If you are facing a divorce or custody battle in North Carolina, you might be surprised to learn that the “day in court” you’ve seen on TV is rapidly changing. The stacks of paper, manila folders, and hand-delivered lawsuits of the past are being replaced by a massive digital infrastructure known as eCourts.
At McKnight Law, we believe our clients deserve to see exactly how their cases are handled. We recently held an in-depth training session for legal professionals to master the new eFiling and Portal systems. While this video was created to help lawyers navigate the technical side of the law, we are sharing it with you because understanding this system is vital to understanding the progress of your own case.
What is eFiling and Why Does It Matter for Your Case?
In the “old days,” a lawyer would walk a physical complaint down to the Wake County Clerk’s office to be stamped. Today, North Carolina has transitioned to an electronic system managed by Tyler Technologies.
Think of eFiling as giving your case a permanent “digital address” in a sprawling state-wide server farm. This address is your Case Number, and it ensures that every motion, order, and piece of evidence lives in one secure, accessible location.
For you as a client, this means:
- Increased Efficiency: Documents are filed instantly, reducing the transit time between law offices and the courthouse.
- Clearer Tracking: Every filing generates an “envelope number,” acting like a tracking number for your legal documents.
- 24/7 Access: The court system no longer “closes” at 5:00 PM for the purposes of digital submission.
The “Portal”: Total Transparency for Your Divorce
One of the most significant changes for the public is the North Carolina Court Portal. This is a public-facing search engine where almost anyone—lawyers and non-lawyers alike—can look up the status of a case.
In the video above, our team demonstrates how we use the Portal to research a case’s history, view past orders, and even check the court’s hearing calendar. If you are hiring a new lawyer for a case that started years ago, we can use this system to “see into the past” and download the entire history of your litigation to ensure nothing is missed.
A Word of Caution: Privacy in a Digital World
Because the Portal makes court documents more accessible than ever, privacy is a major concern in family law. At McKnight Law, we are highly selective about what we put into “Notice Pleadings.”
We understand that:
- Public Access is Real: Neighbors, coworkers, and even your children’s friends could potentially look up public filings.
- Discretion is Key: We strive to meet legal requirements without including unnecessary, damaging details that could harm your family’s reputation in a public forum.
- Sensitive Cases: For matters involving juvenile law or domestic violence, we utilize “Elevated Access” protocols to ensure sensitive data is only seen by the necessary parties.
Why You Need a Tech-Forward Divorce Attorney
The transition to eCourts has not been without its “glitches.” The system can be slow, and technical errors can lead to unsigned documents or missed service if an attorney isn’t careful.
As you can see in our training video, we don’t just “use” the software; we stress-test it. We have established dedicated financial accounts to ensure filing fees are never delayed and utilize “Service Contacts” to ensure we never miss a deadline from opposing counsel.
Choosing a lawyer who is a “resource” in the eCourts era means choosing a firm that spends as much time mastering the technology of the law as they do the practice of it.
Ready to start your next chapter with a firm that stays ahead of the curve?
Contact McKnight Law today to schedule a consultation.
