CM/ECF vs eLawServices

CM/ECF is the U.S. federal courts' electronic case filing system, used by courts to maintain case files and accept documents filed over the Internet. Its coverage includes appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Attorneys and the public can view and download case information, docket sheets, and filed documents through PACER, subject to court restrictions. A central sign-on account provides access to both PACER and electronic filing, but filing also requires a PACER account and access issued by an individual court. Where a court enables it, registered attorneys can file online at any time. Electronic submissions create docket entries and update docket sheets immediately; the system emails a filing notice with links to the document and docket sheet to the filer and registered case participants. Documents are accepted in PDF format, and filers must acknowledge their responsibility to redact personal identifier information each login. CM/ECF is free for filing over the Internet, though existing court filing fees still apply. Viewing additional records through PACER is charged at ten cents per page, with most documents capped at $3.00; transcripts and docket sheets are excluded from that cap.

eLawServices provides web-based e-filing, e-recording, document storage, and document preparation for Texas court matters. Its listed coverage spans the Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Courts of Appeals, district and county courts, and some justice-of-the-peace courts. The service says it serves indigent filers, people representing themselves, and legal professionals. Filing choices include fully managed service, per-transaction fees, monthly plans, and free services for indigent filers. Basic e-filing is available on the free plan, which does not accept word processor files or provide fax service. The $2.99 a month plan adds word processor file uploads and free fax service; the $3.99 a month plan adds monthly invoicing for volume filers. Listed plans have no contract, registration fee, or other hidden fees. Phone support is available at 800-943-4085 from 9 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week; email support is also listed, but live chat is unavailable. The company describes itself as Texas-based and family-owned, serving Texas e-filers since 2006.