What is CM / ECF?

CM/ECF is a case management program that allows attorneys to file petitions and other documents electronically with the Bankruptcy Court through the Internet by using a standard web browser. This results in an electronic "case file." Therefore, case information, including dockets and documents, is available for examination electronically via the Internet from any location, such as an office, home, or even the library. CM/ECF has replaced the court's current case management system and has become the primary method for docketing and filing documents with the Court. The internal implementation date for CM/ECF at the Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court was April 2003 and is scheduled to go live for public use in September 2003. Information on the CM/ECF National implementation status is also available.

What are the Benefits of CM/ECF?

• Replaces aging electronic docketing and case
  management systems in all federal courts by 2005
• Is being used enthusiastically by attorneys
  in pilot courts nationwide
• No delays or added expenses associated with mail or courier services
• Speeds delivery and allows easier tracking of
  case activity
• Reduces physical storage space needs and document processing times
• Low start-up costs -- uses Internet
  standard software and established "PDF" format
• Secure and reliable
• Court dockets are immediately updated and available

What are the Features of CM/ECF?

• 24-hour access to case file documents over the Internet
• Ability to file pleadings electronically with the court
• Automatic email notice of case activity
• Ability to download and print documents directly from the court system
• Concurrent access to case files by multiple parties
• Savings in time and expenditures for attorneys
• Expanded search and reporting capabilities
• Easy to use -- based on Standard Internet browser
• No waiting in line or unavailable files at the courthouse

Credit Cards

The Department of Treasury, through its Financial Management Service (FMS), has established a mechanism to enable federal agencies to accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, Carte Blanche) for the collection of fees due to the government. This court elected to participate in this program, which enables the court to collect fees in the most expeditious manner for documents filed both electronically and conventionally.

Public Access/Pacer

The CM/ECF system allows the Court to accept documents filed electronically over the Internet 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with the exception of required maintenance periods. While electronic filing is not the only means of having documents entered into the CM/ECF system, it is the preferred method, and will be strongly encouraged by the Court.

Consistent with congressional requirements, access to view full case information, including the docket and all filed documents is available via the Internet through the federal court's CM/ECF system. Registration for new users, billing, and technical support can be obtained from the PACER Service Center's website. PACER fees are $.07 per page with a maximum of $2.10, the equivalent of 30 pages, for electronic access to any single document (Note: attachments are treated as separate documents). CM/ECF registered attorneys will be able to obtain one free electronic copy of the documents in his/her own case.

Attorneys will need to register with the PACER Service Center to obtain a login and password for the querying component of the system and to get a list of the courts that offer CM/ECF.

For more information, contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or Michelle T. at (401) 528-4477 with the Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court.

How does an attorney become an
authorized CM/ECF user?