S.C. E-Filing Attorney Guide: ARG-12-Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

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Reference Guide Contents:

❖ Locate an Existing Case............................................................................................................. 1

❖ Adding an Electronic Notice of Appearance......................................................................... 2

❖ Add Actions and Upload Responsive Documents.............................................................. 5

❖ Review, Edit and Approve Filings............................................................................................ 7

Locate an Existing Case

1. Click Existing Cases on the Home screen.

2. Enter the complete Case Number.

3. Choose the County where the case was filed.

4. Select the proper Court Agency.

5. Click eFile.

ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

Adding an Electronic Notice of Appearance

When uploading documents, the Action Type will determine your available options in the Action field.

You can narrow the available Actions by selecting different Action Types. Actions Types and Actions

are discussed in more detail in the video entitled Actions and Documents.

Because this is the first time you are filing to an existing case, you must first file an

electronic Notice of Appearance. The electronic Notice of Appearance may be filed

prior to your first responsive pleading, or together with your first responsive pleading.

Note If you file a Notice of Appearance on behalf of a defendant or defendants and later

acquire another client defendant in this case, you will need to file a separate Notice

of Appearance on behalf of that client in order to associate yourself with that

defendant.

1. Choose the Action Type of Filing.

2. Choose the Action of Notice/Notice of Appearance.

3. Note that the Document Location Choose File button has been grayed out. You will not

upload a document when filing your electronic Notice of Appearance.

4. Click Add to attach the electronic Notice of Appearance to your filing submission and advance

to the Notice of Appearance page.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

5. You may Add Co-Counsel if necessary.

6. Click the For checkbox for each party you will be representing in the case.

7. Click Next to associate yourself to your client(s) and return to the Add a Document page.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

8. Select the On Behalf of dropdown to identify the case party or parties being represented and

click Add.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

Add Actions and Upload Responsive Documents

1. Choose the Action Type.

2. Choose the Action.

3. Click Choose File to locate the document on your computer.

4. Click Add to attach the document.

If you file a motion as your initial responsive pleading, such as a Rule 12(b) motion or a

motion to set aside default, the Motion and Order Information Form and

Coversheet page appears. The purpose of this page is to inform the court if you are

requesting a hearing or not.

Note

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

5. Select the On Behalf of dropdown to identify the case party or parties being represented and

click Add.

6. Click Next.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

Review and Submit Filing

For filings with no fees:

1. Add a Client # (optional). This number is not used by the court, but will assist you in tracking

your filings.

2. Include Special Filing Instructions for the Clerk, if applicable.

3. Click Submit the Filing.

4. The submission confirmation prompt will open. Click OK to process.

If payment is required you will be directed to the SCGov payment page. After the payment has

been applied, click Continue to return to the Submission Confirmation page.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

For filings with fees:

1. Add a Client # (optional). This number is not used by the court, but will assist you in tracking

your filings.

2. Review all fees associated with the filing.

3. If a waiver is applicable, select the appropriate option.

4. Select the Payment on behalf of.

5. Add/Remove Documents will return you to the Add a Document page to edit data if needed.

6. Include Special Filing Instructions for the Clerk, if applicable.

7. Click Submit the Filing.

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ARG-12: Filing Initial Responsive Pleadings

Attorney Reference Guide

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You will receive a confirmation message stating that “Your Filing has been submitted.”

8. Click Filing Status to view the status of your submission.

Keep in mind that you will not receive any NEFs via email on a case until the clerk accepts your first

responsive pleading. However, opposing counsel will be notified electronically, and the NEF can be

accessed as proof of service on the My Filings page. For more information on E-Service and

Notifications, refer to the training videos entitled Filings, Notifications and Drafts and E-Service.