Court filing and case status
Understand the difference between preparing papers, filing, service, acceptance, orders and judgments.
Do not treat one step as proof of another
| Stage | What it generally means here | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Draft prepared | Editable text or a checklist exists. | Nothing has necessarily been filed, signed or reviewed. |
| Filing prepared | Papers may be assembled for possible submission. | Correct court, current forms, fee, signatures and attachments. |
| Submitted | Papers were delivered through an accepted method. | Submission receipt and whether the court accepted them. |
| Accepted or filed | The court recorded the filing. | Case or index number, stamped copy and next step. |
| Service completed | Required papers may have been delivered under applicable rules. | Valid method, timing and proof of service. |
| Order or judgment entered | The court entered a controlling document. | The actual entered document, effective terms and remaining steps. |
Divorce Law Aid does not file, e-file, serve, sign or notarize court papers. Use current court instructions and obtain individualized advice when needed.