When Paper Documents Are Required

If you are an e-filer in a case, you should only manually file a document if it cannot be e-filed for some reason, such as the instances described below. If you must manually file an item, you are also responsible for serving opposing counsel and providing a Proof of Service (which you can then e-file).

The local rules no longer require provision of a “courtesy copy” or “chambers copy.” Please do not send in a courtesy copy of a filing unless required by a judge’s standing order or by direct request from the judge or Clerk’s Office.

When manually filing a document in an e-filing case, you should also e-file a Manual Filing Notification (MFN) in place of the physical document.  You should use the MFN as a cover page for the manually-filed document.

Example:

You plan to file a Motion to Dismiss with Exhibit A (a 50-page contract) and Exhibit B (a 900-page copy of a book). You will: (1) create a PDF copy of the Motion in MS Word or another word processing program; (2) scan the 50-page Exhibit A into a PDF file; and (3) create a MFN for Exhibit B, the 900-page book.

When you e-file, select Motion to Dismiss and tell the system you have attachments to the Motion. On the attachments page, you will e-file the Exhibit A PDF file (and call it “Exhibit A”), then submit the MFN PDF document in place of of the “real” 900-page Exhibit B.

In doing this, the docket will be accurate and complete. The only anomaly will be that instead of a 900-page book in Exhibit B, PACER users will see the MFN and know they need to come to the courthouse to access the physical document.

Please do not e-file the MFN as a “Notice” of any activity. The MFN is meant to be a place-holder (like an index card) for the real filing, not an event unto itself.

Creating a Manual Filing Notification

• View a sample MFN.

To create a Manual Filing Notification, copy the following text and insert it in your standard pleading template (check off any that apply):