Login to CM/ECF
CM/ECF Support
Support is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
CM/ECF Training
Videos on e-filing topics
Classes are held monthly and by special arrangement.
For Pro Se Civil Case Opening instructions, see Representing Yourself page
Opening Sealed Cases: Per the Electronic Filing Procedures (Section IV.A.), sealed cases cannot be opened electronically and must be filed in paper either by mail or in-person.
Preparing to File: Civil Case Opening
Case Opening Checklist (PDF; revised 2/2022)
Attorney's Guide to Opening a Civil Case (PDF; revised 12/2023)
Including how to: complete and enter Civil Cover Sheet information, add case participants from the initiating document (i.e. Complaint), upload initial pleadings and all required documents, pay the filing fee, and a list of possible follow-up filings
Standards for Entering Party Names in CM/ECF (PDF; revised 3/2022)
Preparing to File: Notice of Removal
Notice of Removal Checklist (PDF; revised 2/2022)
Attorney's Guide to Opening a Notice of Removal Civil Case (PDF; revised 12/2023)
Including how to: complete and enter Civil Cover Sheet information, add case participants from the initiating document (i.e. Complaint), upload initial pleadings and all required documents, pay the filing fee, and a list of possible follow-up filings
Standards for Entering Party Names in CM/ECF (PDF; revised 3/2022)
Other Case Opening Resources
- Preparing to File: Motion to Vacate/Set Aside/Correct sentence (2255) (PDF; revised 10/2020)
- Emergency Filings Instructions
- Nature of Suit Code Descriptions
After you file, court staff will complete the following tasks:
- Perform a quality check of the new case after it is filed,
- Assign the judge to the case,
- Notify filer of deficiencies or errors, and
- Issue summons, if any.
For additional information, review our Case Opening Frequently asked questions.