Electronic Filing and Document Viewing

All attorneys filing cases in Baltimore County must use the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) e-filing system. Self-represented litigants are permitted to file electronically, but do not have to if they do not want to.

There are two parts to e-filing:

  • Viewing—called "MDEC Portal"
  • Filing—called "File and Serve"

These require two separate registrations that may use the same login information. A self-represented litigant is permitted to register to view documents without registering to file documents electronically. Attorneys must file electronically.

APPLY FOR REMOTE VIEWING

Registration is on a case-by-case basis, so if self-represented litigants have multiple cases they wish to view electronically, they must register to view each case individually.

REGISTER FOR PORTAL ACCESS

  1. Go to the MDEC Portal(link is external) page.
  2. Click the Registration/Sign In icon in the top right corner and select registration.
  3. Fill out the fields on the registration screen.
  4. Passwords must be at least eight characters with one lowercase character, one special character, one uppercase character and one number.
  5. Click Next.
  6. You will receive an email with a link to verify your email address. Click the link, and then click Finish.

COMPLETE THE PARTY ACCESS TO MDEC CASES APPLICATION

  1. Download and complete the application(link is external). The form must have:
    • Original signature
    • Notary seal
  2. The completed form must then be submitted to the court clerk in person or via postal mail.

Mailing Address:
Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, Maryland 21285

  • If your application is approved, you will be sent an email and can immediately begin accessing the documents remotely.
  • If your application is denied (because you are not a party to the case), the application will be returned to you. To appeal a denied application, you may file a motion in the case to which you were seeking remote access.

REGISTER FOR FILING

Self-represented litigants may file in person and by postal mail as well as electronically. However, if you register to file electronically, you must:

  • Electronically file all future documents
  • Electronically file all future cases
  • Receive all court notices by email

You must also comply with the Policies and Procedures(link is external).

REGISTER TO E-FILE

  1. Go to the File and Serve(link is external) homepage.
  2. Click Register in the Actions box.
  3. Complete the Registration form.
  4. Passwords must be:
    • At least eight characters with
    • One lowercase character,
    • One uppercase character, and
    • One number or symbol.
  5. On the next screen, select the circle in the Register for a Self-Represented Account box.
  6. When prompted select Continue as Pro Se.
  7. Enter your contact information and click Next.
  8. Read the Registration Terms and Conditions statement before clicking the "I Agree" button.
  9. You will see a confirmation page.
  10. You will receive an email verification.
    1. Open your email and open the File and Serve New User Activation message.
    2. Click on the Activate Account link.
    3. You should see a Tyler Technologies notice confirming that your account has been activated.
  11. Return to the File and Serve(link is external) homepage and click "Sign In" to verify your new account works.

HELP AVAILABLE AT THE LAW LIBRARY

The Law Library offers:

  • Access to the File and Serve and MDEC Portal websites
  • The ability to file documents for every Maryland jurisdiction using MDEC
  • Assistance registering for and using Odyssey File and Serve
  • Document Scanners
  • Access to all publicly available electronic court documents

It is highly recommended that parties wishing to scan documents bring a USB flash drive.

Note to out-of-state Attorneys: Baltimore City is a separate legal jurisdiction from Baltimore County.

GUIDES AND FAQS

Attorney Tip Sheet and helpful information specific to Baltimore County.

The following guides are available from the Maryland Judiciary.

CONTACT INFORMATION