ECF Basics

Login and Password

Any login name and password required for electronic filing shall be used only by the person to whom the login name and password are assigned and by such filing agents of that person’s firm as that person shall authorize.

Care should be taken to ensure that the PC you use to log on to CM/ECF from is secure and not susceptible to, or infected by, spyware, viruses, and other computing dangers. It is a good idea to change your password frequently to reduce the risk of many of these dangers.

If you believe that the security of a log in has been compromised, you should change your password.

Logging into CM/ECF

Access the live system at https://ecf.nmb.uscourts.gov/

Click on New Mexico - Document Filing System hyperlink located underneath the CM/ECF logo.

At the NEW MEXICO BANKRUPTCY COURT Login screen enter your PACER login and password. The Notice of Redaction Responsibility box MUST be checked.

Privacy of client information

Since bankruptcy records are public, all private information with very few exceptions, must be redacted prior to filing. Check the pleading carefully before filing it. Redacted information includes, but is not limited to social security numbers, names of minor children, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers.

ECF Menu Bar

The CM/ECF Main Menu Bar contains links for accessing different categories of functions and events used for filing and viewing documents.

CM/ECF

The CM/ECF menu contains a court summary about the New Mexico Bankruptcy Court including the court address. It also includes a link with additional court information about contacting the Clerk's Office, contacting the PACER Service Center and information about the current version of CM/ECF. You can also sign up for RSS Feeds by using this button option.

Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy menu contains links to the events for filing documents in bankruptcy cases. The links are divided by category. Clicking on the individual links will open a “pick list”of events for the user to select.

Adversary

The Adversary menu contains links for filing documents in adversary proceedings. Clicking on the individual links will open a “pick list”of events for the user to select.

Query

The Query menu allows you to view a variety of information such as the docket sheet, claims register, documents filed in a case, notices of electronic filing, and party information.

Reports

The Reports menu allows you to run a variety of reports such as docket activity reports and claims register reports. A user can also print copies of documents filed in a case.

Utilities

The Utilities menu provides options to check for fees due, payment history, court information, check PDF document, and more.

Search

A pop-up window displays allowing you to enter the text to be searched. You can type part of a word, a full word, two words, or the entire event name. Using this button reduces errors and reduces the number of screens required to docket your pleading.

Logout

Allows you to logout of the ECF system. If this is not done, the next time you log into the system it will warn you that the account is being used and you must click continue to proceed.

Docket Events

The Bankruptcy and Adversary menus contain hyperlinks with different categories. Each category provides you with a list of specific docket events. Once a docket event is selected you can continue with the processing of filing a document, whether it be a new case filing, a motion or an objection. As you navigate through the docketing process, you will enter information and then click on the Next or Submit buttons to continue to the next screen.

Selecting Multiple Items

There will be times when you will want to select multiple items from lists, such as picking both debtors from the party filer pick list or when referencing an existing document. In certain situations, it may be necessary to select multiple categories to which the event relates.

To select multiple items:

  • Click and drag the mouse to select a consecutive group of items
  • Click on the first item on the list, hold down the Shift key, and click on the last item in the list to select a consecutive group of items
  • Click on an item, hold down the Ctrl key (or Command key), and click on the next desired item to select individual items from a list

Text-only Events

There are a few events that are text-only entries. For example, the trustee's §341 concluded event is a text-only entry. Another example is a notice of unavailability of the attorney for the debtor to attend the §341 meeting.

Text-only events do not have PDF attachments or images.

Pay Filing Fees

Overview

  • CM/ECF includes an interactive payment module called Pay.gov.
  • Pay.gov is the U.S. Department of Treasury website for making secure electronic payments to federal government agencies.
  • All electronic filers are required to pay filings fees through Pay.gov.
  • Payments can be made
    • Directly from your bank account (ACH)
    • Credit or debit cards
      • American Express
      • Discover
      • MasterCard
      • Visa

Payment Panel

  • The Summary of current charges panel appears during the electronic filing process when a new case is commenced or a document that requires a fee is filed.
  • Click Pay Now or Continue Filing to pay later.
  • Re-enter your PACER password. A PACER screen will appear with the fee amount and any stored credit card or ACH information, as well as options to enter a credit card or an ACH account. You may store up to three payment methods.
  • Filing fees must be paid by 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time, on the day you file the documents or CM/ECF will automatically lock your account for e-filing purposes. To restore your e-filing privileges, log into CM/ECF, click on Utilities, and select Internet Payments Due. After completing the payment process, all menus should display. If they do not, refresh your screen.

Official Document of Record

New Mexico Local Bankruptcy Rule 5003-1 states:“(c) Official Record. The official document of record is the electronic document stored in the court’s database.”

A printed copy of the Notice of Electronic Filing associated with the document is the equivalent of the Court’s mechanical file stamp. The Notice of Electronic Filing is produced when the filing is submitted, and is available to the filer at that point. The Notice of Electronic Filing is also sent to other e-filers on the case when the filing is submitted. The filer and other recipients may wish to print or save the notice for future reference or use.

After Hours Electronic Filing

Any document filed electronically will be electronically file stamped with the actual time and date of filing;this information appears in the footer of the document and in the Notice of Electronic Filing associated with the document.

New Mexico Local Bankruptcy Rule 5005-2(b) reads as follows:“After Hours Electronic Filing. Unless otherwise ordered, any paper filed electronically must be filed before midnight local time to be considered timely filed that day."

Paper documents are file-stamped upon receipt, and the date reflected on the file stamp will be what is used as the file date in CM/ECF.

Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)

The NEF contains the date of electronic distribution and identification of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Mexico as the sender. An encrypted verification code appears in the electronic document stamp section of the NEF. The electronic document stamp shall be used for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the transmission and associated document(s) with the Clerk of Court, as necessary. When a document has been electronically filed in CM/ECF, the official record is the electronic recording of the document kept in the custody of the Clerk of Court and is considered the "file stamp"for the associated document. The NEF provides certification that the associated document(s) is a true and correct copy of the original filed with the court. For a detailed description for each part of the NEF, click here.

  • The NEF is transmitted via e-mail by the CM/ECF system to the filer’s e-mail address on record with the court. You may view the filed documents once without charge (free look). The free look is only available for 15 days.
  • You can print it to a PDF file or print a paper copy for your records. Click on the hyperlink below for more instructions on how to print to PDF or paper copy.