E-Filing & CM/ECF for Bankruptcy in Los Angeles: A Practical User Guide

Introduction — Why CM/ECF Matters for Los Angeles Bankruptcy Filings

The Central District of California uses Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) as the standard way to file bankruptcy documents electronically. Attorneys are generally required to e-file most documents and, when you e-file, the system automatically generates a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) that provides immediate electronic notice to parties on the docket. Understanding registration, NextGen/PACER linking, and local e-filing practices will save time and reduce technical rejections.

This guide focuses on the Los Angeles Division (the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse) and covers practical steps—from PACER and CM/ECF registration to preparing PDF exhibits, lodging proposed orders, sealing motions, and helpful local filing tips for both attorneys and self-represented debtors.

Step 1 — Accounts, Registration & NextGen Linking

Before you can e-file you need two things: (1) a PACER account and (2) CM/ECF registration (and, as required, evidence of training or proof of proficiency). If you already had a CM/ECF login before the Judiciary’s NextGen rollout, you must link that account to your individual PACER account to restore e-filing privileges.

1. Register for PACER: Create an individual PACER account at the PACER Service Center (online or by phone). PACER credentials are required to log into CM/ECF.
2. Complete CM/ECF registration: Use the Central District’s CM/ECF online registration form. Attorneys and limited-access filers must either demonstrate prior ECF proficiency or complete the court’s online training modules and quizzes. Expect the court to issue a certificate on completion.
3. Link old accounts (if applicable): If you are an experienced filer with credentials from another district, the court may allow registration without repeating training, but NextGen linking still applies—follow the court’s guidance when you first log in.

Practical tips:

• Use an individual PACER account (do not share logins).
• Designate a filing agent in your firm clearly if someone will file on behalf of multiple attorneys, and make sure the filing uses the login corresponding to the signing attorney when required.
• Keep your PACER billing info current—PACER charges apply for document access even though CM/ECF filing fees are assessed at filing. The Central District provides one free look per document via PACER; subsequent access is billed.

Step 2 — Preparing and Submitting Documents: Best Practices & Local Requirements

Follow the Central District’s CM/ECF eFiling Manual and local rules when preparing filings. Common technical and local requirements include:

• File-native PDF only: Upload searchable, flattened PDFs. The court’s guidance and supplements require PDFs be flattened (to avoid layered content or hidden metadata) before filing. Password-protected PDFs are generally rejected.
• Titles, docket events, and style: Use the correct docket event and follow the court’s Style Guide for names, addresses, and other identifications. Mislabeling a document is a frequent cause of rejection or later clerk action.
• Signatures: For electronically filed documents, follow the court’s rules on signature blocks. When an attorney signs on behalf of a client, ensure the CM/ECF login used corresponds to the attorney who signed the document (filing agents should take special care to indicate who signed).
• Exhibits and large files: Label exhibits clearly and, if a single exhibit is very large, consider breaking into multiple exhibits. Check the local guidance about combining or indexing exhibits for judge/clerk convenience.
• Redaction & privacy: Redact Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive information per the Federal Rules and local procedures before you file; do not rely on “sealed” status as a redaction substitute.
• Lodging proposed orders: Proposed orders are typically lodged electronically via the court’s Lodged Order Upload (LOU) program unless the judge’s procedures provide otherwise. Follow the court’s TCG Supplement and LOU instructions on formatting and submission.
• Filing fees & PACER charges: Filing fee payments are processed when you submit a fee-associated event; PACER charges apply separately for document access (one free look applies). Keep a funding method (credit card or CM/ECF billing arrangement) ready when you file.

If you run into technical trouble, contact the CM/ECF Help Desk—Central District ECF support is available (phone and email) during court hours. The eFiling Manual and CM/ECF Resources pages provide step‑by‑step instructions, checklists, and the court's required formatting conventions.

Step 3 — Practical Filing Workflow, Pro Se Considerations, and Quick Checklist

Practical workflow for attorneys and debtors—use this streamlined sequence to avoid rejections and delays:

1. Confirm jurisdiction and local division (Los Angeles Division serves most of LA County: Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 255 East Temple Street).
2. Prepare paperwork using the court’s checklist of required forms (petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, means test, matrix, etc.).
3. Create searchable, flattened PDFs; check bookmarks and internal links (if required by a judge) and ensure no password protection.
4. Verify signatory authority and use the correct CM/ECF login for the signer.
5. Select the correct docket event and attach documents in the order the system expects (main pleading then exhibits as attachments or separate docket events as instructed).
6. Pay filing fees or submit fee‑waiver requests where appropriate; monitor the NEF to confirm successful service to parties.
7. If you need a document sealed or filed under seal, follow the court’s sealing practice (motion to seal with a redacted public version) and use the court’s sealing procedures in CM/ECF.

Pro Se Debtors

Self-represented parties may sign up for CM/ECF e-service to receive electronic notice but are generally not permitted to e-file without permission. If you do not register for e-service, you will receive paper notices by mail; when you sign up for e-service, remember that PACER provides one free access to a document and subsequent access is billed.

Local Help & Contacts

For local CM/ECF procedural questions, formatting, or technical help, use the Central District’s CM/ECF resources and contact the ECF Help Desk by phone or email. For in-person needs and filings, visit the Los Angeles Division intake (court hours and appointment info are on the court website).

Quick checklist (printable):

• PACER account linked to CM/ECF (NextGen)
• Completed local training / proof of proficiency (if required)
• Searchable, flattened PDFs; proper filenames
• Correct docket events and clear exhibit labeling
• Signed documents and proper CM/ECF filer login
• Filing fee paid or fee-waiver filed
• NEF confirmed and service accomplished

If you want, we can produce a one‑page printable checklist or a sample CM/ECF filing walkthrough (with screenshots and common rejection examples) tailored to Los Angeles practice—tell me which you prefer and whether you are an attorney or a pro se filer.