Transcript:

In this video we’ll dive into filing into an existing case. At MyFileRunner we’ve broken this process down to four steps — four steps to freedom. If you’re ready, let’s get it done.

First, click the big blue button that says “File the Courts.”

File Into an Existing Case

You’ll see two options: filing an original petition with the courts, or filing on a case that already exists. Since we’re filing into an existing case, click “File Into an Existing Case.”

You’ll see three required fields: Select Location, Search by Case or Party Type, and Case Number. Start by clicking the dropdown and selecting your venue — today we’re selecting Bastrop District. Enter your case number and click the Search button.

When your case populates, you’ll see the location (Bastrop District), your case number, and your case type, along with three action icons: a blue eyeball for View, a green people icon for Manage Service Contacts, and a red gavel for File Into This Case. Click “File Into This Case.”

Step 1: Required Fields

Step 1 loads automatically. You’ll see your four steps laid out horizontally and your required fields: Case Number, Case Title, Court Location, Case Category, Case Type, Select Attorney, and Payment Account. Since this is an existing case, all fields will already be pre-filled. If you need to change the attorney, you can do so from the dropdown. Select your payment account and click Next.

Step 2: Parties

Step 2 is Parties — also pre-filled. You’ll see your plaintiff and defendant already listed. Check the Filing Party box for whoever you’re filing on behalf of, then click Next.

Step 3: Service Contacts

Step 3 is Service Contacts. You can search for a service contact on any state’s public service list by first name, last name, firm name, or email address. You can also select from existing firm contacts or add a new service contact to your firm.

For our purposes, we’ll select from existing firm contacts. Check the box next to your attorney and you’ll be given three options: assign them as plaintiff, defendant, or to the overall case. We’re selecting Plaintiff, then clicking OK.

You’ll now see the attorney added to the service contact list, showing their name, firm, organization, email, their assigned party role, and corresponding action icons. Click Next.

Step 4: Filings

Step 4 is Filings — the whole reason we’re here. You’ll see your required fields: Filing Type and Client or Matter Number.

For Filing Type, click the dropdown and select the appropriate filing type for your county — today we’re selecting No Fee Documents. For Client or Matter Number, enter whatever reference works for your case — ours is “test.” For Filing Description, enter your description — we’re calling this a Motion. Highlight and copy that text with Ctrl+C, you’ll use it again shortly.

If you have any messages or instructions for the clerk, enter them in the next box. Add email addresses for Courtesy Copies and Preliminary Copies if needed. Under Optional Services, select any applicable options such as a citation or jury fee and click Add to include them.

Step 4: Uploading

Now move to the Documents section. Click “Browse Computer” under Lead Document, find your motion, and press Open. Your document will appear as a hyperlink. For Document Description, press Ctrl+V to paste the text you copied earlier — and just like that, your document description is filled in. Select “Does Not Contain Sensitive Data” for Document Security Type, or make the appropriate selection if your document does contain sensitive data. If you have attachments, follow the same upload process in the Attachments section below.

Review everything — it all looks good. Scroll down and click “Save and Next.”

Step 5: Summary Page

Step 5 is the Summary page. I told you — four steps to freedom. Review all the details of your filing: confirm your Case Information, click the Parties dropdown to verify your plaintiff and defendant, click the Filings dropdown to confirm your uploaded motion, and review your Service Contacts to confirm your attorney was added correctly. Check your Fees, confirm your payment account and filing attorney are correct, and you’re ready to go.

You did it — submit your case and happy filing!