Attorneys may open new bankruptcy cases three ways: manually, via Case Upload, or through the use of commercial case filing software.  

Manual Process. The manual process will require the attorney to enter the debtor’s personal and financial information into the appropriate fields and upload a PDF of the bankruptcy petition, schedules, statements, and creditor/mailing matrix.  Additional documents required at the time of filing the case must be filed separately using the appropriate filing events. A text file (.txt) of the mailing matrix must also be uploaded in a separate step. (TIP:  Use the keyword Search feature located in the blue menu bar at the top of your screen.) 

Case Upload. Case Upload allows the attorney to upload multiple files on one screen and complete the case filing with one click.  Each filing must consist of a minimum of a data file for the debtor’s personal and statistical information (e.g., schedule amounts, estimated liabilities and assets, etc.), a single PDF file for the voluntary petition and any accompanying schedules and statements, and a text file for the mailing matrix.  Additional “first day” documents such as the debtor’s income documents, plan, or other documents as required by chapter may also be filed at the same time by uploading the PDF file into the appropriate field.  Please scroll to the bottom of each screen to determine if additional information is required.  Filers should ensure that the data file contains the appropriate number of fields for the CM/ECF version the court is currently using. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents were uploaded and filed appropriately and that the creditors were added to the case. Involuntary cases may not be filed using Case Upload.

Commercial Case Filing Software. Cases may also be opened using commercial bankruptcy software with automatic filing features.  Our court routinely tests multiple commercial bankruptcy software programs to verify the compatibility with CM/ECF in the Northern District of Florida. However, we do not endorse any specific provider, and we do not offer training or technical support for these programs. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents were uploaded and filed appropriately and that the creditors were added to the case.