Courts have the authority to adopt a plan under Administrative Rule 16 to allow parties to utilize electronic filing of pleadings, motions and other papers. Since January 1, 2006, courts could begin the process of establishing electronic filing or electronic service pilot projects by submitting a written request for approval of a plan with the Division of State Court Administration. An appendix to Administrative Rule 16, adopted by the Supreme Court effective January 1, 2007, describes the elements required in a plan.
The Supreme Court has recently adopted amendments to Administrative Rule 16, effective January 1, 2010, clarifying that all e-filing projects are subject to the requirements of the rule. Judges in Lake County and Marion County have recently submitted requests for approval of e-filing in certain types of cases within their courts. State Court Administration is actively reviewing both requests but has not given a final recommendation of approval.
The Supreme Court did approve a plan for electronic filing submitted by the St. Joseph County Probate Court several years prior to the adoption of Administrative Rule 16, and is the only instance of Supreme Court approval of an e-filing plan.