Submitting documents to the court may seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can slow your case down. Courts are strict about formatting, timelines, and documentation, and a simple oversight can lead to a rejection or request for corrections. Whether you are a law firm, a business, or someone filing on your own, knowing the most common filing errors can help you avoid unnecessary delays and keep your case moving forward.
Using Outdated or Incorrect Forms
Courts update their forms more often than many people realize. Using something old or pulled from an unofficial source is one of the most common reasons filings get rejected.
How to avoid it:
Always download the newest forms directly from the court website. If you work with a filing service, they will already have the most current versions ready.
Missing Signatures
A missing signature or skipped notarization can bring a filing to a quick stop. This is especially common when multiple parties are involved.
How to avoid it:
Before submitting anything, do a quick scan for all signature lines, initials, and notary sections. Make sure each one is filled out correctly.
Wrong Filing Fees
Courts do not process filings without the correct fees. These fees can vary based on county, case type, and page count, so guessing rarely works.
How to avoid it:
Double-check the fee schedule for the correct court. If you are unsure, a filing service can help calculate the exact amount.
Formatting Errors
Courts have specific requirements for margins, page numbers, captions, exhibit labeling, and file type. Something as small as incorrect spacing can delay your filing.
How to avoid it:
Review the formatting rules for the court where you are filing. When submitting electronically, convert everything to PDF to keep formatting stable.
Inaccurate Case Information
Submitting paperwork with the wrong docket number, misspelled party names, or incorrect captions can confuse the clerk and cause delays.
How to avoid it:
Compare your information against the most recent notice or order in the case. A quick review can prevent unnecessary back-and-forth.
Filing in the Wrong Court
When cases involve multiple counties or different divisions, it is surprisingly easy to submit a filing to the wrong location.
How to avoid it:
Confirm the proper jurisdiction and division before sending documents. Local rules vary, so do not assume the process is the same everywhere.
Missing Deadlines
Courts take deadlines seriously. Late filings often require additional motions or rescheduling, which can push your case back significantly.
How to avoid it:
Create reminders for each deadline and leave room for unexpected delays. Working with a filing partner can also help ensure documents are submitted on time.
Make Filing Easier with Professional Support
Legal filings can be complicated, but the process does not have to slow you down. Reliant Court Services helps law firms, corporations, and individuals file documents accurately and on schedule. From process serving to court filing, document retrieval, skip tracing, foreclosure support, and more, our team handles the details so you can focus on the case.
Ready to make filings faster and stress-free in New York? Give us a call or complete our online contact form to learn how we can support your legal workflow.