> 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/judge-guide/signing-and-returning.md).

# Signing and Returning

After reviewing a filing, you have two options: **sign** it to approve, or **return** it to the clerk if something needs attention.

## Signing a Filing

Signing a filing means you approve it. Here is what happens step by step:

1. Click the **Sign Filing** button at the bottom of the review panel.
2. The signature dialog opens. You have three ways to provide your signature:
   * **Draw** -- use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on a touchscreen) to draw your signature on the canvas. Click "Clear" to start over.
   * **Upload** -- click the upload area to select a PNG or JPEG image of your signature (max 5 MB).
   * **Saved signature** -- if you have previously saved a signature, it appears automatically. You can use it as-is or choose to draw/upload a new one.
3. Optionally check **"Save this signature for future use"** so you do not have to draw or upload again next time.

### Choosing Where to Sign

The dialog lists all documents in the filing. You can select which documents to sign using the checkboxes next to each document name. The lead document is selected by default.

For each selected document, you can:

* **Add signature placements** -- click the add button to place multiple signatures on the same document (e.g., signing on different pages).
* **Choose the page** -- for multi-page documents, select which page to place your signature on.
* **Position the signature** -- drag the signature preview on the page thumbnail to place it exactly where you want it.

4. Once you are satisfied with the placements, click **Sign & Approve** to apply your signature to all selected documents.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Signing a filing -- clicking "Sign Filing," drawing a signature on the canvas, checking "Save this signature for future use," selecting which documents to sign, dragging the signature placement on the page thumbnail, and clicking "Sign & Approve."
{% endhint %}

### What Happens When You Sign

* Your signature is applied to each selected document and signed copies are saved.
* The filing status changes to **Judge Signed** and is sent back to the clerk's queue with high priority for final processing.
* An email notification is sent to the filer confirming that the filing has been signed.
* The filing moves from your Inbox tab to your Signed tab.
* You are returned to your inbox automatically.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you edited the document text before signing, your edits are included in the signed version. The signature is applied on top of the edited document.
{% endhint %}

## Returning a Filing to the Clerk

If the filing has an issue that prevents you from signing it, you can return it to the clerk with an explanation.

1. Click the **Return to Clerk** button at the bottom of the review panel.
2. A return panel slides open. Select a **reason** from the available options:
   * **Needs revision** -- the document content needs changes
   * **Wrong case** -- the filing was routed to the wrong case
   * **Missing signature** -- a required signature is absent from the document
   * **Incomplete** -- the filing is missing required information or documents
   * **Other** -- any other reason
3. Optionally add a **note** with details for the clerk (e.g., what specifically needs to be fixed).
4. Click **Return Filing** to send it back.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Returning a filing to the clerk -- clicking "Return to Clerk," selecting "Needs revision" as the reason, typing a note explaining what needs to change, and clicking "Return Filing."
{% endhint %}

### What Happens When You Return

* The filing status changes to **Returned to Clerk**.
* The filing is placed back in the clerk's queue with **high priority** so it gets prompt attention.
* A notification is sent to the assigned clerk, and an email is sent to the filer with your return reason and note.
* The filing is removed from your inbox.
* You are returned to your inbox automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}
You must select a return reason before submitting. The note is optional but recommended -- it helps the clerk understand exactly what needs to be addressed.
{% endhint %}

## When to Sign vs. When to Return

| Sign the filing                              | Return to clerk                               |
| -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| The documents are correct and complete       | The document has errors that need correction  |
| You have made any needed text edits yourself | The filing was sent to the wrong case         |
| The filing is ready to be recorded           | A required signature or document is missing   |
|                                              | You need the clerk to gather more information |

{% hint style="info" %}
If a minor text correction is needed, you can use the Edit Document feature to make the change yourself and then sign, rather than returning the filing to the clerk.
{% endhint %}


---

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