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:

1. Perform a quality check of the new case after it is filed,
2. Assign the judge to the case,
3. Notify filer of deficiencies or errors, and
4. Issue summons, if any.

For additional information, review our Case Opening Frequently asked questions.