Electronic Case Filing (ECF)
CM/ECF HELPDESK NUMBER : 866-463-4052
Important Notice to all Social Security Practitioners!!
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS OF PROCEEDINGS !!!
Overview
Electronic Case Filing is the new case management system being implemented in the Federal Judiciary for all United States District Courts throughout the country, including the District of Montana. ECF provides a new, easy-to-use, on-line electronic case filing feature, which will allow you to file and view court documents over the Internet. ECF was developed to enhance the accuracy, management and security of records, reduce delays in the flow of information and achieve costs savings for the judiciary, the bar and litigants.
Features and Benefits
- 24 hr / 7 days-a-week access to file documents over the Internet
- 24 hr / 7 days-a-week access to view and print documents
- Automatic email notification of case activity
- Expanded search and reporting capabilities
- Savings in time and expenditures for attorneys
- Multiple parties can access case files simultaneously
- Replaces the current Case Management System
- Case documents are maintained in electronic format
- No waiting in line to file documents
- No unavailable files at the courthouse
- Secure and reliable
- Court dockets are updated immediately
- Easy to learn, Easy to use
- Can be used from anywhere with Internet access availability
- No additional fees for filing electronically
Equipment
- Computer running Windows or Macintosh
- Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher to convert documents
- PDF compatible word processor like WordPerfect
- Internet access with a transfer rate of 56kb or higher (high speed is highly recommended)
- ECF works with Netscape 4.7x and 7.0x; Internet Explorer 5.5 to 7.0x
- Scan to image non-computerized documents (200dpi black and white)
- PACER account
More
Manuals, Documents and Training
- ECF Administrative Procedures Manual (PDF) Revised 4-17-2008
- ECF Training Schedules (PDF)
- Attorney Criminal Event List (PDF)
- Attorney Civil Event List (PDF)
All attorneys must attend a 2-hour electronic filing training session in one of the four training facilities around the District unless you have received training and are registered in another federal district court. Please see the training schedule to inquire about scheduled classes in Billings, Butte, Great Falls, or Missoula.
Forms
- ECF Reminders (PDF)Revised 5-21-2007 ECF User Registration Form (PDF)
- ECF User Registration Form (WordPerfect)
- Registered ECF Users (PDF) Revised 5-5-2008
- PACER Service Center Requests (PDF)
- SAMPLE of Motion by Attorney to file Conventionally (PDF)
This form is to be used after January 10, 2007, when the court will require everyone to file electronically. This form is to be used to show cause why electronic filing is not possible for you.
- SAMPLE of Notice of conventional filing of document (PDF)
- SAMPLE of Notice of conventional filing of document (WordPerfect)
If you are an ECF Registered User, you have waived your right to file conventionally. However, if you need to file a large exhibit where scanning is not practicable, you are filing under seal, a court order has excused conventional filing, you have experienced technical difficulties, etc., you need to include this form along with your filing.