The document provides an overview of eFiling using the Oregon Judicial Department's (OJD) new HTML5 (H5) website. It details the basics needed for eFiling such as having a computer, browser, scanner, PDF software, internet connection and OJD Odyssey account. The steps of eFiling are explained, including logging in, starting a new case or filing into an existing one, uploading documents, adding filing codes and comments. Tips are provided such as capitalizing expedited requests and using the relation back rule for last minute filings. The document encourages readers to visualize a calm eFiling experience and provides links for additional OJD eFiling information.

1. E-FILING PHOBIA
by Kimberly Gough
When you hear e-anything, does a feeling of panic rush though your body, freezing every muscle
(including your brain) down to your toes? Does self-doubt begin flooding your thoughts with wild
imagery of wires shorting out, flashing blue screens, and beeping noises? Then this article is
especially for you. If not, you may want to read on because this article serves as an OJD eFiling
HTML5, or H5 for short, basic tutorial. The OJD H5 website was created specifically to allow
Google Chrome and Safari users to eFile without Silverlight and has a new interface. If you are using
the old OJD eFiling website you can continue to do so until sometime in 2016, the date is yet to be
determined. See contact information below for my free article on OJD eFiling on the old website.
First, repeat after me: technology…not scary, technology good…
Now let’s go over basics needed for eFiling: a computer with an Internet Explorer 7 (or above); the
following up-to-date web-browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari, a scanner and
software capable of creating text-searchable PDF files; a (secure) Internet connection; and an OJD
Odyssey account. If you do not yet have an Odyssey account, please see the second link at the end of
this article and select Register Now.
Your document(s): Use Microsoft Word to create text-searchable documents, or a PDF version 1.0 –
PDF version 1.7, or higher software to convert files. If you are using Microsoft Word to create text-
searchable PDFs for eFiling, use a standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Courier New
with a font size of twelve. Avoid using special characters in order to keep the file size down and aid
accurate conversion. If you are not sure if your file is text-searchable, select the Ctrl + F keys (or
click on Edit ->Find) and see if a search window appears on your screen, if it does you’ve got
yourself a text-searchable file, who-hoo! Don’t forget to include a service email address in your
signature block. You can also conventionally scan any document with software that converts your
scan to a text-searchable file.
Now you’re ready to roll…I mean eFile. If you have ever uploaded your vacation photos to an online
photo printing website successfully, you will probably find eFiling very comfortable. If you have not,
rest assured, while there are a moderate number of steps, they are mostly self-explanatory and
common sense.
Log into your account. Once completed, a dashboard will appear. Select File into Existing Case if the
case has ever had previous filings. If this is a brand new case select Start a New Case or Use a
Template if you already have one that you would like to use, or you would like to create one for
future use. If you have used the old website you will remember the square blue action icons. Your
go- to button in H5 is an orange rectangle marked Actions which delineates possibilities for you in
one easy drop-down list your within your dashboard, or hold down SHIFT+? to display options on a
handy keyboard shortcuts window. The H5 dashboard also separates filing statuses making them
easier to view, especially if checking them from a mobile device.
Once you have entered your basic case information, click Save Changes to continue. Enter or edit
your party information. Select a Filing Code from the drop-down list and choose the code that most
closely resembles the document type or purpose of the document you need to eFile. Reference
number is for your use, should you choose to use it. Enter Related Parties to the case by clicking

2. once on the empty field and click Save Changes or you will not be able to proceed on to fees or
optional services.
Click the Lead Document box to upload your text-searchable PDF from your neatly organized
electronic computer files…they are neatly organized, aren’t they?
I use the Filing Comments text box to talk to the court staff and clear up any questions I think they
might have about what I am filing and why. If you are eFiling an original document, it is required
under UTCR 21 to tell the court using Filing Comments box that you are eFiling a copy of an original
and you will be conventionally filing the original within seven business days.
When conventionally filing the original with the court you must notify the court (of the date) that you
eFiled the document previously. If you have an extremely urgent matter it is allowable under UTCR
21 to request “EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION REQUESTED.” Size matters in OJD eFiling, old or
new, so capitalize as specified above and follow normal capitalization rules otherwise. Send courtesy
copies to a party or parties by typing their email address into the text box under Courtesy Copies.
When a filing is rejected, you will receive an email from the court containing a recommended course
of action. Your eFiling is date sensitive, you say? For all you last-minute filers, under UTCR
21.080(5) resubmittal of a cured filing may qualify for a filing date that relates-back to the original
submittal date of that filing, it’s called a relation-back request.
Filing History reviews your previous filings, status, cancel, service or fees incurred. Under the
Actions drop-down list, select Reports to review fees incurred during the last 60 days, and if desired,
obtain detailed information of such fees. You will find a transparent Actions button within each filing
envelope; this is your go-to for accessing information within that envelope, not the orange Actions
button.
eFiling does not mean that you never have to step foot into a circuit court again; demonstrative
exhibits and trial exhibits must be filed conventionally. Court certified copies need to be made at the
courthouse but can be picked up or mailed to you at your request and after paying a fee. See below
for a link to eFiling information.
Lastly, visualize yourself eFiling in a sunlit room with soft music playing in the background, your
organized text-searchable PDFs where you can find them, your Internet connection is sailing, the
phones are silent, you’re rocking OJD H5 and accepted filing notice emails are filling your email
inbox… For more information regarding the rules, changes to OJD eFiling, H5 and help, type the
following into your Internet browser window:
http://courts.oregon.gov/OJD/OnlineServices/OJDeFiling/Pages/index.aspx .
Additional information can be found here: https://oregon.tylerhost.net/
How OJD eFiling H5 is like everyday life:
 Lots of choices, the wrong ones make everything take longer;
 Credit card charges;
 Waiting to be accepted;
 Being rejected…ouch!; and
 Giving it another whirl.

3. Kimberly J. Gough is a secretary/legal assistant for the private law practice of Terrance P Gough,
Esq. and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She teaches eFiling to attorneys and other
industry professionals and offers eFile tutoring, photographic legal documentation, process service,
mobile notary or document preparation services.