Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cutoff time for filing?
The AlaFile system is up 24/7/365. The cutoff time for filing on a particular day is 11:59:59 p.m. ***Although*** it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you check with the judge hearing your case to confirm actual cutoff times (example: 5 p.m. or 11:59:59 p.m.).
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Who do I contact for registration or general e-filing questions?
Please contact the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts IT Support Help Desk at 1.866.954.9411 Option 1, then Option 4 or eMail us at ITSupport@alacourt.gov
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If the application is down and I can't file on time, what do I do?
The Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 44(B) states “If a party misses a filing deadline because of a technical inability to electronically file a document, the party must file the document within the time prescribed in this rule, accompanied by a motion to accept the document as timely filed, before the court will accept the document. The motion must include a declaration stating the reason or reasons for missing the deadline and requesting that the document be accepted as timely filed. The document and motion must be filed no later than the first day on which the court is open for business following the deadline date for filing the document. If the court grants the motion to accept the document as timely filed, the document will be deemed timely filed on the date the court grants the motion, except that this rule may not extend any statutory deadline, such as a deadline imposed by a statute of limitations or statute of repose."
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When is my motion deemed filed?
According to the Administrative Procedures your motion is deemed filed by the date time stamp that is returned to you on your e-file receipt.
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What is the size limit of the document that can be filed?
The maximum size limit that can be filed is 10MB.
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What does it mean if I get an email back that says the size of my documents exceeded the limits of the court?
Your document is filed. This just means that you will have access to the documents by a link that is provided in the email.
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How do I minimize metadata in my word processor documents?
Word processor documents can carry hidden information (ex. author, comments, revisions etc.). Please read the article below from Microsoft pertaining to metadata in Microsoft Word Documents and how to minimize this hidded information. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;237361
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When I try to login after I register a message comes up that says the email address is not verified. What am I doing wrong?
When you click the submit button on the registration form and all form fields are valid, you are taken to the login screen. But wait! You cannot log in until you confirm your registration. A confirmation email will be sent to the main email address you registered. You must click the link inside the email to verify your registration.
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What is my Alabama State Bar ID?
It is your identification number issued to you by the Alabama State Bar. It can be found on your Bar Identification card.
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What is my AOC attorney code?
Your attorney code is issued by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. It is a 6 digit code, usually beginning with the first three letters of your last name and ending with three numerical digits. If you do not know your attorney code please contact the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts SJIS Help Desk Division at 1.866.954.9411 Option 1, then Option 2.
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Are attorneys who are inactive or who have special memberships required to register for AlaFile?
Attorneys who are inactive are not required to register. Attorneys who have a special membership should register for AlaFile.
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What if I have previously registered for AlaFile?
You will not need to register with AlaFile again. The AlaFile registration process is a one time process.
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How do I register for E-Filing?
To register for E-Filing, go to https://alafile.alacourt.gov/ and click the grey "Register" link located at the top right of the page.
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Is AlaFile registration mandatory?
Pursuant to the Administrative Order issued by Former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb on April 12, 2011, all attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama are required to register for AlaFile. A copy of the Administrative Order is available at http://efile.alacourt.gov
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What happens when I receive a Notice of Flag after filing a motion?
The Notice of Flag is a communication tool between the clerk, judge and attorney. Most motions are usually docketed without a flag, but in some instances the clerk may flag the motion (i.e. wrong motion attached, wrong case number, lack of payment, etc.). Your motion has not been rejected and is filed.