Rules & requirements

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Rules

Document requirements

  • All documents must include:
    1. a blank 1/2" top margin to accommodate the court-applied document header which includes the case number, document number, filed date, and pagination.
    2. a blank 2"x2" square in the top-right corner of the first page to accommodate the court file stamp.
  • All documents requiring the signature of a court official (circuit court judge, court commissioner, clerk of circuit court, or register in probate) must also include a blank 3" top margin on page 1 to accommodate the court-applied signature, filed stamp, and header, along with a blank 1/2" top margin on all subsequent pages to accommodate the court-applied header.
  • Do not include signature blocks for court officials on your documents. The courts will apply them as needed.
  • All documents should be submitted in PDF format unless they require editing by a court official. If the probability of editing exists, the document can be submitted in Microsoft Word 2007 or newer (.docx) format.
  • Documents larger than 10 MB must be split into smaller files before uploading them to the eFiling Website. Learn how to split PDF documents.
  • The maximum page size is 12"x18".
  • Omit all JavaScript, macros, document security, and digital signatures (active content). Learn how to flatten a document to remove active content
  • Use standard fonts when creating Microsoft Word documents and omit columns in the text area. Examples of standard fonts include Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Geneva, Tahoma, Times, and Times New Roman.

Document recommendations

  • Microsoft Word documents. Use 12 point font throughout your document and do not include footers unless absolutely necessary.
  • PDF documents. Scan in black and white at 300 dpi for optimal results. Attachments such as maps and photos may be scanned in color if necessary.

Technical requirements

  • eCourts account. Learn how to create an eCourts account.
  • Active email address. Email notifications regarding your cases will be sent to this email address. Make sure your email client and security platform will allow you to receive messages from @wicourts.gov addresses.
  • Internet access. A high speed connection is recommended.
  • Web browser. The most recent version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari is recommended.
  • Scanner to output scanned documents in PDF format
  • Microsoft Word 2007 or newer
  • PDF conversion software. Microsoft Word has the capacity to save documents in PDF format.
  • Antivirus software