TrueFiling, ImageSoft's E-Filing System for Courts, Debuts in Ottawa County
SOUTHFIELD -- West Michigan's Ottawa County this week launched TrueFiling, a unified e-filing service for all of the county's courts. The Web-based e-filing system from Southfield-based ImageSoft Inc. expedites justice by reducing paper handling and travel time and improves the court's internal processes through electronic workflow.
TrueFiling fully integrates with the court's case management and document management systems to create a more efficient paper-on-demand court, saving time and money. Additionally, the software supports all of the courts in the county: circuit, district and probate, enabling law firms to utilize a single source for filing to multiple courts.
"With TrueFiling, documents will flow from the filer's computer through the Internet directly into the case file, which ensures a more complete case file due to fewer lost or misplaced paper documents," said Ottawa County Clerk Daniel Krueger. "It also means that attorneys and others no longer need to trek to the court to file case-related documents. It's a plus for all involved in the legal process."
TrueFiling makes both the filer and the court significantly more efficient because it eliminates travel time and expense, and since courts that use TrueFiling no longer need to scan incoming documents, they enjoy the added benefit of reduced labor costs. Attorneys are now able to access the case, check status, and create new filings 24 hours a day. (New filings are still reviewed and accepted by the court during business hours).
The system's built-in electronic response features also facilitate and improve communication between the filer and the court. TrueFiling provides an electronic audit trail for filings so that all parties are alerted when and if an event occurs.
First-time users follow a simple online registration process, providing their contact information, email address and a secure password. After logging in at www.truefiling.com, the user selects from a list of participating courts and then picks one of three options: Submit a case-initiating document, file into an existing case or serve parties without filing .
To initiate a case, the system provides the necessary forms for the user to complete online. The filer may also attach any number of supporting documents to include with the filing.
To file into an existing case, the user searches by party or docket number, then attaches the required documents. Parties can be added for optional electronic service, which delivers an electronic link to court-stamped documents via email. Users may perform electronic service on documents that are filed with the court or on unfiled documents.
Beyond convenience and savings, TrueFiling also presents a revenue-generating opportunity for courts and the county. There is a fee for attorneys and others to use the e-filing system, however, fees charged by Ottawa County for TrueFiling are less than half those assessed by other Michigan counties for e-filing services.
"TrueFiling offers a modern Web interface that is intuitive and easy to use," said ImageSoft president Scott Bade. "It is convenient and transparent and results in more efficient handing of case fillings by the court and better use of resources."
ImageSoft provides technology to automate, streamline and improve workplace processes, increase productivity, reduce operating costs,and save time and money. The company also has offices in Raleigh, N.C. and Portland, Ore.
More at www.imagesoftinc.com.
