Document Preparation

 

What is Portable Document Format (PDF)

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format that preserves most attributes (including color, formatting, graphics, and more) of a source document no matter which application, platform, and hardware type was originally used to create it. PDF files can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free software application provided by Adobe Systems.  You can convert any document to PDF using Adobe Acrobat software.  All of the pleadings in the CM/ECF system are stored in PDF format.  

Setting Up Acrobat PDF Reader

Adobe's free Acrobat Reader software must be installed to view PDF documents that have been filed on the system.  The current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded at no charge at http://www.adobe.com.  

Note: The reader program will NOT allow the creation of a PDF image.  

Converting Documents to PDF Format

Only PDF documents may be filed in CM/ECF.  Before filing any document always preview the PDF to ensure the document is correct.

You must convert all of your documents to PDF before filing in CM/ECF.  The maximum file size allowable is available by viewing the "Court Information"page under the Utilities Menu in CM/ECF.  

The three methods of conversion include:

  1. Print directly to a PDF from a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word.
  2. Fillable (also referred to as data enabled or interactive) PDF’s.  Many of the forms available on our web site are fillable forms.  Remember to resave it to a non-interactive PDF before filing it.
  3. Scanning a paper document to PDF.

PDF Tips

Signature of Attorney Filer

Filing a document electronically through the Court’s CM/ECF system constitutes the filer’s signature. See Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7005(a)(2)(C) (“A filing made through a person’s electronic-filing account and authorized by that person, together with that person’s name on a signature block, constitutes the person’s signature.”).

A document filed electronically should display an “/s/”with the name typed in the location at which the signature would otherwise appear.

Quick Note Regarding Debtor's Signature

Documents which require the verified signature of the debtor include the petition, schedules, statement of affairs, statement of social security number, reaffirmation agreement, an application to pay filing fee in installments or waive chapter 7 filing fee, and amendments to the petition and schedules.

Signature of Party Filer

NM LBR 9011-1(b) provides that “[t]he court will treat a reproduced signature on any document filed with the court as an original signature.” 

Consistent with these rules, attorneys may file a scanned original or copy of a document that reflects the client’s actual signature, whether the signed document is obtained in person, by mail, by facsimile, or by email attachment. It is up to the attorney to ensure and be able to prove the signature is genuine.

At this time the Court is not willing to authorize use of digital signature software programs for the purpose of filing documents that require a person’s signature, nor is /s/ or the person’s name in cursive font sufficient.