Open an Adversary Case

Application to Defer Payment
(Trustee or Debtor in Possession Only)

Return of Summons Served

Below are screen instructions on how to open and attach the Complaint and Adversary Cover Sheet (B1040) (PDF file). Use the Cover Sheet as your guide to enter ECF data.  Check the hyperlinks for more helpful information.

1. Select Adversary menu.
2. Select Open an AP/MP Case.
3. Open Adversary Case
   • Click on Submit.
4. Enter related bankruptcy case. Do not add judges initials nor chapter number.
   • Bypass the "Association type" field.  
5. Submit.
   • If "Warning case is closed" appears,  you will not be able to continue. Refer to Local Rule 5010 to reopen Bankruptcy case.
6. Are you lead attorney? Select yes or no.
   • Note: Selecting yes insures the filing attorney appears on the summons as the Plaintiff's attorney.
7. Search for a plaintiff screen
   • Enter social security number, tax identification number, last name or business name to search for plaintiff name in the CM/ECF database.
   • From the Party Search Results screen
   • • Plaintiff name appears, select the name from the list
       Plaintiff Information screen

       • Verify for correct information.
       • • Modify appropriate fields, if applicable.
       • Select the plaintiff's Role in Bankruptcy Case from the drop down list.
       • Select Review button to verify attorney for plaintiff appears under Attorneys added.
       • Select Return to Party Screen
       • Verify once more for correct party information
       • Select Submit button

       Search for a plaintiff screen

       • Repeat these steps to add additional plaintiffs.
       • Select End plaintiff selection to Search for a defendant

        

     • Plaintiff name does not appear, select Create New Party
       Party Information screen

       • Complete all appropriate fields for the new party
       • Select the plaintiff's Role in Bankruptcy Case from the drop-down list.
       • Select Review button to verify attorney for plaintiff appears under Attorneys added.
       • Select Return to Party Screen
       • Verify once more for correct party information
       • Select Submit button

       Search for a plaintiff screen

       • Repeat these steps to add additional plaintiffs.
       • Select End plaintiff selection to Search for a defendant

        

   • Verify Plaintiff Information and Submit.
   • Repeat these steps to add additional plaintiff(s) or
   • • Select End plaintiff selection.
8. Search for a defendant screen
   • Enter social security number, tax identification number, last name or business name to search for plaintiff name in the CM/ECF database.
   • From the Party Search Results screen
   • • Defendant name appears, select the name from the list

       Defendant Information screen

       • Verify for correct party information
       • Select the defendant's Role in Bankruptcy Case from the drop-down list.
       • Select Submit button

       Search for a defendant screen

       • Repeat these steps to add additional defendant(s) or
       • Select End defendant selection
     • Defendant name does not appear, select Create New Party
       Defendant Information screen

       • Complete all appropriate fields for the new party
       • Select the defendant's Role in Bankruptcy Case from the drop-down list.
       • Verify party information
       • Select Submit button

       Search for a defendant screen

       • Repeat these steps to add additional defendant(s) or
       • Select End defendant selection

        

   • Verify Defendant Information and Submit.
   • Repeat these steps to add additional defendant(s) or
   • • Select End defendant selection.
9. Select the appropriate Statistical Information
   • Party Code - select appropriate code from drop-down list.
   • Rule 23 (class action) - select "yes" if filing indicates a class action.
   • Jury demand - select "plaintiff" if filing indicates a jury demand.
   • Demand ($000) - Enter amount for demand (i.e., 5 = 5000)
   • State law - y, n or unknown
   • Primary Nature of Suite - select from drop-down list.
   • • Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth Nature of Suit - select from drop-down list, if applicable.    
10. Select yes or no for "Are you filing an Application by Trustee or Debtor-in-Possession to Defer Payment of Fee for Filing Complaint (CSD 2017)?" if applicable.
    (Note: if the plaintiff is not the Trustee or Debtor-in-Possession, this screen will not appear)
    • By selecting yes, the filing fee will be deferred; however, the Application by Trustee or DIP to Defer Payment of Fee for Filing Complaint must be filed separately; otherwise, the full fee will be charged to the filer's credit card.
11. Browse, verify and attach the B1040 and complaint (one PDF file)

    Locate the document (PDF or TXT). Right-mouse click on the correct filename. Select Open from the drop down menu. This will launch the PDF or TXT file's application. Verify the document. Close the document by clicking on the X in the upper-right hand corner of the Adobe or NotePad application. Click on the Open button in ECF to attach the document in the Browse field.

    Quick Note The court quality assures all incoming files and verifies for /s/signatures, missing pages, correct document to selected event, case number, readable file, etc.

    • Attach supportive documents, if applicable.

      From the first Browser screen: Click on the Yes button at Attachments to Documents. Click the "Next" button. In the second Browser screen: Browse, verify and attach supportive document (PDF file). Select Category of document such as Declaration, Exhibit, etc. or type description of document. Click on Add to List. Repeat steps 1 - 3 until all supportive documents are attached. When done, click on Next to continue procedure.

      Quick Note NEVER attach a document that can be filed under Notices & Hearing.

12. Verify filing fee.
13. Modify text to add pertinent information.
14. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
15. Submit.
    • If deferring the filing fee, click "Continuing Filing" on the Electronic Payment Pop Up Screen.
16. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

    Print to PDF Click on File on the application's menu bar. Click on Print from the drop down menu. The Print Dialog Box appears. Select Acrobat PDF Writer as your current printer selection and press Print. The Save PDF File As screen appears. Name your PDF file. Click in the Save in: Window to choose the directory to save your PDF file. Click on the Save button to print to PDF. Print a paper copy Click on File on the application's menu bar. Click on Print from the drop down menu. The Print Dialog Box appears. Select your current printer and press the Print button.

    Quick Note Keep original signed document along with the Notice of Electronic Filing at your office.

    •  Make note of the adversary case number.
17. Scroll down the Notice of Electronic Filing to retrieve the issued summons.
    • Click on the hyperlinked Document Number of the Summons Issued. This will launch the PDF of the summons.
    • Note: If the summons is not available for viewing or printing, contact the appropriate Case Administrator of the related bankruptcy case for assistance.
18. On the Summons
    • Verify that the plaintiff's attorney and pertinent information are on the summons.
    • • If plaintiff's attorney or pertinent information is not on the summons, contact the Case Administrator of the related bankruptcy case entered when opening the adversary case.
    • Print a copy of the summons for service.
    • Save the summons to your hard drive.
19. Continue with Application by Trustee or DIP to Defer Payment of Fee for Filing Complaint, if applicable.