Electronic Case Files
CM/ECF
CM/ECF Civil and Criminal
Administrative Procedures
Manual and Users Guide
Western District of Missouri
(Revised September 30, 2025)
Table of Contents
Getting Started ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Help Desk .......................................................................................................................... 1
Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 1
CM/ECF System Capabilities ............................................................................................ 2
Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 3
Hardware and Software Requirements .............................................................................. 3
PACER Registration ....................................................................................................................... 3
Registering for Access to CM/ECF ................................................................................................ 3
Preparation ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Portable Document Format (PDF) .................................................................................................. 4
Setting Up the PDF Reader ............................................................................................................. 4
How to View a PDF File.................................................................................................... 4
Documents Filed in Error................................................................................................................ 5
Signatures: Affidavits of Service .................................................................................................... 5
Filing a Civil Case – Online Case Opening .............................................................................................. 6
Online Case Opening ...................................................................................................................... 6
Filing Sealed Cases ......................................................................................................................... 6
Summons ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Filing Sealed Documents and Proposed Documents ............................................................................... 7
Sealed Documents........................................................................................................................... 7
Proposed Documents ...................................................................................................................... 8
Submitting a Proposed Order .......................................................................................................... 8
Privacy Notice............................................................................................................................................ 9
Special Notice to Parties/Attorneys in Social Security Cases .......................................................10
Case Management/Electronic Case Filings (CM/ECF) ........................................................................11
How to Access CM/ECF...............................................................................................................11
Logging In.....................................................................................................................................11
Selecting the Appropriate CM/ECF Feature .................................................................................12
Manipulating the Screens ..............................................................................................................13
Correcting a Mistake .....................................................................................................................14
Menus............................................................................................................................................14
Opening a Civil Case in CM/ECF ..........................................................................................................15
Initial Case Opening Screen..........................................................................................................15
Office ............................................................................................................................................16
Case Type .....................................................................................................................................17
Lead Number and Association Type.............................................................................................18
Other Court Name and Other Court Number ................................................................................18
Related Case ....................................................................................................................18
Case Information Screen ...............................................................................................................18
Jurisdiction .......................................................................................................................19
Cause of Action ...............................................................................................................19
Nature of Suit ...................................................................................................................19
Origin ...............................................................................................................................20
Citizenship .......................................................................................................................20
Jury Demand ....................................................................................................................20
Class Action .....................................................................................................................20
Demand ............................................................................................................................20
Arbitration........................................................................................................................20
County..............................................................................................................................21
Fee Status .........................................................................................................................21
Fee Date ...........................................................................................................................21
Date Transfer ...................................................................................................................21
Party Names ..................................................................................................................................21
Searching for a Party........................................................................................................21
Creating a New Party .......................................................................................................22
Party Name .........................................................................................................23
Role .....................................................................................................................23
Party Text............................................................................................................23
Final Review .................................................................................................................................24
Filing Documents in a Civil Case – A Step-By-Step Guide ..................................................................26
1. Select the type of document to file .........................................................................................26
2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed ...................................................28
3. Designate the Party(s) filing the document .............................................................................28
Adding New Parties .........................................................................................................29
Creating New Parties .......................................................................................................31
4. Specify the PDF file name and location of the document to be filed .....................................32
5. Add attachments to the main document ..................................................................................33
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format ........................................................34
6. Link related documents ...........................................................................................................35
7. Modify the docket text as necessary .......................................................................................36
8. Submit the document to CM/ECF...........................................................................................36
9. Receive notification of electronic filing..................................................................................37
10. E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed .............................................................38
11. Filing Other Types of Civil Documents.................................................................................38
Filing Documents in a Criminal Case – A Step-By-Step Guide ...........................................................39
1. Select the type of document to file .........................................................................................39
2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed ...................................................40
3. Designate the defendant for whom the document is being filed .............................................41
4. Designate the party(s) filing the document .............................................................................41
5. Specify the PDF file name and location of the document to be filed .....................................42
6. Add attachments to the main document ..................................................................................43
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format ........................................................44
7. Link related documents ...........................................................................................................45
8. Modify the docket text as necessary .......................................................................................46
9. Submit the document to CM/ECF...........................................................................................46
10. Receive notification of electronic filing..................................................................................47
11. E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed .............................................................48
12. Filing Other Types of Criminal Documents ..........................................................................48
Query Feature ..........................................................................................................................................48
Reports ......................................................................................................................................................51
Docket Report ...............................................................................................................................51
Civil/Criminal Cases Reports .......................................................................................................54
Written Opinions Report ...............................................................................................................55
Calendar Events Report ................................................................................................................56
Utilities ......................................................................................................................................................57
Maintain Your Account ................................................................................................................57
Update Address and Phone Information ..........................................................................58
Change Your Password ....................................................................................................59
Maintain Your E-Mail Settings .....................................................................................................61
Adding and Changing Primary and Secondary E-Mail Addresses ..................................61
Add/Remove Additional Cases ........................................................................................64
View Your Transaction Log .........................................................................................................66
Miscellaneous Utility Features .....................................................................................................67
Mailings ...........................................................................................................................67
Mailing Info for a Case .......................................................................................67
Mailing Labels by Case ......................................................................................67
Internet Payment History .................................................................................................68
Legal Research.................................................................................................................68
Additional Information and Features ....................................................................................................68
Transcripts ....................................................................................................................................68
Universal Event and Menu Search ................................................................................................69
Viewing Multiple Documents from the Docket Sheet ..................................................................70
Viewing Multiple Documents for One Entry ................................................................................71
Create Appendix ...........................................................................................................................72
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................................74
Technical Failures ....................................................................................................................................76
Logout .......................................................................................................................................................76
Electronic Case Files CM/ECF
Civil and Criminal Administrative Procedures Manual
and
Users Guide
Getting Started
Introduction
This manual provides procedures and instructions for using the Case Management/Electronic
Case Files (CM/ECF) system to file documents with the court or to view and retrieve docket
sheets and documents for civil, criminal, and miscellaneous cases in the system. The user should
have a working knowledge of a CM/ECF-compatible web browser and Adobe Acrobat, or
equivalent software, for creating and reading Portable Document files (PDF).
Help Desk
If you need assistance using CM/ECF, you may contact the Court=s Help Desk at 1-800-466-9302
between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Definitions
The following definitions are used throughout this Manual:
A. CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files). The court’s automated
system that receives and stores documents filed in electronic form. The program is
part of the CM/ECF software developed for the Federal Judiciary by the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
B. User. Individual who has a court-issued login and password to file documents
electronically.
C. Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF). A notice automatically generated by CM/ECF at
the time a document is filed with the system. This is the official receipt for the
document filing. The NEF sets forth the time of filing, the name of the party and
attorney filing the document, the type of document, the text of the docket entry, the
name of the party and/or attorney receiving the notice and includes an electronic link
(hyperlink) to the filed document which allows recipients to retrieve the document
automatically.
D. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). An automated system that
allows users to view, print and download court docket information over the internet.
You may be charged a fee to access documents, docket sheets, query information,
etc. from CM/ECF.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 1
E. PDF (Portable Document Format). There are two types of PDF documents:
Electronically converted PDF documents: Created from word processing documents
(Word, etc.) using Adobe Acrobat or similar software. Electronically converted PDF
documents are text searchable and their file size is small.
Scanned image PDF documents: Created from paper documents which have been
optically scanned. Scanned image PDFs are not searchable and have a large file size.
F. Proposed Order: A draft document submitted by an attorney for a judge’s approval.
A proposed order should not be attached to a motion or other request for relief as an
electronic attachment to the document. Proposed Orders should be e-mailed to the
judge’s courtroom deputy in Word format.
G. Document: Any pleading, motion, brief, memoranda, exhibit, certification,
declaration, affidavit, paper, order, notice, and any other filing by or to the court.
H. Technical Failure: A malfunction of court owned/leased hardware, software, and/or
telecommunications which results in the inability of a Filing User to submit a filing
electronically. Technical failure does not include the malfunctioning of a user’s
equipment.
I. Paper Filing: Submitting a document in hard copy on paper.
J. Pay.gov: An electronic credit card/direct debit payment system established by the
United States Department of Treasury.
CM/ECF System Capabilities
A user with a PACER account, a CM/ECF-compatible web browser, Adobe Acrobat or
equivalent software, and access to the Internet can use the court’s CM/ECF system to perform the
following functions:
• Access the Court=s web page.
• View or download the most recent version of the User=s Manual.
• View, download or print court files from your desktop.
• Electronically file cases, pleadings, and documents 24 hours a day.
• Receive instant notification of filed documents via your e-mail system.
• View various reports (e.g., Docket Report, Cases Filed Report, Calendar Report).
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 2
Requirements
Hardware and Software Requirements
The minimum hardware and software needed to electronically file, view, and retrieve case
documents are as follows:
• A personal computer running a standard platform such as Microsoft Windows or
Macintosh.
• An Internet provider using Point to Point Protocol (PPP). For best results, use high
speed (broadband) Internet. Dial up access is not recommended.
• Recent versions of Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari are
supported. Other browsers are not supported but may work.
• PDF creation software to convert a word processing or scanned document into PDF
format.
• PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, to view PDF documents.
• A scanner to convert documents to electronic (PDF) format that cannot be converted
from word processing software. Note: Scanning should only be used for
documents that cannot be produced electronically. Scanned documents
typically lessen the quality of the document, as well as lessen the level of service
we provide by slowing down the entire system.
PACER Registration
Users must have a PACER account to use the Query and Report features of the CM/ECF system. PACER
accounts are universal, and a separate account is not needed for each individual court. If you do not have
a PACER login, contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440 to register for
an account or for additional information. You may also register for a PACER account online at
www.pacer.gov.
Note: Your PACER login and password are different from your CM/ECF login and password.
You must have a PACER account to retrieve, view, and print certain documents. You will be
charged a fee to access documents, docket sheets, query information, etc. From CM/ECF.
Registering for Access to CM/ECF
The WDMO utilizes the Next Generation (NextGen) version of the Case Management/Electronic Case
Filing System (CM/ECF). NextGen uses Central Sign-On, a login process which allows e-filing attorneys
to use one PACER login and password to access any NextGen court (district, appellate, and bankruptcy)
in which they practice.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 3
Participants who have never used the system will need to register with the Court to obtain a login and
password for the CM/ECF system. Each attorney admitted to practice in this Court and currently in good
standing, or a visiting attorney admitted Pro Hac Vice, shall be entitled to a CM/ECF account to permit
the attorney to participate in electronic filing and document retrieval in accordance with CM/ECF.
Exceptions to this requirement are out-of-state attorneys who represent a party in an action transferred to
the Western District of Missouri pursuant to an Order issued by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict
Litigation.1
Attorneys must obtain their own PACER account. Your PACER account is your login to CM/ECF, and
therefore you MUST have your own individual PACER account. E-filing attorneys are not permitted to
use shared PACER accounts. Click HERE for more information regarding how to upgrade your existing
PACER account, or how to register for a new PACER account. After upgrading or obtaining your
PACER account, you must then link your PACER account to your current CM/ECF account. Linking
instructions can be found by clicking HERE, selecting the PACER drop-down, and then selecting the
Linking PACER Account to NextGen drop-down.
Once an account has been established, your login and password will be sent to you by the Office of the
Clerk by regular, first-class mail.
Preparation
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Only documents in PDF format may be filed with the Court using the Court=s CM/ECF System.
The PDF Reader and Writer programs are not bundled together. The conversion process requires
2
a PDF conversion software, such as Adobe Acrobat Writer or a similar software. Before filing a
document with the Court, users should preview the PDF formatted document to ensure that it
appears in its entirety and that it is in the proper format.
Setting Up the PDF Reader
Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader software must be installed in order to view PDF documents that
have been electronically filed on CM/ECF. The current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be
downloaded free from: www.adobe.com. When installing this product, please review and follow
the provider’s directions to utilize the PDF reader after installation.
How to View a PDF File
• Open the Adobe Acrobat Reader program.
• Go to the File menu and choose Open.
• Click on the location and file name of the PDF document to be viewed.
1
Pursuant to the General Rules of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, any attorney of record in an action
transferred under Section 1407 may continue to represent his or her client in any district court of the United States to
which such an action is transferred; therefore, parties are not required to obtain local counsel in the district to which
such an action is transferred.
2
The Federal Judiciary does not endorse any specific software.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 4
• If the designated location is correct, and the file is in PDF format, Adobe Acrobat
Reader loads the file and displays it on the screen.
• If the displayed document is larger than the screen or consists of multiple pages, use
the scroll bars to move through the document.
• Click the View menu for other options for viewing the displayed document. Choose
the option that is most appropriate for the document.
Documents Filed in Error
A document incorrectly filed in a case may be the result of:
• selecting the wrong PDF file(s) during the filing process;
• selecting the wrong document event from the CM/ECF menu; or
• entering the wrong case number and not discovering the error before completing the
transaction.
Once a document is electronically, filed it becomes part of the electronic case file. CM/ECF will
not permit the filing party to make any changes once the transaction is accepted.
To request a correction, please call the Help Desk at 1-800-466-9302 or email
[email protected] as soon as possible after an error is discovered. You will need to
provide the case number and document number for the document requiring correction. You will
be advised if you need to re-file the document. If appropriate, the Court will make an entry
indicating that the document was filed in error. The CM/ECF system does not permit you to
change the misfiled document(s) or incorrect docket entry after the transaction has been accepted.
Note: All documents filed in CM/ECF are instantly noticed to all case participants and
the Court via e-mail – this includes documents filed in error. Please check your filing
thoroughly before submitting.
Signatures: Affidavits of Service
1. Civil cases: Documents that must bear original signatures or require either verification
or an unsworn declaration under any rule or statute, shall be filed electronically with
originally executed copies maintained by the filer for two (2) years after final
resolution of the action, including final disposition of all appeals. The pleading or
other document electronically filed shall indicate a signature, e.g., “s/Jane Doe”.
2. Criminal cases: Certain documents that must contain original signatures other than
those of a participating attorney or which require either verification or an unsworn
declaration under any rule or statute, shall be filed in paper and maintained in the
Clerk’s Office.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 5
3. In the case of a stipulation or other document to be signed by two or more persons, the
following procedure should be used:
(a) The filing party or attorney shall initially confirm that the content of the
document is acceptable to all persons required to sign the document.
(b) The filing party or attorney then shall file the document electronically, indicating
the signatories, e.g., “s/Jane Doe,” “s/John Doe,” etc.
(c) If any attorney challenges the alleged endorsement of a jointly filed document,
the attorney has 12 days in which to assert that challenge to the court.
Filing a Civil Case – Online Case Opening
Attorneys are responsible for opening their cases and filing the case initiating document online. Cases can
be filed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instructions for opening a case online can be found in the Opening
A Civil Case section of this guide. A Guide to Online Case Opening and an electronic learning module
for online case opening can also be found on the Western District of Missouri’s District Court CM/ECF
Training & Materials web page.
Prior to opening a new case, counsel must complete the Civil Cover Sheet (JS-44c) using the Western
District of Missouri’s online Civil Cover Sheet. The Civil Cover Sheet contains all the information
needed to open a new case. Once the case is opened, the Civil Cover Sheet must be submitted in PDF
format as an attachment to the complaint or notice of removal.
Note: Please contact the Clerk’s Office to file a Qui Tam (False Claim) case, Application for Stay of
Execution, or sealed case.
If you are filing a Motion to Vacate (2255 Motion), please contact the CM/ECF Help Line at 1-800-
466-9302 for additional instructions.
A CM/ECF login and password are required to complete online case opening. If you do not have a
CM/ECF login and password, please contact the CM/ECF Help Line at 1-800-466-9302 between the
hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, for filing instructions.
You must file your case initiating document immediately after the case has been opened.
Payment by credit card, debit card or bank account is made online during the filing of the complaint or
notice of removal.
Filing Sealed Cases
Users should contact the court for information on filing sealed cases or filing documents in sealed
cases.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 6
Summons
Fillable summons forms are available under the District Forms section of our website. An E-Mail
Summons to be Issued option is available on the Civil CM/ECF menu to assist you in submitting
summonses to the court.
Select a division from the options presented on the following screen. A summons can be issued
by any of the three offices.
Once the selection has been made, the user’s e-mail program will open and populate the e-mail
address for the office selected. Complete the e-mail by including the case number and attaching
the completed summons to be issued.
If your system does not allow you to e-mail a summons from CM/ECF, the completed summons
should be e-mailed in PDF format to one of the following:
Office E-mail Address
Kansas City
[email protected]
Springfield
[email protected]
Jefferson City
[email protected]
Once the complaint has been electronically filed, the Court will affix an electronic seal to the
summons and e-mail them back to the requesting party for service. Summons can also be brought
to the Clerk’s Office and issued at that time.
Filing Sealed Documents and Proposed Documents
Sealed Documents
Sealed documents are to be filed in CM/ECF, with access restricted to the Judge and authorized
staff, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Unless they are being filed pursuant to a previously
entered Protective Order, users wishing to file sealed documents must seek permission from the
Court to file the document.
If a user wishes to file a sealed document, they should first file a Motion for Leave to File
Document Under Seal and indicate that they are wishing to file a document under seal and the
reason they are making the request. The proposed sealed document, along with a proposed order
should be e-mailed to the courtroom deputy assigned to the judge from whom you are seeking
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 7
leave. Do not attach the proposed sealed document to the Motion for Leave to File. The
document will not be sealed without intervention by a court employee.
If leave to file a sealed document is granted, the user should file the document using the
corresponding sealed document event, i.e., Motion for Order (Sealed), Suggestions in Support
(Sealed), Suggestions in Opposition (Sealed), etc.
CM/ECF will send notification of a sealed document to all parties, but the document
cannot be accessed by counsel, so you MUST mail opposing counsel a copy.
NOTE: When filing your document, please make sure that you use the (Sealed) event so that
your document and all attachments are sealed. Pay close attention when providing a
description of the sealed document and attachments – do not include information intended to
be sealed. The docket entry is displayed to the public even though the sealed document is not.
Proposed Documents
If the document you wish to file requires leave of court, such as an amended complaint or a
document to be filed out of time, the proposed document shall be attached as an exhibit to the
motion. If your motion is granted, the order will direct you to electronically file your document.
Proposed sealed documents are exceptions to this policy. Do not attach a document for which
you seek leave to file under seal as an attachment to a document. The document will not be
sealed without intervention by a court employee. Proposed sealed documents should be e-mailed
to the courtroom deputy assigned to the judge from whom you are seeking leave to file under
seal. The e-mailing of the proposed sealed document should be preceded by the filing of a motion
for leave to file under seal.
Another exception to this policy is Proposed Scheduling Orders. Unlike proposed orders,
proposed scheduling orders should be electronically filed and should not contain a signature line
for the presiding judge. The proposed scheduling order should include the electronic signature of
both the filing and opposing counsel. The non-filing party has 12 days from the filing of the
proposed scheduling order to challenge their alleged agreement to the substance of the
submission.
Submitting a Proposed Order
A document that is submitted in PDF format cannot be modified. Therefore, a proposed order
must be submitted to the Court in Word format. All proposed orders must be e-mailed to the
courtroom deputy for the presiding judge in the case in Word format which is available in most
word processing software.
An option, E-Mail Proposed Order, is available on the Civil and Criminal CM/ECF menus to
assist you in sending proposed orders to the court.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 8
From the following screen, select the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Once the selection has been made, the user’s e-mail program will open and populate the
appropriate e-mail address. Complete the e-mail by including the case number and attaching the
proposed order.
If your system does not allow you to e-mail proposed orders from CM/ECF, attach your proposed
order to an e-mail and send it to the appropriate courtroom deputy.
A listing of current Courtroom Deputies and Chambers contact information can be found by
clicking on the appropriate Judge on the WDMO’s District Court Judges web page.
Privacy Notice
All documents are filed electronically and are available on the Court’s website, except for large exhibit
attachments, sealed cases, and Social Security cases. Any subscriber to CM/ECF and/or PACER will be
able to read, download, store, and print the full content of unrestricted electronically filed documents.
Some exhibit attachments are being maintained in paper only and will be available in the Clerk’s Office.
The Clerk’s Office will not make electronically available documents that have been sealed or otherwise
restricted by court order. Attorneys of record in a case are given one free access to view each electronic
document. For additional access opportunities and for other interested viewers, there are charges
associated with case access and the requirement of a PACER password.
You should not include sensitive information in any document filed with the Court unless such inclusion
is necessary and relevant to the case. You must remember that any personal information not otherwise
protected will be made available over the Internet via CM/ECF and/or PACER. If sensitive information
must be included, the following personal data identifiers must be partially redacted from the pleading,
whether it is filed traditionally or electronically:
a. Social Security numbers. If an individual’s social security number must be included in a
pleading, only the last four digits of that number should be used.
b. Names of minor children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned, only
the initials of that child should be used.
c. Dates of birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a pleading, only the
year should be used.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 9
d. Financial account numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four
digits of these numbers should be used.
e. Home addresses. If a home address must be included, only the city and state should be
listed. (This applies to criminal case documents only.)
In compliance with the E-Government Act of 2002, a party wishing to file a document containing the
personal data identifiers specified above may file an unredacted document under seal. You are asked to do
so only if you believe maintenance of the unredacted material in the court file is critical to your case. In
addition, you must electronically file a redacted copy for the public file, absent order of the Court.
You are advised to exercise caution when filing documents that contain the following:
1) Personal identifying numbers, such as a driver’s license number;
2) medical records, treatment and diagnosis;
3) employment history;
4) individual financial information; and
5) proprietary or trade secret information.
Limitations on Remote Access to Electronic Files; Social-Security Appeals and Immigration Cases.
Unless the court orders otherwise, in an action for benefits under the Social Security Act, and in an action
or proceeding relating to an order of removal, to relief from removal, or to immigration benefits or
detention, access to an electronic file is authorized as follows:
1) the parties and their attorneys may have remote electronic access to any part of the case
file, including the administrative record;
2) any other person may have electronic access to the full record at the courthouse, but may
have remote electronic access only to:
(A) the docket maintained by the court; and
(B) an opinion, order, judgment, or other disposition of the court, but not any
other part of the case file or the administrative record.
Counsel is strongly urged to share this notice with all clients so that an informed decision about the
inclusion of certain materials may be made. If a redacted document is filed, it is the sole responsibility of
counsel and the parties to be sure that the redaction of personal identifiers is done. The Clerk’s Office will
not review pleadings for redaction.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO PARTIES/ATTORNEYS IN SOCIAL SECURITY CASES
It is your responsibility to provide the U.S. Attorneys’ office with the social security number of the
plaintiff upon the filing of a new social security case. You may e-mail Kathleen James at
[email protected] OR you may call her at 816-426-4303 with this information.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 10
Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF)
How to Access CM/ECF
Users can access the CM/ECF system via the Internet by going to http://ecf.mowd.uscourts.gov.
Or, you may go to the Western District of Missouri=s web site at www.mow.uscourts.gov and click on
the District link, then click on the CM/ECF Login link under District.
Logging In
Select United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri - Document Filing System to
open the login screen and login to CM/ECF.
Note: Use your CM/ECF login and password if you are entering the system to file a pleading
or to maintain your account. If you only wish to query the database for case information or to
view a document, enter your PACER login and password. You will be charged a fee to access
documents, docket sheets, query information, etc. from CM/ECF.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 11
• Enter your CM/ECF Login and Password in the appropriate data entry fields. All CM/ECF
login names and passwords are case sensitive. Review the notice regarding redaction
responsibility to the right of the Authentication box. You must signify agreement by checking
to the right of the Authentication box or you will be unable to proceed. Click to
transmit the information to the system. If an error is made before you have submitted the
screen, click to erase the Login and Password entries and re-enter the correct
information.
• If an invalid combination has been submitted, the system responds with an error message.
Click in your browser and re-enter the correct login and password.
• The client code is an optional feature that can be used to track PACER billing charges to a
specific client. Enter the client’s name, law office file number or some distinctive code. It is
not necessary to register the client code with the Court or with PACER. The quarterly billing
statements from PACER will show the total amount due according to each client code.
Selecting the Appropriate CM/ECF Feature
The screen below is the Welcome screen with the blue Main Menu bar.
Note: The date you last logged into the system appears at the bottom left corner of the
Main Menu screen. For security reasons, you should review this information each time
you login. If you believe your last login date and time are incorrect, or suspect an
unauthorized party is using your login and password, please contact the court’s Help
Desk at 1-800-466-9302 as soon as possible.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 12
CM/ECF provides numerous features that are accessible from the Main Menu bar at the top of the
opening screen.
Civil Electronically open a new case or file pleadings, motions, and other documents in
civil or miscellaneous cases.
Criminal Electronically file pleadings, motions, and other documents in criminal or magistrate
cases.
Query Obtain information by specific case number, party name, or nature of suit. You must
login to PACER before you can query CM/ECF.
Reports Retrieve docket sheets and cases-filed reports. You must login to PACER before
you can view any CM/ECF report.
Utilities Maintain your account, view your personal CM/ECF transaction log and view
mailing information for a case.
Search Search for a CM/ECF menu or event by typing in a keyword or part of a document
title. Only letters and numbers may be searched. Note: This feature is not available to
PACER users.
Logout Exit from CM/ECF and prevent any further filing with your password until the next
time you log in.
Help Select if you have a question about the current CM/ECF screen you are on. This will
often provide you help for the screen you are viewing.
Manipulating the Screens
Each screen has the following two buttons:
• The button clears all characters entered in the box(es) on that screen.
• The or button accepts the entry just made and displays the next entry screen, if
any.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 13
Correcting a Mistake
Mozilla Firefox Toolbar
Internet Explorer Toolbar
Use the button on the Mozilla Firefox toolbar or the on the Internet Explorer toolbar to go back
and correct an entry made on a previous screen. However, once the document is transmitted to the court,
only the court can make changes or corrections.
Menus
The cascading menu system allows users to navigate from one CM/ECF menu item to another by
hovering over the main blue bar and selecting specific items from the cascading menus.
As an alternative to the cascading menu system, users can also access items by clicking on the blue menu
bar item. When a user clicks on the blue menu bar item, CM/ECF presents all options available through
that item on a single screen. The example below is displayed when the user clicks the Civil option.
Although both menu options are available to users, this manual will use the option to access items by
clicking on the blue menu bar item.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 14
OPENING A CIVIL CASE IN CM/ECF
If you prefer to view this information via an online tutorial, click here or access through our webpage.
Select Civil from the blue menu bar at the top of the ECF screen.
Select MOW Open a New Case under Online Case Opening on the Civil Events screen.
Civil Events Screen
The following screen includes important information regarding opening a new case in CM/ECF. Please
review the information carefully.
Initial Case Opening Screen
The next screen is the initial case opening screen. The selection of the office and case type provide the
system with the information it needs to assign a case number and judge. You will receive a case number
after the case has been created. A judge will be assigned to the case and will appear on the Notice of
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 15
Electronic Filing after the initiating document has been filed. Following is a description of each of the
fields in the case opening screen.
Initial Case Opening Screen
Office
Local Rule 3.2 addresses divisional venue. Divisional venue is determined first by the county in
which the defendant resides, or if the defendant resides outside the Western District of Missouri,
the county where the plaintiff resides, or where the claim for relief arose. Local Rule 3.2 also
addresses the issue of multiple defendants and non-resident defendants. Cases must be initiated
in compliance with Local Rule 3.2 and the clerk’s office will reassign any cases filed in an
incorrect division.
Cases removed from a County Circuit Court to the District Court are assigned to the District
Court Division in which the County Court lies. The selection of the incorrect office will result in
an Administrative Transfer by the Clerk's Office and a redraw of judge from the appropriate deck.
Please see below for a listing of counties included in each division.
Jefferson City Joplin Kansas City
St. Joseph Springfield
(Central (Southwestern (Western
(St. Joseph Division) (Southern Division)
Division) Division) Division)
Benton Barry Bates Andrew Harrison Cedar Oregon
Boone Barton Carroll Atchison Holt Christian Ozark
Callaway Jasper Cass Buchanan Livingston Dade Polk
Camden Lawrence Clay Caldwell Mercer Dallas Pulaski
Cole McDonald Henry Clinton Nodaway Douglas Taney
Cooper Newton Jackson Daviess Platte Greene Texas
Hickory Stone Johnson DeKalb Putnam Howell Webster
Howard Vernon Lafayette Gentry Sullivan Laclede Wright
Miller Ray Grundy Worth
Montineau St. Clair
Morgan Saline
Osage
Pettis
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 16
Case Type
Only civil and miscellaneous cases can be opened by attorneys. Select “cv” for a civil case or
“mc” for a miscellaneous case.
The following initiating documents receive a civil “cv” case number:
• Complaint
• Notice of Removal
• Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
The following initiating documents receive a miscellaneous “mc” case number:
• Application to Enter Premises
• Federal Lien Against Property Filed by Government Agency
• Letters Rogatory
• Motion for Protective Order
• Motion for Return of Seized Property
• Petition to Enforce IRS Summons
• Motion to Quash IRS Summons
• Motion to Enforce Subpoena
• Motion to Perpetuate Testimony
• Motion to Quash Subpoena
• Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award
• Motion to Withdraw Reference to Bankruptcy Court
• Notification of Appointment of Receiver
• Registration of Foreign Judgment
• Request for Subpoena to Identify Infringer
NOTE: When filing a miscellaneous case, use the Miscellaneous Case Initiating Document event
and make the appropriate choice (below) as to the type of miscellaneous case from the list
displayed on the screen.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 17
If your miscellaneous case involves a motion (i.e., a Motion to Enforce Subpoena), you will
docket the Miscellaneous Case Initiating Document event, but you will not be prompted to attach
a document. After docketing the Miscellaneous Case Initiating Document event you should file
your motion separately using the appropriate motion event. If there isn’t an appropriate motion
event, please file your motion using the Motion for Order event. You will be able to attach your
motion to this event. If you have questions when filing a miscellaneous case, please contact the
Clerk’s Office.
Lead Case Number and Association Type
The Lead case number and Association type fields are only used by court staff, so it is not
necessary to enter additional information in these boxes.
Other Court Name and Other Court Number
If you are filing a notice of removal, enter the name of the other court (i.e., Circuit Court of
Jackson County, Missouri) in the Other Court Name field.
Enter the county’s case number in the Other Court Number field.
Related Case
If the case you are filing relates to another case in the Western District of Missouri, check the
Related Cases box. A new screen will open which allows you to add the related case
information.
Related Case Entry Screen
Enter the related case number in the text box. Entering related case information creates a
hyperlink to that case from the docket sheet.
If there is more than one related case, after entering the first case number check the More related
cases box.
When all related cases have been entered, click the Next button.
Case Information Screen
The Case Information Screen can be completed from the information supplied on the Civil Cover Sheet.
Please remember that you must attach the Civil Cover Sheet as a .pdf when filing the case initiating
document.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 18
NOTE: The selections you make on the Case Information Screen are very important. An error will be
displayed if information is not entered correctly. Errors must be corrected to continue opening the case.
Case Information Screen
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction defaults to Federal Question. The drop-down list displays additional options for
jurisdiction (Diversity, U.S. Government Plaintiff and U.S. Government Defendant).
The jurisdiction for miscellaneous cases is 3 (Federal Question).
Cause of Action
The statutes, also referred to as causes of action, are listed in numerical order. To select the cause
of action, users can click the drop-down list and scroll down to find the appropriate statute.
An alternate way of finding the cause of action is to enter the full or partial statute in the Filter
field. CM/EFC will narrow down the drop-down list to include only the items that match the
string entered.
The cause of action for miscellaneous cases, misc (Civil Miscellaneous Case), is located at the
bottom of the list or by typing “misc” in the filter box.
Nature of Suit
The natures of suit are listed in numerical order. To select the nature of suit, users can click the
drop-down list and scroll down to find the appropriate entry.
An alternate way to find the nature of suit is to enter the full or partial nature of suit in the Filter
field to further narrow down the drop-down list to include only the items that match the string
entered.
The nature of suit for miscellaneous cases is 999 (Miscellaneous Case).
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 19
Origin
A complaint originating in the Federal Court is always 1 (Original Proceeding). A notice of
removal is always 2 (Removal from State Court). Use the drop-down box to select the appropriate
origin.
The origin for miscellaneous cases is always 1 (Original Proceeding).
Citizenship
The Citizenship fields only need to be completed for diversity cases. If you are filing a diversity
case, select the appropriate citizenship statement for the parties. Note: Diversity must be selected
on the Jurisdiction field if you are completing the citizenship fields.
The citizenship fields do not need to be completed for miscellaneous cases.
Jury Demand
Jury demand should only be requested if there is a jury demand contained within the case
initiating document you are filing. The jury demand can be made by the plaintiff when filing a
complaint or the defendant when filing a notice of removal. N (none) should be selected if the
document filed does not state a jury demand.
The jury demand for miscellaneous cases is always n (None).
Class Action
If you are alleging a class action, click the drop-down box and select “y”. To request class
certification, you must file a motion once your case has been opened.
When filing a miscellaneous case, the class action field should remain at the default “n”.
Demand
If a monetary demand is requested in the complaint, enter the amount to the nearest thousand. For
example, if you are requesting $1,500,000 enter 1500, without a dollar sign, comma or decimal.
When filing a miscellaneous case, the monetary demand should be left blank.
Arbitration
The Arbitration code field is not used in the Western District of Missouri and should be left
blank.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 20
County
Click the County drop-down list to display a list of all counties in the Western District of
Missouri. The county selected MUST be the county which determined divisional jurisdiction.
Click here for more information.
Fee Status
Unless you are a U.S. governmental agency or you are filing in forma pauperis, the fee status
should be set to p (paid). If a motion to proceed in forma pauperis is being filed, ifp (in forma
pauperis) should be selected. Attorneys for the United States or agencies of the United States
government should select the fee status waived (wv).
Fee Date
The fee date will automatically default to the current date. Please do not change or remove the
date.
Date Transfer
The Date transfer field remains blank.
When finished entering all the information on the Case Information Screen, click Next to continue.
Party Names
Perhaps the most critical piece of Online Case Opening is the entry of party names. It is important that
this be done correctly since it impacts not only your case, but also the general records for the court. The
Party Entry Guide is available on our website to assist you in adding parties. We suggest you print it for
future reference.
The party search screen is divided into two panels. The left panel contains controls to Add New Party
and Create Case. The search fields in the right panel allow users to search the CM/ECF database for
parties.
Party Search Screen
Searching for a Party
BEFORE ENTERING ANY PARTY NAME, search the current list of names in the CM/ECF
database by entering at least three letters of the party’s last name in the Last/Business name field
that’s presented. If your party is a corporation, enter the first three letters of the corporate name.
The Party Entry Guide includes search hints to help you search the CM/ECF database for parties.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 21
If the system finds a match, CM/ECF will display a list of party names. Be SURE to scroll down
through the list offered on the screen. If you find something similar, check your own spelling or
configuration to determine which is preferable.
Search Results
If the name of the party you represent appears in the list, select it, and then click Select Party. Do
not create a new party if the party you represent appears in the list.
Creating a New Party
If you do not find a match AFTER performing a search, click Create New Party to enter the
party as a new entry into the database.
ECF will display the Party Information screen to collect information on the new party.
Party Information Screen
While there are many data entry boxes on this screen, only limited fields are completed:
• Last name;
• First name;
• Middle name (If Applicable);
• Generation (If Applicable);
• Role; and
• Party text (If Applicable).
Do not enter any additional information for new parties.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 22
Party Name
For businesses, the company name is entered in the Last/Business Name field. For
individuals, the Last Name, First Name, and Middle Name fields are used. The
Generation field is also completed if applicable.
Role
The Role type defaults to defendant. Select the correct party role from the drop-down
list. Since most cases are opened by plaintiffs, please be careful to change the designation
to Plaintiff. If your case is a removal, you must still be careful to add the party role types
properly.
Party Text
This field is OPTIONAL and allows you to add descriptive information about the party.
Examples of party text are: A Missouri Corporation, Individually and in the Official
Capacity, etc. Please do not add the party role, (i.e., plaintiff, defendant, etc.) to the Party
Text box.
When all required information is entered, click the Add Party button.
As the parties are added, you will see them appear in the left panel. The information in the left
panel is referred to as the Case Participant Tree.
Case Participant Tree
The following chart provides you with a description of the icons and hyperlinks you see in the left
panel of the Case Participant Tree.
Case Participant Tree Icons
Icon Description
Delete this party from the case.
Add new alias or corporate parent.
Edit the party, alias or corporate parent.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 23
The Expand all hyperlink displays all parties, including aliases, corporate parents, and attorneys.
The Collapse all hyperlink displays only the parties in the case, with all other information
collapsed in the tree.
Each branch of the case participant tree can be expanded or collapsed individually by clicking on
the + and – icons.
If the party tree is not expanded, you should expand it to make sure you have all parties and
aliases added. If necessary, click the appropriate icon in the Case Participant Tree to add or
correct information. When all parties have been added and appear correctly in the Case
Participant Tree, click Create Case.
You will be prompted to pay the appropriate filing fee via Pay.Gov.
Final Review
CM/ECF gives you one last opportunity to makes changes to case opening information.
Final Review Screen
Clicking No will allow you to add, delete or modify parties. If all of the information is correct, click Yes
to create the case.
The case is now open in CM/ECF, and a case number has been assigned. Please make a note of the case
number for future reference.
Click Docket Lead Event to docket your complaint, notice of removal, or miscellaneous case initiating
document.
If you are filing a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, do not click on Docket Lead Event.
Instead, click Civil on the blue menu bar. Under the Motions and Related Filings category, click
Motion, and select the event Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
You must file your case initiating document immediately after the case has
been opened.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 24
When the complaint, notice of removal or miscellaneous case initiating document is filed, a judge is
randomly assigned and will be displayed on the Notice of Electronic Filing. Please make a note of the
judge assignment for future reference.
Notice of Electronic Filing with Judge Assignment
Once you file the case initiating document and receive the Notice of Electronic Filing, your case is
considered opened. The Clerk’s Office will review all information entered during Online Case Opening
and, if needed, make any corrections.
If you require assistance during Online Case Opening or other filing matters, please contact our CM/ECF
Help Line at 1-800-466-9302.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 25
Filing Documents in a Civil Case – A Step-By-Step Guide
There are nine basic steps involved in filing a civil document:
1. Select the type of document to file.
2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed.
3. Designate the party(s) filing the document.
a. Add/Create a new party if necessary.
4. Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be filed.
5. Add attachments to the main document.
a. If an exhibit cannot be converted to a PDF file (i.e., an audio or video file), the file
should be copied onto a flash drive and two copies of the flash drive delivered to the
Clerk’s Office.
b. A Notice of Exhibit Attachment should be filed as a separate document on CM/ECF.
The Notice of Exhibit Attachment should: 1) indicate the name of the non-PDF
document(s) being submitted to the Clerk’s Office; 2) indicate the document to which
the Notice of Exhibit pertains; and 3) reference that two copies were delivered to the
Clerk’s Office.
c. All documents which form part of a single pleading (and which are being filed at
the same time), and by the same party may be electronically filed together under one
docket number (Exception: Suggestions in Support or Suggestions in Opposition to
motion, see below)
6. Link related documents, if necessary.
7. Modify the docket text as necessary.
8. Submit the document to CM/ECF.
9. Receive notification of electronic filing.
After successfully logging into CM/ECF, follow these steps to file a pleading.
1. Select the type of document to file
Select Civil from the Main Menu at the top of the CM/ECF screen. The Civil Event
window opens displaying all of the events from which you may choose for your filing.
This section of the User’s Manual describes the process for filing a Motion in CM/ECF.
The process is similar for filing other pleadings in CM/ECF. The Search feature, found
within the blue menu bar, is helpful in locating appropriate events.
Click on Motions, under the category of Motions and Related Filings.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 26
The next screen will allow you to scroll down and select the type of motion you are filing
or, by typing text in the docket event search field, the system will display those events
that have matching text. The list will grow shorter as the system narrows the possible
choices that match the criteria. Click and highlight the desired event when it is displayed
in the available events box.
After clicking on the desired event, the name will appear on the right in the Selected
Events box. If you are filing a single part motion, verify the event in the Selected Events
box and click to continue.
To remove an event which was incorrectly selected, click on the event in the Selected
Events box. The unwanted selection will be removed from the box.
Note: To file a multi-part motion, continue to add events to the Selected Events box.
Once you have finished making your selections, verify the events in the Selected
Events box are correct and click to continue docketing. To remove an event
which was incorrectly selected, click on the event in the Selected Events box. The
unwanted selection will be removed from the box.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 27
2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed
After you enter the entire case number, click . Case numbers can be
entered in many formats, i.e., 08-123, 4:08-cv-123, or 08cv123. If the case number is
entered incorrectly, the system will display a message that it cannot find the case. Verify
the correct case number, re-enter it in the box and click .
If duplicate numbers are found, they will be displayed in a list. Check the box for the
case in which the document is to be filed.
When a valid case number has been entered, click to move to the next screen.
3. Designate the party(s) filing the document
The case participant tree is displayed in the left pane during docketing so users can
readily see all case participants during the process of selecting the filers. Each branch of
the tree can be expanded to reveal additional information or collapsed to the case
participant level. To view all parties, attorneys and aliases, click on Expand All. The
Collapse All option will display parties, but not their attorneys or aliases. The tree is
displayed for reference purposes during docketing. All party selections will be made in
the right pane.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 28
When selecting the filer, the right pane displays the existing parties, and the left pane
displays the case participant tree. Highlight the name of the party for whom you are filing
the document, or, if the Select a Group option is presented and you represent all
defendants or plaintiffs you may select a group by clicking in the circle next to the group.
Click .
If the party you represent is not reflected in the party list, click . A new search
screen will be displayed from which the user then can search for and add a new party.
Adding New Parties
To search for a new filer, type in the party's last name, or if a business, the first three
letters of the business name. When searching for an individual, the search can be further
narrowed by entering the first name of the party. Click .
Be sure to scroll down through the list of names that come up on the screen. If the system
finds the correct name, select the name already in the database to eliminate different
versions of the same party name. Click .
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 29
On the Party Information screen review the party name and select the party’s role in
this filing. Do not add party addresses, phone or e-mail information. All information
added on this screen will be accessible to the public. Click to add the party to
the case.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 30
Creating New Parties
Many names and businesses are in the system so please verify the spelling of the party’s
name to avoid duplicate entries. If the party search returns no results, click .
If the party being added is a business, enter the entire name in the Last Name field. For
an individual, enter the Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Generation and Title
fields as appropriate. From the drop-down list, chose the appropriate Role for the party.
Leave all other fields blank and click .
With all new parties CM/ECF needs to create an association between the party and their
attorney.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 31
If you represent the party you have added, leave the box to the left of the party’s name
checked to create the attorney/party relationship. If you do not represent the party, but
are adding them as an additional party, i.e., third party defendant, uncheck the box so no
association is created. Click .
4. Specify the PDF file name and location of the document to be filed
CM/ECF displays a field for locating and entering the PDF file of the document you are
filing. The file must be in PDF format with a .pdf suffix. If the file is not in PDF
format, it will not be accepted by the system. If an attempt is made to upload a file that
is not in PDF format, or if a party attempts to make a standard docket entry without also
submitting a document, an error message will appear.
To upload a document, click to navigate to the appropriate directory. Use the
mouse to select the directory in which the PDF version of the file is located.
Navigate to the appropriate directory and file name to select the PDF document you wish
to file. Highlight the file to upload to CM/ECF.
Revision Date: 9/30/2025 32
Note: To verify that the document being filed is the correct document, after
the file is selected, right click on the file name and select open from the
menu. The PDF document will open and can be viewed to verify that it is the
correct document.
Viewing the document allows a user to find and correct significant filing
errors before sending the document to the Court and other parties.
Remember, once submitted, a filing cannot be edited or changed by an
attorney.
Once you have verified the document is correct, close Adobe Reader and click .
CM/ECF closes the File Upload screen and inserts the PDF file name and location in the
Motions screen. If you fail to select a document to file, CM/ECF will display an error
message. If there are no attachments to the motion, click .
5. Add attachments to the main document
All documents which form part of a pleading and are being filed at the same time and by
the same party may be electronically filed together under one docket number (i.e., a
Motion and a supporting affidavit).
EXCEPTION: Suggestions in support of a motion should be electronically filed
separately and shown as a related document to the motion
Attachments are added on the lower portion of the document upload screen. Click
to search for the document. Navigate to the appropriate directory and file name
to select the PDF document you wish to file. Verify that the document being filed is the
correct document and click .
Revision Date: 9/30/2025
