FAQs

  • HOW CAN I CONTACT THE COURT IF I'M EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH E-FILING?

    Our Help Desk phone numbers are:
    Camden: 856-361-2301
    Newark: 973-645-3366
    Trenton: 609-858-9401
    The help desk email address is: cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov
     

  • I TRIED TO OPEN A DOCUMENT FROM PACER AND GOT A BLANK SCREEN. WHAT'S WRONG?

    This may be a problem with Acrobat 6 users. To correct the problem take the following steps:

    If you want the document to open in Adobe:

    • Open Adobe Acrobat
    • Click the EDIT pull-down menu >> click PREFERENCES
    • Click INTERNET in the list on the left side of the window
    • Uncheck the box next to "Display PDF in Browser"
    • Click WEB CAPTURE in the list on the left side of the window
    • Select IN ACROBAT in the "Open Web Links" field
    • Click OK

    If you want the PDF document to open in your browser:
    • Open Adobe Acrobat
    • Click the EDIT pull-down menu >> click PREFERENCES
    • Click INTERNET in the list on the left side of the window
    • Place a check in the box next to DISPLAY PDF IN BROWSER
    • Click WEB CAPTURE in the list on the left side of the window
    • Select IN WEB BROWSER in the "Open Web Links" field
    • Click OK
     

  • I HEAR THE TERM "LINK" FREQUENTLY WHEN DISCUSSING ELECTRONIC FILING - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

    To "link" a document means to relate it to, or associate it with a previously filed document. During the filing process you may be asked "Does your document relate to a previously filed pleading?" If the answer is yes, you should follow the screen prompts to "link" the documents. Proper linkage allows a judge, or any other person looking at a document, to view all pleadings related to it, such as objections, certificates of service, etc. If a document isn't linked properly it may not display on the judge's calendar. If you need help with linking please contact the Help Desk.
     

  • I'M ATTEMPTING TO FILE A LARGE EXHIBIT TO A MOTION AND I EITHER GET TIMED OUT OR RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

    Exhibits generally are supporting documents such as a vehicle title, a deed of trust, or a promissary note and are typically scanned. Scanned documents are frequently very large and may cause ECF to "time out" during filing. In addition, CM/ECF will not accept files larger than 10 MB. To avoid this, choose the optimal scanner setting of black and white (not grayscale or color), set the resolution 200 dpi, and the paper size of 8½x11. If the scanned document is still too large separate it into smaller PDF files.
     

  • WHAT FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS FROM THE COURT?

    An e:filer may choose from two formats: 1) a separate notice for each filing that is sent at the time of the filing of the document, or 2) a summary notice sent over night.

    You can change your preferences for this in PACER.

  • HOW CAN I CHANGE MY ECF PASSWORD?

    Take the following steps to change your password• Click UTILITIES on the blue menu bar
    • Click MAINTAIN YOUR ECF ACCOUNT
    • Click MORE USER INFORMATION
    • Change the information in the password fields
    • Click RETURN TO ACCOUNT SCREEN
    • Click SUBMIT
    NOTE: The court encourages users to periodically change their password for security reasons, particularly if a member of your staff that had access to this information leaves your employ.
     

  • SHOULD I NOTIFY THE COURT IF I MOVE TO A DIFFERENT LAW FIRM?

    Attorneys who change law firms may update their contact information via PACER.

    Under D.N.J. LBR 9010-2, when an attorney's representation of their client(s) changes because of a move to a different law firm, a Notice of Substitution of Attorney must be filed in each affected case.  If a notice will be filed in more than 30 cases, the attorney may contact the clerk's office to inquire about access to a "batch" event that will expedite the filing process.
     

  • HOW CAN I NOTIFY THE COURT OF A CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

    • If the change of address is for an attorney who is a CM/ECF participant you can change your address via PACER.

    • If the change of address is for an attorney that is not an efiler, the attorney may submit a letter informing us of the change of address.

    • If the change of address is for a debtor or other party in a case:

    Complete and e-file the Court's Change of Address local form using the Change of Address event, in the Misc. Events category.

     

  • WHAT EVENT SHOULD I USE TO FILE AMENDED SCHEDULES?

    If you are filing an Amendment to any schedules, use the Amended Schedules (fee) event in the Misc. Events category. If you are filing an Amended List of Creditors, use the Amended List of Creditors (fee) event in the Misc. Events category.

  • WHAT EVENT SHOULD I USE TO FILE A MODIFIED CHAPTER 13 PLAN?

    File the Modified Chapter 13 Plan on the court's standard form using either the Modification of Chapter 13 Plan - After Confirmation event or the Modification of Chapter 13 Plan - Before Confirmation event, as the circumstances dictate. Both events are located under the Bankruptcy >> Plan category.

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