S.C. E-Filing Attorney Guide: ARG-01-E-Filing General Requirements

ARG-01: E-Filing General Requirements

Attorney Reference Guide

Definition of E-Filing Technology Requirements

• Automated filing of legal documents over the • Internet access, preferably high speed

internet • Support for the following web browsers as

• Documents can be e-served on attorneys and long as the browser version is supported by

parties the manufacturer:

Benefits of E-Filing o Google Chrome

• Proposed orders submitted in Microsoft Word

• Reduced handling of paper documents and

format

files

• Quick access to documents • PDF conversion software (e.g., conversion

tool in Microsoft Office or a product such as

• Requires fewer resources and saves staff

Adobe Acrobat)

time

• Up-to-date antivirus/antispyware software

• Fewer errors such as the wrong fee, a

• Configure SPAM filters to avoid blocked

missing signature, etc.

emails from courts

• Filing status may be checked online, reducing

calls to the Clerk’s office Document Requirements

• Filing fees paid at time of submission • Document Size

• Documents filed anytime, 24/7 o 8MB maximum per document; 40MB

Account Information maximum per submission

o Larger documents may be broken into

• Attorneys accept the E-Filing terms and smaller parts. Documents should be

conditions and register for E-Filing through named to clearly identify their relationship

the Attorney Information System (AIS) or sequence.

• Attorneys use their AIS credentials to log into • Recommended Font and Font Size

E-Filing o Times New Roman, 12 point

o Maintain current contact information in • Required File Type

AIS, including active email accounts o Must be PDF unless it is a proposed order,

o Notifications to attorneys will be sent to which must be submitted in Microsoft Word

the email addresses in AIS format

o Must update contact information in AIS • PDF Conversion (Text-Based) vs. Scanning

within 5 days of any change

(Image-Based)

• Attorneys must have access to a valid credit o All papers and pleadings prepared by an

card - Visa, MasterCard, Discover or E-Filer must be converted to a searchable

American Express PDF

Signature Requirements o Documents not available in electronic

• Filings that Require a Signature format may be scanned in PDF format

o The symbol "s/" with the typed name of • Scanned Documents

the filer, followed by: o Documents should be scanned in black

 Attorney ID (bar number) and white at 300 dpi and 100% resolution

 Law firm o Use color only when it is required to

 Mailing address maintain the integrity of the document

 Telephone number • Notifications

 AIS email address o Follow paper process to notify parties that

Attorney may authorize another attorney in the firm cannot be e-served by the E-Filing system

or a non-lawyer working under his/her supervision • Filings with Multiple Documents

to use his/her login information to E-File o A submission may consist of multiple

documents documents

o A motion and a proposed order must be

filed as two separate documents

SC Judicial Branch 11/2025 1