Once you have obtained a login and password for ECF, you will be able to make changes to your account. Refer to the training module at http://www.wyb.uscourts.gov/node/60 to view a demonstration of this process.
The following features are located under the Utilities Menu item to make changes or updates to your ECF account:
Change Your Password - This feature is located under the Utilities menu item. This screen allows you to change your password. Please note that the password must contain at least eight characters, both uppercase and lowercase letter and at least one digit or special character (e.g; @,#,$,%,&.
Maintain Your ECF Account - This feature will take you to the Maintain User Account window where you have the ability to update your account information. Click on these tabs to edit additional account information:
More User Information - Your current login name as well as the dates of activity will be displayed. This screen also allows you to view any filing agents you have associated with your account.
Once you have obtained and login a password from our office and successfully accessed our ECF Filing System, you will notice several menu items at the top of the screen.
Bankruptcy
If you are filing a new bankruptcy petition or filing any documents in a bankruptcy proceeding, click Bankruptcy from the Main Menu. This manual provides step-by-step instructions for making a variety of filings using ECF.
Adversary
If you are filing a new Adversary action or filing any documents in an adversary proceeding, click Adversary to proceed. See this manual for instructions on making adversary filings.
Query
Allows you to view a variety of information about a case, such as a list of attorneys or current status, as well as the docket sheet. After identifying the case you want, you will see a menu of those choices.
Reports
From the Reports menu, you can run a variety of reports including a Case Report, Docket Report, or Claims Register.
Utilities
Allows you to change your password or view a log of transactions you have made in ECF.
Search
This shortcut helps you find an event (using a keyword) without having to scroll through the categories to find it.
Logout
It is recommended that you use the Logout option when finishing any filing or queries
Help Feature
Clicking on this yellow question mark at the top right hand corner of the screen will provide additional information about each menu selection.
To begin the electronic filing process, you must register for ECF & PACER access. Follow the instructions at http://www.wyb.uscourts.gov/register-ecfpacer.
Follow the steps below to electronically file a new Bankruptcy Case using Case Upload:
You will be prompted to pay the appropriate filing fee. Select Pay Now or Continue Filing.
Save the Notice of Electronic Filing.
DO NOT USE CASE UPLOAD FOR CASES IN WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING TO HAVE THE FILING FEE PAID IN INSTALLMENTS.
Continue with Judge, Trustee Assignment procedure.
Follow the steps below to electronically file a new voluntary Bankruptcy Case. Refer to the training module "Open a Voluntary BK Case" at http://www.wyb.uscourts.gov/node/55 to view a demonstration of this process.
1. Select Bankruptcy
2. Select Open a voluntary BK Case.
3. Select appropriate chapter: 7, 11, 12, 13, etc.
Select yes if joint petition (joint debtor).
The Deficiencies option should remain as n, as the Court will issue a Notice of Incomplete filings, if necessary.
4. Search for a Party screen:
Enter social security number, tax identification number or last/business name (upper and lower case) to search for debtor name in the ECF database.
Party search results: If debtor exact name appears, select the name from the list and verify debtor information (pop up window). ~Note: If debtor is barred from filing, STOP opening the case.
If debtor name is an exact match, click on Select name from list button.
If debtor name does not appear, click on Create new party.
5. A. Debtor Information screen:
This screen appears for selected name or creating new party.
Complete/Update all appropriate fields for the debtor. Include mailing address.
Indicate County.
B. Select the Alias button if debtor has alias. Complete all appropriate fields for alias(es).
Select appropriate role for alias(es) (aka, dba, fdba, fda).
C. Review alias(es) once more by clicking on the Review button. If the alias is incorrect, uncheck the alias(es) and repeat 5.
When finished, click on Return to Party screen button.
D. Review debtor information once more before submission.
Note: Repeat steps 5 for Joint Debtor (jtdb.pty), if applicable. If Joint Debtor's address is different from Debtor, uncheck Copy previous party's address.
6. The next screen will state the divisional office in which this case is assigned (Cheyenne).
Click Next
7. Select yes or no in the Prior filing within last 8 years field.
Select Type of Debtor, such individual, corporation, etc. If Type of debtor is a business, select the correct Nature of business.
Select Paid or Installment for Fee Status.
If selecting Installment you must also file an Application to Pay Installments.
Select consumer or business for Nature of debt (Chapter 12 and 9 must select business).
Select yes for Asset Notice, ONLY if case is a Chapter 11, 12 or 13.
Select the appropriate Estimated number of creditors, assets and liabilities for the case.
Click Next
8. Summary of Schedules Screen:
Enter all totals from Schedules A, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, Form 22, and Nondischargeable Debt in the boxes provided.
Click Next
9. The next screen displays fields for additional schedules and Form 22 information.
10. Browse, verify and attach the Voluntary Petition (pdf file) and click Next.
11. Select the appropriate statement in the Presumption Arises field.
12. Verify filing fee amount and click Next.
13. Modify text as appropriate and click Next.
14. Warning!! Verify filing entry is correct before submitting the "Final Docket Text."
Summary of Charges Screen Pops UP: You have the option to Pay now or Continue Filing (if you have more filings).
Save the Notice of Electronic Filing.
Upload a Creditor Matrix File.
Assign the Judge, Trustee and 341 Meeting
Follow the steps below to electronically file a new Adversary Proceeding. Refer to the training module “Open an Adversary Proceeding” at http://www.wyb.uscourts.gov to view a demonstration of this process.
1. Select Adversary.
2. Select Open an AP Case.
3. If Complaint; select y. If Notice of Removal; select n. Click Next.
4. Search for a Plaintiff screen:
Enter last name or business name.
Click on Search.
Party search results: If plaintiff's exact name appears, select the name from the list. If no results appear, click on Create New Party to add plaintiff.
On the Plaintiff Information screen, verify/add the correct information and make changes where necessary.
Select the plaintiff’s correct Role in Bankruptcy Case (i.e; creditor, debtor, etc.).
Use the Alias button if plaintiff has any alias names to enter.
If filing with any additional attorneys, click on the Add Additional Attorney button to enter the names.
When finished entering plaintiff’s information, click Submit.
The next screen allows you to search/add any additional plaintiffs if applicable, if not, click End Plaintiff Selection.
Search for a Defendant screen.
Enter last name or business name.
Click on Search.
Party search results: If defendant’s exact name appears, select the name from the list. If no results appear, click on Create New Party to add defendant.
On the Defendant Information screen, verify/add the correct information and make changes where necessary.
Select the defendant’s correct Role in Bankruptcy Case.
Use Alias button if defendant has any alias names to enter.
When finished entering defendant’s information, click Submit.
The next screen allows you to search/add any additional defendants if applicable, if not, click End Defendant Selection.
5. Open Adversary Case (statistical) screen:
Select appropriate Party Code.
Select appropriate Primary Nature of Suit. If more than one nature of suit, use the fields for second, third, fourth, fifth nature of Suit.
Select y if Rule 23 (class action) applies.
Select plaintiff if filing requests a jury demand.
Enter amount for demand. Enter only to the nearest whole number in the thousands,
(i.e., 5 = 5000.)
Select y, n, or u for the State law field
Click Next
6. Enter the lead bankruptcy case number on the next screen. Association type is Adversary.
Click Next.
7. The next screen states what division case is assigned to based on the lead bankruptcy case number you entered.
Click Next.
8. Browse, verify and attach the PDF of the B104 Adversary Cover Sheet and Complaint. Attach supporting documents, if applicable.
Click Next.
9. The adversary filing fee will be displayed. Click Next.
10. Final Docket Text screen:
Review the docket text and make sure everything is correct and click Next.
11. You will be prompted to pay the filing fee electronically.
Save the Notice of Electronic Filing.
Summons: The court will issue a summons.
**Once summons is filed by the court, it may be obtained through the email notification the filer receives.
Follow the steps below to electronically upload a creditor matrix file:
A message will appear to inform you of the number of creditors uploaded; check to make sure it matches the number of creditors on your mailing matrix.
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a motion or an application. Refer to the training module "File a Motion for Relief From Stay" at http://www.wyb.uscourts.gov to view a demonstration of this process:
Follow the steps below to electronically docket an answer or response:
Proof of Claims Forms are no longer provided and mailed with the Notice of Meeting of Creditors for Chapter 11, 12, and 13 cases. Also, the Notice Fixing Time to File Proof of Claims in a Chapter 7 asset case will no longer be accompanied by a claim form. A B10 Proof of Claim form can be obtained at http://www.uscourts.gov/FormsAndFees/BankruptcyForms.aspx
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a Proof of Claim. Refer to the training module "File Claims" at http://www.wyb.uscourts to view a demonstration of this process.
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a reaffirmation agreement:
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a Notice of Final Cure Mortgage Payment:
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a Notice of Mortgage Payment Change with no previously filed Proof of Claim:
*Note - Unlike the filing of a Notice of Mortgage Payment Change with a Proof of Claim this filing will show up on the docket report.
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a Notice of Mortgage Payment Change after a Proof of Claim has been filed:
*Note -Filers will not be able to view this filing on the docket. However, you will be able to view this Notice in the Claims Register under the Reports menu item. You will see "doc" in the claims register under the corresponding claim number.
Follow the steps below to electronically docket a Notice of Postpetition Mortgage Fees, Expenses, and Charges:
*Note - Filers will not be able to view this filing on the docket. However, you will be able to view this Notice in the Claims Register under the Reports menu item. You will see "doc" in the claims register under the corresponding claim number.
All PDF files should be scanned using the black and white setting, NOT grayscale or color. The recommended resolution setting is 200 or 300 dpi, but anything over 300 dpi is not recommended.
What should I do if the document I am trying to file is not listed in the "pick-list" of document events?
It is important to use the correct "Docket Event" when filing any pleading, as it allows CM/ECF to then trigger the proper associated actions for the document that is being filed, such as producing notices and setting deadlines. If you file a document under an incorrect event, it may result in you having to re-file the documents as well as result in a delay in the processing of those documents. The SEARCH menu item can be very helpful to find filing events. When searching use key words (e.g., to find a Motion for Relief from Stay you can type "relief" and all events with the word relief will be displayed).
If you find you are unable to find the correct event for a pleading after searching the available "Docket Events," please contact the Court at (307) 433-2200 so that a Case Administrator can assist in choosing the most appropriate event to use. Moreover, if it is after regular business hours please try your best to determine if a more generic event can be used. For instance, a "Motion to Extend Time to File a Chapter 13 Plan" could be filed using the "Motion to Extend Time."
What do I do if I filed something incorrectly?
If you have filed something using the incorrect event, or perhaps attached the wrong document, please contact the Court as soon as possible so that we may assist you with the necessary actions to fix the error(s).
What should I do if CM/ECF doesn’t seem to be loading properly?
If you find that a page in CM/ECF isn’t loading properly (i.e., a menu selection that’s usually available is mysteriously absent), a likely culprit is a full cache folder on your computer. It is recommended that you clean out your cache frequently in order to avoid such issues. Contact the systems administrator for your office if you need help clearing your cache.
It is also important that your Internet Browser is set to allow pop-up windows from CM/ECF as some of the screens in CM/ECF utilize them. Party information windows appear as pop-ups and all internet credit card payment screens work through pop-ups also.
Also make sure that your Internet Service Provider doesn’t have a spam blocker that may interfere with receiving notices. Contact your ISP to make sure that it@wyb.uscourts.gov is not being blocked.
What is required for signatures when filing in CM/ECF?There are a couple options for indicating a signature when e-filing documents. These options include submitting a scanned copy of the originally signed document; attaching a scanned copy of the signature page(s) to the electronic documents, or by typing /s/ followed by the name of the person signing the document.