Definition
A pre-filing audit runs Merito Audit's rule engine — deterministic, code-first checks (exhibit numbering, cross-reference consistency, formatting, language detection) layered with targeted AI review — over a case's full document set before it's filed, surfacing gaps and inconsistencies a petitioner can fix ahead of submission rather than after an RFE.
Context
Anything mechanically checkable (do exhibit numbers match their citations, are dates consistent across documents, does a scanned page meet a basic legibility bar) is implemented as plain code, not an AI call — the AI layer is reserved for judgment calls a deterministic rule can't make.
Key points
- Combines deterministic, code-first checks with targeted AI review.
- Meant to run before filing, not as a substitute for attorney review.
Common misconception
A pre-filing audit is a consistency and completeness check, not a legal-sufficiency opinion.
Related terms
Go further
Merito is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice or predict approval odds. This is a readiness review to help you and your attorney strengthen your case.