- Order online 24/7
- Step-by-step guides
- Avoid e-filing rejections
- 65+ years in California
These tutorials walk you through our online client portal, from opening an account to e-filing a new case. Prefer to talk it through? Call (800) 675-5376 and we will help you place your first order.
Getting Started
How to Create an Account for E-Filing and Process Serving
A two-minute walkthrough of opening a free Direct Legal account so you can e-file and order process serving online. (2:09)
Complete Guide: Order, Track, and Pay Online
A complete walkthrough of creating an account, placing orders, tracking assignments, and paying online. (32:43)
E-Filing Tutorials
How to Submit a Court E-Filing in California
Step-by-step e-filing of an answer, motion, or other document in an existing case, with tips to avoid rejections. (8:48)
How to E-File a New Court Case in California
How to start a new case with a California court through the Direct Legal portal. (11:47)
Ready to file? See our California e-filing service.
Documents and Subpoenas
How to Bookmark and Index a PDF
How to add bookmarks to your PDF documents in Adobe Acrobat Pro before you e-file. (2:12)
Foreign Deposition Subpoena Services
An overview of issuing out-of-state subpoenas for depositions and records, and serving them on the witness. (2:24)
Learn more about our out-of-state subpoena service.
Step-by-Step PDF Guides
- E-filing
How to E-File a New Case
Placing an e-filing order to start a new case in a California court. (PDF)
- E-filing
How to E-File in an Existing Case
Placing an e-filing order for answers, motions, and other filings in a case already on file. (PDF)
- E-recording
How to Place an E-Recording Order
Ordering e-recording with a California county recorder and mailing us the originals. (PDF)
- Integrations
Using Clio with Direct Legal Support
Picking documents from Clio for an e-filing order, and finding the returned documents and expenses in Clio. (PDF)
- Integrations
Using NetDocuments with Direct Legal Support
Picking documents from NetDocuments for an e-filing order, and finding the returned documents. (PDF)
- Writ levy
How to Place a Writ Levy Order
Ordering a levy that we open with the sheriff, serve, and close. (PDF)
Tutorial Questions
Do I need an account to use the portal?
Yes. Opening an account is free and takes a few minutes. The first video shows how.
Can I order process serving and e-filing from the same account?
Yes. One account covers process serving, court filing, e-filing, e-recording, writ levies, and our other services.
How do I avoid e-filing rejections?
Use text-searchable PDFs, bookmark your exhibits, choose the correct document type, and include the right filing fees. Our e-filing videos walk through each step.
Who can I call for help with my first order?
Call (800) 675-5376 or email support@directlegal.com, and we will walk you through it.
Need Help With an Order?
Create a free account and submit your order in a few minutes. There are no setup fees. If you have a question first, call us or send a message.
Existing client? Log in to your portal