Leave comments on any record in eCourtDate to share context, decisions, and updates with your team. Comments create a permanent audit trail that keeps everyone aligned and accountable.

### Overview

Comments let you attach notes, files, and internal messages directly to cases, events, and client records. Every comment is timestamped and attributed to the staff member who wrote it, giving your agency a complete history of internal communication tied to each record. Whether you need to document a phone call with a defendant, flag a scheduling conflict, or share a court order with a colleague, comments keep that information where it belongs: on the record itself.

Comments are visible only to staff members with access to the record. They are not shared with clients or visible on public portals.

### Prerequisites

Before adding comments to records, make sure you have:

- An active eCourtDate user account with access to your agency
- A role that grants permission to view and edit the record type (cases, events, or clients)
- The record you want to comment on already created in the system
- Any files you plan to attach saved locally on your device

### How-To Steps

#### Adding a Comment to a Record

1. Navigate to the record where you want to leave a comment. You can access records through **Cases**, **Events**, or **Clients** in the top navigation bar.
2. Search for and select the specific record by clicking the **Edit** button next to it in the results table.
3. Scroll down to the **Comments** section on the record's detail page.
4. Enter your comment in the text field. Be specific about the context, such as the date of a conversation, the decision made, or the action required.
5. Click the **Create Comment** button to save your comment.

#### Attaching Files to a Comment

1. Open the record and scroll to the **Comments** section.
2. Enter your comment text describing the attached file (for example, "Court order received 02/13/2026").
3. Click the **Attach File** button or drag and drop your file into the attachment area.
4. Verify the file name and size appear correctly before submitting.
5. Click the **Create Comment** button to save the comment with the attached file.

#### Viewing the Comment History

1. Navigate to the record you want to review.
2. Scroll to the **Comments** section to see all comments listed in chronological order.
3. Review each comment's author name, timestamp, and content.
4. Click on any attached files to download or preview them.

#### Adding Comments from a Client Profile

1. Click on **Clients** in the top navigation bar.
2. Search for and select the client whose profile you want to comment on.
3. Click the **Edit** button to open the client's profile.
4. Scroll to the **Comments** section.
5. Enter your note and click **Create Comment**.
6. To comment on a specific case or event linked to that client, click the **Cases** or **Events** link in the client's sidebar to navigate to the related record, then add your comment there.

### What to Expect

After adding a comment, it appears immediately in the **Comments** section of the record. The comment displays your name, the date and time it was posted, and the full text of your note. Attached files appear as downloadable links below the comment text.

Comments are permanent and cannot be edited after submission. If you need to correct or clarify a previous comment, add a new comment referencing the earlier one. This ensures a complete and unaltered audit trail for compliance and accountability.

### Best Practices

- **Be specific and actionable.** Include dates, names, and next steps in your comments so other staff can act on the information without follow-up questions.
- **Attach supporting documents.** When referencing a court order, email, or external document, attach the file directly to the comment so it stays linked to the record.
- **Use comments instead of external channels.** Keeping communication on the record rather than in email or chat ensures nothing gets lost and the full history is available during audits or reviews.
- **Add comments in real time.** Document conversations, decisions, and observations as they happen rather than retroactively. This improves accuracy and reduces the risk of forgotten details.
- **Reference related records.** If a comment applies to multiple records (for example, a case and a client), note the case number or client reference in each comment for easy cross-referencing.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can clients or the public see comments added to their records?**
A: No. Comments are internal only and visible exclusively to staff members with access to the record. Comments do not appear on web portals or in any client-facing communications.

**Q: Can I edit or delete a comment after it has been posted?**
A: Comments cannot be edited or deleted once submitted. This preserves the integrity of the audit trail. If you need to add a correction, post a new comment clarifying the earlier entry.

**Q: Is there a limit to the number of comments I can add to a single record?**
A: No. You can add an unlimited number of comments to any record. Each comment is stored with the record and remains accessible as long as the record exists in the system.

**Q: What file types can I attach to a comment?**
A: You can attach common document formats including PDF, Word, Excel, and image files (JPG, PNG). File size limits are determined by your agency's storage configuration.

**Q: Do comments carry over if a record is archived or restored?**
A: Yes. Comments are permanently tied to the record. If a case, event, or client record is archived and later restored, all comments and attachments remain intact.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Comment does not appear after clicking **Create Comment**.
**Symptoms:** You click the **Create Comment** button but the comment does not show in the **Comments** section. No confirmation message appears.
**Solution:**

1. Check your internet connection and refresh the page.
2. Verify you have the correct permissions by confirming your role in **Admin** > **Users**.
3. Try entering the comment again and clicking **Create Comment**.
4. If the issue persists, sign in to eCourtDate and create a support ticket by clicking the ticket button in the bottom right corner of the screen.

**Issue:** File attachment fails to upload.
**Symptoms:** The file does not appear after dragging it into the attachment area or clicking **Attach File**.
**Solution:**

1. Confirm the file size does not exceed the allowed limit for your agency.
2. Verify the file format is supported (PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, PNG).
3. Try a different browser or clear your browser cache.
4. If the issue continues, contact support through the ticket button in the bottom right corner.

### Related Articles

- [How to Manage Cases](/how-to-manage-cases)
- [How to Manage Clients](/how-to-manage-clients)
- [How to Manage Events](/how-to-manage-events)