computer settings below.

Note: First-time users to TexFile may be prompted to download and install Microsoft® Silverlight.

The recommended settings for your workstation are as follows:

Web Browser Requirements: TexFile is supported by current versions of the Windows operating
system using Internet Explorer 7 or above or Firefox.
Connection Requirements: High-speed connection is recommended.
Minimum Screen Resolution: For best results, a setting of 1024x768 is recommended.

26. Can I use TexFile if I am a pro per or pro se?

Pro per and pro se parties are currently not eligible to use the e-filing system. Pro se parties will receive documents from the court and other parties using the currently applicable paper process, whether it is by personal service or by mail.

If pro se parties request a copy of a court record, they would also use current paper methods ? request and pay for a paper copy of the document either by mail or by coming to the Records Center for a copy.

27. Can TexFile be used to initiate cases or to file into existing cases?

Yes, TexFile can be used to initiate cases, e-file into existing cases, or serve documents. Both attorneys and support staff can use the system under their own user names.

28. Is there a fee to use TexFile?

Yes, there are fees associated with filing documents electronically on the TexFile system: Standard court filing fees Contact your local court for information on filing fees Service provider fees Most EFSPs charge fees for e-filing and related services. These fees vary by EFSP and transaction.

29. What is the convenience fee?

A convenience fee is assessed to cover the credit card processing fees and may vary by court.