Comments in eCourtDate let you add notes, observations, and updates directly to client, case, and event records. Every comment is timestamped and attributed to the author, creating a clear communication trail your team can reference at any time.

### Overview

- **What it is:** A commenting system available on client, case, and event records that allows staff to add notes, attach files, and maintain a running log of activity and observations.
- **Why it matters:** Written documentation protects your agency, supports compliance, and ensures all team members have access to the same information. Comments create an auditable timeline of decisions and actions.
- **Who uses it:** Case managers, pretrial officers, supervisors, court clerks, and any staff member who interacts with client, case, or event records.
- **Expected outcomes:** A chronological, searchable log of notes and files attached to records, visible to authorized staff.

### Prerequisites

- An active eCourtDate account with access to the relevant module (Clients, Cases, or Events)
- At least one existing client, case, or event record
- Appropriate role permissions to view and add comments

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Navigate to the Record

1. Open the record where you want to add a comment. Comments are available on any **Client**, **Case**, or **Event** record.
2. Navigate to the record by clicking the relevant module from the main navigation and selecting the specific record.

#### Step 2: Open the Comments Section

1. Scroll to the **Comments** section on the record detail page, or click the **Comments** tab if the record uses a tabbed layout.
2. Review existing comments to understand the current context before adding a new one.

#### Step 3: Add a Comment

1. Click the **Create Comment** button or click into the comment text area.
2. Enter your note in the text field. Be specific and include relevant details such as dates, outcomes, or next steps.
3. Click **Save** to post the comment.
4. The comment appears immediately in the timeline with your name, role, and timestamp.

#### Step 4: Attach a File to a Comment

1. Click **Create Comment** to open the comment form.
2. Click the **Attach File** button (or the paperclip icon) below the text field.
3. Select the file from your computer.
4. Add your note in the text field to provide context for the attachment.
5. Click **Save** to post the comment with the attached file.

#### Step 5: Search and Filter Comments

1. Use the **Search** bar within the Comments section to find comments by keyword.
2. Filter comments by author, date range, or record type using the available filter options.
3. Click a comment to expand and view its full content and any attachments.

### What to Expect

Comments are saved immediately and visible to all staff with access to that record. Each comment displays the author's name, role, and the exact date and time it was posted. Attached files are stored securely and can be downloaded by authorized team members. The comment timeline updates in real time, so multiple staff members can add notes without conflicts.

### Best Practices

- Write comments that provide context a colleague would need if they reviewed the record for the first time.
- Start comments with an action or outcome (for example, "Called client to confirm address" or "Supervisor approved schedule change").
- Attach relevant documents (court orders, correspondence, screenshots) directly to comments rather than storing them separately.
- Avoid duplicating information already captured in structured fields. Use comments for observations, decisions, and context that fields do not cover.
- Review the comment history before contacting a client to ensure you have the latest updates from other team members.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I edit or delete a comment after posting it?**
A: You can edit your own comments within a short window after posting. Administrators can manage comments if corrections are needed. Deleted comments are soft-deleted and remain in the audit log for compliance purposes.

**Q: Who can see the comments I add?**
A: Comments are visible to all staff members who have access to that specific record. Access is controlled by your agency's role and permission settings. Comments are not visible to clients unless your agency has configured client-facing notes.

**Q: Are comments included in exported reports?**
A: Yes. When you export a case or client record, comments are included in the export file. You can also filter and export comments independently from the **Comments** section.

**Q: Is there a character limit for comments?**
A: Comments support up to 5,000 characters. For longer documentation, consider attaching a file with the full content and adding a summary in the comment text.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** A comment does not appear after clicking **Save**.
**Symptoms:** The comment form clears but the new comment is not visible in the timeline.
**Solution:** Refresh the page to reload the comments section. If the comment still does not appear, check your internet connection and try posting again. If the issue persists, verify that your role has write access to the comments module.

**Issue:** File attachment fails when adding a comment.
**Symptoms:** An error message appears when attempting to upload a file, or the upload spinner runs indefinitely.
**Solution:** Verify that the file does not exceed the maximum upload size (typically 10 MB). Ensure the file format is supported (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PNG, JPG). Try a different browser if the issue continues.

### 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)