The following case types cannot be opened using CM/ECF per the Electronic Filing Procedures:

• Pro se cases (see the Representing Yourself page for details).
• Sealed cases (must be filed in paper either by mail or personal delivery to the courthouse).
• Miscellaneous cases (see the Filing a Miscellaneous Action page for details).

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 1/2026)

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.