> 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/getting-started/signing-in.md).

# Signing In

CottFile has two separate login portals depending on your role. Make sure you are using the correct one.

## Filer Login

**URL:** `/login`

If you are an attorney, pro se litigant, organization administrator, or government filer, use the main filer login. From the CottFile homepage, click the **Attorneys & Public** card or the **Sign In** link in the top navigation bar.

You can sign in with:

* **Google** -- Click the Google button to sign in with your Google account.
* **Microsoft** -- Click the Microsoft button to sign in with your Microsoft or Outlook account.
* **Email and password** -- Enter the email and password you used when creating your account.

After signing in, you will land on your **filer dashboard**, where you can start new filings, check the status of existing ones, view notifications, and access the AI assistant.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Signing in from the CottFile homepage -- clicking the "Attorneys & Public" portal card, entering email and password on the filer login page, and landing on the dashboard.
{% endhint %}

## Staff Login

**URL:** `/staff/login`

If you are a court clerk, judge, judicial staff member, or court administrator, use the staff login portal. From the CottFile homepage, click the **Court Staff** card.

Staff login supports **email and password only** -- social login (Google, Microsoft) is not available for staff accounts.

After signing in, you will land on your role-specific home page:

* **Clerks and Judicial Staff** -- Filing review queue (`/clerk/queue`)
* **Judges** -- Judicial inbox (`/judge/inbox`)
* **Court Administrators** -- Filing review queue (with access to admin settings)
* **Platform Administrators** -- Admin panel (`/admin`)

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Signing in through the Court Staff portal -- clicking the "Court Staff" card on the homepage, entering credentials on the staff login page, and arriving at the clerk review queue.
{% endhint %}

## Forgot Your Password?

If you cannot remember your password:

1. Go to the sign-in page (`/login` for filers or `/staff/login` for staff).
2. Click the **Forgot password?** link below the password field.
3. Enter the email address associated with your account.
4. Check your email for a verification code and follow the instructions to set a new password.

If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still need help, visit the [Support page](https://github.com/Helios-Software-Group/e-filing/blob/main/support/README.md) or contact your court administrator (for staff).

{% hint style="info" %}
The forgot password page (`/forgot-password`) also provides a direct link back to the sign-in page and a link to the support page if you need further assistance.
{% endhint %}

## Session and Security

* Your session will remain active as long as you are using the platform. After a period of inactivity, you will be signed out automatically and will need to log in again.
* For security, always sign out when you are finished, especially on shared or public computers.
* If you suspect someone has accessed your account without authorization, reset your password immediately and contact support.
* All routes except the homepage, login pages, registration, support, and documentation require authentication. Attempting to access a protected page while signed out will redirect you to the appropriate login page.


---

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