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Circuit court eFiling - Opting in on a case as a self-represented (pro se) party

  • Updated

    • Purpose: This article describes how to opt in as a self-represented (pro se) party for an existing case. An Opting in on a case as a self-represented (pro se) YouTube icon.png video is also available for review. 

    Applicable Users: Self-represented users

    Prerequisites:

    • If the case is a traditional paper case, it must be converted to an electronic case before filers can opt in. Contact the clerk of circuit court’s office in the appropriate county to request the case be converted from a paper case to an electronic case.
    • An eCourts account is required to participate in eFiling; refer to the article Creating an eCourts account for additional information.

    Steps

    1. Visit the eFiling website at https://efiling.wicourts.gov/ and log in. For more information, see the Logging into Wisconsin circuit court eFiling guide.
    2. Select opt in from the main menu or the [Opt in] button from the bottom menu.
      The Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling home page displays with “Opt in” outlined in red.
      Note: You can also opt in by selecting the Opt in as an electronic party link on the My cases page.
      The “My cases” page shows the “Opt in as an electronic party” link outlined in red
    3. Select the County in which the case is filed and enter the applicable Case number. Then, enter your Pro Se opt-in code. These items can be located on the Electronic Filing Notice form. Select yourself as the Party. 
      The "Opt-in as an electronic party" page of Circuit court eFiling shows "County" dropdown outlined in red. Below the County dropdown the case number field is outlined in red. Below the Case number field, the Opt in code field is outlined in red. Below the Opt in code field the Party dropdown is outlined in red
    4. If you need to file any additional documents, Select the Yes radio button beneath "Do you need to file additional documents?" Then, Select [Continue] to proceed to the document upload screen. For more information on uploading documents, review steps 5 and 6 of the article eFiling to an existing case.
      “Do you need to file additional documents” page with the “Yes” radio button selected and outlined in red. Below the Yes radio button the “Continue” button is outlined in red.
    5. If you do not need to file any additional documents, Select [Save] to proceed.
      Opt in as an electronic party - Save.png
    6. On the Ready to file page, verify the information you entered, then select the checkbox next to the filing(s) you wish to submit, or select the checkbox next to a county name to submit all filings in that county. Then, select [File] or [File and Pay].
      Wisconsin circuit court eFiling - Self-represented party - Opt in - File and Pay.png
    7. On the Filings submitted page, select [Make payment with US Bank] to proceed to the US Bank ePayment website and pay associated filing fees. If fees were not assessed, the [Make payment with US Bank] button will display as [Return to main menu].
      The “Filings submitted” window is shown with the “Make payment with US Bank” button outlined in red
      Note: Once you have advanced to this page, do not close out of your browser window or take a break. Selecting [File and pay] at the bottom of the previous page initiates a connection with the US Bank ePayment website that only stays open for 10-15 minutes.
      US Bank is the vendor that processes circuit court credit card and electronic check transactions. You do not need a US Bank checking or savings account to pay for filings on the US Bank ePayment website. You can pay using a Visa card, MasterCard, or electronic check.
    8. After the opt in request has been electronically submitted it is transmitted to the clerk of circuit courts office. Court staff will process your request to opt in when both the payment and the request are received. Upon successful opt-in, you will receive an email notifying you that you are now an electronic notice (eNotice) party and the case will display in your My cases You will then be able to access all electronic documents and file documents on the case.
      Note: Opt-in requests that have not yet been processed display with a status of Opt in pending on the My cases page.

    Support

    Contact the eFile support center if you have further questions. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for court holidays.

    Phone: 1-800-462-8843
    Online support form: https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilesupportform.htm
    Email: efilesupport@wicourts.gov

    Wisconsin Court Systems (Updated: )