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.
SHOULD THE PETITION AND SCHEDULES BE E:FILED SEPARATELY?
No, please e:file the petition and schedules as one PDF file. However, the Chapter 13 Plan and Certificate of Credit Counseling must be filed separately using the Misc Events of the same name. Also, if filing missing documents, all missing documents must be e:filed as one PDF using the Missing Documents event under Misc. Events category. However, if the missing documents include the Chapter 13 Plan and/or Certificate of Credit Counseling, these documents must be e:filed separately using the Misc. Events of the same name.
IS THERE A WAY I CAN RECONCILE MY CREDIT CARD CHARGES IN CM/ECF?
Yes, ECF has a report that can be used to reconcile credit card charges for filing fees. On the blue menu bar in ECF, click UTILITIES >> INTERNET PAYMENT HISTORY. Enter the desired date range. The report will list all payments made electronically or conventionally by you.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I PAID FEES IN THE WRONG CASE?
If you filed a motion or other document that requires a fee in the wrong case, the Clerk's Office can clear the fee from your attorney record. Call or send an e-mail to the Help Desk ( cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov ).
I JUST FILED A DOCUMENT THAT REQUIRES THE PAYMENT OF A FEE, BUT THE PAYMENT SCREEN DID NOT DISPLAY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Pop-up blockers installed on your computer or browser will prevent the payment screen from displaying. In the future you must either disable the blocker or modify the settings to access the Pay.gov site and process credit card transactions. Please call the Help Desk ( cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov ) to discuss payment on the document you just filed.
THE COURT HAS TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO EMBED THE FONTS IN THE CHAPTER 13 PLAN FORM THAT I USE. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO DO THIS?
The Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) generates all notices for the court, including the Chapter 13 Plan and Notices of Information. The number of fonts the BNC is able to produce is limited. If the font cannot be identified by the BNC, the form or notice will fail. To get around this issue, attorneys and trustees must embed their fonts in the document when it is converted to PDF.
THIS IS A ONE TIME SETTING FOR ALL DOCUMENTS CONVERTED TO PDF.
To create PDF documents with embedded fonts, do the following:
Create the document using 3rd party software, e.g., word processor, spreadsheet or petition preparation software.
Click FILE >> PRINT
Under Current Printer: Select Adobe PDF or Adobe PDF Writer, depending on your version of Acrobat
To the right of the Name field click Properties
Under Adobe PDF Settings click EDIT
Click the FONTS folder
Place a check in the box next to EMBED ALL FONTS
Click OK >> OK >> OK
I AM NOT RECEIVING EMAILS FROM THE COURT. WHAT CAN I DO TO CORRECT THIS?
If you're not receiving e-mail notices from ECF it could be due to one of the following:
Your e-mail address has changed and you have not changed the address in PACER
To do so, please subm,it a change of address via your PACER account.
Are you using AOL to receive e-mail?
If so: check the Anti-Spam preferences to verify that ecfwebmaster@njb.uscourts.gov is listed in the AOL address book. This will ensure that ECF-related e-mails are not blocked from reaching you.
Your email account is full.
Most internet service providers (ISPs) limit the amount of email you may store on their server. Contact your ISP to determine the limit and how to delete the emails you no longer need.
If you need guidance, please contact the court's help desk: cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov
HOW DO I CLEAR MY BROWSER'S CACHE?
Temp files are stored in your computer's cache. When the amount, or aggregate size of the files become too large, you may encounter a blank CM/ECF screen, or more frequently some menu items or categories may not display. To clear your browser's cache please consult the help section of the browser you are using.
WHY ARE THE BANKRUPTCY AND ADVERSARY ITEMS MISSING FROM THE BLUE MENU BAR IN CM/ECF?
If you don't see the bankruptcy and adversary categories properly on the blue ECF menu bar, try cleariing your browser cache.
WHEN I TRY TO SAVE A FORM FROM YOUR WEB SITE, I GET AN ERROR MESSAGE. WHY?
There are two possible reasons:
(1) You have Adobe Reader, not Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Reader software is free and only allows viewing and printing of PDF documents - it does not allow users to save PDF documents. To determine what program you are using click the HELP pull-down menu. You should have an option called .About Acrobat ..... or About Adobe Reader ........ ,
OR
(2) You have an older version of Adobe Acrobat. Contact the Help Desk ( cmecf_help_desk@njb.uscourts.gov ) for more information.
ARE DOCUMENTS CREATED USING ADOBE ACROBAT VERSION 6 COMPATIBLE WITH EARLIER VERSIONS OF ACROBAT?
No. Documents converted to PDF using Acrobat 6.0 cannot be saved by someone who has an earlier version of Acrobat installed on their computer. Follow these steps to ensure that your documents are compatible:
Click the START button on the lower left of your screen
Click ALL PROGRAMS >> Click ACROBAT DISTILLER 6.0
Click the SETTINGS pull-down menu
Click EDIT ADOBE PDF SETTINGS
Click the GENERAL tab
Select Acrobat 4.0 from the COMPATIBILITY drop-down menu
Click OK
After creating, or when saving a PDF document always take the following steps:
Click FILE >> REDUCE FILE SIZE
Select Acrobat 4.0 or Later from the Compatible With drop-down box.
Click OK
HOW DO I WITHDRAW A PLEADING?
E:File a document indicating your intention using the Withdrawal of Document event located in the Misc. Events category. Create a link between the document you're filing and the document being withdrawn. Click here to access step by step instructions for using the Withdrawal of Document event.
HOW CAN I TELL WHAT VERSION OF ADOBE ACROBAT I'M USING?
Click the HELP pull-down menu >> click ABOUT ACROBAT.
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO ELECTRONICALLY SIGN A DOCUMENT?
The signature line on all electronically filed documents must contain a /s/ [name of person] to be properly e:filed. For more information on signing electronic documents please see our Administrative Procedures and Commentary Supplementing Administrative Procedures.
HOW CAN I MAKE SMALLER FILES WHEN I SCAN A DOCUMENT?
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 being .timed out, choose the optimal scanner setting of black and white (not grayscale or color), set the resolution to 200 dpi, and the paper size of 8½x11. If the scanned document is still too large separate it into smaller PDF files.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M NOT SURE THAT I'VE COMPLETED THE FILING OF A DOCUMENT?
Run your Transaction Log from CM/ECF- it's FREE. The log displays all transactions completed by you during a selected date range. If you are not certain that a transaction was successful, review the Transaction Log before you attempt to refile a document. To run the Transaction Log go to Utilities >> View Your Transaction Log >> Enter a date range. All successful ECF transactions by date, case number and type will display.
CAN I SAVE A FILE OR FORM SUCH AS THE LOCAL RULES ON MY COMPUTER?
Yes. To save forms or files that are in PDF format follow the directions below.
1. When the file is open in Adobe Acrobat Reader, click t"file," then "save as."
2. Navigate to the folder you wish to store the file/form in. If you are unsure where to save it, click the down arrow in the "Save in" window. Click on "desktop" (which is near the top of the list).
3. Type the name of the file in the "File Name" window. (You may name the file anything you wish).
4. Click "Save."
5. If you saved the item to your "desktop," there will be an icon on your desktop for the file/form you just saved. To access the file/form, double click the icon.
SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD A PARTICULAR FILE ON YOUR WEB SITE. WHY?
A few of the forms and files located on our web site are somewhat large and may take a minute or two to download at slower modem speeds. Your web browser may be blank while downloading the file, please be patient.
I'VE TRIED TO VIEW/PRINT A FORM ON YOUR SITE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO.
Many items found on our web site, including forms, are in PDF format. To view print, or save files in PDF format you must have Adobe's Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Please click here to download Acrobat Reader.
NOTE: Many of our forms are fillable. To complete a form and save it WITH the information entered you must use Adobe Acrobat. Using Adobe Reader will only save the blank form - not the completed information.
HOW CAN I VIEW A CASE FILE THAT HAS BEEN ARCHIVED OR GET COPIES OF DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED?
Our court's files are shipped to the National Archives (NARA) in Lee's Summit, Mo. Please contact the Clerk's Office for more information.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT AN OPEN CASE?
There are several ways to obtain case information:
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) - Complete docket information and images of documents, (including basic information relative to archived cases) may be viewed and/or printed by using PACER. The cost is $.10 per page. To utilize PACER you must first register with the PACER Service Center. For more information please contact the PACER Service Center:
PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278-0549
Telephone: 1-800-676-6856
Web site: pacer.uscourts.gov
COURTHOUSE ACCESS - Public computers are available in each clerk's office to view or print imaged documents, docket sheets or forms. The fee for printing from our public terminals is 10¢ per page. We will accept cash for printing fees. Actual case files may also be viewed unless they are being reviewed by a staff member at the time of the request or if they have been shipped to the National Archives. A valid picture identification card is needed to view a case file or docket. Some acceptable identification cards include a state driver's license or identification card, a U.S. passport, or a federal, state, county, or city employee card. Credit cards or car keys are not acceptable forms of identification.
TELEPHONE ACCESS - Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a free service that provides limited case information over the telephone including debtor name, case number, judge, filing date, chapter, asset/no asset designation, attorney, trustee and current case status. To access this service, call toll free at 1-866-222-8029 and follow the voice prompts.