- What is CM/ECF?
- What does CM/ECF provide for attorneys and the public?
- Is CM/ECF currently available?
- Will all federal courts offer electronic filing?
- What hardware and software are needed to file documents in CM/ECF?
- Who may file documents on CM/ECF?
- Why can't I see a document in a criminal case?
- Who may view documents on CM/ECF?
- Do documents that will be filed on CM/ECF systems need to be in a particular format?
- Are there fees associated with CM/ECF?
- How will users learn how to file documents in CM/ECF systems?
- Are there procedural rules relating to electronic filing?
- How do I register for PACER?
- Why should I sign up for Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)?
- When I get ready to prepare my certificate of service, how do I find out who is participating in electronic filing?
- What if the system will not accept my password?
- What if I have changed my password/login and I can't remember what it is or CM/ECF will
not recognize my new information?
- How long is my login/password valid?
- How many additional e-mail addresses can I put in the system?
- Can out of state attorneys be added to the system so that they can e-file and get electronic notices?
- Can I log into the Middle District\Western District\Bankruptcy Courts with my login and
password from the Eastern District of North Carolina?
- How do I include exhibits, proposed orders, or other attachments?
- Can I file SEALED pleadings in CM/ECF?
- What if I get an NEF with a hyperlink to a document but the system asks for my login again
and will not let me see the document?
- Is there a time limitation on access to Notices of Electronic Filing (NEF's)?
- How do I file a response to a document that is not showing in the system?
- How do I handle proposed orders that need to be submitted in conjunction with a motion?
- If I am having trouble getting my "free look" at a filing, what steps might I take
before calling the help desk?
- How do I know if my pdf document is more than 2.5 megabytes before I get
to the point of trying to pull the pdf into CM/ECF?
- What if I have a pleading with a large number of attachments such that the
total file size (main document plus attachments) is in excess of 20 megabytes?
- When scanning my documents to convert them to pdf's, what resolution should I use?
What is CM/ECF?
CM/ECF -- the Case Management/Electronic Case Files project -- is a joint project of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the federal courts to replace existing case management systems with a new system based on current technology, new software, and increased functionality. This new system will give federal courts the ability to maintain electronic case files and offer electronic filing of court documents over the Internet.
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What does CM/ECF provide for attorneys and the public?
CM/ECF offers a number of benefits for attorneys and the public: . Case information, including the docket sheet and the filed documents, is available for viewing and downloading to attorneys and the public at any time from locations other than the courthouse, via the Internet through the PACER system at a cost of seven cents per page. ATTORNEYS AND PARTIES ARE PROVIDED FREE ACCESS ONE TIME TO DOCUMENTS FILED ELECTRONICALLY IN THEIR CASES.
- Parties, the judge, court staff and the public can review the case file simultaneously.
- At the court's option, registered attorneys can file case documents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, over the Internet, with no additional filing fees. Attorneys can file case documents from their offices or homes right up to the filing deadline, without worrying about postage, messenger services or traffic congestion.
- Attorneys filing over the Internet automatically create docket entries, and docket sheets are updated immediately when documents are filed.
- An automatic verification, in the form of a "Notice of Electronic Filing," is sent by e-mail to the filer immediately after filing.
- Parties to litigation can receive immediate notice by e-mail of activity in their case that contains a hyperlink to the filed document.
- Since CM/ECF uses Internet standard software, the out-of-pocket cost of participation for attorneys is typically very low.
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Is CM/ECF currently available?
The CM/ECF system for bankruptcy courts is being implemented nationally over a two-to-three year period starting March 2001. The district court CM/ECF system began to roll out nationally in May 2002. A CM/ECF system for appellate courts is also being deployed. This is a list of courts currently using CM/ECF. Millions of cases and tens of millions of documents are on CM/ECF systems, and thousands of attorneys across the country are filing documents electronically. ( Top )
Will all federal courts offer electronic filing?
The use of CM/ECF's electronic filing capabilities is at each individual court's option. Many of the courts that have implemented or are in the process of implementing CM/ECF have chosen to offer electronic filing. For information about whether your local court will be offering electronic filing, contact your local court.
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What hardware and software are needed to file documents in CM/ECF systems?
Filers will need the following hardware and software to file documents in the CM/ECF electronic filing system: A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or Macintosh.
- A PDF-compatible word processor like Macintosh or Windows-based versions of WordPerfect or Word.
- Internet service.
- Netscape Navigator version 4.6 or 4.7 (Netscape 6 is not recommended for use with CM/ECF.) or Internet Explorer 5.5.
- Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable document format (PDF). There are several programs that will provide this function. Here is a partial list: Adobe Acrobat, PDF Factory, and PDF995.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free, is needed for viewing PDF documents.
- A scanner may be necessary to create electronic images of documents that are not in your word processing system.
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Who may file documents on CM/ECF systems?
Filing a document into CM/ECF requires a login and password. Each court determines for itself to whom it will issue filing logins and passwords. At the present time, courts offering electronic filing are providing document filing access principally to attorneys, although some courts are also providing access to U.S. Trustees and bankruptcy case trustees. A few courts are permitting bankruptcy claimants to file electronically.
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Why can't I see a document in a criminal case?
Pursuant to the policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States, documents filed in criminal cases before November 1, 2004 are viewable to court users and case participants only. These documents may be viewed at the courthouse.
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Who may view documents on CM/ECF systems?
Subject to court orders in individual cases, policy, or other individual court limitations, the public may view dockets and documents in CM/ECF systems through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records ( PACER ) program. PACER logins are available to the public at: http:www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/register.html . Directed by Congress to fund electronic access through user fees, the federal judiciary has set the fee at the lowest possible level sufficient to recoup program costs. Information is currently available at a rate of seven cents per page, with a maximum cost per document of $2.10.
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Do documents that will be filed on CM/ECF systems need to be in a particular format?
CM/ECF systems are designed to accept only documents in PDF format. This format was chosen because it allows a document to retain its pagination, formatting and fonts no matter what type of computer is used to view or print the document. It is also an open standard format. Adobe developed the format, and offers software that allows conversion of documents created in most word processing systems into PDF. This software is recommended. Several word processing and other programs contain features that convert documents created in those programs into PDF.
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Are there fees associated with CM/ECF?
There are no added fees for filing documents over the Internet using CM/ECF, although existing court document filing fees do apply. Electronic access to individual case docket sheets and filed documents is available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records ( PACER ) program. Litigants receive one free copy of documents filed electronically in their cases; additional copies are available to attorneys and to the general public for viewing or downloading at the current PACER cost of $0.08 per page with a $2.40 max on the charge for any single document. Directed by Congress to fund electronic access through user fees, the federal judiciary has set the fee at the lowest possible level sufficient to recoup program costs.
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How will users learn how to file documents in CM/ECF systems?
Each court that offers electronic filing will provide training. Filing documents in CM/ECF is easy; a minimal amount of training is generally all that is needed. Many courts also have developed user manuals for attorneys and other users, which are available on their Web sites. A set of training modules is also available here.
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Are there procedural rules relating to electronic filing?
Rule 5(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 5005(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, Rule 25(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Rule 49(d) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure authorize individual courts by local rule to permit papers to be filed by electronic means. New amendments to Rules 5(b), 6(e) and 77 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 45 and 49 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules 25 and 26 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Rules 7005, 9006, 9014 and 9022 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, authorize service of documents by electronic means if parties consent. The amendments do not apply to service of process. For more information, click here.
Most courts that offer electronic filing have issued an authorizing local rule; most have supplemented the local rule with a general order and/or procedures that set forth the relevant procedures governing electronic filing in that court. Individual court rules and procedures are generally available on their Web sites .
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How do I register for PACER?
Go to the PACER Service Center's website at www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov, and complete the online form as instructed. You may also call the center toll free at 1-800-676-6856 to register.
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Why should I sign up for Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)?
All electronic case filings are accessed through PACER. In order to review a case filing, you must be registered on PACER.
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When I get ready to prepare my certificate of service, how do I find out who is participating in electronic filing?
1. Go to the “Utilities” function on your blue bar.
2. Click on “Mailings.”
3. Click on “Mailing Info for a Case.”
4. Put in your case number.
5. Select your case from the list.
6. The report will tell you who the system is serving
electronically and who you need to serve by paper.
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What if the system will not accept my password?
1. Determine that you are in the live database - the CM/ECF background should be yellow. If you see a blue background in the CM/ECF screens, you are trying to log onto the training database.
2. Make sure that the cookies are turned on in your browser.
3. Turn off your pop-up blockers.
4. Clear the cache before trying to log in again.
5. If the system still will not allow you to log-in, we may need to issue a new
password. Please call 1-866-855-8894.
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What if I have changed my password/login and I can’t remember what it is or CM/ECF will
not recognize my new information?
Call 1-866-855-8894. We may need to reset your password/login.
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How long is my login/password valid?
The initial login/password provided by the Clerk’s Office is good for 30 days.
You will need to change your password within this time frame as it will expire.
After you initially change your password, it will not need to be reset unless
you simply with to change it or if your password’s security is breached.
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How many additional e-mail addresses can I put in the system?
You may have up to 10 additional e-mail addresses in the system.
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Can out of state attorneys be added to the system so that they can e-file and get electronic notices?
No. Attorneys who are not members of the N.C. State Bar cannot be admitted
per our local rules. They must associate with local counsel and all filings are
submitted by local counsel. The exception is if there is a Court order admitting
or allowing the attorney in for limited purposes.
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Can I log into the Middle District\Western District\Bankruptcy Courts with my login and
password from the Eastern District of North Carolina?
No. You can make all of your passwords the same by utilizing the Utilities
function and resetting your passwords. You will still have to go to each
court’s individual CM/ECF site to log in for filing in that court.
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How do I include exhibits, proposed orders, or other attachments?
Make the CM/ECF entry for your main document. After you have browsed
and pulled in your main document, you will change the “Attachments to
Document” button from NO to YES. Click next. You will now have a screen
that will allow you to browse and pull in your attachment(s). You will then
use the Category and Description boxes to further define the exact nature of
your attachments. Add the attachments to your cart and continue. You may
include as many attachments as you need keeping in mind that the maximum
page limit per document is 45 pages of PDF text. Make sure that you add the
documents to your cart or they will not appear in the docket entry!
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Can I file SEALED pleadings in CM/ECF?
NO! Any matter that is to be filed under seal should be either mailed to or
brought in to the Clerk’s Office as per the manner utilized prior to CM/ECF! IF you realize that you have filed a sealed matter utilizing CM/ECF, call the
1-866-855-8894 help desk immediately.
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What if I get an NEF with a hyperlink to a document but the system asks for my login again
and will not let me see the document?
In criminal and social security cases a user will be prompted for his or her
login. This MUST be the login for the attorney in the case. If the user has
not indicated a permanent pacer account to be used, the user will next see a
pacer account login screen and a valid pacer ID must be entered. Once that
ID is entered, the document will be displayed. The user will see that there
is no billing notice. In criminal and social security cases, ONLY the attorney of record will be allowed to view the document. This is a CM/ECF system
protection for criminal and social security cases.
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Is there a time limitation on access to Notices of Electronic Filing (NEF's)?
Yes, there is a 15-day time limit that runs from the filing of the document.
You should access your free look within this time frame and either print
or save your file-stamped copy. After 15 days, the link will be voided
and you will need to access the NEF through your PACER account.
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How do I file a response to a document that is not showing in the system?
Mandatory electronic filing does not become effective unit June 1, 2006.
In the interim, you may find yourself needing to file a response to a document
that has been mailed to our office and not yet entered in CM/ECF. Even after
June 1, 2006, prisoner and pro se filers will not be filing electronically. If you
find yourself in this situation, call 1-866-855-8894. The technician will either
notify the case manager so that they can enter the document in question or help you with a work-around so that you can enter your pleading.
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How do I handle proposed orders that need to be submitted in conjunction with a motion?
Proposed orders should be submitted in accordance with each presiding judge's
Practice Preferences as shown on our web site under "Judges-District".
IF no instruction is provided under a particular judge's Practice Preferences,
then filers should make any proposed order an attachment to the motion
in question and submit the proposed order in pdf format through CM/ECF
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If I am having trouble getting my "free look" at a filing, what steps might I take
before calling the help desk?
You could clear your cache by going to your tool bar. Select "Tools" and
then "Internet Option." You then want to "Clear History" and "Delete Cookies."
You could also close your internet browser and then reopen because the
browser may be operating from a "remembered" page.
You could check that you have any pop-up blockers turned off.
You could check that any generic security settings on your computer are
not unnecessarily restricting your access.
If a user gets a message that the document is not available, check the address
line of the browser you are using and make sure that the address starts with
"ecf.nced.uscourts.gov". To do this, hold your curser over the document number
and the browser address should appear at the bottom of the page. Remove any
preceding characters to get to the correct address.
Make sure that you are the lead attorney in the case and that the notice
is going to your e-mail address. Secondary notice recipients in criminal
and social security cases will NOT be able to access a free look.
For criminal and social security cases, the ECF ID must be the first login ID
to be entered and then a valid PACER ID if a permanent PACER account
has not been selected. If not entered in this manner, the free look will not
be recognized.
To enter a permanent PACER account, log in to CM/ECF. Go
to "Utilities." Select "Change Your PACER login." Log in to
your PACER account and select "Make this my Default PACER
login."
IF you forgot to associate yourself with the party AND/OR to check that you are
lead counsel, go ahead and docket a notice of attorney appearance to put yourself
in the case. This should generate and NEF for you for all subsequent filings.
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How do I know if my pdf document is more than 2.5 megabytes before I get
to the point of trying to pull the pdf into CM/ECF?
Create your pdf document and save it on your computer. Then, go to
Windows Explorer. You can most likely access this by clicking
"Start" then
"Programs" then
"Accessories" then
RIGHT click on "Windows Explorer." then
"Properties"
"Find Target Document"
Search to find the document in question. The screen will tell you the
size of your pdf. Any document with 2,500 KB's is the
equivalent of 2.5 megabytes and will need to be broken
down into smaller documents before filing through CM/ECF.
IF you find that your document is too large and you use Adobe Professional,
you may use Adobe Professional to extract a part of the document and re-save
it as a supplemental file without having to re-scan. Other pdf programs may
have a similar extraction features.
To do so, have your pdf document open, click on "Document" on
the tool bar. Then select "Extract Pages." Then select "Extract
Pages as Separate Files." Name and accept the new document and
tell the computer where you want to save it.
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What if I have a pleading with a large number of attachments such that the
total file size (main document plus attachments) is in excess of 20 megabytes?
We suggest that you file the main document and a portion of your attachments
such that the total file size is under 20 megabytes. When you get the NEF
for the this first filing, go to "Notices" and select "Notice (Other)."
Name the document as an "Addendum to the DE (Docket Entry) in question.
You may then proceed to file more of your attachments, up to a total file
size of 20 megabytes or less. You will have the opportunity to associate
this supplemental pleading with your main document. You will do this
by linking the supplemental filing using the "Refer to Existing Event(s)?"
screen you will encounter while filing your "Addendum." You may repeat
this supplemental process as necessary to accommodate your entire document.
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When scanning my documents to convert them to pdf's, what resolution should I use?
The court suggests a resolution setting of 200 dpi and in black and white.
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