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Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form EFS-020, Proposed Order (Cover Sheet)

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Form EFS-020, Proposed Order (Cover Sheet), page 1
Basic · 38/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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Form EFS-020 is a mandatory cover sheet required by the Judicial Council of California for electronically submitting a proposed order to a court. It serves to identify the case, the parties involved, and the specifics of the proposed order being filed. This document ensures that the accompanying proposed order, submitted in both PDF and editable formats, is properly processed by the court. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields41
Pages2
Form Complexity IndexBasic, 38/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

14 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Ensures Case Number Consistency Across Pages

Compares the 'CASE NUMBER' field on Page 1 with the 'CASE NUMBER' field on Page 2 to ensure they are identical. This is a critical cross-field validation to prevent the proof of service from being associated with the wrong case file. A mismatch would cause significant administrative confusion and could invalidate the service.

Validates State Bar Number Format

Checks if the 'STATE BAR NO.' field contains only numeric digits. This ensures the number is a valid identifier for an attorney licensed in California, which is crucial for verifying the filer's credentials. An invalid format could lead to misidentification of the filing attorney and rejection of the document.

Validates Email Address Format

Ensures that the 'E-MAIL ADDRESS' fields for the filer and the person being served contain a valid email format (e.g., [email protected]). This is critical for electronic communication and service notifications from the court. An invalid email will cause communication failures and may invalidate the proof of service.

Requires At Least One Primary Party

Verifies that either the 'PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER' or 'DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT' field is filled out. A case must have at least one primary party on each side for the filing to be associated with the correct legal action. Failure to provide this information will result in the form being rejected as incomplete.

Validates ZIP Code Format

Checks that all ZIP code fields contain a valid 5-digit or 9-digit (ZIP+4) format. Correct ZIP codes are essential for mail delivery of court notices and documents if electronic methods fail. An incorrect ZIP code can lead to returned mail and delays in the legal process.

Requires Name of Submitting Party

Validates that the field 'Name of the party submitting the proposed order' (Item 1) is not empty. The court needs to know which party is proposing the order to properly process the request and attribute the filing. A missing submitter name makes the form incomplete and ambiguous.

And 8 more checks
  • Requires Title of Proposed Order
  • Validates Proceeding Date and Time Format
  • Requires Declarant's Address for Proof of Service
  • Validates Date of Electronic Service
  • Requires Declaration Date on Proof of Service
  • Confirms Required Attachments are Present
  • Ensures Attorney Information is Complete
  • Validates Logical Consistency of Service and Declaration Dates

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How to Fill Out EFS-020 Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload or select Form EFS-020, the Proposed Order (Cover Sheet).
  2. Use the AI assistant to input the case number, judicial officer, and department for the specific court case.
  3. Provide your information as the attorney or party without an attorney, including your name, State Bar number, firm name, and contact details.
  4. Enter the details of the Superior Court of California, including the county, address, and branch name, as well as the names of the plaintiff and defendant.
  5. Describe the proposed order by stating the submitting party's name, the title of the order, and the details of the proceeding it relates to.
  6. Complete the 'Proof of Electronic Service' section on page two, specifying who was served, their electronic address, and the date of service.
  7. Review all the information for accuracy, then download the completed EFS-020 to file electronically with the court, along with the required attachments.

Common Mistakes in Completing EFS-020

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Forgetting to Attach Both PDF and Editable Order Versions
The form instructions explicitly require the proposed order to be submitted in two formats: a PDF attached to this cover sheet and an editable word-processing version sent concurrently. Filers frequently overlook this dual requirement, submitting only the PDF. This mistake forces the court clerk to contact the filer to request the missing editable version, which is needed for the judge to make modifications, thereby delaying the entire process.
Entering an Incorrect or Incomplete Case Number
Filers often mistype the case number, use an incorrect format, or leave it blank on the second page. The case number is the primary identifier used by the court to route and file the document. An incorrect or missing case number will lead to the filing being rejected by the clerk's office, causing significant delays and requiring the party to refile the document correctly.
Using a Generic Title for the Proposed Order
In section 2, filers sometimes enter a vague title like 'Proposed Order' instead of a specific, descriptive one like 'Proposed Order Granting Defendant's Motion to Compel'. A generic title makes it difficult for court staff and the judge to quickly understand the document's purpose. This can slow down processing and may lead to rejection if it does not comply with local court rules.
Party to the Case Signing the Proof of Service
The Proof of Electronic Service on page 2 must be signed by a non-party who is at least 18 years old. A critical error is for the plaintiff, defendant, or another named party to sign this declaration themselves. A proof of service signed by a party to the action is invalid, which can nullify the service and lead to the order being challenged or vacated later.
Providing Incomplete Court Location Details
This form requires the specific county, street address, and branch name of the Superior Court. Parties often fill this section out incorrectly or incompletely, especially in large counties with multiple courthouse locations. This error can cause the document to be misrouted or rejected, so it is critical to verify the exact address and branch name for the department handling the case.
Omitting Details of the Related Proceeding
Section 3 asks for the description, date, time, and place of the proceeding to which the order relates. Filers often leave these fields blank, but this context is crucial for the court to connect the proposed order to the correct event in the case history. Leaving this information out can delay the judge's review as they may need to search the record for the relevant context.
Incomplete Proof of Electronic Service Information
The Proof of Electronic Service on page 2 has several fields that are often left blank, such as the name of the person served, their electronic service address, and the specific date of service. Each field is essential for creating a valid proof of service. An incomplete declaration can be deemed defective, leading to disputes over whether service was properly completed.
Using Inconsistent Plaintiff/Defendant Names
The names of the Plaintiff/Petitioner and Defendant/Respondent in the caption must be written exactly as they appear on all other official case documents. Filers sometimes use abbreviations, informal names, or introduce typos that create inconsistencies in the court record. This can cause filing system errors and confusion. AI-powered form filling tools like Instafill.ai can help maintain consistency by storing and auto-populating this information correctly.
Missing Signatures or Dates
A surprisingly common mistake is forgetting to sign and date the form on page 1 (by the party/attorney) and page 2 (by the declarant). An unsigned legal document is invalid and will be rejected by the court, requiring a complete refiling. This oversight often happens when filers are in a hurry, so a final review is crucial to ensure all signature and date lines are completed.
Incorrectly Identifying the Submitting Party
Item 1 asks for the 'Name of the party submitting the proposed order.' Attorneys may mistakenly list their own name or their law firm's name instead of their client's name (e.g., 'Plaintiff John Smith'). This creates ambiguity in the court record. The name should match the party designation on whose behalf the order is being submitted. Using a tool like Instafill.ai, which can convert flat PDFs into fillable forms, helps ensure data is entered into the correct fields consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions About EFS-020

 

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This plan is for your EFS-020: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
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How does the AI fill out EFS-020?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of EFS-020, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is EFS-020 to fill out?
EFS-020 has a Form Complexity Index of 38 out of 100, in the basic tier: 41 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the purpose of Form EFS-020, the Proposed Order (Cover Sheet)?
This form is a mandatory cover sheet used when you electronically file a proposed order with a California Superior Court. It provides the court with essential information about the attached order and the related court proceeding.
Who needs to fill out this form?
Any party or attorney in a California court case who is submitting a proposed order to a judge for signature via the court's electronic filing system must use this form.
What documents must I submit along with this cover sheet?
You must attach the proposed order in PDF format to this cover sheet. You must also send a copy of the proposed order in an editable word-processing format (like a .docx file) to the court at the same time.
Why do I have to provide the proposed order in both PDF and an editable format?
The PDF serves as the official, unalterable document you are filing. The editable word-processing version allows the judge or court staff to easily make any necessary changes to the order before it is finalized and signed.
What is the 'Proof of Electronic Service' on page 2 for?
This section is a sworn statement declaring that you have sent a copy of the cover sheet and the proposed order to all other parties in the case. It is required to show that everyone has been properly notified of the proposed order.
Do I have to serve the other parties before I file the proposed order with the court?
Yes, you must serve the other parties with the proposed order documents and then complete the Proof of Electronic Service on page 2 of this form before you file it with the court.
How do I submit Form EFS-020?
This form is designed for electronic filing. You must submit it, along with the required attachments, through your court's approved electronic filing service provider.
Can I use this form if I am filing my documents in person or by mail?
No, this specific form, EFS-020, is designated for electronic filing only. You should check your local court's rules for the proper procedure for submitting proposed orders via non-electronic methods.
What information goes in the 'Description of proceeding' field?
In this field, you should briefly describe the hearing or motion that the proposed order relates to. For example, you could write 'Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery' or 'Status Conference'.
What happens after I submit the proposed order?
After submission, the proposed order is reviewed by the judicial officer. The judge may sign it as is, modify it before signing, or reject it and provide further instructions.
Can AI tools help me fill out Form EFS-020?
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to accurately auto-fill form fields with your case and personal information, which can save you significant time and help prevent errors.
How can I fill out this form online?
You can use Instafill.ai to easily fill out this form online. Simply upload the form, and the platform will help you complete the fields, save your progress, and download the finished document.
The PDF version of this form I found is not fillable. What can I do?
If you have a non-fillable or 'flat' PDF, you can upload it to Instafill.ai. The service can convert it into an interactive, fillable form that you can complete directly on your computer.
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