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FAQs

To view a national list of Frequently Asked Questions,  please visit the PACER Service Center's FAQ area.

  • What is CM/ECF?

    Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) is anautomated case management and electronic docketing system for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Northern District of West Virginia. CM/ECF provides an easy-to-use electronic case filing feature that will make life easier for you by allowing you to file and view court documents over the Internet.

    CM/ECF will allow users to file and view documents from their office, home or anywhere they have access to the Internet, 24 hours a day. Documents are automatically docketed as part of the filing process and are immediately available electronically. CM/ECF also provides the following benefits:

    • 24 hour access to filed documents over the internet
    • Automatic e-mail notice of case activity
    • The ability to download and print documents directly from the court system
    • Concurrent access to case files by multiple parties
    • Secure storage of documents ( so files are not misplaces )
    • Potential reduction in courier fees, copy costs

    The electronic case files system accepts documents in a portable document format (PDF). PDF retains the way a document looks when viewing it across different platforms, so the pages, fonts and other formatting are preserved. Filing a document with the court's CM/ECF system is quite easy:

    • Create the document using word processing software. Or check your Bankruptcy form preparation software for electronic filing capability.
    • Save the document in PDF format .
    • Log onto the court's CM/ECF system, using a court-issued login and password.
    • Follow the set of simple prompts to provide information about the case, party, and document to be filed.
    • Attach the PDF document and submit it to the court for filing ( by pressing the submit button ).
    • Save or print the CM/ECF electronic receipt e-mailed fro the court confirming the document was filed.

     

  • What are reasons why my matrix will not load?

    Make sure your Matrix is in the proper .txt format.   Also,  make certain no line begins with non-word characters.

  • How can I change my 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.
     

  • Can I save a file or form such as a Local Rule to 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 the floppy disc icon on the toolbar - a "save a copy" dialog box will pop up on your screen.

    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.

     

  • Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy?

    While it is possible to file a bankruptcy case "pro se" (without an attorney), it can be difficult. Hiring a competent attorney is highly recommended because many bankruptcy issues can be very complicated and it can be difficult to prepare the required paperwork. In addition, debtors may keep certain types of property (known as exempt property), and there are many types of debts that are non-dischargeable (not wiped out in the bankruptcy). An attorney can advise debtors on these issues. The staff at the Bankruptcy Clerk's Office cannot give legal advice. If you have questions about filing for bankruptcy or preparing the bankruptcy paperwork, please seek the advice of counsel.

     

  • 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

  • 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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. Also, try clearing your browser cache files and  try your payment procedure again.   If you are still having trouble, please call the Clerk's Office to discuss payment on the document you just filed.
     

  • How do I clear my Browser Cache?
      Internet Explorer 7:
    • Click the TOOLS icon on the toolbar
    • Click INTERNET OPTIONS
    • Click the GENERAL tab
    • Click DELETE in the Browsing History section
    • Click DELETE FILES in the Temporary Internet Files section >> Click YES in
    • the Delete Files pop up window
    • Click DELETE COOKIES in the Cookies section >> Click YES in the Delete Cookies pop up window
    • Click CLOSE
    • Click OK
  • When I print Orders the Judge has modified, why are they not displayed on the printed document?

    Your Adobe Acrobat print settings may not be enabled for annotations and comments. Click the FILE pull-down menu >> click PRINT and do the following depending on your version of Adobe Acrobat:

    Acrobat 5: In the PRINT window select COMMENTS in the Print Range section.

    Acrobat 6: In the PRINT window select DOCUMENTS AND COMMENTS from Print drop down menu

    Acrobat 7: In the PRINT window select DOCUMENT AND MARKUPS from the Comments and Forms drop down menu.

    If there are continued printing problems, download and install the latest printer driver from the printer manufacturer's web site. Some models offer a choice for PostScript or PCL drivers. Choose PCL driver if that is available - otherwise choose the latest driver. After driver installation reboot your PC.