Electronic Case Filing

Many bankruptcy courts no longer allow debtors to walk into the courthouse and file a paper petition to commence a bankruptcy case.  For example, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas mandated electronic case filing (ECF) several years ago, in 2003.  This means that all activity for a case, from beginning to end, must be submitted electronically through the court's electronic filing system.

There are several benefits to filing cases electronically.  The most obvious benefit is that it uses less paper and is better for the environment.  A huge benefit to debtors is that case documents may be filed for immediate posting to the docket at any time of day.  Debtors are no longer confined to court clerk hours of business for important filings. 

Most bankruptcy courts require admitted attorneys to take at least one class to explain the electronic case filing system and create familiarity with the process.  This puts pro se debtors at a disadvantage, as they are 1) unfamiliar with the bankruptcy code and the local rules and 2) unfamiliar with the electronic case filing system.  Hiring an experienced Fears | Nachawati Law Firm attorney will save you precious time, resources and frustration as our firm is familiar with ECF and its intricacies.  We will work with you to ensure that your file is handled in the most careful and efficient way possible.