Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, Pennsylvania Electronic Filing Rules

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Filing requested under seal

A filing requested to be sealed must be submitted over the counter to the Prothonotary’s Office, not through EFS.

Filings requested to be made under seal shall be submitted to the Prothonotary’s Office over the counter rather than through EFS.

CRITICALCivil cases

Counsel and unrepresented parties must apply for and receive a username, password, and PIN to access the EFS.

(iii) Access to the Website. To obtain access to the Berks County Electronic Filing System, counsel and any unrepresented party must apply for and receive a User Name, Password, and Personal Identification Number (“PIN”).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Legal paper

Legal papers must be filed electronically through the EFS website, and users must follow the EFS User Manual.

(i) Website. All legal papers shall be filed electronically through the Berks County Electronic Filing System “EFS” which shall be accessible through the County of Berks website, www.co.berks.pa.us, or at such other website as may be designated from time to time. (ii) Use of the EFS shall be in accordance with the User Manual.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Document containing raised seal

An accepted electronic document is the official record, except that a document bearing a raised seal must also be filed in original form with the Prothonotary as the official record.

(f)(2) When an electronic document is accepted, the electronic document is the official record, except for documents containing a raised seal. Documents containing a raised seal shall be filed electronically, and the original with the raised seal shall be filed with the prothonotary’s office as the official record.

CRITICALCivil cases

An electronic filer may allow use of their username and password only by an agent they have authorized.

An authorized electronic filer must not allow their user name and password to be used by anyone other than an agent who is authorized by the electronic filer.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Inventory

The inventory may be filed electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or on paper through the Register of Wills office.

(Electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System, or in paper form through the Register of Wills office, along with the appropriate filing fee.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual report

The guardian must file an annual report electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or on the designated forms, attesting to the information required by statute.

File an annual report electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or, on forms available in the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court office attesting to the information required by 20 Pa.C.S.A. §5521(c).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual report

The annual report may be filed electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or on forms available from the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court office.

File an annual report electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or, on forms available in the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans' Court office attesting to the information required by 20 Pa.C.S.A. §5521(c).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Legal paper

Beginning on the date set by Administrative Order, parties must file all legal papers, including exhibits and attachments, through the Berks County EFS.

(a)(1) Beginning on the date established by the President Judge by Administrative Order, parties shall file all “legal papers” as defined by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(a)(2), with the Prothonotary through the Berks County Electronic Filing System “EFS” as more specifically provided here and in Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4. Explanatory Note: The term “legal paper” as defined in Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(a)(2) encompasses all pleadings and other papers filed with the Prothonotary, including exhibits and attachments – even if the legal papers are not adversarial in nature and do not require the non-filing party or parties to respond.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Inventory

The inventory may be filed electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or on paper through the Register of Wills office.

(Electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System, or in paper form through the Register of Wills office, along with the appropriate filing fee.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Attachment or exhibit

An attachment or exhibit that cannot be electronically filed under EFS technical standards must be filed as the court orders.

An attachment or exhibit that exceeds the technical standards for the EFS or is unable to be electronically filed must be filed as ordered by the court.

WARNINGCivil cases

Electronic filers need not file paper copies unless the court specifically requires them.

An electronic filer is not required to file any paper copies unless specifically required by the court.

WARNINGCivil cases

EFS registered users must be individuals, not law firms or other groups.

(iv) Registered users shall be individuals, and not law firms, agencies, corporations, nor other groups.

WARNINGCivil cases

Electronic filers need not file multiple copies of documents otherwise required by local rules.

An electronic filer is not required to file multiple copies of documents as specified elsewhere in these local rules.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Sealed or confidential document

Sealed or confidential documents may be electronically filed if the filing method maintains confidentiality as required by applicable law.

Sealed or confidential documents may be submitted for electronic filing in a manner that maintains confidentiality under applicable law.

INFOCivil cases

An attorney admitted pro hac vice in a case using the Berks County EFS may file as a non-attorney user because the system permits attorney users only if they have a valid Pennsylvania Supreme Court identification number.

Attorneys admitted pro hac vice in a case using the Berks County Electronic Filing System (EFS) may file as a non-attorney user since the EFS system only allows attorney users with a valid Pennsylvania Supreme Court identification number.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Waiver of arraignment

Waivers may be submitted to Court Administration in person or by mail.

Waivers will be accepted in Court Administration – 4th Floor, Services Center, or by mail.

INFOCivil cases

Confidential data may be collected through EFS for authorized personnel while being protected from public view.

Confidential data may be collected on the EFS so that the data can be viewed by authorized personnel while being protected from public view.

INFOCivil cases

Electronic filing is permitted whenever the EFS is available.

Electronic filing is permitted at all times when the EFS is available.