2016
Mandatory eFiling pilot program launched in Dodge County
Madison, Wisconsin - June 2, 2016
On June 1 the Wisconsin court system and Dodge County Circuit Court launched a pilot program that requires lawyers to electronically file court documents for civil, family, small claims, and paternity cases.
The pilot program is the first step in the implementation of a statewide mandatory eFiling program. Under an administrative rule approved by the Supreme Court in April 2016, mandatory eFiling will be phased in on a county-by-county basis. Statewide implementation of all case types will conclude by the end of 2019.
The pilot program in Dodge County will be followed by implementation of mandatory eFiling in Ozaukee County on July 1, 2016 and Jefferson and Columbia counties on Aug. 1, 2016. Six other counties will make the change by Sept. 15, 2016 under a schedule approved by Director of State Courts J. Denis Moran.
The court system’s Consolidated Court Automation Program (CCAP) staff is working with clerks of circuit court and court staff to help ensure counties are prepared to make the transition. A list of participating counties and a tentative implementation schedule are posted on the court system’s new circuit court eFiling website. This information will be updated as counties are scheduled for implementation.
The website also features detailed information about eFiling, including links to related rules, instructions and video guides, and FAQs, among other resources. The site also provides access to telephone, email, and live chat support options to help filers navigate the new system.
Although implementation of mandatory eFiling will be phased in over time, provisions of the new rule also apply to voluntary eFiling effective July 1, 2016. On that date, the new rule will replace a Supreme Court rule that currently provides for voluntary eFiling.
A map of counties that already provide for voluntary eFiling, and in which case types, is posted here.
Once mandatory eFiling has been implemented in a county, attorneys and high-volume filing agents will be required to eFile civil, family, paternity, and small claims cases. Throughout the next two years eFiling will be expanded to include other case types on a voluntary basis and then transition to mandatory after a time period. Self-represented litigants can choose to electronically file, but are not required to do so. See Wis. Stats. § 801.18 for additional details about mandatory eFiling.
Contact:
Tom Sheehan
Court Information Officer
(608) 261-6640