Preparations are ongoing for the new e-filing system.
Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) will include e-filing, e-service, and paper on demand. The system is designed as a workflow portal to submit documents to the Court for filing and/or to serve parties.
When? MDEC will roll out on a county by county basis starting in the fall of 2014.
Who must e-file? Attorneys, self-represented Litigants (SRL) who choose to become registered users, and Judicial Staff.
What must be e-filed? A person required to e-file submissions must e-file all submissions that are capable of being converted into electronic format and will generate a legible paper.
How will attorneys be trained? Maryland Judiciary is preparing to train attorneys, law firm administrators, paralegals and support staff involved in firm filings.
Starting in mid-September, webinars and tutorial videos will be made available. Also in mid-September, hands-on training will be offered, if needed. This training will focus on the e-filing portal: Attorney Registration/New Case Initiation/Subsequent Filing. Training material will be posted to assist with filing.
Is there anything else I should know? Major Rule changes: Rule 20-107 – Electronic signatures; Rule 20-109 – Electronic access to records; Rule 20-201 – Requirements for e-filing; Rule 20-203 – Clerk review of e-filings; and Rule 20-301 – The electronic record is the official record.
The BCBA Technology Committee will offer two programs on Maryland Electronic Courts. More information is available in the
Technology Committee Report.