CM/ECF Frequently Asked Questions

• Access Related
• How do I link my PACER account to my ECF account?
• I am changing firms. Do I need to establish a new e-filing login and password?
• I am having problems logging in with the information that was provided to me. Every time I type in the password, the system tells me that it is incorrect or that I can cancel or continue. Can you please check my account and let me know why I keep getting an error when I use it.
• I filed a Social Security appeal, but can not see the case through PACER. Why?
• I filed an Immigration or Naturalization petition, but can not see the case through PACER. Why?
• I think I have a login and password, but I can't remember it. Should I re-register and submit the online form?
• May I add a client's email address to my account?
• What if I'm having computer problems?
• What if I haven’t yet applied for an account?
• What if I think I have an ECF account, but don’t know my login and password?
• What if I don’t know how to use the system?
• I have filed a notice of appearance but I’m not receiving notices. How do I fix this?
• I receive e-mails from the Court, but I just can’t read the body of the message. What's wrong?

• Adobe PDF Issues
• How do I file my executed summons?
• How do I sign my documents?
• How do I get a summons when I file a new case?
• How do I sign and file an affidavit?
• I have a box full of exhibits. Must they all be filed electronically?
• I recently upgraded my Adobe application. When I try to view PDF documents in CM/ECF, I see a blank screen. How can I fix this?
• I tried to file a document but it says "format not recognized"—what am I doing wrong?
• I'm unable to print a pdf document, it only asks me to name it. Why?
• Is there a size limitation for Adobe PDF documents in CM/ECF?
• Local Rule requires a Certificate of Service, but how do I know who I have to serve by paper?
• What if my document is too large, or is bound in some way that I can't scan it?
• I open the document, but all I see is a blank screen. What's wrong?

• Fees
• How do I pay my filing fee?
• I filed a document that requires a fee, but failed to make the payment. What do I do?
• I just paid a case-related fee twice. How do I get the overpayment reversed?

• General Issues
• Can you change my or my associate’s email address for me?
• Do I need to use a client code when logging into PACER or ECF?
• How do I know what entry to use?
• How do I register for Electronic Case Filing (ECF) in the District of Massachusetts?
• How do I sign my documents?
• I am having problems logging in with the information that was provided to me. Every time I type in the password, the system tells me that it is incorrect or that I can cancel or continue. Can you please check my account and let me know why I keep getting an error when I use it.
• How do I sign and file an affidavit?
• I registered for ECF and have begun to receive e-mails with the Notice of Electronic Filing but I have not received a login and password yet. What do I do?
• I registered for ECF but I have not received a login and password. How can I check on this?
• What happens when I am on vacation and I don’t have access to e-mail?
• What is CM/ECF?
• What should we do when an attorney leaves the firm?
• Where is the Notice of Removal entry?
• How do I get a summons when I file a new case?
• How do I file my executed summons?
• How do I file a new civil case?
• What documents can not be filed electronically?
• What if I make a mistake when filing a document?
• How do I pay my filing fee?
• How do I file documents filed as part of the mediation process?
• Is CM/ECF mandatory?
• May I file a notice of appearance for another attorney?
• I am admitted pro hac vice? May I register to use CM/ECF?
• I filed an appearance in a case, but have since the left the firm. What do I need to do to stop receiving notices?
• I am filing a civil case with many parties. Do I add them all?
• I have a box full of exhibits. Must they all be filed electronically?
• The law firm I work for is merging with another firm. How do I update my contact information?
• I filed a document that requires a fee, but failed to make the payment. What do I do?
• I filed an answer that included two other attorneys from my firm, but their names do not appear on the docket. Why?
• I filed an Immigration or Naturalization petition, but can not see the case through PACER. Why?
• Local Rule requires a Certificate of Service, but how do I know who I have to serve by paper?
• I need a summons. What do I do?

• Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)
• In training we were told you get one free look at the document when you receive a Notice of Electronic Filing. How does it work, since we still have to login to PACER?
• I received a notice of electronic filing in a case I’m involved in but there was no link or text after the line: "Copy the URL address on the line below into the location bar of your Web browser to view the document: or Document Number:"
• When I copy the URL address from the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) receipt into a browser (as instructed), it brings me to a PACER login screen. Why?
• I’m not receiving notices in cases in which I am involved. I've registered for ECF and have a login and password. What's wrong?
• What should we do when an attorney leaves the firm?
• I'm having problems with my internet provider and I have not received my electronic notices. What should I do?
• I added additional email addresses to my noticing list however, now I am not getting any notices. Why?
• I've registered for and received a CM/ECF login account, but I still get a login screen when I try to search for case information. Why?
• What happens when I am on vacation and I don’t have access to e-mail?
• May I add a client's email address to my account?
• I filed an appearance in a case, but have since the left the firm. What do I need to do to stop receiving notices?
• Local Rule requires a Certificate of Service, but how do I know who I have to serve by paper?
• I have filed a notice of appearance but I’m not receiving notices. How do I fix this?
• I receive e-mails from the Court, but I just can’t read the body of the message. What's wrong?

• Pacer Related
• I received a notice of electronic filing in a case I’m involved in but there was no link or text after the line: "Copy the URL address on the line below into the location bar of your Web browser to view the document: or Document Number:"
• When I copy the URL address from the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) receipt into a browser (as instructed), it brings me to a PACER login screen. Why?
• In training we were told you get one free look at the document when you receive a Notice of Electronic Filing. How does it work, since we still have to login to PACER?
• I've registered for and received a CM/ECF login account, but I still get a login screen when I try to search for case information. Why?
• How do I link my PACER account to my ECF account?
• Do I need to use a client code when logging into PACER or ECF?

• Technical Issues
• When I print an image from CM/ECF, the right edge gets cut off.
• What hardware and software will I need to use CM/ECF?
• I'm unable to print a pdf document, it only asks me to name it. Why?
• I'm having problems with my internet provider and I have not received my electronic notices. What should I do?
• I am having problems logging in with the information that was provided to me. Every time I type in the password, the system tells me that it is incorrect or that I can cancel or continue. Can you please check my account and let me know why I keep getting an error when I use it.
• I've registered for and received a CM/ECF login account, but I still get a login screen when I try to search for case information. Why?
• What if I'm having computer problems?
• How do I link my PACER account to my ECF account?
• I open the document, but all I see is a blank screen. What's wrong?

• Utilities
• When I am out of the office for a period of time, I usually set up an “Out of Office” rule in my email account. Does that have any affect on ECF Noticing?
• What happens when I am on vacation and I don’t have access to e-mail?
• Can you change my or my associate’s email address for me?
• I added additional email addresses to my noticing list however, now I am not getting any notices. Why?
• How do I link my PACER account to my ECF account?

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Last Update: 03/09/2004