> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cottfile.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cottfile.com/filer-guide/filing-a-new-case.md).

# Filing a New Case

To file a new case, click **File a Case** on the dashboard (or navigate to the File page). The filing wizard walks you through six steps. A progress rail at the top shows where you are and lets you jump back to previous steps.

You can save your work as a draft at any point by clicking **Save Draft** in the bottom bar.

***

## Step 1: Select Court

A side panel opens where you choose:

1. **Court** -- Select the court where you are filing (e.g., 19th Judicial District Court).
2. **Location** -- If the court has multiple locations, pick the appropriate one.

{% hint style="info" %}
The court and location determine which case types, fee schedules, and document types are available in later steps.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Selecting a court from the dropdown in the filing wizard side panel, then choosing a location from the location dropdown.
{% endhint %}

## Step 2: Choose Filing Type

Still in the side panel, select:

1. **Case Type** -- The category of case (e.g., Civil, Family, Probate, Criminal).
2. **Case Subtype** -- If the selected case type has subtypes, pick the one that best describes your matter.

## Step 3: Add Parties

In the Parties panel, add every party to the case. You must add at least one party before proceeding.

For each party, provide:

* **Party Type** -- Individual, Business, Government Entity, Minor, Estate, or Trust. Use the Organization toggle to switch between individual and business types.
* **Party Role** -- Plaintiff or Defendant.
* **Name** -- For individuals: Title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr.), First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name. Title and Middle Name are optional. For organizations: Business Name, plus optional contact person details (Contact First Name, Contact Last Name, and Title/Position).
* **Contact information** -- Phone, email, and full address (Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, ZIP Code). Optional but recommended.
* **Confidential flag** -- Check this if the party's information should be sealed from public view (e.g., domestic violence cases).

As you type a party's name, the system searches for existing parties in the court's case management system. If a match is found, selecting it pre-fills the party details and links the filing to the existing record.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Individual parties require both a first and last name. Business-type parties (Business, Government Entity, Estate, Trust) require a business name.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Adding a party in the Parties panel -- selecting "Individual" as the party type, choosing "Plaintiff" as the role, filling in name and contact fields, then clicking Add to save the party.
{% endhint %}

## Step 4: Upload Documents

The Documents panel lets you upload and organize your filing documents.

1. **Upload files** -- Drag and drop PDF files into the panel, or click to browse. Each file can be up to 25 MB.
2. **Set document type** -- For each uploaded file, select the docket entry type (e.g., Petition, Motion, Exhibit).
3. **Mark the lead document** -- Exactly one document must be designated as the lead document. This is the primary filing (e.g., the Petition or Complaint).
4. **Title each document** -- Give every document a descriptive title.
5. **Optional flags**:
   * **Sealed** -- Mark if the document should be filed under seal.
   * **Redacted** -- Mark if the document has been redacted.

The document organizer also supports page-level operations: you can reorder pages, rotate them, delete individual pages, split a document into multiple documents, or merge documents together.

When you advance to the next step, the system assembles your documents. This may take a moment for large filings.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Uploading documents by dragging PDF files into the Documents panel, setting the document type from the dropdown, toggling the lead document switch, and entering a title for each document.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also drop files anywhere on the dashboard page while the wizard is open. They will be added to your current filing automatically.
{% endhint %}

## Step 5: Review Fees

The Fees panel shows a breakdown of the court fees for your filing. Fees are calculated automatically based on the court's fee schedule, the case type, and the document types you selected.

Each line item shows a description and dollar amount. The total appears at the bottom.

* **Fee waiver** -- If you cannot afford the filing fees, check the **Request fee waiver** checkbox. The clerk will review your waiver request as part of the filing review.
* **Payment card** -- If you belong to an organization with a firm card on file, you can choose between the organization card and your personal card.

## Step 6: Review and Submit

The final step shows a summary of everything you entered:

* **Court and case information** -- Court, location, case type, subtype, and filing category.
* **Parties** -- All parties with their roles and types.
* **Documents** -- All documents with lead/sealed flags and file sizes.
* **Fee summary** -- Total fee and any fee waiver request.

Each section has an **Edit** button that takes you back to the relevant step if you need to make changes.

Before submitting, you must check the certification checkbox confirming that the information is true and correct.

Click **Submit Filing** to send your filing to the clerk review queue. On success, you will see:

* A confirmation screen with your **filing number**.
* The date and time of submission.
* A note that an email confirmation has been sent.

From the confirmation screen, you can return to the dashboard or start another filing.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** The Review and Submit step -- scrolling through the summary of court info, parties, documents, and fees, checking the certification checkbox, clicking "Submit Filing," and seeing the confirmation screen with the filing number.
{% endhint %}


---

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