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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I get CLE credits for attending the ECF training class?

    Only attorneys who attend the full three hour class receive three CLE credits.

  • How can I find the dates for ECF training class?

    The dates are listed at this website address: http://www.nyeb.uscourts.gov/ecf-training-class-schedule.

  • Do I have to attend an ECF training class to receive a password?

    No.  Passwords will be issued to attorneys who may practice in the District Court pursuant to District Rule 1.3 (See EDNY LBR 2090-1) to log in to CM/ECF without the requirement of attending ECF training.  However, new account holders and their support staff are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person training class.

  • What event do I use to file a Notice of Removal?

    Use Open an AP case.  At the first screen, Open an Adversary, change the Complaint default from “y” for yes to “n” for no.  The final docket text will read Notice of Removal.

  • How do I select events/reliefs when filing a multi-relief motion?

    Use the control key and the mouse to select all applicable forms of relief from the Available Events list in CM/ECF.  The system then processes each of the motion parts, one at a time, leading the filer through the steps necessary to complete each part.

  • Where can I locate the Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing?

    It is located under the Query menu bar in CM/ECF.  Check the box next to “Links to Notices of Electronic Filing” and then Run Report.

  • How is the list of creditors submitted?

    Attorneys must proceed to the Creditor Maintenance category to upload creditors in [.txt] format after opening a bankruptcy case.

  • How do I know who receives electronic notice and who does not?

    The Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF), which is the receipt evidencing a filing, indicates who will or will not receive electronic notice of a filing in a specific case.  This information can also be verified in CM/ECF by going to Utilities > Mailings > Mailing Info for a Case > Enter the case number.  The information displays who will or will not receive electronic notice.

  • How can I make sure I am uploading the correct document to CM/ECF?

    View the document and verify it is the correct pdf before uploading it to CM/ECF.
    When docketing in CM/ECF, click on Browse to upload the document, highlight the file name, right-click and select Open from the drop-down box to open the pdf.

  • Will you issue me more than one password if I am Of Counsel to another firm?

    No.  One password per filer.  Access the Live ECF system at https://ecf.nyeb.usCourts.gov. Click on the link if you have lost or forgotten your password above the Authentication field boxes and complete the screens as they appear.

  • What software applications can be used to reset a lost or forgotten ECF password?

    Firefox and Internet Explorer.  The following software applications are not compatible with the password reset program.

    • Chrome
    • Opera
    • Safari 5.1 or 6.x
    • Microsoft Edge
  • What email address should I use for questions?

    Send your questions to ECF_Helpdesk@nyeb.uscourts.gov.  It is checked once daily.  If you need an immediate answer, and have searched the Court’s website and cannot find the answer, call the Court.

  • Can I send emails to the ECF email address: BKECF_LiveDB@nyeb.usCourts.gov?

    No.  This email address is used by the Court to send emails to ECF account holders.

  • Should I attach the Notice of Electronic Filing to the Chambers’ copy?

    Yes.  When Chambers’ copy is required, attach the Notice of Electronic Filing as the cover page to the document.

  • Must I provide Chambers’ copy of each filing?

    Each judge has rules on Chambers’ copy.  To find out what they are, log on to the Court’s Internet > Information for Judges tab > select the Judge assigned > Judges’ Procedures > Chambers’ copy. 
    Important:  Do not send Chambers’ copy to the Court if the judge assigned to the case does not require it.

  • What are the differences in process between EDNY and SDNY?

    Attorneys who practice in both the Eastern District and Southern District Bankruptcy Courts should be aware that the particulars of ECF procedure in the two courts can vary. The following chart highlights some of the major differences -

    ECF differences between EDNY and SDNY

  • I am new to ECF, do you have any pointers or recommended best practices?

    ECF best practices for you and your office includes developing an understanding of all ECF, judge and court requirements; attending an ECF training course; obtaining a PACER login and password; developing an understanding of how to navigate your computer desktop, the internet and word processing software including portable document format (PDF); obtaining information about the various bankruptcy software programs available; obtaining a scanner for processing paper documents; having a backup filer designated and trained in case your key filing person is unavailable and developing a plan to manage incoming e-mails from the court, electronic and original paper files in your office and requests for electronic documents from other parties.  

  • How do I file documents under seal?

    To file documents under seal, please use the Motion category and the relief authorize/direct, and add to the text "documents to be filed under seal." For example, Motion to authorize/direct documents to be filed under seal filed by ------on behalf of ------. Do not attach the document to be placed under a seal as an attachment to your motion. Send the original paper document to the court for processing.

  • How are documents certified?

    Although electronic documents do not have original signatures, the process in which the court certifies a document has not changed. If you require a certified copy of an electronically filed document, the court will print the document from the ECF system and provide certification service at the Intake counter in each office. The long-term solution is to educate persons who presently require certified documents (sheriffs, banks, other courts) to view the documents directly by accessing the court’s database. This will eliminate the possibility of the presentation of fraudulent documents.

  • Are there any special rules in filing Appeals?

    In cooperation with the District Court, a process has been established to assure the orderly transmission of records on appeal in ECF cases. Attorneys should be aware that they must be registered to file electronically at the District Court in order to file briefs and other documents once an appeal record has been transmitted, and the appeal docketed. Click here for further information.

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