E-Filing Home  >> Attorney FAQs  >> Document Requirements FAQs

Document Requirements

1.  What format should I use to E-File documents?

Documents must be submitted in PDF format with the exception of Proposed Orders which need to be in Word format (.doc; .docx). However, Consent Orders requiring the signature of non-E-Filers may be submitted as scanned .pdfs.

2.  Are there any document size restrictions?

Single documents are restricted to 8 megabytes. A total filing cannot exceed 40 megabytes. Larger documents can be broken into smaller increments. Documents should be clearly named to identify their relationship or sequence. See the Attorney Reference Guide and Video entitled Filing Large Documents and Additional Parts.

3.  How big is an 8 megabyte document?

Due to font type and size as well as spacing there is no exact answer to this question. Generally, an 8 megabyte file will contain hundreds of pages. Scanned or image-based PDF's are larger than text based PDF's. For more detailed information see the Attorney Reference Guide entitled E-Filing General Requirements.

4.  How do I E-File a document with exhibits?

Exhibits must be scanned or converted to .PDF format and may not exceed 8 megabytes per single filing and 40 megabytes per total submission. If you include exhibits with other filing(s) and the maximum submission size will exceed 40 megabytes, it is recommended that you file the exhibits separately.  If an exhibit you attempt to file cannot be scanned, such as a plat, you may file the document traditionally with the Clerk of Court.

5.  How do I convert a document to PDF?

See the Attorney Reference Guide and Video entitled Preparing your Document for E-Filing. There are also several tutorials on-line that will assist you with this process.

6.  How are PDF documents signed in E-Filing?

Prior to converting your document to PDF, you should affix a signature by using an "s/" followed by the E-Filer's name, bar number, physical address, telephone number and e-mail address.

For example:

s/John E. Doe
SC Bar No. 123456
Legal Eagles Law Firm
123 Litigation Way
Columbia SC 29201
(803)123-4567
johnedoe@lawfirm.net

7.  How do I E-File documents that contain personal information?

When submitting a document that includes confidential or Personal Identifying Information (PII), you must redact the PII from the original pleading. If the PII is relevant to an issue in the case and you want to submit that information to the court, you will have to complete a Confidential Reference List that includes the PII and submit it with the redacted filing. If the redacted information is not relevant to the case you do NOT have to include a Confidential Reference List.

8.  Can I E-File sealed documents?

Sealed documents must be filed in a traditional manner, that is, in paper format at the Clerk's office.  For security reasons these documents may not be E-Filed.

9.  Do the .pdfs submitted need to be OCR searchable? Is that required by the Court when e-filing?

The Court recognizes that certain documents cannot be converted and will always need to be scanned (e.g.--plats, maps). Also, documents containg the signature of non-efilers such as notaries, paralegals, law enforcement officials, and parties to forfeiture consent orders, will require scanning.  However, whenever possible, documents should be converted to .pdf and be OCR searchable before submission.