How will the signature of documents be handled for documents filed electronically?
Most courts using electronic filing are currently treating use of an attorney’s unique system login and password along with s/Attorney Name as a signature. Attorneys/parties should retain documents containing original signatures for the pendency of the case to include the appeal time. See the Procedures Implementing Electronic Filing.
At present, this is a matter for local court rule or order. We intend to treat the use of an attorney’s unique system log-in and password as a signature. Most of the prototype courts require that attorneys retain copies of critical paper documents, such as affidavits or bankruptcy petitions, containing original signatures of parties. Issues relating to authentication and verification of signatures are presently the subject of considerable debate in many areas of electronic commerce.
