Step-by-step filing walkthrough
This guide takes you through the complete 14-step e-filing journey in LITEFile, from initial document upload to final court clerk submission and receipt confirmation.
Step 1: Choose your filing path
When you start a new filing, LITEFile asks you whether you are starting a brand-new court case or adding documents to an existing case.
Figure 1: Choosing between starting a new case or filing into an existing case.
- Start a new case: Choose this if you are filing an initial petition or complaint that does not yet have a case number.
- File into an existing case: Choose this if you are filing a response, appearance, motion, or additional papers for a case that already exists.
Click Continue to proceed.
Step 2: Upload your documents
Next, upload your completed PDF documents. You can drag and drop files directly onto the upload area or browse your computer.
Figure 2: Document upload screen for adding your lead document and any attachments.
Key guidelines for uploading:
- Lead Document: The first PDF you upload will be designated as your Lead Document (e.g., your Petition for Name Change or Eviction Complaint).
- Supporting Documents: You can upload additional attachments (e.g., Proposed Order, Notice of Hearing, or Fee Waiver).
- Format: All files must be in
.pdfformat and under 10 MB each.
Click Upload and Continue.
Step 3: AI document extraction review
LITEFile automatically inspects your lead document using secure, privacy-preserving AI and text extraction. It reads the caption and title of your document to deduce:
- Court Location (County and Court Division)
- Case Category (e.g., Miscellaneous Remedy, Family, Civil)
- Case Type (e.g., Adult Name Change, Eviction)
- Docket / Case Number (if present on an existing case document)
Figure 3: Reviewing AI-extracted case details and court classifications.
The AI extraction provides recommendations to save you time, but you remain in full control. Always double-check that the detected court, case category, and case type accurately match your legal paperwork. If anything differs, you can select the correct option from the dropdown menu.
Click Confirm and Continue.
Step 4: Case lookup (existing cases only)
If you are filing into an existing court matter, LITEFile searches the state court repository using your court location and case/docket number.
Figure 4: Case lookup tool for retrieving docket details and party records from the court.
Enter your Case Number (e.g., 2026-MR-001234) and click Find Case. LITEFile connects to the court repository and pulls in the official case title, judge, filing date, and registered parties.
Step 5: Case confirmation & role selection
Once your case is identified, verify that the case summary is correct. For cases with two sides (such as eviction, divorce, or civil lawsuits), LITEFile asks you to confirm which side of the case you represent.
Figure 5: Confirming case details and selecting your party role.
Selecting your role (e.g., Petitioner/Plaintiff vs. Respondent/Defendant, or Landlord vs. Tenant) customizes the subsequent document checklists and court questions so that you only see rules relevant to your legal position.
Step 6: Document checklist (filing plan)
LITEFile generates a customized document checklist based on your specific court and case type.
Figure 6: Dynamic checklist showing required, standard, and conditional documents.
The checklist groups documents into clear categories:
- Always needed: Critical documents required to open the case (e.g., Request for Name Change).
- Usually needed: Standard documents expected in most cases of this type (e.g., Proposed Order, Notice of Hearing).
- Sometimes needed: Conditional documents depending on specific facts (e.g., Publication Notice, Fee Waiver Application).
For each item, you can indicate:
- I have it now
- I already filed this
- I will file it later
Step 7: Organize documents & classifications
In this step, you organize your uploaded documents, assign the formal court Filing Type, and set document security levels.
Figure 7: Organizing documents, setting filing types, and specifying document security.
Setting document properties:
- Filing Type: Select the official court name for each document from the dropdown menu (e.g., Petition, Appearance, Motion).
- Document Role: Ensure your lead document is designated as Lead Document and other files are Supporting Documents.
- Document Security: Select Public Document or Confidential / Sealed Document if the filing contains sensitive or impounded information.
Step 8: Your contact information
Review and confirm your contact information as the filer.
Figure 8: Confirming filer contact details and party association.
LITEFile pre-populates your name, street address, telephone number, and email from your e-filing profile. Verify that your mailing address and email address are current, as the court clerk will send notices to this email.
Step 9: Case parties overview
Review the list of all parties associated with the case.
Figure 9: Reviewing required parties (Petitioner, Respondent, etc.).
For a name change petition, you are typically the sole Petitioner. For other case types (such as civil lawsuits or divorces), you can verify both the Petitioner/Plaintiff and Respondent/Defendant entries.
Step 10: Party details & addresses
Click on any party to view or update detailed information, including legal name, address, representation status, and party type code.
Figure 10: Editing detailed party information and legal status.
Step 11: Case questions & optional services
Some courts or case types require answering specific jurisdiction questions or offer optional court services (such as certified copies, special process service, or sheriff delivery).
Figure 11: Answering court-specific case questions and selecting optional services.
Step 12: Payment & fee waivers
Select your payment method for any court filing fees.
Figure 12: Selecting a payment account or applying for a court fee waiver.
- Payment Account: Choose a credit card or bank account registered with your eFile profile.
- Fee Waiver: If you submitted an Application for Waiver of Court Fees, select Fee Waiver from the account dropdown.
Step 13: Final review
Before submitting, LITEFile presents a comprehensive summary of your entire envelope.
Figure 13: Comprehensive pre-submission review screen.
Take a moment to verify:
- Court location and case category
- All attached PDF documents
- Party names and addresses
- Selected payment account or fee waiver status
When you are ready, click Submit Filing.
Step 14: Submission confirmation & receipt
Congratulations! Your envelope has been transmitted directly to the court clerk's office.
Figure 14: Submission confirmation with envelope ID and tracking reference.
What to do with your confirmation:
- Save your Envelope ID: Keep a record of the Envelope ID shown on screen.
- Email Notifications: You will receive an automated email confirmation from the e-filing system.
- Clerk Review: Court clerks typically review filings within 1–3 business days.
Proceed to the case management guide to learn how to track the status of your filing.