CM/ECF User Manual
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
REVISED AUGUST 3, 2020
DISTRICT COURT | 324 W. Market Street, Greensboro NC
SECTION 1 - GETTING STARTED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
CM/ECF System Capabilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Help Desk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
CM/ECF System Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6
SECTION 2 - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
SECTION 3 - OBTAINING A CM/ECF ACCOUNT AND MECHANICS -------------------------------------------------------- 8
PACER Registration-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
CM/ECF Registration ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Your Account ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Changing Password ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Modifying a Primary Email Address ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Adding a Secondary Email Address ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Modifying a Secondary Email Address ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Removing a Secondary Email Address-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Change/Modify Phone/Fax Number ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Viewing Your Transaction Log ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Retrieve Your Login and Password ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15
SECTION 4 - PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT (PDF) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Setting Up the Acrobat PDF Reader ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
How to View a PDF File ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
How to Convert Documents to PDF Format Using Any Word Processing Program---------------------------------------------- 16
SECTION 5 - ACCESSING AND LOGGING INTO THE CM/ECF SYSTEM ------------------------------------------------- 17
Accessing the CM/ECF System ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Logging into the CM/ECF System ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
SECTION 6 - CIVIL CASE OPENING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
Opening a Civil Case in CMECF -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Case Numbered Issued---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
Summons(es) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
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Docket Lead Event --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
SECTION 7 - ANSWER TO COMPLAINT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 32
Docketing Steps------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
SECTION 8 - CIVIL EVENTS FEATURE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Docketing in a Civil Case ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 38
SECTION 9 - CRIMINAL EVENTS FEATURE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44
Docketing in a Criminal Case ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44
SECTION 10 - OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM CM/ECF SYSTEM ----------------------------------------------------- 50
Query Feature -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50
Attorney------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 52
Case Summary --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52
Deadlines/Hearings --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53
Docket Report ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54
History/Documents --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55
Reports Feature ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 56
Docket Sheet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 57
Civil Cases Report ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58
SECTION 11 - SPECIAL PROCEDURES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59
Appeals ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59
Briefs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59
Certificate of Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 60
Certified, Notarized and Documents Authenticated by Other Means ----------------------------------------------------------------- 60
Ex Parte Matters ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61
Exhibits ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62
Filing Documents Under Seal------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62
Removals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62
Return of Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63
Motions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64
Motion for Leave to Amend ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64
Motions for Psychiatric and Psychological Exams ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65
Motion to Compel Discovery -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65
Notice of Special Appearance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65
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Orders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 66
Proposed Orders ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66
Registration of Foreign Judgment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66
Responses and Replies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67
Responses to Motions to Compel Discovery and Motions for Protective Order ---------------------------------------------------- 67
Web Accessible Filers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67
SECTION 12 - DOCUMENTS FILED IN ERROR --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68
Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 68
Error Found During Quality Control Process ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68
SECTION 13 - RESOURCES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69
Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69
Troubleshooting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 70
Spreading Docket Text ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71
How to Add/Create a New Party Filer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72
SECTION 14 - HELP DESK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76
Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 76
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SECTION 1 - GETTING STARTED
Introduction
The United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina requires
attorneys to file documents with the Court from the Internet. Local Civil Rule 5.3 authorizes
electronic filing in conjunction with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure. The
CM/ECF User’s Manual, along with the Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and
Procedures Manual, provide instructions on how to file documents, view documents, and
retrieve docket sheets for cases filed in this Court.
A party who is not represented by counsel must file their documents with the Clerk’s
Office conventionally, unless otherwise ordered by this court.
The Filing User should have a working knowledge of Internet browsers and Adobe
Acrobat software.
CM/ECF System Capabilities
The CM/ECF system allows the Filing User with Internet accounts and browser
software to perform the following functions:
• Electronically file documents in actual (“live”) cases
• View official docket sheets and documents associated with cases
• View various reports
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Help Desk
The initial point of contact for any Filing User having trouble filing a document
electronically should be the CM/ECF Help Desk. Contact the Court’s Help Desk between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you need assistance using the
CM/ECF system.
Help Desk Phone Numbers
Toll Free 1-800-659-2212
Clerk’s Office 336-332-6030
A technical failure on a given day is determined if the system is unable to accept filings
continuously or intermittently over the course of any period of time greater than one hour after
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that day. Known system outages will be posted on the Court’s web
page, if possible.
See Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and
Procedures Manual, Section P, for further details.
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CM/ECF System Features
After logging into the CM/ECF system, you will be taken to a main page that has seven
(7) different categories listed across the top of the screen; Civil, Criminal, Query, Reports,
Utilities, Search, and Logout.
Note: If you do not see the Civil or Criminal tabs, you are logged into PACER.
Note: A Filing User cannot view sealed documents using PACER.
1 Civil The Civil tab allows the Filing User the ability to open new civil cases and file
documents in civil cases.
2 Criminal The Criminal tab allows the Filing User the ability to file documents in
criminal cases.
3 Query The Query tab will take the Filing User directly to a PACER login screen.
Enter in your PACER login and password to look up cases that are filed in the
Middle District of North Carolina.
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4 Reports The Reports tab allows the Filing User to run the Calendar Events Report to
search hearing dates using multiple parameters.
Note: Other reports are available through PACER.
5 Utilities The Utilities tab allows the Filing User to do the following:
• Maintain Your Account
o Modify the primary email address.
o Add/Remove a secondary email address.
o Change the password to your user account.
• Legal Research
o Contains hyperlinks to a Law Dictionary, Lexis via the Internet,
a Medical Dictionary, and Westlaw via the Internet.
• View Your Transaction Log
o Generate a report to verify CM/ECF Filing User’s transactions.
• Mailings
o Enter a case number to view who will receive electronic notices
in a case and who will need to be manually noticed.
• Review Billing History
o Run a report showing Filing User’s history for a specified date
range.
• Verify a Document
o Allows the Filing User to enter data in the screen fields to
locate a particular document attached to a specific case number.
6 Search The Search tab allows the Filing User to look up an event in this Court’s
CM/ECF dictionary.
7 Logout The Logout tab allows the Filing User to exit the CM/ECF system.
Note: To ensure proper logout, the Filing User should select Logout
before closing the browser.
8 The yellow question mark at the end of the blue menu bar will bring up a pop-
up window displaying helpful information about the Filing User’s current
screen.
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SECTION 2 - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Requirements
The hardware and software needed to electronically file, view and retrieve case documents
are the following:
• Windows or Macintosh;
• Internet access;
• JavaScript enabled web browser;
• Software, such as Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer or a word processing program capable of
converting documents from a word format to a PDF document. For viewing
documents, only Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed; and
• A scanner to convert documents to PDF.
SECTION 3 - OBTAINING A CM/ECF ACCOUNT AND MECHANICS
PACER Registration
A CM/ECF User is required to have a PACER account. The PACER account gives you
the ability to read case dockets and view electronic images of documents.
If you do not have a PACER login, contact the PACER Service Center to establish an
account via telephone at (800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440 or register online at
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.
Note: A Filing User cannot view sealed documents using PACER.
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CM/ECF Registration
A participant is required to register with this Court to receive a login and password for
the CM/ECF System.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO PRACTICE ATTORNEY NOT ADMITTED TO
IN THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PRACTICE IN THE MIDDLE DISTRICT
NORTH CAROLINA OF NORTH CAROLINA
Attend a federal court’s training on electronic Attend a federal court’s training on electronic
filing or be an electronic filer in another filing or be an electronic filer in another
court. court.
Click this link for Training Information
Associate with local counsel permitted to file
in the Middle District of North Carolina
See Local Rule 83.1 and 5.3(c)(1)
Submit Electronic Filing Attorney Submit Electronic Filing Attorney
Registration Form Registration Form
Electronic Filing Attorney Registration Form Electronic Filing Attorney Registration Form
An email will be sent to the Filing User’s An email will be sent to the Filing User’s
primary email address containing a login and primary email address containing a login and
password. password.
File a Notice of Appearance. Only the filing File a Notice of Special Appearance
attorney of a pleading can be associated with containing both local and out of state
a document. Co-counsel not filing the attorneys’ signatures. See Local Civil Rule
documents would need to file a notice of 83.1(d).
appearance to get on the docket sheet.
Exceptions to the notice of appearance are
mentioned in other sections of the manual.
Note: Pro se parties, in accordance with Local Rules 5.3(c)(2) and 11.1(c), must file a
motion seeking permission from the Court to register as a CM/ECF user.
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Your Account
This Court allows the Filing User to change certain information in their user account.
See the table below for information that can and cannot be changed by the Filing User.
Filing User can … Court Can Only …
Change password Change/Modify Name
Modify primary email address Change/Modify Mailing Address
Add/Modify/Remove secondary email
address
Change/Modify Phone/Fax Number
Note: For Court Can Only options, the Filing User shall submit requested changes
on office letterhead.
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Changing Password
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Click the More User Information button on the Maintain User Account
Screen.
Step 4: Delete the asterisks in the password field and enter the new password.
Note: Your password must meet the following criteria.
• Minimum of 8 characters.
• Upper and lower-case letters.
• Include a digit or special character.
Step 5: Click the Return to Account Screen button.
Step 6: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 7: Click Submit again.
Modifying a Primary Email Address
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Click the Email Information button on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 4: Click the e-mail address link under the Primary e-mail address heading.
Step 5: Modify the email address.
Step 6: Click the Return to Person Information Screen button.
Step 7: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 8: Click Submit again.
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Adding a Secondary Email Address
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Click the Email information button on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 4: Click add new e-mail address link under the Secondary e-mail addresses
heading.
Step 5: Enter the secondary email address you wish to add to your account.
*** Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all secondary email addresses are entered. ***
Step 6: Click the Return to Person Information Screen button.
Step 7: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 8: Click Submit again.
Modifying a Secondary Email Address
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Click the Email Information button on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 4: Click the e-mail address link under the Secondary e-mail address heading.
Step 5: Modify the email address.
Step 6: Click the Return to Person Information Screen button.
Step 7: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 8: Click Submit again.
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Removing a Secondary Email Address
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Click the Email Information button on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 4: Click the e-mail address link under the Secondary e-mail address heading.
Step 5: Delete the e-mail or click the “x” in the field to delete the email address.
Step 6: Click the Return to Person Information Screen button.
Step 7: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 8: Click Submit again.
Change/Modify Phone/Fax Number
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click Maintain Your Account.
Step 3: Modify your phone and/or fax number in the applicable field.
Step 4: Click Submit on the Maintain User Account Screen.
Step 5: Click Submit again.
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Viewing Your Transaction Log
Use this feature of CM/ECF to review your transactions and to verify that:
• All the transactions you entered are reflected in the Transaction Log
• No unauthorized individuals have entered transactions into the CM/ECF system using
your login name and password.
Step 1: Click Utilities on the blue menu bar in CM/ECF.
Step 2: Click View Your Transaction Log.
Step 3: Enter the date selection criteria for the transaction log report.
Note: By selecting the check box, you can make these options your default.
Step 4: The report will display with any transaction made using your account number
for the dates specified. The bottom of the report will show the total number of
transactions.
If you believe or suspect someone is using your login and password without your permission,
immediately change your password and contact the Court’s Help Desk at 1-800-659-2212 or
the Clerk’s Office at 336-332-6000.
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Retrieve Your Login and Password
If the Filing User forgets his/her login and/or password it can be retrieved from the
Court’s website. Use the primary email address that was used to create the Filing User’s
account. If the Filing User has switched firms and the old email address is still linked to the
account, call the Clerk’s Office at 336-332-6003.
Step 1: Go to the Court’s website (www.ncmd.uscourts.gov) and click on CM/ECF
from the blue menu bar. Then click the Retrieve Login/Password link.
Step 2: Enter the primary email address used when the account was created and click
[Submit Request].
Note: If you receive an error message stating that an account matching the
information you provided could not be located, check for any typos
and/or case sensitivity in the email address entered. If the email
address is correct and you still receive the message, contact the Clerk’s
Office at 336-332-6003.
The Filing User will receive the login and password
via the primary email address associated with the account.
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SECTION 4 - PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT (PDF)
Setting Up the Acrobat PDF Reader
A Filing User must set up Adobe’s Acrobat® Reader software to view documents
that have been electronically filed in the CM/ECF system. When installing this product,
please review and follow Adobe’s directions to utilize Acrobat® Reader after installation.
Only PDF (Portable Document Format) documents may be filed with the Court using the
CM/ECF system. Before filing documents with the court, the Filing User should preview
the PDF formatted document to ensure that it appears in its entirety and in the proper
format.
How to View a PDF File
Start the Adobe Acrobat program and select the File menu. Choose Open and locate
the PDF document from the designated location in your file directory. Once the file has been
located, click to view.
How to Convert Documents to PDF Format Using Any Word Processing Program
Step 1: Create document.
Step 2: Click File and then select Print.
Step 3: Select Adobe PDF from the printer options.
Step 4: Click Print.
Step 5: Click the drop-down menu from the Save in box. Select the directory then
folder where you want to save the file.
Step 6: Type the name of the file in the file name field and click Save.
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SECTION 5 - ACCESSING AND LOGGING INTO THE CM/ECF SYSTEM
Accessing the CM/ECF System
A Filing User can access the CM/ECF System via the Internet at
http://ecf.ncmd.uscourts.gov
Click on North Carolina Middle District - Document Filing System hyperlink to open the
login screen.
*** Or ***
A Filing User can go to the Middle District of North Carolina District Court’s website at
www.ncmd.uscourts.gov and click on the E-Filing (CM/ECF) hyperlink.
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Logging into the CM/ECF System
➢ Enter the CM/ECF System login and password authentication that was provided by the
court.
Description
1 Type in the login (lowercase).
2 Type in the password. (CaSe Sensitive!)
3 A code created by the user that is entered on the PACER/ECF login screen along with
a PACER account. The code allows the user to track filings and PACER usage by
client. The quarterly billing statements from PACER will show the total amount due
according to each client code. Contact PACER for more information. You can leave
this field blank.
4 Check the box indicating that the Filing User understands that they must comply with
redaction rules.
5 Click Login.
Note: The Reset button will clear all fields and uncheck the redaction
responsibility check box.
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Note: If you enter an incorrect login and/or password, the following language
appears “Invalid username or password.” Select the back button to reenter the
Filing User’s login and password.
Note: The date the filing user last logged into the CM/ECF System appears at the
bottom left corner of this screen. The filing user should review this information
each time you log in for security reasons. If you believe or suspect someone is
using your login and password without your permission, immediately change
your password and contact the Court’s Help Desk at 1-800-659-2212 or the
Clerk’s Office at 336-332-6000.
➢ Once the main menu appears, choose from a list of hyperlinked options on the top of the
menu bar.
Note: There is a different login and password for CM/ECF and PACER.
If the Filing User sees the screen shot below, the user is logged into CM/ECF.
If the Filing User sees the screen shot below, the user is logged into PACER.
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SECTION 6 - CIVIL CASE OPENING
Opening a Civil Case in CMECF
Except for cases requesting to be placed under seal, cases shall be filed
electronically using the ECF (Electronic Case Filing) system. After successfully logging
into the system, follow these procedures to open a civil case. Once the case has been
created, the Filing User shall file the initial documents.
New cases are deemed filed the day the Clerk’s Office receives the complaint accompanied by
either a completed In Forma Pauperis Application or the required filing fee.
To open a civil case:
Step 1: Select the Type of Filing: From CM/ECF, select Civil from the blue menu bar.
Step 2: Select the Type of Document: Select Civil Case under the Open a Case
category.
Step 3: Data Field Screen Displays: See table on the next page for options and click
[Next].
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Office Leave as NCMD.
Case type Leave the case type as “cv” for civil case.
Date Filed Hardcoded, file date is automatically entered by the system.
Lead Case Number Leave blank. If applicable, the lead case number will be entered by the
Clerk’s Office.
Association Type Do not enter the association type. This is a default setting and should
always reflect “appeal.”
Other court name Enter the court’s name only if the case is a Petition for Removal from
another court.
Other court number Enter the other court number only if the case is a Petition for Removal.
JPML number Enter the JPML number if there is an existing case in the Multi District
Litigation court. Otherwise, leave blank.
Related cases Check the box to indicate whether there is a related case filed in the
Middle District of North Carolina.
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Step 4: Data Field Screen Displays: See table below, make the applicable selections on
this statistical screen and click [Next].
Jurisdiction Select the appropriate jurisdiction from the drop-down list. (Why is this
case filed here?)
Cause of Action Select the appropriate cause of action from the drop-down list. (What is
this case about?) If the cause of action you are looking for is not
included in the list, contact the clerk’s office.
Nature of Suit Select the appropriate nature of suit from the drop-down list. (What
kind of case is it?)
Origin Select the appropriate origin from the drop-down list. (How did it get
here?)
Citizenship Enter citizenship information of the plaintiff, only if the jurisdiction is
Plaintiff Diversity.
Citizenship Enter citizenship information of the defendant, only if the jurisdiction is
defendant Diversity.
Jury Demand If a jury demand is being requested, make the applicable party selection
from the drop-down list. Otherwise, leave blank.
Class Action If seeking a class action, a separate motion must be filed pursuant to
Local Rule 23.1. Leave at “n.”
Demand Leave this field blank.
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Arbitration code Leave this field blank.
County Select the county of residence of the first-listed plaintiff in the Middle
District of North Carolina. If the U.S. is the plaintiff in the case, enter
the county of residence of the first-listed defendant.
Fee Status ➢ fp (in forma pauperis) – to be used for any pro se, prisoner or
Social Security ifp case.
➢ none (no fee required) – to be used for cases in which the United
States is the plaintiff and for §2255 motions.
➢ pd (paid) – to be used when the filing fee has been paid in full.
➢ wv (waived) –
Fee date This date entered by the system, this is the same as the filing date.
Date Transfer Leave this field blank.
Note: The system will verify the accuracy of combinations entered on the screen
above. For example, if an invalid Nature of Suit and Jurisdiction combination
is selected, the following screen will appear.
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Step 5: The Search for Party Screen Displays: Enter in ALL CAPS the party’s
First and Last name and click “Search”. If the party is a business, enter
full name, in ALL CAPS, with correct punctuation in “Last/Business
Name” field and click [Search].
The CM/ECF system stores names from other cases. The court wants you to
search for the name of the party in our CM/ECF system while opening a case.
The party you are searching for, if a popular name, may already be in CM/ECF
system. Therefore, creating a new party is not required. See the table below for
instructions.
If party search results… Then…
Finds an exact match ➢ Highlight the name.
➢ Click [Select Party].
➢ Proceed to next step.
No matches or not exact match ➢ Click [Create New Party].
➢ Proceed to next step.
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Step 6: The Party Information Screen Displays: See table below, the “Role” field
is the most important field to populate. Select either Plaintiff or
Defendant from the “Role” drop-down list. Click [Add Party] when
finished.
Title Add Doctor or Dr., Officer. Mrs., Mr. etc.
Role Select the party’s role from the drop-down list.
Pro Se Leave at default.
Prisoner Id Unless otherwise directed in this manual, always leave the prisoner Id field
blank.
Unit Leave blank, unless applicable for a prisoner case.
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Office Leave these fields blank UNLESS the party is a pro se. If the party is pro se,
Address 1-3 enter their mailing address information in the applicable fields for mailing
purposes.
City
State
Zip
Country
Prison
Phone
Fax
E-mail
Party text Enter party text, if applicable.
Note: Party text is descriptive information about the party, (e.g. In his official
capacity, Commissioner of Social Security etc.) and will be found in the
caption of the initiating document. DO NOT enter alias information.
Start date Leave blank.
End Date Leave blank.
Corporation If the party is a corporation, select “yes.”
If the party is an individual, select “no.”
Notice Leave at the “yes” default.
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Note: Click the Expand All hyperlink located at the top of the side panel window to
view each party you have added thus far.
Note: If applicable, once the names have been added to the left-hand side of the screen
you are then able to click on the “Alias...” icon, located under the party name,
to enter an alias for the party.
Icon Action
You can remove a party, an alias, or a corporate parent/affiliate
You can make edits to a party’s name, alias, or corporate parent/affiliate
Add an Alias or Add a corporate parent or affiliate
➢ Do not add a “Corporate Parent or Other Affiliate.” If disclosures of Corporate
Affiliations are going to be filed, it will be at the same time of filing the
disclosure that the corporate parent/affiliate will be added.
➢ CM/ECF automatically adds you as an attorney filer once you file your
initiating document.
Note: If you are filing a complaint or a petition for removal, all additional attorneys
who may have signed that initiating document, must electronically file his/her
own Notice of Appearance or a Notice of Special Appearance (if you are not
admitted to practice in this district) pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.1(d) after
the lead event has been docketed. The attorney who filed the complaint or
petition for removal will automatically be added to the case and will not need to
file a separate Notice of Appearance.
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Note: If you are filing a petition for removal, the Clerk’s Office will add all plaintiff
attorneys of record.
Note: If you make an edit or delete a name from the list, you will be asked if you are
sure you want to make this change.
If you click [Yes], the following screen will display.
Step 7: Search for the Next Party Screen Displays: Repeat steps 5-7, until all
parties (plaintiffs and defendants) have been added. You may have to
click [Add New Party] in the left hand corner of the screen to get back to
the party search screen.
Step 8: Verification Screen Displays: Verify each party has been added to the case and
any aliases have been entered.
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Step 9: Click [Create Case] once all names have been verified.
Step 10: Message Screen Displays: “Case will be created. Proceed?” with a yes or no
option.
Step 11: If you selected “Yes” your case number will display with a hyperlink to docket
the lead event, Transaction complete. Proceed to the next section “Case
Number.”
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Case Numbered Issued
Add the case number you received from the CM/ECF system to the court caption of the
complaint and other initiating documents being filed then convert them to PDF documents.
Summons(es)
Form Name Link
AO 440 Summons in a Civil Action http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/civil-forms
Step 1: Complete the summons(es) in Adobe® interactive format and e-mail it to
[email protected].
Step 2: The Clerk’s Office will electronically issue and file the summons(es).
Note: The Filing User will receive a NEF that the summons(es) were issued.
Step 3: They should be printed for service.
Note: Service of process must be performed in the traditional manner in accordance
with the Federal Rules.
Step 4: Once the summons(es) have been served, docket the Affidavit of Service.
Civil > Service of Process (Initiating Pleadings and Service) > Affidavit of Service.
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Docket Lead Event
If applicable, always docket the Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis as the first
entry and then docket the Complaint or Petition for Removal.
Type of Plaintiff Form Name and Link
Prisoners Declaration and Request to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
Non-Prisoner AO 239 Application to Proceed in District Court Without
Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
AO 240 Application to Proceed in District Court Without
Prepaying Fees or Costs (Short Form)
If filing a/an… Then…
Application to Civil > Motions > Application to Proceed IFP
Proceed In Forma
Pauperis (IFP)
Complaint Civil > Complaints, Other Initiating Documents > Complaint
Petition for Civil > Complaints, Other Initiating Documents > Petition for
Removal Removal
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SECTION 7 - ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
Docketing Steps
Filing Users whose initial document is an answer will be given the opportunity to
affiliate themselves to the party that they are representing, without having to file a separate
Notice of Appearance. A Notice of Appearance or a Notice of Special Appearance (if you are
not admitted to practice in this district) pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.1(d) will have to be
filed separately for any other attorney that signed the answer but did not electronically file it.
To electronically file an answer, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Select the Type of Filing: From CM/ECF, select Civil from the blue menu bar.
Step 2: Select the Type of Document: Click Answers to Complaints under the Initial
Pleadings and Service category.
Step 3: Enter the Case Number Screen: Enter the case number and click [Next].
Note: If the case you are docketing to has multiple cases associated with it or has
been consolidated, a Spread Docket Text Screen will display. See the resource
section for more information about spreading docket text.
Step 4: Select the Filing Party Screen: Select the name of the party on whose behalf
you are filing the answer. If you are filing on behalf of more than one party,
you may select multiple parties by holding the control [Ctrl] key down while
clicking each of the parties. Click [Next] once the party or parties have been
selected.
Step 5: Attorney/Party Association Screen: This screen will display if this is the first
time you are filing something in this case. See the list below and click [Next].
Proceed to step 6 if you previously filed something on this case and already
linked yourself to a party.
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• Leave the box checked that identifies the party that is being
represented by you.
• Leave the Notice box checked. This will ensure that you receive
electronic notices on this case.
• The Lead box is optional. If you check this box, the docket sheet
will reflect that you are the lead attorney on this case.
Step 6: Document Selection Screen Displays: This screen lists the docket entries for all
complaints, counterclaims, cross claims and third party complaints for which an
answer is still due. Check the box next to the applicable event that is being
answered and click [Next].
Step 7: Browse for the Main Document PDF Screen: Click [Browse] to select the PDF
image of the document to be filed, then click [Next].
Note: If applicable, browse for any attachments that coincide with this filing.
If… Then…
Social Security Case Proceed to step 10.
Other Cases Proceed to step 8.
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Step 8: Question Screen Displays: Does this filing include a counterclaim, cross claim
or third party complaint? If applicable, check the appropriate box(es) and click
[Next].
If… Then…
Yes Proceed to step 9.
No Proceed to step 10.
Step 9: Select the Party that the Filing is Against: Select the party whom the filing is
against and click [Next].
Note: If applicable, hold down the “Ctrl” button on the keyboard to click multiple
names.
Note: If the party you represent is not listed in the “Select the Party” box, click [New
Party] and perform a search for the party in the court’s CM/ECF system. Some
names may already be in the CM/ECF database, depending on the popularity of
the name. Thoroughly search for the party’s last name or the company’s name
before adding a new record to the database.
In the Last/Business Name field, type the first few letters of the party’s last
name for an individual or the first few letters of the company name. Although
system searches are not case sensitive, this district requires that all new parties
be added in ALL CAPS format. Click [Search].
Correct Example: JOHN W SMITH JR
NORTH CAROLINA BAR
Incorrect Example: John W. Smith, Jr.
THE NORTH CAROLINA BAR
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If an exact match… Then…
Is found • Highlight the name
• Click [Select Party]
• Review the party information and select the party’s role in this
filing.
Note: Use the "Party text" field to add additional
information to describe your party.
Information added to this field is case
specific and will not be transferred to all
cases in the system using that particular
party name.
Examples:
For a Company:
Last Name Field = ABC CORPORATION
Party Text Field = A NORTH CAROLINA
CORPORATION
For an Individual:
Last Name Field = SMITH
Middle Name Field = H.
First Name Field = JOHN
Party Text Field = WARDEN
• Click [Add Party]
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If an exact match… Then…
Is not found • Click [Create New Party].
For a Company, enter the entire company name in the
Last Name field. Select the role from the drop-down and
if applicable, select yes for corporation. Review the
party information and select the party’s role in this filing.
Leave all other fields blank and click [Add Party].
For an Individual, fill out the Last Name, First Name,
Middle Name, Generation and Title fields as appropriate.
Review the party information and select the party’s role
in this filing. Leave all other fields blank and click [Add
Party].
Note: Use the "Party text" field to add additional
information to describe your party.
Information added to this field is case
specific and will not be transferred to all
cases in the system using that particular
party name.
• Click [Add Party]
Note: Incorrectly added parties will be periodically updated by the systems
administrator but may appear on your pick-list from time to time.
Always choose an existing party that is properly formatted over one
that was added incorrectly when presented with a list of possible
matches. The name entered should always be in ALL CAPS.
Correct Example: JOHN W SMITH JR
NORTH CAROLINA BAR
Incorrect Example: John W. Smith, Jr.
THE NORTH CAROLINA BAR
Before adding a party, check your case number to ensure
that you are working in the correct case.
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Step 10: Question Screen Displays: Does this Answer include a jury demand? Select
the appropriate response and click [Next].
Step 11: Modify Text Screen: If applicable, add any desired text to the docket entry,
then click [Next].
Counterclaim (No Jury Demand) Example
Crossclaim (No Jury Demand) Example
Third Party Complaint (No Jury Demand) Example
If you selected YES to Jury Demand Example
Step 12: Final Text Screen: Verify that the docket text is correct, and the correct files
have been uploaded and click [Next].
Complete: Notice of Electronic Filing Screen Displays: Transaction complete.
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SECTION 8 - CIVIL EVENTS FEATURE
Docketing in a Civil Case
After successfully logging into CM/ECF, follow these steps to file a document. The
process is similar for filing any document in the CM/ECF system. There may be some
different screens that display when filing other documents, but for the most part they are the
same.
For this example, the following steps will refer to how to electronically file a Motion
for Preliminary Injunction with the CM/ECF system.
▪ Select the Type of Filing: Select Civil from the blue menu bar.
▪ Select the Type of Document: Select the type of document under the applicable
category. For example, if filing a Motion to Suppress, select Motions under the
Motions and Related Filings category.
▪ Select the Applicable Event Screen: Select the applicable event from the list of
available events and click [Next]. For example, if filing a Motion for
Preliminary Injunction, select Preliminary Injunction.
▪ Enter the Case Number Screen: Enter the case number and click [Next].
▪ Select the Filing Party Screen: Select the name of the filing party and click
[Next].
Note: If there are multiple names, hold down the [Ctrl] key and click
on the names to be selected.
Note: If your party does not appear, double check to make sure you are
filing in the correct case.
Note: Click [New Filer] in the rare case you need to add a party to
the CM/ECF system. See the “How to Add a New Filer”
section in the resource section for assistance.
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▪ Browse for the Main Document and Attachments PDF Screen: Click
[Browse] to select the PDF image of the main document to be filed.
There is a 50 MB total size limit on the documents, main and attachments
combined, that can be uploaded to the CM/ECF system.
Note: It is recommended that you preview the document before
you upload.
Note: Briefs filed pursuant to Local Rule 7.2 should be filed as a
separate docket entry. The brief should be linked to the
motion to which it relates.
Note: The proposed order (when required) should be uploaded as
an attachment to the motion in PDF format and a copy
should be e-mailed to the assigned District Judge or
Magistrate Judge in a Word compatible format. See the
Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and
Procedures Manual (Section L: Orders and Judgments) for
details.
Attachments and Exhibits that can be scanned.
Note: If applicable, browse for any attachments that support this
filing. Select a Category and/or type a brief description of
the attached document, then click [Next]. Your filing will
be considered deficient if this task is not performed.
Attachments and Exhibits that cannot be scanned.
Attachments or exhibits that cannot be scanned for
e-filing and can be submitted to the Clerk’s Office
in paper format may be filed using the following
method:
➢ E-file a notice of manual filing (event) indicating
that certain attachments have not been scanned
and will be, instead, filed with the Clerk’s office.
➢ Print the resulting Notice of Electronic Filing
(NEF),
➢ Attach it to the paper exhibits, and
➢ Submit it to the Clerk’s Office. Paper
attachments submitted in this manner will be
considered filed as part of the e-filed pleading.
▪ Response to Motion Deadline Screen Displays: (This screen only displays
when filing documents with a deadline associated with them) DO NOT
CHANGE DATE, LEAVE AT DEFAULT. The response due dates
are automatically calculated by the system.
▪ Modify Text Screen: If applicable, select an option from the drop-down
menu at the beginning of the text and/or add any desired text to the docket
entry in the applicable field, then click [Next].
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▪ Final Text Screen: This screen displays the following warning,
“Attention!! Pressing the NEXT button on this screen commits this
transaction. You will have no further opportunity to modify this
transaction if you continue.”
• At this point or any time prior to this point, the filer can abort this
CM/ECF filing or return to a previous screen by:
o Clicking on any hyperlink on the blue menu bar. The
CM/ECF system will reset to the beginning of the process.
o Clicking the browser [Back] button until you return to the
desired screen.
Note: If you click the browser [Back] button and
correct a screen, the screens that follow all
reset to the original defaults.
• Verify that the docket text is correct, and the correct files have
been uploaded and click [Next].
▪ Notice of Electronic Filing Screen Displays: Transaction complete. See
descriptions on the next page.
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Description
1 Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) - Represents your Certificate of Service. The
Court strongly urges you to copy it to a file on your computer hard-drive,
print it, and retain a hard copy in your personal files.
2 The date of the transaction.
3 The time of the transaction.
4 Case information; case name, case number, and filer.
5 The document number assigned to the entry.
6 The docket text, including any modifications.
7 This section will display each attorney and/or party who has consented to
electronic service for this case.
8 This section will display the names and addresses of individuals who will not be
electronically notified of the filing. It is the Filing Users responsibility to serve
hard copies of the pleading and the notice of Electronic Filing to the attorneys and
pro se parties who are not set up for electronic notification.
9 Each document that is uploaded to the CM/ECF system gets its own unique
electronic document stamp.
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E-Mail Notification of Documents that were filed:
▪ After a pleading is electronically filed, the CM/ECF System sends a Notice of
Electronic Filing to the designated attorneys and parties who have supplied their
E-mail addresses to the Court. Individuals who receive electronic notification
of the filing are permitted one "free look” at the document by clicking on the
associated hyperlinked document number embedded in the Notice of
Electronic Filing. If the document is a sealed document, a party who has
authorization to view the document must login to CM/ECF (not PACER)
before viewing the sealed document. It is suggested that you note the document
number assigned on your copy of the PDF file residing on your hard drive. The
Court strongly urges you to copy the Notice of Electronic Filing and pleading
documents to your hard-drive for future access. Subsequent retrieval of the
case docket sheet and pleading from CM/ECF must be made through your
PACER account and is subject to regular PACER fees.
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SECTION 9 - CRIMINAL EVENTS FEATURE
Docketing in a Criminal Case
After successfully logging into CM/ECF, follow these steps to file a document.
The process is similar for filing any document in the CM/ECF system. There may be
some different screens that display when filing other documents, but for the most part
they are the same.
For this example, the following steps will refer to how to electronically file a
Motion to Suppress with the CM/ECF system.
▪ Select the Type of Filing: Select Criminal from the blue menu bar.
▪ Select the Type of Document: Select the type of document under the
applicable category. For example, if filing a Motion to Suppress, select
Motions under the Motions and Related Filings category.
▪ Enter the Case Number Screen: Enter the case number and click [Next].
▪ Select the Filing Party Screen: Select the name of the filing party and
click [Next].
Note: If there are multiple names, hold down the [Ctrl] key and
click on the names to be selected.
Note: If your party does not appear, double check to make sure
you are filing in the correct case.
Note: Click [New Filer] in the rare case you need to add a
party to the CM/ECF system. See the “How to Add a
New Filer” section in the resource section for assistance.
▪ Select the Applicable Event Screen: Select the applicable event from the
list of available events and click [Next]. For example, if filing a Motion to
Suppress, select Suppress.
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▪ Browse for the Main Document and Attachments PDF Screen: Click
[Browse] to select the PDF image of the main document to be filed. There
is a 50 MB total size limit on the documents, main and attachments
combined, that can be uploaded to the CM/ECF system.
Note: It is recommended that you preview the document before
you upload.
Note: Briefs filed pursuant to Local Rule 7.2 should be filed as a
separate docket entry. The brief should be linked to the
motion to which it relates.
Note: The proposed order (when required) should be uploaded as
an attachment to the motion in PDF format and a copy
should be e-mailed to the assigned District Judge or
Magistrate Judge in a Word compatible format. See the
Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and
Procedures Manual (Section L: Orders and Judgments) for
details.
Attachments and Exhibits that can be scanned.
Note: If applicable, browse for any attachments that support this
filing. Select a Category and/or type a brief description of
the attached document, then click [Next]. Your filing will
be considered deficient if this task is not performed.
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Attachments and Exhibits that cannot be scanned.
Attachments or exhibits that cannot be scanned for
e-filing and are allowed to be submitted to the
Clerk’s Office in paper format may be filed using
the following method:
➢ E-file a notice of manual filing (event) indicating
that certain attachments have not been scanned
and will be, instead, filed with the Clerk’s office.
➢ Print the resulting Notice of Electronic Filing
(NEF),
➢ Attach it to the paper exhibits, and
➢ Submit it to the Clerk’s Office. Paper
attachments submitted in this manner will be
considered filed as part of the e-filed pleading.
▪ Response to Motion Deadline Screen Displays: (This screen only displays
when filing documents with a deadline associated with them) DO NOT
CHANGE DATE, LEAVE AT DEFAULT. The response due dates
are automatically calculated by the system.
▪ Modify Text Screen: If applicable, select an option from the drop-down
menu at the beginning of the text and/or add any desired text to the docket
entry in the applicable field, then click [Next].
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▪ Final Text Screen: This screen displays the following warning,
“Attention!! Pressing the NEXT button on this screen commits this
transaction. You will have no further opportunity to modify this
transaction if you continue.”
• At this point or any time prior to this point, the filer can abort this
CM/ECF filing or return to a previous screen by:
o Clicking on any hyperlink on the blue menu bar. The
CM/ECF system will reset to the beginning of the process.
o Clicking the browser [Back] button until you return to the
desired screen.
Note: If you click the browser [Back] button and
correct a screen, the screens that follow all
reset to the original defaults.
• Verify that the docket text is correct, and the correct files have
been uploaded and click [Next].
▪ Notice of Electronic Filing Screen Displays: Transaction complete. See
descriptions on next page.
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Description
1 Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) - Represents your Certificate of Service. The
Court strongly urges you to copy it to a file on your computer hard-drive,
print it, and retain a hard copy in your personal files.
2 The date of the transaction.
3 The time of the transaction.
4 Case information; case name, case number, and filer.
5 The document number assigned to the entry.
6 The docket text, including any modifications.
7 This section will display each attorney and/or party who has consented to
electronic service for this case.
8 This section will display the names and addresses of individuals who will not be
electronically notified of the filing. It is the Filing Users responsibility to serve
hard copies of the pleading and the notice of Electronic Filing to the attorneys and
pro se parties who are not set up for electronic notification.
9 Each document that is uploaded to the CM/ECF system gets its own unique
electronic document stamp.
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E-Mail Notification of Documents that were filed:
▪ After a pleading is electronically filed, the CM/ECF System sends a Notice of
Electronic Filing to the designated attorneys and parties who have supplied their
E-mail addresses to the Court. Individuals who receive electronic notification
of the filing are permitted one "free look” at the document by clicking on the
associated hyperlinked document number embedded in the Notice of
Electronic Filing. If the document is a sealed document, a party who has
authorization to view the document must login to CM/ECF (not PACER)
before viewing the sealed document. It is suggested that you note the document
number assigned on your copy of the PDF file residing on your hard drive. The
Court strongly urges you to copy the Notice of Electronic Filing and pleading
documents to your hard-drive for future access. Subsequent retrieval of the
case docket sheet and pleading from CM/ECF must be made through your
PACER account and is subject to regular PACER fees.
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SECTION 10 - OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM CM/ECF SYSTEM
Query Feature
• Registered PACER Users can use this feature to query the CM/ECF system for
specific case information. To enter the Query mode, click Query on the blue
menu bar in CM/ECF.
➢ CM/ECF opens the PACER Login screen.
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, etc. from PACER.
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• After you enter your PACER login and password, CM/ECF opens the Query
screen depicted below.
➢ The mainly used options are listed below;
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Attorney
Case Summary
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Deadlines/Hearings
*** Not all hearings/deadlines may appear in report. Reliance on dates/hearings
set in CM/ECF does not excuse late filings or failure to appear. ***
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Docket Report
• The document numbers in the middle column are hyperlinks to PDF files of the
actual documents. Click the button next to the document number and the
Electronic Notification Report for the document will display.
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History/Documents
• You may view a PDF file of actual documents by clicking on the document
number in the far-left column of the report. Click the gray button next to the
document description to view the Electronic Notification Report for the
document.
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Reports Feature
• The Reports feature of CM/ECF provides the user with several report options.
After selecting the Reports option from the blue menu bar, CM/ECF opens the
Reports screen depicted below.
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Docket Sheet
• Click the Docket Sheet hyperlink and CM/ECF will open the docket Sheet
report query window depicted below.
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Civil Cases Report
Note: If you leave all fields blank, CM/ECF will display a report for all
cases opened in CM/ECF.
• The far-left column of the Cases Filed report contains hyperlinked case
numbers. If you click on a case number, CM/ECF opens the Docket Sheet
report window from which you can retrieve the docket sheet for the selected
case. Follow the instructions in the previous section for the Docket Report.
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SECTION 11 - SPECIAL PROCEDURES
Appeals
1. Filing - A notice of appeal should be filed electronically as outlined in the
Docketing in a Civil, on page 38 or Docketing in a Criminal Cases Criminal
Cases on page 43 of this manual. The electronic notice constitutes the copy the
clerk is required to serve under Fed. R. App. P. 3(d).
Civil > Other Filings > Appeal Documents >Notice Appeal
2. Fees - If you are filing a motion for leave to appeal in forma pauperis, it should
be electronically filed immediately after filing the notice of appeal. If you are
paying the fee, it must be remitted to the Clerk’s office within 24 hours
(excluding weekends, holidays, and days the court is closed) of filing the notice
of appeal.
3. Follow instructions as directed by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/docs/pdfs/cmecfusermanual.pdf
Briefs
Briefs filed pursuant to Local Rule 7.2 should be filed as a separate docket entry and be
linked to the motion to which it relates.
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Certificate of Service
Effective December 1, 2018, Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d)(1)(B) was amended eliminating the
requirement for a certificate of service when service is made via CM/ECF. A certificate
of service on all parties entitled to service of notice is only required when a party serves a
document through means other than filing it CM/ECF. The certificate of service must
state the manner in which service was accomplished on each party entitled to service or
notice. The certificate of service may be filed as a part of the document or as a separate
document.
a) As a Part of the Document - Before converting your document to PDF
and filing it electronically, check to see which parties will not be
electronically noticed. Click on Utilities, Mailing Info for a Case, and
enter the case number. The CM/ECF system will show who will be
electronically noticed and who will not. You can copy and paste the
names of the parties who will be electronically noticed to a label maker.
Add a traditional certificate of service to your document, stating
specifically to whom copies were mailed. It is not sufficient to state that
copies will be mailed to any party not electronically noticed. Then file
your document as outlined in Section E of the Electronic Case Filing
Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual.
b) As a Separate Document - If you file your document and notice that a party,
was not sent a notice of electronic filing, you can create and file a separate
certificate of service. A sample certificate of service is contained in the Form
B section of the Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures
Manual.
Certified, Notarized and Documents Authenticated by Other Means
Documents, which are certified, notarized or authenticated by other means, should be
scanned and filed electronically. The Filing User is responsible for maintaining the
original and making it available for inspection upon request by the court or another
party. The Filing User shall retain the original document until two (2) years after the
expiration of the time for filing a timely appeal of a final judgment or decree, or after
receipt by the Clerk of Court of an order terminating the action on appeal.
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Ex Parte Matters
Parties can file an ex parte matter electronically using CM/ECF. A motion requesting
permission to file an ex parte matter under seal shall include the ex parte matter as an
attachment. The clerk shall treat the motion to seal and its attachment as sealed pending
order of the court. (See Local Rule 7.4). To file a sealed ex parte motion, follow the
below instructions.
Under Motions: Select SEALED Ex Parte Motion from the list of available events.
The Sealed Ex Parte Motion event along with the corresponding Sealed Ex Parte
Memorandum and Ex Parte Documents restrict the docket entry and underlying
documents from public view. During the docketing of the events, the Filing User will
choose the parties to receive the NEF and to have access to the documents. Only the
parties chosen will be able to see the documents. In addition, the Filing User MUST
choose his/her name from the list of parties to view the documents.
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Exhibits
Exhibits should be filed as attachments to the document to which they relate. See Section
K of the Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual for
information on filing attachments.
Each exhibit should be a separate attachment in PDF format.
Larger documents should be broken into sub-parts. For example, Exhibit 7 Part 1, Exhibit
7 Part 2, Exhibit 7 Part 3, etc.
Note: Briefs filed pursuant to Local Rule 7.2 should not be filed as an exhibit or
attachment to the document to which it relates.
Filing Documents Under Seal
Use the following link for information on filing documents under seal.
http://www.ncmd.uscourts.gov/sealed-document-guidance
Removals
When removing a case from state court, you should:
Scan any state court documents to be filed. Each document should be scanned separately
and docketed as an exhibit to the Petition for Removal.
• Complaint or Amended Complaint
• Summons
• Answer, if applicable
The Notice of Removal to adverse parties and to clerk of superior court should be
docketed as a separate document.
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Return of Service
Executed Summons
When docketing an executed summons, use the event Affidavit of Service in the
CM/ECF system or use Affidavit of Service on Government, whichever is applicable.
When an executed summons is docketed, CM/ECF will automatically enter the date an
answer is due based upon the date party was served. The default setting is 60 days as to
the United States and 21 days for any other party. If the case is one where a different
amount of time in which to answer is permitted by statute, rule or court order, the date set
by CM/ECF may not be accurate. If the date of service entered into CM/ECF is
incorrect, the date set by CM/ECF will not be accurate.
Note: Reliance on dates/hearings set in CM/ECF does not excuse late filings or failure
to appear.
The following variations to the basic steps of electronic filing will occur when you are
filing an executed return of service:
• A return of service should be filed by Plaintiff’s counsel electronically, not submitted
directly to the Court by a private process server. The only occasion when a return is filed
directly with the Court is if the U.S. Marshal was directed to make service, or the party
filing the return of service is Pro Se.
• A return of service is almost always in paper format and will need to be scanned. It is the
responsibility of the filing party to maintain the original paper version at least until the
conclusion of any appeal or expiration of the time for filing an appeal. The original paper
version must be made available for inspection at the request of the Court or any other
party.
• If you are filing a return for a party who was served with a 21-day summons, choose
“summons returned executed” event from the list of available events. If you are filing a
return for a party who was served with a 60-day summons, choose “summons returned
executed as to USA” event from the list of available events.
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Waiver of Service of Summons
When an executed Waiver of Service of Summons is docketed, the filing party must enter
the date the waiver was mailed, which will prompt CM/ECF to automatically generate the
answer due date, which is 60 days from the date the notice was mailed.
The following variations to the basic steps of electronic filing will occur when you
file a Request for Waiver of Service or Waiver of Service Executed.
• A Request for Waiver of Service should be filed when you request a waiver of
service of summons. This event will notify the court that you have requested a
waiver and will not be requesting that summons be issued.
• A Waiver of Service Executed is used to set the proper 60-day response due
deadline even when the responding party is a non-governmental entity or
individual.
Motions
Pursuant to Local Rule 7.3 all motions, unless made during a hearing or at trial, shall
be in writing and shall be accompanied by a brief except as provided in section (j) of
this rule. Each motion shall be set out in a separate pleading. To file a motion, follow
the general filing instructions in Section 8.
Motion for Leave to Amend
When filing a motion for leave to file an amended pleading, the proposed amended
pleading shall be electronically filed as an attachment to the motion for leave. If the
motion is granted, you should then file the amended pleading in the CM/ECF system,
unless otherwise instructed by the court.
See Local Rule 15.1.
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Motions for Psychiatric and Psychological Exams
Motions for psychiatric and psychological exams shall be filed under the “SEALED
Motion for Exam Report and Treatment” event.
Motion to Compel Discovery
Motions that relate to discovery, use the event “Compel Discovery.” Pursuant to Local
Rules 7.3(f) and (h) and 37.1(c), the time for filing related to discovery is 14 days for a
response deadline and 7 days for a reply deadline. In all other instances, the event
“Compel” should be used, which sets a response deadline of 21 days.
The Court will not consider motions and objections relating to discovery unless moving
counsel files a certificate that after personal consultation and diligent attempts to resolve
differences the parties are unable to reach an accord.
See Local Rule 37.1.
Notice of Special Appearance
Attorneys not admitted to practice in the Middle District of North Carolina, use the
CM/ECF event: Notice of Special Appearance. There is a fee associated with this filing.
See Local Civil Rule 83.1(d).
Attorneys admitted to practice in the Middle District of North Carolina and federal
government attorneys should continue to use the CM/ECF event: Notice of Attorney
Appearance.
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Orders
1. Entry - Electronic filing by the Court regarding any orders, decrees, judgments or
proceedings of the court shall constitute entry on the docket. Pursuant to the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure a Notice of Electronic Filing will be generated and sent to
each registered user listed as a party in the case.
2. Signatures - Any order filed electronically without the original signature of a judge
has the same force and effect as if the judge had affixed his or her signature to a
paper copy of the order and it had been entered on the docket in a conventional
manner.
3. Electronic Text (Paperless) Orders - At his or her discretion, a judge may rule
upon a motion by having a text only entry made on the docket. There will be no PDF
document attached to the entry. CM/ECF will generate a notice of electronic filing.
These orders have the same force and effect as any other type of order.
Proposed Orders
Proposed orders along with a motion;
• the proposed order should be uploaded as an attachment to the motion in PDF
format, and;
• the proposed order should be emailed to the assigned District Judge or Magistrate
Judge in a Word compatible format.
Please see the Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual
(Section L: Orders and Judgments) for details and a list of emails for each judge.
Registration of Foreign Judgment
• Foreign Judgment are opened as Miscellaneous Cases (MC) in this Court. Filing Users
cannot open these cases electronically.
• An AO Form 451, copy of the certified judgment, and a check with the applicable
miscellaneous filing fee should be mailed or brought to the Clerk's Office for the case to
be opened.
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Responses and Replies
To file a response to a motion or a reply to a response, follow the general filing
instructions in filing documents choosing Responses and Replies from the main
civil menu.
After you select your document, the system will show a list of all pending motions
and prompt you to check which motion(s) your response or reply relates to. Click
on the applicable box(es) and continue as you would for filing any document.
Responses to Motions to Compel Discovery and Motions for Protective Order
When applicable, use the CM/ECF events: Response to Motion for Discovery and
Response to Motion for Protective Order, which set a reply deadline of (7) days pursuant
to Local Rules 7.3(h) and 37.1(c). Using the generic Response event will result in the
incorrect setting of a 14 day reply deadline.
Web Accessible Filers
Several new web accessible civil and criminal events have been created in CM/ECF,
which are listed under the Web Accessible heading. These events were created to comply
with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and are intended to help a blind user with
assistive technology, such as screen reader software, to independently file documents.
These events are not as functional as other non-web accessible events due to
programming limitations beyond the Court’s control.
If you experience any difficulties with the new events or have any questions, please
contact the Clerk’s Office at 336-332-6030.
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SECTION 12 - DOCUMENTS FILED IN ERROR
Information
A document incorrectly filed in a case may result from;
• posting the wrong PDF file to a docket entry;
• selecting the wrong document type from the menu; or
• entering the wrong case number.
The CM/ECF System does not permit a Filing User to change incorrect docket entries or
misfiled document(s) after the transaction has been accepted. If you discover an error after
completion of a transaction, contact the Clerk’s Office, as soon as possible, at 336-332-6000
or the Toll Free Help Desk at 1-800-659-2212. The Filing User will need to provide the
case number and docket entry number of the item requiring correction. The Clerk’s Office
will advise the best course of action to correct the filing error. A notice of deficiency may
be docketed for the event.
Error Found During Quality Control Process
The Clerk’s Office will review filed documents for compliance with the filing
requirements as specified in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of
Criminal Procedure, the Local Rules and the Administrative Policies and Procedures of
this Court. The Filing User will be notified of any identified errors requiring corrective
action.
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SECTION 13 - RESOURCES
Information
The court has many resources to assist you with Electronic Filing.
➢ User Manual
➢ Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual
➢ Tutorials
➢ Training Database - Practice entering documents into CM/ECF using a “training”
database that is similar to the official live CM/ECF database
➢ Sealed Document Guidance
➢ Local Rules
➢ Official Federal and Local Forms
PACER accounts may be shared by multiple individuals. In contrast, each CM/ECF
registered user is required to have his or her own individual account, login, and password.
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Troubleshooting
Cannot View Document Using Link in E-mail Notification
CM/ECF Prompts to Enter PACER Login and Password.
Each e-mail notification that a document has been filed electronically contains a link to
the document which you may use one time to view, download and/or print the document
without being charged. When you click on the link you are prompted to enter your login
and password, it means that according to the system you have already had your one time
“free look”. Certain things will make the system act as if you have accessed the document
when in fact, you have not. To avoid this problem, do not forward an e-mail notification
to another e-mail address, and do not open the e-mail and close it without using the link
to view, download or print the document. To help ensure that you do not accidentally
miss your free look, which expires 15 days after filing, it is suggested that you add a
second e- mail address to your account. Each address will have the opportunity for one
free look at the document. See Your Account under Utilities for instructions on adding
additional e-mail addresses.
The CM/ECF System Displays an Error Message when Trying to Upload My
Documents.
Occasionally you will try to attach a document, but when you click on Next, you may
receive the following messages:
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➢ ERROR: Document is not a well- formed PDF document.
This means the system is not recognizing your document as a PDF. First, check to make
sure that you did not accidentally attach a document in another format. Second, try going
back to your word processing version of the document, convert it again, save with a new
name and try filing the document again.
➢ ERROR: You cannot load this file because it is over 50 MB.
This means the document you uploaded exceeds the 50 MB size limit. Try reducing the
size of your PDF. If all else fails, attach what you can to the entry and remain under the
50 MB size limit. Then use the event Civil > Other Documents > Additional
Attachments to Main Document to file the rest of the documents. There will be a
chance to link this entry to the previous entry when docketing this event.
Note: The 50 MB size limit is for the total size of all the documents being filed, not
per document.
Spreading Docket Text
If a case has an associated case the CM/ECF system will give you the ability to
spread the docket text to those associated cases when filing a document. The Filing User
has the option to say “Yes” or “NO.” The Filing User can select a case, multiple cases or
all the associated cases.
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How to Add/Create a New Party Filer
➢ The Search for Party Screen Displays: Enter in ALL CAPS the party’s
First and Last name and click “Search”. If the party is a business, enter full
name, in ALL CAPS, with correct punctuation in “Last/Business Name”
field and click [Search].
The CM/ECF system stores names from other cases. The court wants you
to search for the name of the party in our CM/ECF system while opening a
case. The party you are searching for, if a popular name, may already be
in CM/ECF system. Therefore, creating a new party is not required. See
the table below for instructions.
If party search results… Then…
Finds an exact match ➢ Highlight the name.
➢ Click [Select Party].
➢ Proceed to next step.
No matches or not exact match ➢ Click [Create New Party].
➢ Proceed to next step.
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➢ The Party Information Screen Displays: See table below, the “Role” field is
the most important field to populate. Select either Plaintiff or Defendant
from the “Role” drop-down list. Click [Add Party] when finished.
Title Add Doctor or Dr., Officer. Mrs., Mr. etc.
Role Select the party’s role from the drop-down list.
Pro Se Leave at default.
Prisoner Id Unless otherwise directed in this manual, always leave the prisoner Id field
blank.
Unit Leave blank, unless applicable for a prisoner case.
Office Leave these fields blank UNLESS the party is a pro se. If the party is pro se,
Address 1-3 enter their mailing address information in the applicable fields for mailing
purposes.
City
State
Zip
Country
Prison
Phone
Fax
E-mail
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Party text Enter party text, if applicable.
Note: Party text is descriptive information about the party, (e.g. In his official
capacity, Commissioner of Social Security etc.) and will be found in the
caption of the initiating document. DO NOT enter alias information.
Start date Leave blank.
End Date Leave blank.
Corporation If the party is a corporation, select “yes.”
If the party is an individual, select “no.”
Notice Leave at the “yes” default.
Note: Click the Expand All hyperlink located at the top of the side panel window
to view each party you have added thus far.
Note: If applicable, once the names have been added to the left-hand side of the
screen you are then able to click on the “Alias...” icon, located under the
party name, to enter an alias for the party.
Icon Action
You can remove a party, an alias, or a corporate parent/affiliate
You can make edits to a party’s name, alias, or corporate parent/affiliate
Add an Alias or Add a corporate parent or affiliate
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➢ Do not add a “Corporate Parent or Other Affiliate.” If disclosures of
Corporate Affiliations are going to be filed, it will be at the same time of
filing the disclosure that the corporate parent/affiliate will be added.
➢ CM/ECF automatically adds you as an attorney filer once you file your
initiating document.
Note: If you are filing a complaint or a petition for removal, all additional
attorneys who may have signed that initiating document, must
electronically file his/her own Notice of Appearance a Notice of Special
Appearance (if you are not admitted to practice in this district) pursuant to
Local Civil Rule 83.1(d) after the lead event has been docketed. The
attorney who filed the complaint or petition for removal will automatically
be added to the case and will not need to file a separate Notice of
Appearance.
Note: If you are filing a petition for removal, the Clerk’s Office will add all
plaintiff attorneys of record.
Note: If you make an edit or delete a name from the list, you will be asked if you
are sure you want to make this change.
If you click [Yes], the following screen will display.
➢ Search for the Next Party Screen Displays: Repeat steps 5-7, until all
parties (plaintiffs and defendants) have been added. You may have to click
[Add New Party] in the left-hand corner of the screen to get back to the
party search screen.
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SECTION 14 - HELP DESK
Information
The initial point of contact for any Filing User having trouble filing a document
electronically should be the CM/ECF Help Desk. Contact the Court’s Help Desk between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you need assistance
using the CM/ECF system.
Help Desk Phone Numbers
Toll Free 1-800-659-2212
Clerk’s Office 336-332-6030
A technical failure on a given day is determined if the system is unable to accept
filings continuously or intermittently over the course of any period of time greater than
one hour after 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that day. Known system outages will be posted on
the Court’s web page, if possible.
See Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and
Procedures Manual, Section P, for further details.
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