Circuit court eFiling - Opt-in troubleshooting for self-represented parties

Purpose: Opting in to a case is generally as simple as selecting your county, case number, and party, contact information, and then submitting payment. However, depending on the set-up of your eCourts account and the case, you may encounter roadblocks. This guide outlines troubleshooting measures for common issues that may occur during the opt-in process as a self-represented (pro se) user. If these troubleshooting measures do not address the issue(s) you encounter, contact eFile Support at efilesupport@wicourts.gov or 1-800-462-8843.

Applicable Users: Self-represented (pro se) users

Issue #1: No parties are available to select in the Party dropdown list

When opting in as a pro se filer, the eFiling system verifies your account information matches that of a party on the case. If the system cannot find a name on the case that matches the name on your eCourts account, the Party dropdown list appears empty and the message, "You are not listed as a party on this case" appears.

Compare the spelling of your name as it is entered on your eCourts account to the spelling of your name on the case. Your case can be found on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website. If your name is incorrect on WCCA, contact the clerk of courts office to request that they update it. If your name has changed since the case was initiated, update your eCourts account information to reflect how your name is listed on the case. See the article Updating self-represented (pro se) party account information for guidance on updating your eCourts account information, if need be. 

Issue #2: I don’t know my opt-in code

The opt-in code is a six-digit alphanumeric code that verifies you are an electronic party on the case. This code is required when opting in. The pro se opt-in code is featured on the GF-180 - Electronic Filing Notice form mailed to parties by the court. If you have not received an Electronic Filing Notice, contact the clerk of courts in the county your case is filed to request one.

Issue #3: I am unable to opt in because I am represented by an attorney

If you are or were represented by an attorney who is currently opted in to eFile on your case, the system will not allow you to opt in as a self-represented party. Instead, the message, "You are not allowed to opt in because you are represented by an attorney" appears.

If you are actively represented by an attorney on the case, it is your attorney’s responsibility to keep you updated with case matters. If you are no longer represented by an attorney, get in contact with their office to request they withdraw from the case. Once the attorney has withdrawn, you can opt in to represent yourself.

Issue #4: The system isn’t prompting me for a filing fee

Typically, the system prompts you to pay an electronic filing fee when you opt in. In some instances, you are able to opt in without paying this fee. The system only charges the fee once per party per case, so if an attorney had opted in and paid the fee for you at any point, you are not charged the fee again.