Read These Requirements

Attorneys who file 10 or more pleadings in a 12 month period must utilize CM/ECF and file all pleadings electronically.  Attorneys must take the online training course and be certified by the Bankruptcy Court to use CM/ECF.  Click here for CM/ECF Training Information.

CM/ECF policies and procedures are found in the Administrative Procedures for the Filing, Signing and Verifying of Documents by Electronic Means.  In addition, the Commentary Supplementing Administrative Procedures is intended to provide e:filers with a greater understanding of the scope, intent and background of the rules governing electronic filing in this court.

CM/ECF contains various pick lists, check boxes and radio buttons to standardize the electronic docketing process.  It is important that e:filers make selections that accurately describe the pleading being filed.  Our court has posted guidance documents on our website to help e:filers become familiar with the docketing events available in CM/ECF.  These lists include general e:filing guidance and links to applicable local rules and forms.  CM/ECF Attorney Manual  provides step by step docketing instructions for individual docketed events. 

This guide is to be used as a resource for filing a Chapter 7 case with the court.  There are links throughout this document to information which may be needed during a bankruptcy case, including forms and rules.  All of the links are also available through our website at www.njb.uscourts.gov.

IMPORTANT:  BEFORE FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY, INDIVIDUAL DEBTORS MUST OBTAIN CREDIT COUNSELING AND INCLUDE AN OFFICIAL CREDIT COUNSELING CERTIFICATE WITH THEIR PETITION.  FAILURE TO OBTAIN CREDIT COUNSELING DURING THE 180 DAYS PRECEDING THE FILING OF THE  PETITION WILL RESULT IN THE DISMISSAL OF THE CASE AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY FUTURE FILING ON BEHALF OF THIS DEBTOR.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW APPROVED CREDIT COUNSELING AGENCIES.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE CREDIT COUNSELING REQUIREMENT ARE SET FORTH IN 11 U.S.C. §109(h)(4)