Procedural Issues
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How does the system handle the filing of a multi-part motion?
Although the system is designed to allow the selection of more than one motion, there is a problem with the granting and/or denying all parts of a multi-part motions with the subsequent order. Therefore, the court is not accepting multi-part motions at this time.
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When a user files a pleading with the court does the system automatically serve the other parties or does the user have to do something extra to serve the others? Do the other parties get notification of a filing or do they get the actual document?
When a document is filed in CM/ECF, a Notice of Electronic Filing(NEF) is automatically generated and emailed to the registered parties in the case. The NEF includes the text of the docket entry, the unique electronic document stamp, a list of the case participants receiving email notification of the filing, and a hyperlink to the document(s) filed. If a party requiring service is not a registered user that party will not receive the NEF and will need service by mail.
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What format will the Notice of Electronic (NEF) be in when it comes into my office?
The NEF can be in one of two formats:
- HTML format allows the recipient to view the documents through a hyperlink. Most E mail applications allow an HTML format.
- Text Only format does not provide a hyperlink to documents. To view documents if you have selected a text only format you muse do so through a docket report.
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Will the system support scanned documents in color?
The system does support scanned, color documents, however, because color documents are considerably larger, the court will not accept documents in color.
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What should an attorney do if the document he or she is filing is not listed in the pick list?
If a user wishes to file a document that is not listed in the pick list, he or she should choose the event that most closely resembles the pleading. Suggestions regarding events should be directed to the ECF e-mail site at cmecfhelpdesk@mieb.uscourts.gov The court will review these requests to determine the necessity of creating new events.
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I have not been able to add creditor information when filing a proof of claim and the creditor information is not already in the system.
There was a problem with allowing external users access to add creditor information to the system. This has been corrected and that feature is now available.
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Where do I submit an order for the judge to review?
Pursuant to ECF Procedure 7 proposed shall be submitted in WordPerfect format and not in PDF. These orders are submitted to chambers through an Order Submission Program available from the ECF menu using the following steps:
- Select Utilities from the Blue Menu Bar.
- Select the hyper link, Proposed Orders.
- Select the Judge you wish to receive the proposed order by clicking the down arrow and highlighting the appropriate judge's name
- Select GO.
- Complete the information on the screen
- Valid e-mail address
- Case number
- Comment (if any)
- Attach document.
NOTE: Document must be a WordPerfect document. - Click Submit.
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If I have a member of my staff giving service of a document and they have signed the Proof of Service, can this still be filed under my login and password?
A certificate of service electronically signed by support staff Pursuant to ECF Procedure 11 and entered using the attorney login and password will be accepted by the court.
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What do I do if I accidently file a motion requiring a fee in the wrong case? Will I be charged a second fee when it is filed in the correct case?
Yes, you will be charged the second fee when the motion is filed in the correct case. The motion filed in the wrong case should be withdrawn and a motion requesting a refund of the money should be filed in the case where the mistake was made.
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What do I do if Pay.Gov is not coming up for me?
Make sure the following is true:
- Using Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Pop-up blocker is turned off
- Have cleared the cache
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How do I clear the cache?
In Internet Explorer:
- Click on Tools on the tool bar
- Select Internet Options
- Click on Delete Cookies
* Click OK - Click on Delete Files
* Click OK - Click OK
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If I submit a matrix in PDF format with the voluntary petition, is that sufficient?
No. The matrix should be filed as a PDF document with the petition but the creditors should also be uploaded into the database by following these steps:
- Click on Bankruptcy
- Click on Creditor Maintenance...
- Click on Upload a creditor matrix file
- Enter the case number
- Browse for the matrix
NOTES: The matrix must be in Text (.*txt) format - Select the matrix to appear in the document window
- Click Next.
- The total number of creditors uploaded will be indicated.
- Click Submit
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When I'm filing a new case and I have the Statement of Social Security Number, how can I be entering that and maintain the security of the debtor's social security number?
Make sure that the Statement of Social Security Number is filed as a separate document using the event for Statement of Social Security Number. If anyone outside a court employee tries to access that document, they will receive an error message denying them access and therefore would not be able to view the entire social security number.
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What should I do if I realize I entered my document in the wrong case?
Enter the document in the correct case, and you may wish to withdraw the document entered in the wrong case.
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How do I know who will receive electronic notice of my document and who will need to be served by regular mail?
This information can be verified through the following steps:
- Click on Utilities
- Click on Mailings...
- Click on Mailing Info for a Case.
- Enter the case number
- The information will be displayed for you.
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I have tried to look at documents from my e-mail but the system won't let me.
Not every entry on a document will have a PDF attached. A document filed with the court in paper and entered on the docket by court staff will not have a hyperlink to view that document. Those documents are still available from the file in the Clerk's office.