NextGen Information for Existing ECF Users

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland converted its Case Management/Electronic Case Filing system (CM/ECF) to NextGen CM/ECF on May 10, 2021.  NextGen CM/ECF brings new functionality that allows electronic filers to utilize a single login and password for e-filing and PACER access for all NextGen federal courts (bankruptcy, district and appellate) in which they have permission to file.  This will require all electronic filers to take steps in order to electronically file in our court in NextGen CM/ECF.

PREPARING FOR NEXTGEN:
Filers should take the following steps to prepare for NextGen:

  • Obtain an individual PACER account.
    If your firm has been sharing a single PACER account, then you must get your own individual PACER account.  Your PACER account will be your filing login, so you MUST have your own account to e-file with NextGen courts.  To register for a new PACER account, visit the PACER website.  Click here for account registration instructions.
  • Upgrade your individual PACER account.
    If your PACER account was created before August 11, 2014, it will need to be upgraded for NextGen.  Click here for instructions to upgrade your PACER account.
  • Consider obtaining a PACER Administrative Account for your firm.
    Firms can set up a PACER Administrative Account (PAA) to manage all their user accounts and have central billing for PACER access fees.  Click here to learn more about PAA accounts.
  • Review our NextGen PDF requirements.
    Click here for PDF filing standards in NextGen.  Documents that do not comply with these standards may be rejected.

FINAL STEP:
This step must be completed before you can file documents in NextGen.

  • Link your individual PACER account to your existing CM/ECF account.
    To file documents in NextGen CM/ECF, all e-filers who had filing privileges with our court before May 10, 2021 must link their prior CM/ECF account with their upgraded PACER account.  Click here for instructions on linking your account.

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  • Get assistance if you cannot recall your CM/ECF login and password.
    You must know your current CM/ECF login and password to link your PACER and CM/ECF accounts.  If you do not know your CM/ECF login or password, click here for instructions to request e-filing privileges through PACER.  The court will attempt to link your PACER account to your existing CM/ECF account.