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Frequently asked questions & troubleshooting

Find quick answers to common questions about electronic filing through LITEFile.

General questions​

What is LITEFile?​

LITEFile is an open-source, web-based electronic court filing application developed by the Suffolk University Law School Legal Innovation & Technology (LIT) Lab in partnership with courts and legal aid organizations.

Do I need to be a lawyer to use LITEFile?​

No. LITEFile is specifically designed for self-represented litigants (people representing themselves without an attorney), pro bono legal volunteers, and legal aid attorneys.

Does LITEFile charge a convenience fee?​

No. LITEFile does not add any surcharge or markup. Any statutory court filing fees charged by the court or payment processing fees charged by the state EFSP are paid directly to those entities.

Documents & uploads​

What file types are accepted?​

Only PDF documents (.pdf) are accepted by court electronic filing systems. If your file is in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), Apple Pages, or an image format, please convert or export it to PDF before uploading.

Why was my PDF upload rejected?​

Common upload issues include:

  • File size exceeds 10 MB: Compress your PDF using an online tool or your PDF editor.
  • Password protection: Ensure your PDF does not have security passwords or printing restrictions enabled.
  • Corrupted PDF: Open the PDF in a browser or viewer to verify it opens normally, then re-save.

Payments & fee waivers​

Can I file if I cannot afford court fees?​

Yes. If you have low income or receive public benefits (such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, or AABD), you can apply for an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. In LITEFile, select Fee Waiver on the payment step and attach your completed waiver application.

What happens after I submit a fee waiver?​

A judge or clerk will review your fee waiver application. If approved, your filing fees are waived. If denied, the court will notify you with instructions on how to pay the required fee within a designated deadline.

Need help?​

If you have questions about specific court requirements, forms, or clerk procedures:

  • State-by-state court help directory: Find phone numbers, online chat services, self-help centers, and legal aid partners for your state.
  • Suffolk LIT Lab technical support: suffolklitlab.org | Email: [email protected]
  • Court clerk information: When you log into LITEFile, your state's direct help line is displayed at the bottom of every page. If a filing is returned by a clerk, that specific clerk's direct contact details will be shown on your filing summary.