Electronic Filing (CM/ECF)

Contact the CM/ECF Help Desk if you have a general question related to electronic filing. Please do not email documents to the Help Desk.
866-239-6233 (M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST)
ecfhelp@mad.uscourts.gov

The Court upgraded its CM/ECF software to the Next Generation (NextGen) of CM/ECF on September 20, 2021. Click here for details.

What is CM/ECF?

Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) is the federal Judiciary's system that allows case documents, such as pleadings, motions, and petitions, to be filed with the court online. CM/ECF is most often used by attorneys in cases, U.S. Trustees, and bankruptcy trustees. Some courts permit bankruptcy claimants and pro se litigants to file using CM/ECF.

Access CM/ECF for the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts

CM/ECF Notices

Instructions, Manuals, & Procedures

CM/ECF User Manual

This manual provides instructions on how to use the Electronic Case Filing System (ECF) to file documents with the court, or to view and retrieve docket sheets and documents for all cases assigned to this system.

View the CM/ECF User Manual

ECF Administrative Procedures

These administrative procedures are intended to supplement the local rules of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts to the extent necessary to establish procedures for the signing, filing, service, maintenance and verification of documents by electronic means.

View the ECF Administrative Procedures

Civil Case Opening Manual

This manual provides instructions on how to open a new civil case using the Electronic Filing System (ECF).

View the Civil Case Opening Manual

Attorney Filing Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared to file a document electronically with the Court.

View the Attorney Filing Checklist

Training

Free PACER Training Site

A free-of-charge website offers access to a training database through the PACER service. The site features data from real cases in the Western District of New York over a six-month period in 2007. No registration is required and a login and password are posted on the training site's Welcome Page.

Users can search the database to find cases to explore. As searches are conducted, a transaction receipt display will explain what charge would have been accrued on the PACER service. Reviewing the receipts will help users understand their PACER charges and improve their searching techniques to minimize charges.

Access the Free PACER Training Site

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts