E-Filing
Court users are mandated to e-file. However, we understand that this might be difficult if you do not have access to the internet, a scanner, or if your documents are not downloaded on your computer. Here are a few tips if you do have internet access.
- Download the form you are looking to file from the SCAO website.
- Once you download the form, open the form and fill in with your case information. You will need to electronically sign this document by inputting /S/ and your typed out name.
- Re-save this document once all information is filled in.
- Sign onto Mifile.
- File your document with the court through the MiFile portal. Below are instructions for the different Courts:
If you are unable to download the appropriate form you wish to use or you are unable to scan the document you have already obtained, please download the following form MC100 – request for exemption. Please mail in your documents with this form and payment, if one is required, and once the Judge reviews and signs the order, the clerk’s office will file your documents. If the Judge denies your request for any reason, we will contact you to let you know that your paperwork was not filed and that you have to e-file.
If the order is signed and you are exempted from e-filing, you will be responsible for serving these documents on the other party in the case.
Common MiFILE Rejections
- Document size, unreadable documents, or images too large may result in the Clerk’s Office not being able to open a document.
- Documents and images should be scanned documents to a PDF file format whenever possible. They should be scanned at an 8.5” x 11” page size and about 200 dpi.
- Avoid uploading images from smartphones into MiFILE as they tend to be too large when submitted through MiFILE and not the correct page size. Convert or scan them into a PDF first.
- There are free phone apps that will allow you to convert an image into a correct PDF file size, like Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Reader application.
- Documents need to be separated. Do not submit all your different pleadings or documents as one PDF. You MUST separate and save each pleading or document to your PC prior to uploading into MiFILE. Note: If you have obtained your documents through Michigan Legal Help, or as a full PDF packet, be sure to separate each document (not each page), prior to uploading into MiFILE.
- Combine documents. Do not submit individual pages separately. You must combine them prior to uploading. Any attachments to a pleading or document need to be combined with the main document before submitting it through MiFILE.
- Filing Fee. Be sure to choose to correct filing fee for the document being filed.
- Filing Code. You must choose a filing type (motion, answer, proof of service, etc.)
How Do I Find My Rejection Reason?
Each rejected document will give a reason why it was rejected. A rejection reason may be found in MiFILE in your “My History” tab. The explanation is listed in red below the document that you submitted. A rejection reason is also included in your rejection email (on the second line of the email), if you have elected to receive a rejection email notification.
