What is Electronic Civil Case Opening?  Click here to learn more >> Electronic Case Opening Flyer

Online training modules are available for Electronic Civil Case Opening.  Each of the two interactive tutorials is approximately 30 minutes in length.  Before viewing an online training module, it may be helpful to print the sample documents for the training cases.
  
Training Module #1 - How to Open a Civil Case with a Complaint
          Print > Training Case #1 - Complaint
          View > Complaint Tutorial
   
Training Module #2 - How to Open a Civil Case with a Notice of Removal
          Print > Training Case #2 - Removal
          View > Removal Tutorial
   
After viewing the training modules, complete and return the Training Certification form to obtain access to case opening functionality in CM/ECF.

When opening a new civil case electronically, prepare all case initiating documents and complete a Civil Cover Sheet before starting the case opening process.  The Cause of Action list will assist in determining which code should be entered on the civil cover sheet and in CM/ECF.
   
          Civil Cover Sheet (fillable form) >> Webform  PDF  WPD
          Civil Summons (fillable form) >> PDF  WPD  DOC (multi-party)
     

Consult the Case Opening Checklist before logging in to CM/ECF to open a new case.

Print and review the Electronic Civil Case Opening Instructions before opening a new case electronically, to avoid common case opening errors.

The Party Name Guide provides guidance and tips for entering party names into the CM/ECF database.