Getting Started

Introduction

Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) is a comprehensive case management system that allows courts to maintain electronic case files. It allows registered participants with Internet access and an Internet web browser to electronically open cases and file documents. CM/ECF is used in every United States Bankruptcy Court and United States District Court.

This online manual provides instructions for using CM/ECF (also referred to as ECF) to file documents and retrieve reports and documents. Users should have a working knowledge of Internet web browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and PDF creation software such as Adobe Professional.

Help Desk

For assistance using CM/ECF, please contact the Help Desk between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Mountain Time (excluding federal holidays).

505-415-7999, option 4 or 866-291-6805, option 4

e-mail: web_ops@nmb.uscourts.gov

For assistance with case related information, notice of errors, or obtaining copies, please contact the Clerk's Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Mountain Time (excluding federal holidays).

505-415-7999, press 0 or 866-291-6805, press 0

You may also click on Chat With Us online for assistance.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Filing documents in CM/ECF electronic filing system requires the following hardware and software:

  • A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or Mac OS.
  • A PDF-compatible word processor such as Microsoft Word.
  • Internet service
  • A Web browser. Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Chrome are recommended. The recommended browsers have been tested and certified for compatibility with CM/ECF. .
  • Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable document format (PDF).
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free, or equivalent is needed for viewing PDF documents.
  • A scanner will be necessary to create electronic images of physical documents. Note: Documents should be scanned in black and white, b/w text, or text depending on the scanner, at a setting no lower than 300 dpi (dots per inch).

Note: If using bankruptcy petition software, the Clerk's Office does not provide training in the use of bankruptcy petition software nor does the Clerk's Office recommend or endorse any particular product.

ECF Capabilities

The electronic filing system allows registered participants with Internet access and an Internet web browser to:

  • Electronically open cases and file documents
  • Search for specific docket events
  • Upload orders electronically
  • Pay filing fees via the Internet directly to the United States Treasury Department
  • View various reports to obtain case specific information
  • View official docket sheets and documents