Each state has its own requirements for formatting documents before eFiling. Below are the requirements as put forth by California.
While some local courts may modify or add nuance to these requirements, the statewide rules should be considered the guidelines unless otherwise stated by the local rules of your court.
Primary formatting requirements
- Electronic exhibits must be bookmarked.
- Pages must be numbered using Arabic numerals.
- Documents must be text searchable.
- Documents must be submitted as PDFs.
- If necessary, documents must be scanned at least 300 dpi.
- Confidential details must be redacted correctly.
- File size must be within individual court limits.
- Metadata must be removed.
- Font style should be no smaller than 12 points.
- Documents can be signed with “/s/ (signee’s name)” on the signature line. Some states offer other state-approved signature methods.
Filers can find more resources on how to apply each of these elements to their documents by clicking on the links above.