FAQs

  • PDF documents are not showing the Case Number, Document Number or the Date Stamps.

    To show the Headers on PDF documents filed in PACER, input the case number and Run Query.

    Click Docket Report>Document options>Check Include headers when displaying PDF documents>Run Report

  • Does the Bankruptcy Court appoint Counsel for a Pro Se debtor?

    Counsel is not appointed for Pro Se debtors in Bankruptcy.  If a debtor files a bankruptcy Pro Se, they are acting as their own counsel.  They are responsible for knowing the Court's local rules, and the federal rules of bankruptcy.  They are responsible for filling out their own forms and noticing parties.

  • Can an attorney receive emails regarding cases in which the attorney is not a participant?

    Yes they can, but will still be charged document fees from PACER. This is called “watching” a case. To be a watcher:

    1) Log in to ECF with your ECF login (not your PACER login)

    2) Click on Utilities, then Maintain Your ECF Account

    3) At the bottom of the main screen, click on the Email Information button

    4) Check the box to Send notices in these additional cases, then add the case numbers in the format YY-NNNNN for each case desired.

    5) After you have entered all the case numbers you want to watch, choose the tab that says 'Return to Account Screen."  Then click on "Submit" to ensure your changes are recorded.

    NOTE: The system will show “watchers” as receiving the emails for the notices. They will show up on the NEF under the section ”Notice will be electronically mailed to” and also on the “Report: E-mail Info” for a case.

  • Does each Bankruptcy Court follow the same rules regarding PDF file size and what is the file size maximum for the Northern District?

    Each court determines the file size limit.

    The Northern District's maximum file size is 5MB.  Each PDF can be up to 5MB.

  • I forgot to attach the supporting documents to the main document I just filed in ECF. What can I do?

    Exhibits and other attachments can be filed separately from the main document. To do so, log in to ECF and click on Bankruptcy, then select Miscellaneous. Choose Support/Supplemental documents from the menu provided. This event will allow you to link the exhibit documents back to the originally filed document, and will allow you to modify the docket text accordingly.

     

  • What are the procedures to obtain a loan modification or refinance and where can I find them?

    You can view the procedures from Clerk's Notice 09-03 which you can find on the court's website

  • How do I prove I have not filed for bankruptcy?

    In order for the clerk's office to certify you have not filed for bankruptcy in the Northern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court, the alleged debtor must file an Application for Search of Bankruptcy Records.  A search of court records, based on the social security number provided, will be performed and if a match is not found then the court will certify the document and append the court's seal. 

    The applicant will be responsible for communicating with the credit bureaus to have the erroneous reporting resolved.

  • Does a Chapter 11 business case qualify to pay the filing fee in installments?

    A Chapter 11 business case does not qualify to pay the filing fee in installments.  However, a Chapter 11 individual case does qualify to file an application to pay the filing fee in installments.

  • Why can't I view documents in PACER?

    There are several reasons why you might be unable to view documents in PACER. Please perform the following if you are unable to view documents:

    1. Verify that you are using one of the following: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

    2. If you are using Microsoft Windows make sure you have the latest updates installed.

    3. Make sure the browser cache has been cleared. 

    4. Make sure you are using the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat.

     

  • After I log in to ECF, the screen I see doesn't have the menu to allow for filing. At the top of the screen, the only choices are Query, Reports, Utilities and Logout. Why can't I file?

    It sounds like you have logged in using your PACER login and not your ECF login. When logged into PACER you are only able to see the four options: Query, Reports, Utilities and Logout.

    If you wish to file a document in CM/ECF, log out of PACER and log in to CM/ECF using the ECF login assigned to you by the Court.

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