WHAT IS CM/ECF/HOW DOES IT WORK/WHAT DOES IT COST?

Last Updated: May, 2009

Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) is the automated case management and electronic docketing system for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. CM/ECF provides an easy-to-use electronic case filing feature that makes life easier for you by allowing you to file and view court documents over the internet.

How does it benefit you?

CM/ECF will allow users to file and view documents from their office, home or anywhere they have access to the Internet, 24 hours a day. Documents are automatically docketed as part of the filing process and are immediately available electronically. CM/ECF also provides the following benefits:

            •           24 hour access to filed documents over the internet

            •           Automatic email notice of case activity.

•           The ability to download and print documents directly from the court system.

            •           Concurrent access to case files by multiple parties.

            •           Secure storage of documents (so files are not misplaced).

            •           Potential reduction in courier fees,copy cost.

How Does It Work

The electronic case filing system accepts documents in a portable document format (PDF).  PDF retains the way a document looks when viewing it across different platforms, so the pages, fonts and other formatting are preserved.  Filing a document with the court’s CM/ECF system is quite easy:

•          Create the document using word processing software. Or check your Bankruptcy form preparation software for electronic filing capability.

•           Save the document in PDF format.

•           Log onto the court’s CM/ECF system, using a court-issued login and password.

•           Follow the set of simple prompts to provide information about the case, party and document to be filed.

•           Attach the PDF document and submit it to the court for filing (by pressing a submit button).

•           Save or print the CM/ECF electronic receipt emailed from the court confirming that the document was filed.

What Does it Cost?

There are no added fees for filing documents over the Internet using CM/ECF; existing document filing fees still apply. Electronic access to court data is available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) program. You receive one free copy of documents filed electronically in your cases, when you receive electronic notice. Additional copies are available for viewing or downloading. Visit PACER web site to register  http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.   and for update on their fees and billing information.

Electronic filing is mandatory in the US Bankruptcy Court for Maryland, as described in Administrative Order 04-01.