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ECF Getting Started FAQ

The Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington requires all attorneys, trustees and examiners to file papers electronically using the Court's Electronic Case Filing ("ECF") system. See Local Bankruptcy Rule 5005-1 and the Court's Electronic Filing Procedures.

1. What is ECF?
2. Is there a fee to use ECF?
3. Who is authorized to file documents and pleadings electronically?
4. How do attorneys and creditors register for ECF?
5. How can members of the general public or parties filing without an attorney view documents that have been filed electronically?
6. Do I need a PACER account to use ECF?
7. How do I get a PACER account?
8. How does the Court's ECF system work?
9. Does the court accept documents that are filed in paper?
10. What are the hardware and software requirements for using ECF?
11. What type of ECF training is available?
12. Who do I contact for more information?
13. What is the maximum size limit for a file to upload to ECF?
14. Tips & Tricks

 

1. What is ECF?

ECF is the Court's Electronic Case Filing system. ECF allows authorized users to electronically file and manage documents and cases pending before the Court. Pleadings are filed electronically via the Internet using a standard web browser. The Court uses the NextGen version of ECF which allows registered users to have a single sign on for accessing all NextGen courts.

2. Is there a fee to use ECF?

No, there is no fee to use ECF.

3. Who can file electronically in ECF?

Attorneys, trustees and examiners are required to file all pleadings electronically through ECF. Institutional creditors, court transcribers and court mediators may request an ECF account that allows a limited number of documents to be filed electronically.

Members of the general public do not have electronic filing capability but may register for a PACER account in order to view documents on the electronic court docket.

Proofs of claim and claims related documents can be filed electronically without the need for an ECF account through "Claims E-Filing", accessed through the Court's website.

4. How do attorneys and institutional creditors request access to ECF?

Authorized filers seeking permission to file electronically in this Court must first obtain an account and login from PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Permission to file in this Court is then requested through PACER. If the request is granted, the filer will receive an email confirming activation of the account. Allow one full business day for the processing of new ECF permission requests.

5. How can members of the general public or parties filing without an attorney view documents that have been filed electronically?

Members of the public can remotely access the court's electronic case dockets by registering for a PACER account. The public is also welcome to view electronic case files during business hours at computer terminals available in the lobbies of the clerk's office in Seattle and Tacoma.

6. Do I need a PACER account to use ECF?

 Yes, to file electronically in the Court's ECF system, attorneys must first obtain a PACER account and login. Members of the public can view court dockets in ECF through a PACER account but are not able to file electronically in ECF.

7. How do I get a PACER account?

Visit the PACER Service Center's website at www.PACER.gov for more information about PACER, information on registering for an account, and how to access and use PACER. Note that there are fees associated with PACER use; however, if quarterly PACER usage does not exceed $30, fees for that quarter are waived.

8. How does the Court's ECF system work?

To file a document electronically, attorneys convert their word processing documents to a format called PDF ("Portable Document Format") then transmit the documents to the Court over the internet through a registered ECF account. ECF generates an electronic acknowledgement to the attorney, verifying that the document has been successfully transmitted. The PDF of the document is then accessible through the ECF public electronic case docket.

9. Does the court accept documents that are filed in paper?

Attorneys, trustees and examiners are required to file documents electronically; other parties may submit paper documents to the Court for filing in paper at the Clerk's office or through the mail. Paper documents are scanned by court staff so that the document image can be made available through the ECF system. See Local Bankruptcy Rule 5005-2, Conventional Filing,  for more information. Note that unrepresented parties may submit documents to the Court using the Court's online filing portal.

10. What are the hardware and software requirements for using ECF?

a. Internet access/internet service provider (ISP).

b. An internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.

c. Software to convert electronic documents or scanned images to PDF format. Most software for PDF creation must be purchased. If you are using third party petition preparation software, check with your vendor as to which PDF creation software is compatible.

d. A scanner to create a PDF document from paper documents that you are not creating in a word processing format (for example, exhibits such as notes, deeds of trust, etc.).

11. What type of ECF training is available?

Contact the Court through Live Chat, ECF Help email addresses or by phone if you have a question about using ECF.

12. Who do I contact for more information?

Live Chat (8:30am-4:30pm M-F)

For cases filed in Seattle: (206) 370-5200 (8:30am-4:30pm M-F)

For cases filed in Tacoma: (253) 882-3900 (8:30am-4:30pm M-F)

13. What is the maximum size limit for a file to upload to ECF?

10 MegaBytes.

14. Tips & Tricks
 

"Search" feature in ECF: If you haven't used it, the "Search Menus and Events" feature in ECF can be very helpful. The "Search" feature can be accessed from the blue tool bar at the top of your ECF screen. Just click on "Search" and a box will pop up for your request. This feature is particularly useful if you are unclear about what docket event to use. For example, if you type "fee application" into the search box, you are given four possible events that might apply to your situation. ECF "Search" -- be sure to try it!

Mobile Query Feature in CM/ECF. Mobile query is designed to work with any browser that can support basic HTML and is compatible with Apple iOS, Android, Blackberry and other PDA operating systems that access web applications.   You can search by case number or party name.   Case information pertaining to Attorneys, Parties, Deadlines and Hearings are available as well as the Docket Sheet and PDF documents.  Standard PACER fees apply for accessing documents.