FAQs
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What is the procedure for the redaction and/or restricted access to a document filed with the court?
Upon entry of an order granting a motion to restrict access, the court will restrict access to the document as addressed in the order.
Once the court restricts access, the document can be re-filed with the redacted information.
The clerk's office does not delete PDF files. If a person's social security number/private information is filed in a PDF document, than the document will go out to all filers who receive electronic notice on a case after the document is filed electronically. In essence the damage has been done. The motion to restrict will only restrict access to PACER.
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Does the court keep a record of the credit cards used by an attorney to pay on-line?
The clerk's office does not keep a record of credit cards used. The court's website offers the On-Line Credit Card Module guide for assistance with paying your fees on-line.
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How do I obtain copies from a case that has been archived?
You may request copies of documents directly from the Archive Center in Fort Worth. Their phone number is 817-551-2000. You can also find Archive information on the order form off the court's website. You will need to contact the help desk at 214-753-2600 to obtain the transfer and location number of the case in order to fill out the order form.
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Are the Bankruptcy Court forms available in Spanish?
The Court does not provide documents or forms in any language other than English.
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Can a debtor without attorney representation file bankruptcy and where can the forms be obtained?
A debtor may file for bankruptcy without attorney representation (known as filing pro se). The Clerk's Office has prepared several useful resources for pro se filers on our website. From our homepage, click on the Filing Resources tab. Included in our filing resources are a list of approved credit counseling agencies, a list of common bankrupty terms and definitions, creditor matrix instructions, and other useful information that should be read before filing.
The Forms Tab provides a link to the official bankruptcy forms you will need to file your case.
Please remember that neither the Court nor the Clerk’s Office can provide legal advice of any kind.
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If an ECF filer inadvertently does not attach the supporting documents to the main document, how can those PDF documents be added?
In this instance the electronic filer should file exhibits/attachments as support/supplemental documents. The event is found under the Bankruptcy Menu > Miscellaneous > Support/Supplemental documents.
This event will allow you to link back to the appropriate document and allow you to modify the text if needed.
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How does a creditor becomes a registered ECF user?
If you are already a Bankruptcy ECF creditor filer registered in another district, you need to:
1. Complete the Creditor Registration Form.
2. Provide supporting documentation as proof of your registration with another Bankruptcy Court. (i.e. notice of electronic filing, welcome/log in screen, e-mail from court assigning login and password, ECF Training Completion Certificate, etc.)
3. Return the registration form along with the supporting documentation to:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Attn: ECF Registration
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 1254
Dallas, TX 75242
or email to
If you are not already registered with another court you will need to:
1. Complete the online CM/ECF Creditor Tutorial.
2. Once you have gone through the tutorial you will then need to complete the Connectivity Exercise attached to the Creditor Registration Form. This exercise will be completed in the CM/ECF Training Database.
3. In order to obtain a login and password to access the training database you will need to contact the ECF Helpdesk at (214) 753-2600 or ecfhelp@txnb.uscourts.gov
4. When all of the steps outlined above have been completed you will mail or email the Creditor Registration Form along with the connectivity exercise to:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Attn: ECF Registration
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 1254
Dallas, TX 75242
or email to
Once the court receives the registration form with the connectivity exercise (if required) we will review it to ensure all of the requested information has been provided. If the registration form complies with all of the requested information then an ECF live login and password will be issued and e-mailed to the address provided on the registration form.
If you submit an incomplete ECF Registration form, the form will be returned to you requesting the required information and you will have to re-submit the registration form and supporting documentation.
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How can a creditor becomes a registered ECF user?
If you are already a Bankruptcy ECF creditor filer registered in another district, you only need to:
1. Complete the Creditor Registration Form.
2. Provide supporting documentation as proof of your registration with another Bankruptcy Court. (i.e. notice of electronic filing, welcome/log in screen, e-mail from court assigning login and password, ECF Training Completion Certificate, etc.)
3. Please return the registration form along with the supporting documentation to:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Northern District of Texas
Attn: ECF Registration
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 1254
Dallas, TX 75242
or email to
· If you are not already registered with another court you will need to:
1. Complete the online CM/ECF Creditor Tutorial at http://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/ecf/cred_tutorial/
2. Once you have gone through the tutorial you will then need to complete the Connectivity Exercise attached to the Creditor Registration Form. This exercise will be completed in the CM/ECF Training Database at https://ecf-train.txnb.uscourts.gov/
3. In order to obtain a login and password to access the training database you will need to contact the ECF Helpdesk at (214) 753-2600 or ecfhelp@txnb.uscourts.gov
4. When all of the steps outlined above have been completed you will need to mail or deliver the Creditor Registration Form along with the connectivity exercise to:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Northern District of Texas
Attn: ECF Registration
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 1254
Dallas, TX 75242
or email to
Once the court receives the registration form with the connectivity exercise (if required) we will review it to ensure all of the requested information has been provided. If the registration form complies with all of the requested information then an ECF live login and password will be issued and e-mailed to the address provided on the registration form.
If you submit an incomplete ECF Registration form, the form will be returned to you requesting the required information and you will have to re-submit the registration form in supporting documentation.
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What is a creditor Matrix?
The creditor matrix is a list of all creditors which a debtor must provide in order to file a bankruptcy case. The list should include not only the names, but the complete street address, city, state and zip code of each creditor. Do not include account numbers.
The matrix is used to notify the creditors of significant events during the course of the bankruptcy case.
Matrices filed electronically must be submitted as a .pdf and as a text file.
Please visit the courts website for detailed instructions.
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How can a person who is filing without attorney representation find out more information about bankruptcy?
Those filing without an attorney - called pro-se debtors - can obtain information through the court's website at www.txnb.uscourts.gov . Choose the Filing Resources tab to begin your research.