Procedural Questions

What is the procedure for filing a sealed document?

If you have a document that you wish to be placed under seal, you may file the appropriate motion to seal before the document is actually filed with the court. You would access our CM/ECF system, select Bankruptcy > Motions/Applications > In Camera. You will attach your motion which should explain why you are requesting this document be placed under seal. You will deliver the document you wish to be sealed to the appropriate judge along with a copy of the filed motion. This will need to be marked "Private and Confidential". The motion will be set for hearing. Following the hearing, the judge will enter an order. If the order grants your motion, then the judge will deliver the document to be placed under seal to the Division Supervisor. The Court will then follow the appropriate procedures for sealing the document.
How can I ensure that I attached the correct pdf when I am filing a document?

When you select Browse to locate your file, highlight the filename, right click, and select "open" to open the pdf file. This is your chance to view the document and make sure it is the correct pdf before you attach it.
What happens if a document is filed in error?

Most errors will be immediately transmitted through the real time electronic notices and access to the docket report. Deletions of entries to the docket or associated pdf documents are very rare, if ever. CM/ECF allows Court personnel to edit errors made in the docket entry. Besides making the appropriate corrections, the Court may ask participants to submit amended pleadings or a corrective entry. Instances that affect calendar entries and noticing will need to be redocketed.
What should an attorney do if the documents they are filing are not listed in the pick list?

Try the Search feature in CM/ECF. Click Search and type in a key phrase. If you still cannot find the correct event to use, email ecftrain@alnb.uscourts.gov for assistance.
How is the requirement of an original signature (attorney and/or debtor) handled for CM/ECF cases?

There are two distinct issues: attorney signatures and debtor signatures. By registering to use the system, attorneys agree that use of their login name and password (whether by themselves personally or by delegation to another person in their office) constitutes their signature on the documents electronically filed. See Rule 5005(a)(2)(C) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. For documents that must be signed by the debtor (such as petitions, lists, schedules, statements, etc.), originally executed paper copies must be kept by the debtor's attorney for three years after the closing of the case. The electronically filed documents indicate a signature, e.g., /s/Jane Doe. Digital signatures may be used. See ALNB Admin. Order 23-01, Paragraph C for the requirements for digital software use. For more information on this topic, see the Administrative Procedures for Filing, Signing, Retaining, and Verification of Pleadings and Papers in the Case Management/ Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) System.
My email address has changed. How do I change it in the system?

Primary email address changes are made through PACER. Go to www.pacer.uscourts.gov, select Manage My Account. After logging in, changes are made under the Maintenance tab. The update is sent electronically to the court for processing.
Why must attorneys submit the Chapter 13 Plan as a separate event?

The Chapter 13 Plan must be submitted separately in order for a confirmation hearing date to be listed on the 341 notice. The Court also mails the Chapter 13 Plan to all parties in the case through the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC).
Are signatures required on claims filed?

No, the electronic signature "/s/Jane Doe" will constitute the filing signature.
Why must attorneys submit the B121 Form-Statement of Social Security Number as a separate event?

To comply with FRBP Rule 1007(f), the debtor(s) must submit Form B121 stating under penalty of perjury their full social security numbers. This form is for Court use only and cannot be viewed by the public. The Court requires that this form be printed, signed by the debtor(s), scanned as a PDF file, and associated with the "Private" entry "Social Security-Form B121."
What does "hwi" and "wwi" indicate when adding alias information?

hwi: Husband with interest; wwi: Wife with interest.
What information should be entered in the "Party Text" field on the create a party screen?

Party Text should contain additional information about the party and appears on the Docket Report both internally and externally. Example: Alabama Land and Title, Party Text: an Alabama Corporation.
When opening a new petition and discovering that the debtor's name is spelled incorrectly, can the BACK button be used to correct the spelling?

The BACK button cannot be used to correct the debtor's party record. A corrective entry is required to notify the Court of the needed change.
How do I obtain a copy of the Court’s list of unclaimed funds?

Visit our page for information about Unclaimed Funds at http://www.alnb.uscourts.gov/unclaimed-funds, or, to access the Unclaimed Funds Locator, visit https://ucf.uscourts.gov/?court=alnb (link is external).

United States Bankruptcy Court

Northern District of Alabama

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Procedural Questions