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On December 20, 2025, New York civil practice underwent significant changes that will impact how cases are handled in the state. The changes were implemented by the New York State Legislature in an effort to streamline the civil court system and improve efficiency.One of the most notable changes is the implementation of electronic filing for all civil cases. This move is aimed at reducing paperwork, increasing accessibility for parties and attorneys, and expediting the court process. All parties involved in civil cases will now be required to file documents electronically through the court's online portal.In addition to electronic filing, the new rules also include provisions for electronic service of documents. This means that parties can now serve legal documents on each other electronically, rather than through traditional methods such as mail or in-person delivery. This change is expected to further speed up the litigation process and reduce costs associated with paper service.Another significant change is the introduction of mandatory mediation for certain types of civil cases. Parties in personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil matters will now be required to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial. This is intended to encourage parties to settle their disputes outside of court, saving time and resources for both the parties and the court system.Overall, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on New York civil practice, making the legal process more efficient and accessible for all parties involved. The new rules will help to modernize the state's civil court system and bring it in line with other states that have already implemented similar reforms.