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NextGen Information

CM/ECF NextGen

NextGen CM/ECF is LIVE for the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Benefits of NextGen for the CM/ECF Filer

NextGen simplifies electronic filing by combining your CM/ECF and PACER accounts into a single Central Sign-On account. Through the PACER website, this single Central Sign-On account gives registered filers access to view documents in PACER and electronically file in all NextGen courts in which they have permission to file.  Click here to access the PACER website.

For more information on the improvements and the upgrade process, including several Electronic Learning Modules, please visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/get-ready-nextgen-cmecf.

Note:  Not all courts have implemented NextGen CM/ECF. If you file in courts that have not converted to NextGen, you must continue to use that court's CM/ECF login and password until they implement NextGen CM/ECF.  Click here to see the status for courts.

CM/ECF Filers:  Filing Access for the Bankruptcy Court NextGen System

Attorneys must obtain their own PACER account or upgrade an existing individual PACER account . Your PACER account is your login to CM/ECF, and therefore you MUST have your own individual PACER account. E-filing attorneys are not able to use shared PACER accounts. Please review the PACER tabs below for more information regarding how to upgrade your existing PACER account or how to register for a new PACER account. After upgrading or obtaining your PACER account, you must then link your PACER account to your current CM/ECF account. Linking instructions can be found within the PACER tab below. 

Registering for PACER

Registering for Pacer: 

If you do not have an individual PACER account, you will need to register for a new account through PACER services. Each attorney/limited user must have his/her own individual PACER account. Shared PACER accounts will no longer be useable once the court has upgraded.

Upgrade Your Existing PACER Account

Upgrade Your Existing PACER Account: 

If you have your own individual PACER account and it was created prior to August 11, 2014 (also known as a Legacy account), you must upgrade your account before you can electronically file in a NextGen court. Click here to view instructions on how to Upgrade your Existing PACER Account.

Linking Your Existing PACER Account

Linking Your Existing PACER Account: 

Prior to filing, you must link your upgraded PACER account to your CM/ECF filing account. After linking your CM/ECF filing account to your PACER account, you will then use your PACER account when filing documents with the court. This may be referred to as your Central Sign-On account. Click here to view instructions on how to Link your Existing PACER Account.

Firm Billing

Firm Billing: 

The PACER Service Center has developed a consolidated billing and online account process for groups to manage and pay for all charges associated with multiple PACER accounts. Click here for information on a PACER Administrative Account (PAA).

Filing Agents

Filing Agents: 

A "Filing Agent" is a user that can file on behalf of attorneys or trustees. All filing agents must have their own upgraded PACER account and may be linked to multiple attorneys and trustees. The filing agent will have the same access and permissions as the attorney or trustee. However, when the filing agent uses their login and password, the attorneys' or trustees' name will appear in the docket text as the filer.

Filing Agents may receive email notification, but only if the attorney or trustee enters the filing agent's email address in their CM/ECF Maintain User Account.

Process for Filing Agents:

  1. Upgrade current PACER account or Register for an upgraded PACER account.  Filing Agents MUST register under Non-Attorney E-File Registration.
  2. Request E-filing privileges with the court through PACER - OR - if you already have a CM/ECF login & Password, Link your CM/ECF account to your PACER account.
  3. The attorney or trustee must link the Filing Agent to their CM/ECF account. Note: If an attorney or trustee had filing agents prior to NextGen, the Filing Agent is already linked to their CM/ECF account. The attorney/trustee will only need to modify the Filing Agent’s permissions.

Filing Agent: Has a CM/ECF Account But No PACER Account

  1. Register for a Non-Attorney PACER account.
  2. Attorney or Trustee links Filing Agent to CM/ECF account.
A. Click Utilities > Your Account > Maintain Your ECF Account > More User Information
B. In the Find Filing Agent field, enter the name of the Filing Agent and click the search icon.
C. Select Filing Agent
D. Click on the Filing Agent's name once it has been linked, and the Update Filing Agent Permissions box will appear.
E. Change Internet Payment to Y and click Save. (Trustees do not change)
F. Click Return to Account Screen.
G. Click Submit.

Attorney or Trustee: Linking Filing Agent to CM/ECF Account

An approved Filing Agent will need their account linked to the attorney or trustee's CM/ECF account.  This step is performed by the attorney or trustee.

  1. Click Utilities > Your Account > Maintain Your ECF Account > More User Information
  2. In the Find Filing Agent field, enter the name of the Filing Agent and click the search icon.
  3. Select Filing Agent.
  4. Click on the Filing Agent's name once it has been linked, and the Update FilingAgent Permissions box will appear.
  5. Change Internet Payment to Y and click Save. (Trustees do not change)
  6. Click Return to Account Screen.
  7. Click Submit

New E-Filing Registration

New E-Filing Registration: 

Attorneys who do not have an existing CM/ECF filing account prior to NextGen must register for one through PACER if they wish to file electronically in the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. Before electronic filing privileges can be approved, attorneys must be admitted to practice in the Northern District of Texas, or have filed a motion to appear pro hac vice in a case before the bankruptcy court. 

Helpful Links

For any PACER questions please refer to the following links:

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact the ECF Help Desk at (800) 442-6850 or ecfhelp@txnb.uscourts.gov.