Absent statutory authority, no case or document may be sealed without an order from the Court, and therefore, each document must be accompanied by a Motion to Seal.

However, if a party does not wish its full residence address to appear on the public docket, a motion is not required. Simply omit the address from the Complaint and simultaneously file under seal a notice containing its full address. The notice will be filed under seal and your address will not be entered on the public docket. [LCvR 5.1(c)(1)]

All sealed documents must be filed in paper in person in the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours only (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) or by mail. Sealed documents must not be filed in the speedy drop box at the entrance of the courthouse, left with a Court Security Office, nor emailed to the court. [LCvR 5.1(h)(2) and (3) and Standing Order 25-49]

Sealed documents must be submitted in a securely sealed envelope clearly marked with the warning FILED UNDER SEAL. The warning should also be placed on the first page of the pleading in the area of the civil action number. Compliance with this provision is required. Members of the press have access to all public records. Failure to advise the Clerk’s Office regarding the sensitivity of a pleading will result in it being placed on the public docket. [LCvR 5.1(h)(2)]