What key factor must be assured before filing electronically?

Before filing electronically, it is essential to ensure that the filing fee is paid. This is because the payment of fees is a critical step in the electronic filing process. Without the payment, the court will not process the filing, rendering it incomplete. Most courts require that any electronic submission includes a verified payment to confirm that all necessary costs associated with the filing have been settled. This step helps maintain the efficiency of the court system and ensures that access to legal proceedings is not hindered due to outstanding fees.

Other factors, such as having a legal advisor present, printing all documents, or completing a physical signature, may not be universally necessary or relevant in the context of electronic filing. Legal advisors may assist but are not mandatory for the act of filing. Similarly, electronic submissions typically do not require documents to be printed, nor do they usually need physical signatures, as electronic filings often have alternative methods for verification, such as electronic signatures or password protections.