FAQs

  • How can copies be obtained from a case file?

    There are 4 options to access this information.

    1)  Contact the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856 or go to www.pacer.gov. A credit card is required for this service.

    2)  Visit the clerk's office.

    3)  A Request for Copies Form can also be mailed to the Clerk's office.  The form is available on our website.

    4)  If the case was filed prior to 2003 the records will be in the National Archive Center in Fort Worth.

  • What do I do if my login and password do not work?

    Step 1
    Make sure you have entered the login and password correctly. Check the "Num Lock" key on your keyboard and make sure it is "on", if you are using numbers in your login or password.  Login and password are case-sensitive.

    Step 2
    Make sure you are using the correct password for ECF.  Your ECF login from another district will not work for the Northern District of Texas.

    Note: Your PACER login is different from your ECF login.  A login for District Court will not work for Bankruptcy Court.

    Step 3
    Call the Help Desk if you still cannot login to ECF. You can also email the Help Desk at ecfhelp@txnb.uscourts.gov

     

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  • If an ECF filer has made all outstanding payments and still does not get any menu options, what do they need to do?

    In order to restore the menu options after reconciling the ECF fees, filers can either refresh the page and/or clear the cache.

    For a quick fix, click on Bankruptcy and then right click anywhere inside the blank screen and select refresh the page.

    If you continue to get a blank screen, then the other option is to clear the Cache and delete the cookies and temporary files by following the steps below:

    If using Internet Explorer:

    1. Go to menu of the browser

    2.  Click on Tools/Internet Options. 

    3. Click on the button Delete Cookies and then click on the button Temporary Internet files.

    4. Log out of ECF and log back in. 

    5. Refresh the page to restore all menu options.

  • How do I change my ECF password?

    Go to Utilities and click on Maintain User Account

    Click Change Your Password

    Your password must be at least eight (8) characters and include a capital letter and a special character or number (1, 2, 3...#, &...)

    Click Submit

  • Is there a way to get BOTH an email message notice (Send a notice for each filing) and the daily summary report (Send a Daily Summary Report)?

    CM/ECF is configured to send one or the other, it does not have the capablitity to send both

  • Can a joint debtor be added to the petition if they were not included on the petition when the case was filed?

    A debtor cannot be added to a petition after it has already been filed. The non-filing debtor would have to file their own petition (new case).

     

  • What is a Trustee?

    A trustee is a person who administers bankruptcy cases. The trustee does not represent the debtor or any individual creditor and cannot give legal advice. Rather, the trustee has independent rights and duties that are set forth in the Bankruptcy Code. In a chapter 7 case, the trustee may take possession of the debtor's assets, sell them, and distribute the proceeds to creditors. In a chapter 13 case, the trustee administers the debtor's plan, and pays the creditors. The trustee will also oversee the first meeting of creditors.

  • What is the difference between Chapters 7, 11 and 13?

    Chapter 7: The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for "liquidation," ( i.e., the sale of a debtor's nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors.)

    Chapter 11: The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing (generally) for reorganization, usually involving a corporation or partnership. (A chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. People in business or individuals can also seek relief in chapter 11.)

    Chapter 13: The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income. (Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep property and pay debts over time, usually three to five years.)

  • When filing a new case in ECF what can be included with the PDF petition.

    The following documents can be included with the petition:

    • Exhibit D
    • Schedules A-J
    • Statement of Financial Affairs
    • Statement of Intent
    • Attorney Disclosure
    • Means Test
    • Matrix

    These documents need to be filed separately:

    • Form 21
    • Certificate of credit counseling
    • Employee income records (60 days of paystubs/checks)
    • Chapter 13 plan and Authorization for pre confirmation (only in a 13)
    • Certificate of financial management

    All these documents can be filed separately if deficient at the time of filing.

  • Can the clerk's office assist in filing, writing motions, or filling out forms if a party is not represented by an attorney?

    The clerk's office is prohibited from helping a pro- se filer in filing, writing motions, or filling out forms.   If a party does not have attorney representation, they may be able to obtain assistance from one of the following two entities: Dallas Bar Association - (214) 220-7400; Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (214) 748-1234.  These groups are not affiliated with the Court. 

    Additionally, the clerk's office website provides a link to the local rules as well as the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Bankruptcy Code.  The burden lies on the pro-se filer to make themselves familiar with these rules.

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