You are here

CM/ECF FAQ

GENERAL

ACCESS RELATED

TECHNICAL - GENERAL WEB ISSUES

TECHNICAL - CM/ECF ISSUES

TECHNICAL - PDF RELATED

TECHNICAL - ONE FREE COPY

CASE RELATED

GENERAL

 

What is CM/ECF?

In January 1996, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts began development of the Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system. CM/ECF is a comprehensive case management system that will allow courts to maintain electronic case files and offer electronic filing over the Internet. Courts can make all case information immediately available electronically through the Internet. (Back to top)

 

Why Electronic Case Files?

Judges, court staff, and the public now have the capability to access electronic docket information, case management data, and legal research materials. As most documents are now initially created first in electronic form, the federal courts can further reduce the reliance on paper records by establishing electronic case file systems. These systems should enhance the accuracy, management and security of records, reduce delays in the flow of information, and achieve cost savings for the judiciary, the bar and litigants. (Back to top)

 

What are the benefits and features of using CM/ECF?

There are a number of significant benefits and features:

  • Courts can allow registered attorneys to file documents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Reduction of paper, photocopy, postage and courier costs.
  • Full case information is available immediately to attorneys, parties, and the general public through the Internet. This includes the ability to view the full text of all filed documents.
  • Attorneys on the system will receive email notices electronically in CM/ECF cases. This greatly speeds delivery and eliminates the costs to both the court and attorneys of handling and mailing paper notices.
  • Multiple parties can view the same case files simultaneously.
  • Since CM/ECF uses Internet standard software, the out-of-pocket cost of participation for attorneys is typically very low.(Back to top)

 

What if I do not have access to a computer? Can I be exempt from mandatory electronic filing?

An exemption will be considered where mandatory electronic filing would impose a hardship on a party or would constitute an unreasonable denial of access to the courts. For this reason an exemption from the mandatory e-filing requirement may be available for filers who are able to show that they cannot adhere to the electronic filing requirement at all, or attorneys that don’t regularly practice in the bankruptcy court and file documents here very infrequently. (Back to top)

 

What is the cost for using CM/ECF?

There is no additional fee associated with the filing aspect of the CM/ECF system. (Back to top)

 

How do I get Help?

Contact us either though our website or by telephone at 414-290-2700. (Back to top)

 

When a user files a document with the court does the system automatically serve the other parties or does the user have to do something extra to serve the document? And, do the other parties just get notification of a filing or do they get the actual document?

When a document is filed in CM/ECF, a Notice of Electronic Filing is automatically generated and e-mailed to the registered parties in the case, as well as to anyone that a registered user has requested to receive notice in the case. The notice includes the text of the docket entry, the unique electronic document stamp, a list of the case participants receiving email notification of the filing, and a hyperlink to the main document filed. In bankruptcy cases all recipients will receive one free look at the main document. The filer is responsible for serving the parties who are not registered for electronic-filing in a manner authorized by the federal rules of procedure.

An exception to this is when a document is submitted as opposed to being filed. For example proposed orders that are submitted for the court’s consideration are not served electronically on other parties even those registered as electronic filers. However, once a proposed order is entered by the court and filed, it is served on registered electronic filers as described above. (Back to top)

 

How do I get my free copy of newly filed documents?

Each attorney of record in a case will receive an email message containing a hyperlink to a document that has been filed. One free copy is available to each attorney of record and any secondary address listed under the email information screen. Attorneys are able to list multiple email addresses for their filer login (under "Utilities"). The hyperlink to access the document will expire after the earlier of these two events: the first use or 15 days. Any time that same hyperlink is accessed after it has expired, the user will be asked for a PACER login and will be charged to view the document. All users are advised to print or save the document during the initial viewing period in order to avoid future charges. (Back to top)

 

How do I start receiving email notices from CM/ECF?

After completion of the registration process and the court assignment of a login and password for CM/ECF, you will begin receiving automatic email notification of all documents filed in cases that you are a party to. In order to change the email address or add additional email addresses, log into the CM/ECF system with your court-issued filing login. Click on ‘Utilities.’ Click on ‘Maintain Your Account’. On the screen titled Maintain User Account, click on ‘Email Information’ at the bottom of the page. Enter your email address in the box for ‘Primary e-mail address’. You can send additional notices to other email addresses by checking the box ‘to these additional addresses’ and listing other email addresses in the box to the right. You can receive notices in other cases by checking the box ‘Send notices in these additional cases’ and listing the case numbers in the box to the right. You can choose to receive an individual notice for each filing or a summary notice with all the filings each day. Either the individual or the summary notice will contain hyperlinks back to the documents. You can choose to receive the email notices in HTML or text format. You should choose the format based on the type of email program you use on your end. After completing the information requested on the screen, click on ‘Return to Account Screen.’ Click on ‘Submit’. Then, click on ‘Submit’ again. You should receive a confirmation message on the screen that your email preferences were successfully updated. Make sure you keep your email address current, so you don’t miss notices. (Back to top)

 

ACCESS RELATED

 

Can the general public view CM/ECF cases and the documents in those cases?

Yes, the public can access case data in CM/ECF unless it has been sealed by the court. Someone may view bankruptcy records from the computers located in the public area of the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office located at 517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 126, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is also possible to print copies of records from the computer terminals at the cost of $.10 per page. The public area is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Another way to obtain access to bankruptcy records is if you have a PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account. You can gain access to PACER by clicking HERE. If you are not currently registered with PACER, you will need to establish yourself as a new user in order to obtain information from the service. Be advised that there is a cost associated with downloading documents.

 

How does an attorney become an authorized CM/ECF user?

In order for an attorney to be authorized to file documents electronically and to receive email notices of documents that are filed, he/she must be admitted to practice and be registered to file electronically within the specific court providing the CM/ECF system. Upon registration with the court, attorneys will be provided with a login name and password that will allow access for the filing aspect of the system. Attorneys will also need to register with the PACER Service Center to obtain a login and password for the querying component of the system. To learn more about their systems, including filing requirements and procedures, manuals, and other pertinent information visit: http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/announcements/general/ecfnews.html (Back to top)

 

Are there separate logins and passwords for PACER and CM/ECF?

No. In March 2021, our court migrated to NextGen CM/ECF which implemented the Central Sign-On feature, creating a link between a user's PACER account and their CM/ECF account. For more information on this migration, click here (Back to top)

 

What type of training will be available?

CM/ECF is done on a case-by-case basis, as the filing needs of one user may be completely different from that of another user.

To arrange a personalized training session, please use the contact information listed below:
Paul Walter 414-290-2730, or
send an email to webteam_wieb@wieb.uscourts.gov (Back to top)

 

I am changing firms. Do I need to establish a new e-filing login and password?

You do not need to register for CM/ECF more than once as the original login and password provided by our court are unique to you. If you change firms, you must be sure to update your address and email information within your PACER account and apply the change to our court.  (Back to top)

 

How do I change my address with the Court?

In PACER, select Log in to... and then select Manage PACER Account. Select the Maintenance tab. From there you can update personal information, address information, and e-mail noticing preferences.   (Back to top)

 

How do I change my Central Sign-On password?

In PACER, select Log in to... and then select Manage PACER Account. Select the Settings tab. From there you can update your username, password, etc.  (Back to top)

 

Why do I get a PACER login screen after I’ve already logged into ECF?

This login prompt is requesting your PACER login and password, which is required whenever you request a report or document from a case. In order to bypass this login prompt in the future, click the box that says ‘make this my default login’ after entering the PACER login and password. (Back to top)

 

What should we do when an attorney leaves the firm?

When an attorney leaves a firm, both the attorney and the firm need to consider the implications to the CM/ECF noticing system. If cases will move with the attorney, the attorney needs to update his or her address and email notification within PACER. If cases will remain with the firm, the firm will need to ensure that the court docket accurately reflects the proper attorney of record (keeping in mind the court’s Local Rules) and that the new attorney of record is properly set up to receive notice of electronic filing. Law firms may also wish to consider the best method of handling email notices addressed to the firm for the departed attorney. Summarily removing the attorney from the firm’s email system with no further action, may result in notifications being missed. Firms may wish to consider whether their own e-mail systems should forward such emails to the attorney at his or her new address, or to another attorney within the firm. (Back to top)

 

 

TECHNICAL - GENERAL WEB ISSUES

 

How can I search for a word or phrase within CM/ECF?

Once you select a document to review, you can perform a word search by clicking on EDIT, then clicking on either "Find and Replace", or "Find in Document" (or pressing Ctrl+F), and entering the word(s) you wish to locate in the document. For documents in PDF format (viewable using Adobe Acrobat Reader) search by clicking on "TOOLS", then "FIND" (or Ctrl+F), and proceed the same way. Note, if the PDF document is an image file, as opposed to a text file, searching the document is not possible. As the names imply, a text file is one created in the first instance using a word processing, spreadsheet, or similar program, while an image file is created by scanning a document using a document scanner or fax machine. (Back to top)

 

TECHNICAL - CM/ECF ISSUES

 

What hardware and software will attorneys need to participate in CM/ECF?

Attorneys will need the following hardware and software to electronically file, view, and retrieve documents in the electronic filing system.

  • A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or a Macintosh.
  • Internet service and a compatible browser (High speed access is recommended.)
  • Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable document format (PDF). A PDF-compatible word processor like Macintosh or Windows-based versions of WordPerfect and Word.
  • A scanner to transmit documents that are not in your word processing system. (Back to top)

 

What happens if, due to an unanticipated system failure, I am unable to meet a filing deadline? Or what if the court’s website is not accessible for some reason?

CM/ECF is designed so that filers access the court through its Internet website. An attorney whose filing is made untimely as the result of a technical failure may seek appropriate relief from the court. See e.g., Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9006(a) (permitting an extension of time when "weather or other conditions have made the clerk’s office inaccessible"). Of course, the court has discretion to grant or deny relief in light of the circumstances. (Back to top)

 

Why can’t I access a previous page viewed by clicking on the "Back" button on the browser after selecting a link?

Unlike most programs, a web browser will open multiple windows. In other words, two or more windows in which the browser appears may be active at the same time. Look at the tool bar at the bottom of the screen, this is the same bar where the start button is located. If the browser logo appears on two different buttons, you have more than one window open. Click on the button that is not active (not highlighted) to open the previous window. If there is only one window open, click on the "GO" menu item at the very top of the screen; a drop down menu will appear where you can click on the address of the page to which you wish to return. (Back to top)

 

I have logged into CM/ECF but I do not get all of the menus/sub-menus/events. Why is that happening?

The cache on your computer may be full. Cache is a location on your hard drive where data is stored. When you search the Internet, your computer keeps track of every page you have visited and saves this information on your hard drive as temporary internet files/cookies. If the cache file becomes large (i.e., many pages have been searched), the result may be a loss of data. In order to resolve this problem, the user should clear the cache/cookies/temporary internet files. (Back to top)

 

Which browsers work with CM/ECF?

The following have been tested and approved for use with CM/ECF:

Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
Firefox
Chrome
Safari (Back to top)

 

Which browsers are not compatible with CM/ECF?

Internet Explorer 5.0 (Back to top)

 

TECHNICAL - PDF RELATED

 

What is a PDF document?

Documents in Portable Document File (PDF) format do not require a copy of the word processing program used to create them in order to be viewed. They can be viewed by anyone with a free viewer such as Acrobat Reader, a product of Adobe Systems, Inc. In addition to its cross platform advantage, a PDF document matches very closely the format of the original document in which the PDF document was created. All of the pleadings in the CM/ECF system are stored in PDF format. To view PDF files, you must have a PDF viewing software such as Acrobat Reader, which you may download free from the Adobe Systems Internet website http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. You will view PDF documents the way they were created, and you may save and print them in that format. (Back to top)

 

What is Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat is a commercial software product from Adobe that allows you to view and create documents in PDF (portable document format). Adobe, the inventors of the PDF format, can be found at http://www.adobe.com/, where you can find both the free reader version of the software, which can be used to retrieve documents from CM/ECF, and the writer version, which can create documents for posting. There are other brands of commercially available software to create PDF files, and the CM/ECF’s only requirement is that filings must be in PDF to be accepted by the CM/ECF system. All documents filed in CM/ECF must be in PDF format. The Federal Judiciary does not endorse any specific software. (Back to top)

 

How do I make a PDF document?

There are several ways in which you can get a document from a word processing program into the PDF format. The newer versions of some common word processors include the ability to publish a document to PDF built right into the word-processing software. In WordPerfect 9 and 10, you can click on File and then "Publish to PDF" to convert your WordPerfect file (.wpd) to PDF. (MS-Word (up to version XP) does NOT have this capability.) Adobe, the inventors of the PDF format, can be found athttp://www.adobe.com/, where you can find both the free reader version of the software, which can be used to retrieve documents from CM/ECF, and the writer version, which can create documents for posting. When you’ve installed Acrobat, you can make PDF files right out of your word-processing software simply by "printing" the document, and selecting the "printer" called "Acrobat PDFWriter" from the drop down list of available printers. That process will actually save a file in PDF format, with a ".pdf" file extension, on your hard drive. There are many other vendors besides Adobe who provide software to create PDF documents. Please note that the Federal Judiciary does not endorse or recommend any specific PDF software. Since there are so many different applications, and we could not depict instructions for all, we have chosen to depict all our instructions with reference to Adobe. (Back to top)

 

Will someone submitting a long document monopolize the system to the detriment of other users? How long will it take to transmit/receive lengthy documents?

A user submitting a large document to CM/ECF will not interfere with other users’ access. The system uses web technology which is designed to service large numbers of users simultaneously. The time it takes to transmit or receive a document primarily depends on the user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP), modem speed, and the size of PDF file being transmitted or received. Generally, the larger the file, the longer it will take to load. (Back to top)

 

Does it matter if the document is a text or scanned PDF?

The CM/ECF system will accept both text and image PDF files. The text PDF file is usually the result of saving a document from a word processor in PDF format using Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer. The image PDF file is usually created by scanning a paper document in PDF format. The text file can be transmitted to the CM/ECF application faster than the image file because it is much smaller in size. While the difference in speed is usually not noticeable in a 1 or 2 page document, the difference can be significant when a document reaches about 20 pages in length. (Back to top)

 

I have documents that were scanned and saved to an image PDF. While saving the documents to PDF, the 8.5 by 11 size documents were somehow saved as 8.5 by 14. How do I "reduce" the size so they are the proper size for e-filing?

This is a common issue depending upon the scanner you have purchased. The proper adjustment of scanner settings can often avoid the necessity to resize a document later. Some scanners are set up to convert to PDF automatically, as the default setting. Other scanners require user configuration. Solutions to each situation will depend on the specific computer hardware, software, and settings in your office. Since there are numerous possible combinations of computer set-ups, the Clerk’s Office cannot give one specific answer to this question about document sizing. Nevertheless, our office is available to help you work through specific problems that your office may be facing when trying to upload to CM/ECF. We first ask that you refer to your computer equipment and software instruction manuals, help menus, online tutorials and/or company web site technical support.

With proper scanner settings you should not have to resize a scanned document; however, if you need to upload a document immediately and do not have time to reconfigure your scanner settings, there are software programs that can assist in cropping and resizing documents. For example, Adobe Acrobat (Version 6.0 or higher) has a program called PDF Writer that has a re-sizing function built-in to the software. It will convert a scanned document to 8.5 by 11.

Please be aware that the Clerk’s Office staff will help you with your specific situation if you are unable to work through it utilizing the resources referenced above. General information on PDF specifications can be found on our web site under the CM/ECF link, Administrative Procedures, Attachment A-3. (Back to top)

 

Is it possible to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader open in a separate window, one not a part of my browser, or, alternatively, if the Adobe Reader opens on my PC as a separate Window, is it possible to make it open within the browser?

The answer to both questions is "yes". In Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader, find "Preferences", then locate "Web Browser Options". The user can select or de-select a box which allows a PDF file to display in the Internet browser. (Back to top)

 

When I print an image from CM/ECF, the right edge gets cut off.

After you click the print icon, click the ‘shrink to fit’ box on the printer setup screen. Once the setting has been changed, it should remain this way for all PDF documents. (Back to top)

 

When filing documents electronically, why do I get the message "ERROR: this document has security measures in effect?"

The system will not accept documents which have security measures turned on (for example, password protection in Adobe.) Remove the security features from the document and submit your document again. (Back to top)

 

I want to copy and paste from a PDF document, but I can’t seem to select any text. How do I copy and paste?

If you are using an Adobe product, you must first select the text tool (look for the T on the toolbar) instead of the hand. Then select the text, and either right-click and choose copy, or use the copy icon. If you cannot select the text, then the PDF is a scanned image. Scanned documents in PDF act just like photographs. You will not be able to copy and paste from a scanned image. (Back to top)

 

TECHNICAL - ONE FREE COPY

 

How do I receive my "free copy" of a document?

Each attorney of record in a case will receive an email message containing a hyperlink to a document that has been filed. One free copy is available to each attorney of record and any secondary addresses listed under the email information screen. Attorneys are able to list multiple email addresses for their filer login (under "Utilities") so that interested parties can be notified of filings as well. The hyperlink to access the document will expire after the earlier of these two events: the first use or 15 days. Any time that same hyperlink is accessed after it has expired, the user will be asked for a PACER login and will be charged to view the document. All users are advised to print or save the document during the initial viewing period in order to avoid future charges. (Back to top)

 

Who receives the automatic email notification?

The email notification goes to the email address of the registered attorney(s) of record and it can also go to all email accounts they have listed as recipients of additional notices. (Back to top)

 

What happens if the attorney needs to look at a document more than once?

The attorney will be charged for viewing documents in PACER every time they access that document after the first free copy.(Back to top)

 

Is there a time limit for when the free copy expires?

Yes. 15 days. (Back to top)

 

If being served by email, is there an option available to notify the system you are away and will not be receiving emails?

Attorneys can change their email address at any time using the Utilities menu option and change the main email receiver to an assistant. (Back to top)

 

Can an attorney’s support staff receive a copy of the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) email?

Yes. Attorneys have the option of authorizing duplicate receipt of the NEF for additional members of his/her support staff. The attorney can add the additional email recipients under the Utilities menu option within CM/ECF. Click on ‘Utilities’, ‘Maintain Your Account’, ‘Email Information’, then add additional addresses to the section Secondary Addresses. Click on ‘Return to Account Screen’. Click on 'Submit'. (Back to top)

 

Will I be billed by PACER if I access a PDF document through the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF), located within my automatic email notification, more than once?

Yes. Users are encouraged to save the PDF document onto their firm’s network drive or to the local hard drive for subsequent access. (Back to top)

 

Will I be billed by PACER if I click on the docket sheet report hyperlink located on the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)?

Yes. Clicking on the docket sheet hyperlink found on the NEF will cause a PACER login screen to appear if you have not already logged into PACER. Once you have completed the login screen you will be presented with the current docket sheet for that case. Access to the docket sheet will result in PACER charges. (Back to top)

 

If I forward an email notification I received to another individual will that individual be charged for viewing the document?

The document within an email notification is accessed by a hyperlink. This hyperlink takes you to a site which will allow the first viewing to be free. The first individual to view the linked document will not be charged. If you forward the email notification without viewing the document, the recipient of the email will be able to view the document for free. Anytime after the first viewing, a charge will be incurred to view the document. The document should be saved to a local hard drive during the first viewing. (Back to top)

 

Are there any reasons why I wouldn’t receive my court generated "free copy" emails?

One reason for this may be the omission of an active email account. An active email address must be maintained by all electronic filers in order for an automatic email notification to be sent. That address can be updated under the Utilities - Maintain Your ECF Account menu. New and existing electronic filers should ensure that their account information in the Utilities menu is always up-to-date.

Another common reason for non-delivery of court emails is that the email has been identified as spam either by the recipient or automatically by the ISP. If a recipient inadvertently identified a previous court email as spam, the ISP may be blocking email from the court. Contact your ISP to rectify this situation. Some ISPs may automatically route court email to a junk mail folder. Go into your junk email folder and mark the email from the court as "not junk mail". (Back to top)

 

When I click on the link in my email, why am I prompted for a login?

There are 2 reasons you will be prompted to login after clicking the link:

1. If 15 days have elapsed since the document was filed, the free copy has expired and you will be required to log in. You will be charged for viewing the document.
2. If the link has been used. You will be charged for viewing the document. (Back to top)

 

When I click on the link in my email, why do I get a blank screen?

It is possible some of the settings on your PDF viewer are incorrect. If you are using an Adobe product, try the following: Edit, Preferences, Internet uncheck Allow Fast Web View and Display PDF in Browser. (Back to top)

 

How do I sign up to receive notices from the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) via email?

To sign up, visit the BNC’s public web site, at www.ebnuscourts.com, read the information provided, download and complete the registration form, and submit it to the BNC. (Back to top)

 

CASE RELATED

 

How can I verify whether or not all the documents I filed electronically were posted?

To ensure the documents transmitted arrive in their entirety, review the automatic email notification sent to you or review the case docket available through PACER. The document can be accessed on the docket report by selecting the hyperlink next to the docket entry. (Back to top)

 

I tried to file a document but it says "format not recognized" what am I doing wrong?

All documents must be submitted in Adobe PDF (portable document format) with an extension of ".pdf". The court’s Administrative Procedures contain a document entitled "CM/ECF PDF Specifications" which outlines the format requirements for all PDF files. Files that are not PDF or do not meet the listed requirements will not be accepted. (Back to top)

 

Are there procedural rules relating to electronic filing?

Local Rule 5005 states, "The court will accept for filing documents submitted, signed or verified by electronic means that comply with procedures established by the court." Additionally, the Administrative Procedures serve as a procedural outline for electronic filing. Both the Local Rules and the Administrative Procedures can be located on the court’s website. (Back to top)

 

When a user files a document with the court, does the system automatically serve the other parties or does the user have to do something extra to serve the document? And, do the other parties just get notification of a filing or do they get the actual document?

When a document is filed in CM/ECF, a Notice of Electronic Filing is automatically generated and emailed to the registered parties in the case, as well as to anyone that a registered user has requested to receive notice in the case. The notice includes the text of the docket entry, the unique electronic document stamp, a list of the case participants receiving email notification of the filing, and a hyperlink to the document(s) filed. In bankruptcy cases all recipients will receive one free look at the document. The filer is responsible for serving the parties who are not registered for electronic-filing in a manner authorized by the federal rules of procedure. 

An exception to this is when a document is submitted as opposed to being filed. For example proposed orders that are submitted for the court’s consideration are not served electronically on other parties even those registered as electronic filers. However once a proposed order is entered by the court and filed, it is served on registered electronic filers as described above. (Back to top)

 

How will signature of documents be handled for documents filed electronically?

Local Rule 5005.1 details the retention of documents containing original signatures. Section IV of the Administrative Procedures explains that the "user login and password required to submit documents to the System serve as the registered user’s signature" (Back to top)

 

How do we know who is participating electronically on a case?

Within the Utilities menu option in CM/ECF there is a miscellaneous option to view mailing information. Attorneys can look at this information to see who is receiving service electronically and who is receiving service conventionally. (Back to top)

 

What is the Cases report and how do I use it?

The Cases report in CM/ECF is used to display summary data for a range of cases. It can be used to produce a list of open or closed cases between a date range. For example, it can be used to produce a list of cases filed or discharged. In addition, there are a number of options to help limit the results. The Cases report can be found under the Reports menu option in CM/ECF. The report is NOT subject to the 30-page limit on PACER charges so customers should use caution when running the report. It should be noted that in Bankruptcy CM/ECF, the Cases report does not include cases that have been archived. (Back to top)

 

Do I have to file my trial exhibits electronically?

There is currently an exception to electronic filing for trial exhibits in the Bankruptcy Court. You will find this on our web site in section II. F. 2. of our Administrative Procedures, accessible through the CM/ECF link:

2. Trial. Exhibits for trial (on an adversary or contested matter) should not be filed with the Clerk. Except as provided in a pretrial order, exhibits should be listed on an Exhibit Summary and delivered to the Judge’s chambers and opposing counsel in paper format at least three business days prior to trial. (Back to top)

 

Oops! Somehow in the electronic case filing process I accidentally filed a second case for the same debtor. What do I do now?

This has happened on occasion. The solution to this situation is for the attorney to file an ex parte motion to dismiss the second case. If a fee has been charged for the second case the attorney may request a refund in the motion. (Back to top)