*To open a bankruptcy case using the Open a BK Case hyperlink from the CM/ECF menu, use the petition as your guide to complete the following instructions:

• *Open the Bankruptcy Case 
  • This assigns your bankruptcy case number and begins to create the case docket.
• Upload creditors to the bankruptcy case. 
  • Creditors are upload to the case for noticing purpose.
• File the Individuals Debtor's Certificate of Credit Counseling as a separate docket entry (for Chapter 7 and 13's only).
  1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
  2. Select Miscellaneous Documents.
  3. Ensure correct case name and number match the document you are filing.
  4. Select party filer.
     • Party filer not listed, Add/Create New Party.
  5. Select Document Event: Certificate of Credit Counseling.
  6. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file).
     • Attach supportive documents, if applicable.
  7. Modify text, if applicable. 
  8. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
  9. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

   

• File the Payment Advices with Cover Sheet as a separate document. See procedure: Payment Advices with Cover Sheet.
  1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
  2. Select Other.
  3. Ensure correct case name and number match the document you are filing.
  4. Select Document Event: Pay Subs/Advices with Cover Sheet.
  5. Select party filer.
     • Party filer not listed, Add/Create New Party.
  6. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file).
     • Attach supportive documents, if applicable.
  7. Modify text, if applicable. 
  8. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
  9. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

   

  • If a joint petition case, file the Joint Debtor's Certificate of Credit Counseling. 
• File the Chapter 13 Plan as a separate docket entry, if applicable.

*Open a Bankruptcy Case
The following are screens that will appear as you open your case. 

1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
2. Select Open a Voluntary BK Case.
3. Open Voluntary Bankruptcy Case Screen
   1. Select appropriate chapter, 7, 11, 12, 13, etc. 
   2. Select "yes" if joint petition (joint debtor.)
   3. Select "yes" if case is deficient (i.e., missing schedules, plan, certificate of credit counseling, etc.)
4. Search for a Debtor Screen Note: Repeat this step to add joint petitioner, if applicable.
   1. Enter social security number, tax identification number, last name or business name to search for debtor name in the CM/ECF database. 
   2. Party search results 
      • Debtor name does not appear:
        • click on "Create new party" button.
      • Debtor name appears:
        • select the name from the list 
        • verify debtor information, mailing address, social security number, etc.,  from the pop up window.
      • Debtor name appears but mailing address is incorrect, click on "Select name from list" button.
      • • enter correct address information on next screen.
   3. Verify once more for correct party information. Make any necessary changes to address. Add Alias(es)Click "Alias".
      Enter alias information.
      Choose appropriate role.
      Click the "Add aliases" button to return to the Party screen and submit all information for this party.
      
       , if any. Submit. 
5. Statistical Information Screen
   1. If prior filing within last 8 years, select "yes".
   2. Select the appropriate Fee Status:
      • "Paid" 
      • "Installment" - an Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments is required. See Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments.
      • "IFP Filing Fee Waived - an Application for Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee is required. See Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee (Application). 
   3. Select "consumer" or "Business" for Nature of debt.
   4. Select "yes" for Asset Notice, ONLY if case is a Chapter 13 or 11.
   5. Select the appropriate Estimated number of creditors, assets and debts for the case. 
   6. Select "Type of Debtor," such as individual, corporation, etc.
   7. If Debtor is a business, "Nature of business."
6. Presumption Arises Screen (Note: This only appears for Chapter 7 cases.)
   1. If means test indicates that a presumption of abuse arises, select "yes".
   2. If means test indicates that no presumption of abuse arises, select "no".
   3. If means test has not been completed, select "unknown".
7. Summary of Schedules. Report the totals from Schedules A, B, D, E, F, I, J, Form 22, and Nondischargeable Debt in the boxes provided. Click Next.
8. Select the PDF Screen
   1. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file). 
      • PDF copy of Voluntary Petition must contain the redacted social security number. 
9. Verify deadline for Declaration re: ECF due to the court. 
10. Modify text to add pertinent information, if applicable.
11. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
12. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.
13. Continue procedure with uploading creditors1.  Select Bankruptcy menu.
    2.  Select Creditor Maintenance.
    3.  Select Upload a Creditor Matrix File.
    4.  Ensure correct case name and number match the document you are filing.
    Browse, verify and attach the *document (TXT file).
    5.  Ensure that creditor mailing address is correct, and no more than five lines. If more than five lines, noticing will not be successful.
    6.  Verify number of creditors added to the case.
    7.  Verify Creditor Receipt.
      to the bankruptcy case.
14. Continue procedure with  Individuals Debtor's Certificate of Credit Counseling.
    1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
    2. Select Other.
    3. Ensure correct case name and number match the document you are filing.
    4. Select Document Event: Certificate of Credit Counseling.
    5. Select party filer.
       • Party filer not listed, Add/Create New Party.
    6. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file).
       • Attach supportive documents, if applicable.
    7. Modify text, if applicable. 
    8. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
    9. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

     

15. Continue procedure with Payment Advices with Cover Sheet.
    1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
    2. Select Other.
    3. Ensure correct case name and number match the document you are filing.
    4. Select Document Event: Pay Subs/Advices with Cover Sheet.
    5. Select party filer.
       • Party filer not listed, Add/Create New Party.
    6. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file).
       • Attach supportive documents, if applicable.
    7. Modify text, if applicable. 
    8. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
    9. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

     

16. Continue procedure with Chapter 13 Plan, if applicable.

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