FAQs on using the Courts Electronic Filing System (CE-File)

2019 has seen a significant extension of the Courts Electronic Filing System (CE-File) from the Rolls Buildings courts, where it was first introduced, to the Queen's Bench Division in London (see Legal update, Launch of electronic filing in the Queen's Bench Division in London from 21 January 2019) and then to the regional Business and Property Courts (see Legal update, Electronic filing optional in regional B&PCs from 25 February 2019, and mandatory for professional users from 30 April 2019).

HMCTS has published a reminder that, from 30 April 2019, it will be mandatory for legally represented parties to use CE-File to start and continue any relevant claims or applications in the Business and Property Courts in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

To help practitioners who are getting to grips with the system, HMCTS has prepared an invaluable new Frequently Asked Questions document, in English and in Welsh, setting out guidance and practical tips on using CE-File. This supplements the CE-File system information and support advice (which provides information including how to register as a user, payment of fees, security and data protection, and where to go for further help, as well as a link to CE-File). We understand that the FAQs will also be posted online in due course.

For details of free, online introductory training on CE-File, delivered by Thomson Reuters (including details of how to register), as well as other training available from HMCTS, see Guidance: HMCTS reform events programme.