Electronic Filing for Self-Represented Litigants

Important Information for Electronic Filing

If you are not represented by an attorney, E-Filing is not mandatory.
If you are using the electronic filing system, you should review the Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Filing Codified Law 15-26C | South Dakota Legislature.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System contracts with Guide and File by Tyler Technologies that offers a selection of case types to choose from and guides users through an interview with a series of questions to answer and generates completed forms that can be filed with the Clerk of Court.
To use Guide and File, you will need to create a username and password to complete the interview and should keep for your records if you are planning to electronically file any subsequent filing in your case.
You will need access to a valid credit card. The credit card will be used to pay for any associated filing fees.

Guides to Electronically File

Before you begin to electronically file you should review the following Tyler Technologies and UJS guides and references:

How to File your Forms Online

Prepare your documents using Guide and File by Tyler Technologies. You will answer a series of questions in relation to your case and at the completion of the interview, your documents will be made available for you to review before filing. In reviewing your documents, if you notice any error, you will be able to return to the interview and make any correction before proceeding with filing.
Each interview will have instructions, which you should download and keep as guide to refer back to at any point in your proceeding for next steps in your court action.
After you have reviewed each document, you will then be prompted to enter your credit card information that will be used to pay your associated filing fees. You will not be charged until your filing has been accepted. Depending on your bank, it may put a pending charge on your card.
- If you do not wish to file your documents electronically, you still have the option to download and print the documents and file them with the clerk of courts office.
- If you are want to request a waiver of the filing fees, you will not be able to file electronically and will have to print your documents and file them in person with the clerk of courts office.
After you have paid the filing fees, your filing will be assigned an envelope number, and your documents will be electronically sent to the clerk of courts office for filing. You will receive an email confirmation that the court received your forms. If you do not see an email, you should check your spam and junk folders. This email does not confirm your filing has been accepted.
You will receive another email once filing has been accepted or rejected.
- If your filing is rejected, you will be able to log back into Guide and File using the username and password you created, make the correction and refile.

Guide and File Interviews Available

Follow Your Case Online With eCourts

Once your file has been accepted with the clerk of courts office, your case will be assigned a case number, and you can follow your case on South Dakota Unified Judicial System's eCourts system. You can create a free account with a username and password, and you will be able to search your case number to follow all filings and any upcoming hearing dates. You will not be able to access/open documents with this system. If you need a copy of a filing, you will need to contact the clerk of courts or visit any clerk of courts office and use the kiosk available for public use to access documents.

For More Help

If you have questions about electronically filing, you can email UJS staff at ujssrlhelp@ujs.state.sd.us or call the legal form helpline at 1-855-784-0004. You can also visit UJS Get Legal Help page for more options on free to low-cost legal help.