E-Filing Case Related Questions

  • I tried to e-file a document but I received an error that says “ERROR: This document cannot be loaded because it is over 10 MB. Submit the document in smaller parts, labeled correctly". What does this mean?

    CM/ECF has a per document size limit (10 MB). If the document exceeds the size limit it cannot be uploaded into CM/ECF. You need to go back to your PDF, Word or WordPerfect document and create the document in smaller parts. (Example: the Motion may be separated from the exhibits, declarations, etc.) NOTE: each part of the document to be attached needs to be identified with either a caption page (see Local Rule 83_____) or a cover page taking the place of a tab, (i.e. EXHIBIT 5, APPENDIX II TO MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT).

  • Who can I call if I need assistance with electronic filing?

    Many of the most frequent questions are listed on the Frequently Asked Questions in the E-Filing section on our website.

    If your question is not answered by the Frequently Asked Questions, send an e-mail to ecf-helpdesk@cacd.uscourts.gov or call 213-894-0242. This is for assistance with electronic filing questions, not case specific questions.

    You may also want to refer to our website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov for some of your CM/ECF related questions.

  • When I query a case in CM/ECF, it gives me the previous case I looked at instead.

    Check your Cache settings in your browser. The "verify documents" entry should have the ‘once per session' or ‘every time' entry checked, but not the ‘never' entry.

  • How do I set a hearing before the assigned Magistrate Judge when electronically filing a discovery motion?

    During the process of electronically filing, the filer will receive a screen which sets the motion for hearing. The default hearing officer is the district judge, therefore the user will need to click on the drop down list of judges and manually select the assigned magistrate judge. Once selection is made the hearing will be set before the selected Magistrate Judge.

  • I tried to e-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". Two common errors occur. First, a user thinks that he/she saved the document in PDF. The user then tries to file the WordPerfect version of the document; not the saved PDF version. Second, a user fails to indicate the full path name for the PDF file he/she wants to upload. Because the system could not find the file, it responded with the "format not recognized" message. The solution--provide the full path name when identifying the file (example: "c:\documents\motion.pdf") during the upload process.

  • I’m about to file a Notice of Appeal? How do I pay the fee?

    As of September 8, 2008, the Pay.Gov site went live and PHV fee can be paid online with a Credit Card.

    The following credits are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, and Diners Club.

    Note: Counsel are encouraged to pay the fee on-line. However, if the fee is not paid at the time of filing, you will be billed for the fee. Prompt payment is expected.

  • I e-filed a document that should have been filed under seal. What do I do?

    Please contact both the Court Room Deputy and the Help Desk (213-894-0242 or email at ecf-helpdesk@cacd.uscourts.gov), explaining the error. Then e-file a Notice of Manual Filing (form G-92 in the forms directory), print out the filed copy when finished, and take that to the intake window along with an Application to Seal and a Proposed Order.

  • I’m about to file an Application for Non-Resident Appearance (PHV)? How do I pay the fee?

    As of September 8, 2008, the Pay.Gov site went live and PHV fee can be paid online with a Credit Card.

    The following credits are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, and Diners Club.

    Note: Counsel are encouraged to pay the fee on-line. However, if the fee is not paid at the time of filing, you will be billed for the fee. Prompt payment is expected.

  • Why can’t the document filed in error just be deleted?

    The Clerk’s Office may not delete any attorney e-filed document without a judicial order. This is due to the fact that the erroneous document was served on all counsel of record pursuant to the Federal Rules and is now part of the Court’s official electronic file/docket.

  • I’m not counsel of record in a case but I want to monitor a case. Is this possible?

    Yes, it is possible. Go to Utilities on the blue menu bar, click on Your Account/Maintain Your E-Mail Address. Click on your email address on the left (“Primary e-mail address”). In the middle of the screen, under “Case-specific options”, type in the case number you wish to monitor, then click “find this case” and add it to your list. WARNING: You will receive all ecf activity in that (those) case(s) - it is not limited to certain documents.

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