• A personal computer running a standard platform.
• An Internet provider using Point to Point Protocol (PPP).
• An up to date internet browser
• Software to convert documents to Portable Document Format (PDF), such as Adobe Acrobat Writer.
• A scanner to transmit documents that are not in your word processing system
• If you use a modem to connect to your Internet service provider, we recommend one with a speed of at least 56k. We would further like to recommend the use of a DSL or cable modem line in lieu of a standard telephone line.

What is Adobe Acrobat? <back to top of page>
Adobe Acrobat is commercial software from Adobe that allows you to convert your documents in PDF (portable document format). All documents filed in CM/ECF must be in PDF format. Acrobat Exchange is available from commercial software retailers. Adobe also distributes a program called Acrobat Reader that allows you to view and print (but not create) PDF documents. The reader is available for free download from www.adobe.com.

How is the requirement of an original signature (attorney and/or debtor) handled for CM/ECF cases? <back to top of page>
There are two distinct issues: attorney signatures and debtor signatures.

When registering to use the system, attorneys sign an agreement to the effect that use of their login name and password (whether by themselves personally or by delegation to another person in their office) constitutes their signatures on the documents electronically filed.

For documents that must be signed by the debtor (such as petitions, lists, schedules, statements, etc.), originally executed paper copies must be kept by the debtor's attorney for one (1) year after the closing of the case. The electronically filed document will indicate a signature, e.g. "/s/ Jane Doe"

Can an attorney add new attorneys to the database? <back to top of page>
No. Only court staff with appropriate permissions may add attorneys to the database as system users. However, it is possible for an attorney to add another attorney to a case, and to the database, during case opening. The new attorney would NOT have filing privileges. In order to obtain those privileges, the attorney must make the proper application to the court to obtain a login and password.

Can an attorney authorize someone in the attorney's office (such as a paralegal) to use the attorney's login name and password to file documents in CM/ECF? <back to top of page>
Yes, but the court recommends that such access be very limited and controlled. Anything that is filed under the attorney's login and password is deemed to have the attorney's signature on it.

What should an attorney do if the documents they are filing are not listed in the pick list? <back to top of page>
Phone the Clerk’s office and speak with the case administrator. The CA will assist you in finding the proper event code for the document that needs to be filed. Only occasionally is a generic document or generic motion required.

How long will it take to transmit lengthy documents? <back to top of page>
The time it takes to transmit a document primarily depends on the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP), modem speed, and the size of PDF file being transmitted. Generally, the larger the file, the longer it will take to load.

What happens if a document is filed in error? <back to top of page>
Most errors will be immediately advertised through the real time electronic notices and access to the docket report; making deletions of entries to the docket or associated .pdf documents is very rare, if ever. CM/ECF allows court personnel to edit errors made in the docket entry. Besides making the appropriate corrections, the court may need to ask participants to submit amended pleadings. Instances that affect calendar entries and noticing will need to be redocketed.

What about court generated documents that require certification? <back to top of page>
On request, a copy of the document can be printed with the certification or seal in the traditional manner.