This information is subject to change. Please regularly consult the First Court's website for any future requirements or changes.
E-Filing by Parties
Effective January 24, 2012, all attorneys in civil cases are required to electronically file all documents (except a document submitted under seal or subject to a motion to seal) with the Court through the Texas.gov electronic filing system. A party representing themselves pro se (without an attorney) in a civil case, or a party to a criminal proceeding, is encouraged to e-file documents, but is not required to do so. Documents e-filed by a party electronically with the First Court of Appeals must conform to Local Rule 4 of this Court's Local Rules pertaining to the electronic filing of documents as approved by the Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. E-filing must be done through Texas.gov, the portal established by the Texas Legislature. Visit http://www.texas.gov/en/tx-efiling/Pages/default.aspx to learn more. E-Filed briefs must follow the Texas Supreme Court's Redaction Guidelines found at http://www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us/ebriefs/RedactionGuidelines.pdf.
Paper Copies of e-Filed Documents in the First Court of Appeals
In the First Court of Appeals, within one business day after a document is e-filed, an e-filer must file four (4) paper copies of an e-filed brief and three (3) paper copies any e-filed petition, other than a petition for discretionary review. Paper copies must be filed in accordance with Rule 9 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. E-filed briefs must follow the Texas Supreme Court's Redaction Guidelines.
If a party opts not to e-file a document and to file the document in paper form instead, the original document filed with the court must be in the form provided by Rule 9.4 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. However, in lieu of filing multiple paper copies of the document as required by Rule 9.3(a)(1) of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, a party filing a document in paper form must file only the original and one (1) copy of a motion, the original and four (4) copies of a brief, and the original and three (3) copies of a petition, other than a petition for discretionary review.
An e-filed document must include the e-filer's email address, in addition to any other information required by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure and this Court's Local Rule 4.
For more information about creating electronic briefs, please read the Guide to Creating Better Electronic Briefs found on the Texas Supreme Court's website. You can also watch a video that shows step-by-step instructions for using Adobe Acrobat to create an electronic brief.
Clerks' Records
Clerks' records filed electronically with the First Court of Appeals must conform to this Court's Local Rule Directing the Form of the electronic Appellate Record and must be submitted by way of the current TAMES portal. To request access to the TAMES portal please send your name, title, and email address to Filing1st@1stcoa.courts.state.tx.us. Once processed, a password and filing instructions will be e-mailed to you by the Office of Court Administration. Your logon and password will work for both the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals.
Submit your record in the appropriate County folder designated for clerk's records. Documents cannot be "locked" by the filer as this prevents application of the electronic file stamp by the First Court of Appeals. Locked documents will be rejected and the filer will be required to resubmit the filing.
When you submit your record, include the following information in the description field:
- The 1st Court of Appeals Case number;
- The Style of the Case;
- The number of volumes filed.
Once the records had been filed by the First Court of Appeals, you will receive notice that the record has been successfully filed.
Reporters' Records
Reporters' Records must be filed electronically pursuant to this Court's Local Rule for Electronic Reporter's Record. Reporters' records filed electronically with the First Court of Appeals must conform to the Uniform Format Manual for Texas Reporters' Records and be submitted by way of the current TAMES portal. To request access to the TAMES portal please send your name, title, and email address to Filing1st@1stcoa.courts.state.tx.us. Once processed, a password and filing instructions will be e-mailed to you by the Office of Court Administration. Your logon and password will work for both the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals.
Submit your record in the appropriate County folder designated for reporter's records. Documents cannot be "locked" by the filer as this prevents application of the electronic file stamp by the First Court of Appeals. Locked documents will be rejected and the filer will be required to resubmit the filing.
When you submit your record, include the following information in the description field:
- The 1st Court of Appeals Case number;
- The Style of the Case;
- The number of volumes filed;
- If there are any volumes yet to be filed, and if so by whom;
- Whether you need a certification of filing sent back to you, if so include a PDF copy in your filing
Notice will issue once the record has been successfully filed by the First Court of Appeals.
Updated: 30-Jan-2012
