> 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-on-existing-case.md). # Filing on an Existing Case If you need to add documents to a case that already exists with the court, use **File on Existing Case** instead of starting a new case. ## Finding Your Case 1. Click **File on Existing Case** on the dashboard. A search panel appears: "Find an existing case to file on." 2. **First select a court** from the court dropdown -- until you do, the search field reads "Select a court first…". 3. Type your search term -- a case number (criminal searches also accept a last name). Results appear automatically a moment after you stop typing (two characters minimum), or press Enter. 4. Results show the case number, title (if any), type, and filed date, each with a **File** button. If nothing matches, you'll see "No cases found. Try a different search term." {% hint style="warning" %} A civil case that is not currently open cannot be e-filed on. You'll see: "This case is not currently open and is not eligible for eFiling. Please contact the Clerk's Office for further assistance." The search results stay on screen so you can pick another case. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **📹 GIF:** Selecting a court, typing a case number, results appearing automatically, and clicking "File" on a result row. {% endhint %} ## Selecting a Case Click **File** on a result to select the case. A context bar appears above the wizard showing the case number and the number of parties. Picked the wrong one? Click **Change** to return to the search. ## Confirming Who You Represent Before the wizard opens, the system checks whether you are on the case: * **You are listed on the case** -- If your bar number matches an attorney on the case's roster, you'll see **"Filing as"** -- "You are listed as attorney on this case." -- with the party you represent (or a button per party if you represent several). The panel also shows the case's **Deposit balance** with an **Add Funds** link to top it up before filing (see [Payments, Deposits & Receipts](/filer-guide/wallet-and-payments.md)). Click **Continue to Filing**. * **You are not listed** -- You'll see **"Who are you filing for?"** -- "You are not listed as an attorney on this case. Enter the party you represent." Pick the **Side** (Plaintiff or Defendant), type the party name, and continue. {% hint style="info" %} **📹 GIF:** The "Filing as" panel showing the matched party, the deposit balance with the Add Funds link, and clicking "Continue to Filing." {% endhint %} ## Sealed and Secured Cases On a sealed or secured case, the title and party names are masked as "Sealed" or "Secured" unless your bar number is on the case. The parties panel explains: "This case is sealed. The N parties on this case are hidden from your view. Your filing will still be attached to the existing parties when submitted." ## Completing the Filing The wizard opens **at the Documents step** -- Court & Type and Parties are locked, because they come from the existing case record. From here: 1. **Documents** -- Upload your PDFs, assign docket entry types, and organize pages exactly as for a new case (see [Filing a New Case](/filer-guide/filing-a-new-case.md)). 2. **Fees** -- Fees depend on the case's deposit balance for the party you represent: if the deposit covers the estimated docket fees, you pay only the $6.00 e-filing fee plus the convenience fee; any shortfall is added to the charge. If you represent more than one party on the case, the Fees step asks **"Which party are you filing for?"** -- "Pick which one you're filing for so the right deposit balance is applied." 3. **Review & Submit** -- Confirm the details and submit. Your filing is attached to the existing case, and the clerk reviews it like any other filing. {% hint style="info" %} **📹 GIF:** The wizard opening at the Documents step with Court & Type and Parties locked, then the Fees step asking "Which party are you filing for?" on a multi-party case. {% endhint %} ## Courts Without a Case Management System Some courts use CottFile for e-filing but keep their own case management system. At these courts there is no case search. Instead, an intro explains: "This court is not connected to a case management system, so enter the case details from your copy of the record. You only need to name the party you represent, not the whole caption -- the clerk verifies the case before accepting." Fill in: * **Case number** (e.g., 2024-12345) -- required before you can submit. * **Party you are filing for** (e.g., John Smith) and the **Side**. * **Case type** and **Filing type** (the filing type list appears once a case type is chosen). Click **Continue**. The Parties step is skipped -- the clerk matches your filing to the case in their own system. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.cottfile.com/filer-guide/filing-on-existing-case.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. 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