> 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 in the court's case management system (Verdict CMS), use the **Existing Case** option instead of filing a new case.

## Finding Your Case

1. Click **Existing Case** on the dashboard or navigate to the File page.
2. A search panel appears. **First select a court** from the court dropdown -- you cannot search until a court is chosen.
3. Once a court is selected, enter your search term in the search field:
   * Enter a case number (e.g., `2026-CV-0123`).
   * For criminal cases, you can also search by a party's last name.
4. Press Enter or click the search button.
5. Results appear in a table showing the case number, title, case type, and filed date.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Searching for an existing case -- selecting a court from the dropdown, typing a case number into the search field, pressing Enter, seeing results appear in the table, and clicking a row to select the case.
{% endhint %}

## Selecting a Case

Click any row in the search results (or click the **File** button on that row) to select the case. The system loads the case details, including existing parties.

A context bar appears above the wizard showing the selected case number. If you picked the wrong case, click **Change** to go back to the search.

## Completing the Filing

Once you select a case, the filing wizard opens with the court and case type pre-filled from the existing case record. The wizard starts at the Parties step because the court and filing type are already determined.

Existing parties from the case are pre-populated. You can add new parties if needed.

From here, the remaining steps are the same as filing a new case:

1. **Parties** -- Review pre-loaded parties, add or edit as needed.
2. **Documents** -- Upload your new documents, assign document types, and mark the lead document.
3. **Fees** -- Review the calculated fees. Request a fee waiver if applicable.
4. **Review and Submit** -- Confirm all details and submit.

Your filing will be linked to the existing case in the court's system. The clerk will review it just like a new case filing.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** After selecting an existing case, the context bar appearing with the case number and title, then the filing wizard opening with court and case type pre-filled, starting at the Parties step.
{% endhint %}


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