How to file court papers

Basic information about how to file papers in court, where to file, who can file, and how to pay filing fees.

Filing your court papers

Where to file

If these are the first papers filed in a case (you're starting the case), first decide which county you need to file in ("venue"), and then you can use Find my court to get information about where to file in that county.

If you're filing a document in a case that’s already been started, file at the same court with the same case number.

How to file

You can always file in person or by mail. In many courts, you can also file online (called e-filing), by fax, or by drop box. You can check on the court's website whether or not it allows e-filing or fax filing.

If you file by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage so the clerk can mail the copies back to you. Also, include any filing fee or a fee waiver, if required.

What you file

File the originals. Also include any copies you're filing, unless you're efiling or filing by fax. Include any payment or a fee waiver, unless what you're filing doesn't require a fee. Find the court fees.

Who can file

Anyone 18 or over can file the forms. You do not need to personally file them.

Paying filing fees

If you're required to pay a fee, the payment (or a request for a fee waiver) is due when you file the forms papers. If you are not sure if a fee is required, you can check the court fee schedule or ask the clerk. If you asked for a fee waiver, a clerk or judge will decide if you qualify for a fee waiver. You will be asked to pay later if you did not qualify.

Most courts accept cash, credit cards, money orders, cashier’s checks, and personal checks

Make your check out to, “Superior Court of California, County of ______” and write the county name where you will be filing your forms. If you are filing online, you’ll pay by credit card when you file. Contact your court for more information about what type of payments they accept.


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