What if the clerk rejects the filing?

If the clerk rejects the submission, confirm the stated reason, correct the document or format (caption, docket number, signature), and refile per the clerk’s instructions to avoid delay.

Can parties use electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures are generally acceptable under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the court or local rules do not require handwritten signatures.

Is notarization required?

Notarization is rarely required for a filing letter itself, but some attached instruments may require notarization; check local rules and the nature of the attached document.

How should I prove service to opposing counsel?

Include a certificate of service describing the method, recipients, and date of service; courts commonly require this with filings to verify notice.

What format should attachments use?

Use searchable PDF (PDF/A when possible) to preserve formatting and signatures; check the court’s e-filing technical requirements before submission.

Who can sign the agreed order?

A party’s attorney ordinarily signs for a represented client; a corporate officer or authorized representative may sign if local rules permit and authority is documented.

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Letter Requesting Filing of Agreed Order of Dismissal

Letter Requesting Filing of Agreed Order of Dismissal

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What the Letter Requesting Filing of Agreed Order of Dismissal Is

A Letter Requesting Filing of Agreed Order of Dismissal is a written communication submitted to the clerk or judge asking the court to file an agreed order that dismisses some or all claims in a case. It typically references the case caption and docket number, confirms the parties’ agreement, attaches the signed agreed order, and requests entry and filing. The letter documents the parties’ joint intent, provides a clear routing path for court staff, and creates a filing record that supports final judgment or case closure.

Why a Clear Filing Request Matters

Use a concise letter to ensure court staff receive the agreed order with the correct caption and docketing details, reduce processing delays, and create a clear paper trail confirming that the parties jointly requested dismissal.

Who Typically Prepares and Sends This Letter

The letter is usually prepared by counsel or an authorized party and sent to the court clerk or judge along with the signed agreed order.

Lead counsel for one party — prepares the document, confirms signatures, and coordinates filing with opposing counsel and the clerk.
Opposing counsel — may jointly sign or approve the letter to confirm the agreed order is enclosed and ready for filing.
Pro se litigants or parties — where no counsel represents a party, the self-represented party may draft and submit the letter per local rules.

Confirm local court rules for formatting, signature blocks, and whether a separate proposed order or joint submission is required before sending.

Who Can Sign and Submit the Letter

Lead Counsel

An attorney of record typically signs and submits the letter on behalf of a represented client, certifying the parties’ agreement and confirming that the attached agreed order reflects the parties’ intent.

Authorized Party

A pro se party or an authorized representative may sign if permitted by local rules; corporate filings often require a company officer or attorney signature to verify authority.

Essential Information to Include

Case Caption: Full caption

Docket Number: Court docket no.

Court Name: Court and division

Parties: All party names

Contact Info: Attorney contact

Attachment: Signed agreed order

Risks of an Incomplete or Incorrect Letter

Rejection: Clerk may refuse filing

Processing Delay: Case remains pending

Sanctions Risk: Procedural violations possible

Fee Exposure: Extra filing costs

Waiver Risk: Unintended claim waivers

Record Gap: No clear dismissal entry

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Failing to include the correct docket number or full case caption, which can cause the clerk to misfile or delay entry of the agreed order.
Attaching an unsigned or incomplete agreed order; clerks commonly require the actual signed order or a properly notarized signature, depending on local rules.
Not confirming the preferred submission method with the court (electronic filing system versus paper delivery), leading to procedural rejection or late filing.
Omitting a certificate of service or proof that opposing counsel and parties received the agreed order, which some courts require before entry.

Key Elements of a Professional Filing Request Letter

Include concise, standardized sections so court staff can quickly docket the agreed order and update the case status without additional clarification.

Header

Court name and full case caption placed at the top so staff can immediately identify where to docket the attached order.

Reference

Include the docket number and case name in the opening sentence to avoid misrouting and confirm the target filing.

Statement of Agreement

A short declaration that the parties have agreed to the attached order and request the court enter and file it as the court’s order of record.

Attachment Notice

List the attached agreed order and any proposed order versions, specifying which document the court should enter and file.

Signature Block

Attorney or authorized party signature, printed name, bar number, firm, address, telephone, and email for docketing and contact.

Certificate of Service

A brief certificate confirming how and when opposing counsel and parties were served, consistent with local rules.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Sending the Letter

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete letter and ensure the agreed order is filed correctly by the court clerk.

01

Confirm Agreement: Verify all parties have signed the agreed order.
02

Draft Letter: Reference caption, docket number, and attach the order.
03

Add Service Info: Include certificate of service details.
04

File or Submit: Send via court e-filing or deliver to clerk.

How to Customize and Complete the Letter Online

Configure an online workflow to attach the agreed order, collect signatures, and deliver the package to the court or clerk reliably.

Setting	Recommended Value
Document Format	PDF/A preferred \| preserves formatting
Signature Fields	Signature and date fields \| required
Authentication	Email plus SMS code \| signer verification
Routing Order	Parties first, then court/clerk \| sequential deliver

Where to File or Send the Letter and Agreed Order

Identify the correct court filing path—federal or state electronic filing system, judge’s chambers where required, or the clerk’s office for manual filing.

Court E-Filing: Submit through the court’s electronic filing system when available.
Clerk of Court: Deliver directly to the clerk if e-filing is unavailable or paper is required.
Judge’s Chambers: Some judges request proposed orders via chambers email or filing portal; follow chamber rules.
Opposing Counsel: Serve opposing counsel simultaneously and include a certificate of service.

Distribution and Digital Signing Considerations

Choose a platform that supports PDF, DOCX, or HTML uploads, audit trails, and attachments to preserve the signed agreed order.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Signing Audit: Timestamp and IP logged
Integrations: Court portals and storage

Ensure chosen tools meet court authentication requirements and can produce an auditable certificate of completion to accompany the filed order.

Typical Timing and Deadlines to Watch

Local rules may set specific timing for submitting agreed orders after settlement; check the court’s civil rules and standing orders to avoid late filings.

Post-Settlement Filing:

File the agreed order promptly; some courts expect filing within 7–14 days.

Proposed Order Review:

Allow opposing counsel 24–72 hours to review proposed language before submission.

Service Deadline:

Serve all parties before or at the time of filing per local rule.

Judge Chambers Rules:

Observe chambers’ preferred submission method and timing.

E-Filing Cutoffs:

E-filing system daily cutoffs may affect same-day docketing.

Key Milestones in the Filing Process

Track these milestones to confirm the agreed order moves from signature to docketed dismissal without procedural gaps.

01

Agreement Executed

Parties sign the agreed order and confirm final language.

02

Order Prepared

Draft or enter the agreed order in final form.

03

Submission to Clerk

Letter and attached order submitted via e-file or clerk deliver.

04

Docket Entry

Clerk files and assigns a docket entry for dismissal.

Supporting Documents to Include with the Letter

Attach clear, properly signed supporting documents so the clerk can docket the agreed order without additional requests or corrections.

Signed Agreed Order

Attach the final agreed order with original signatures or legally valid electronic signatures as submitted by the parties.

Proposed Order

Provide a clean proposed order if the court prefers to enter a judge-signed version separate from the parties’ document.

Certificate of Service

Include a certificate detailing how and when opposing counsel and parties were served with the order and letter.

Supporting Releases

Attach releases, payoff statements, or exhibits that the order references to prevent follow-up filings.

Comparing eSignature Options Commonly Used for Filing Agreed Orders

Basic pricing and capability differences can affect per-document costs and compliance options; signNow is listed first for comparison with other vendors.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by promotion	Varies by promotion	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing an Agreed Order

Answers to common questions about preparing, signing, and submitting a Letter Requesting Filing of Agreed Order of Dismissal, with practical fixes for typical problems.

Need help? Contact support

What if the clerk rejects the filing?
If the clerk rejects the submission, confirm the stated reason, correct the document or format (caption, docket number, signature), and refile per the clerk’s instructions to avoid delay.
Can parties use electronic signatures?
Electronic signatures are generally acceptable under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the court or local rules do not require handwritten signatures.
Is notarization required?
Notarization is rarely required for a filing letter itself, but some attached instruments may require notarization; check local rules and the nature of the attached document.
How should I prove service to opposing counsel?
Include a certificate of service describing the method, recipients, and date of service; courts commonly require this with filings to verify notice.
What format should attachments use?
Use searchable PDF (PDF/A when possible) to preserve formatting and signatures; check the court’s e-filing technical requirements before submission.
Who can sign the agreed order?
A party’s attorney ordinarily signs for a represented client; a corporate officer or authorized representative may sign if local rules permit and authority is documented.

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