Filed
Filed: Officially made part of a court's record. In federal court, a paper not filed electronically is filed by delivering it to the clerk, or to a judge who agrees to accept it and then notes the date and sends it to the clerk (Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d)(2)). The clerk must not refuse to file a paper solely because it is not in the form required by the rules or a local rule (Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d)(4)). The filing date matters because deadlines and limitations periods often turn on it. For a prisoner without a lawyer, a notice of appeal is treated as filed when it is delivered to prison officials for mailing (Houston v. Lack, 487 U.S. 266 (1988); see FRAP 4(c)).
What filed means
In practice, you will see filed in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where filed comes up
For example, the term appears in these procedures:
- Proof of Service (Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l), 5(d)): a filing that shows the court how, when and on whom a document was served.
- Complaint (Fed. R. Civ. P. 3, 8(a)): the pleading that starts a civil action. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.
How to research the term
To research filed, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the official rule text online for free.
Related legal terms
- Affidavit: a written statement of facts sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
- Plaintiff: the person or entity that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
- Pleading: a formal written statement of a party's claims or defenses. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7(a), the pleadings are the complaint, the answer, and certain other listed documents. Motions are not pleadings.
- Complaint: the pleading that starts a civil case by stating the plaintiff's claims and the relief requested.
- Caption: the heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.