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FAQs

  • Can the general public view cases and documents within CM/ECF?

    Yes.  The public can access non-sealed case data at the public terminal located in the Clerk's Office lobby.

  • How do I change my address or e-mail information in the CM/ECF system?

    You may change your e-mail information by logging into CM/ECF and clicking Utilities on the white menu bar and then on Maintain Your E-mail.  To change your mailing address, log into www.pacer.gov and Manager Your Account to update your information.  Be sure to click the Western District of Louisiana when transmitting/completing your update.

  • I tried to file a document but it says "format not recognized." What am I doing wrong?

    All documents must be submitted in PDF with an extension of ".pdf."  Two common erros occur:  first a user thinks that they saved the document in PDF.  The user then tries to file the word-processing version of the document instead of the PDF version.  Second, a user fails to indicate the full path name for the PDF file.  Because the system cannot find the file, it responded with the "format not recognized" messaged.  The solution:  Provide the full path name withen identifying the file during the upload process.  Ensure your document is a PDF document.

  • How do I convert an electronic document to PDF?

    There are several ways in which you can get a document from a word-processing program into PDF.  Software should be configured for "black & white," 300dpi (minimum) and searchable.  The newer versions of some common word-processors include the ability to publish to or save as a PDF builty right into the word-processing software.  In WordPerfect, you can click on File and then "Publish to PDF" to convert your WordPerfect file (.wpd) to PDF.  Other word-processors do not have this capability, and you will need software, such as Adobe Acrobat, that will work along with your word-processor to convert to PDF.

  • I am not receiving my electronic notifications and I am registered.

    Please check your spam-blocking preferences.  This may prevent your from receiving notices of electronic filing.  You should verify that "clerk@lawd.uscourts.gov" is listed as an acceptable address.  You may also want to review the Configuration Options within Maintain Your Email in CM/ECF to ensure your email address should be receiving notices.  If you ruled out all possible technical difficulties on your end, contact our Help Desk at 1-866-323-1101 or email us at CMECF_HelpDesk@lawd.uscourts.gov for additional help.

  • I received the NEF, but I did not get my free look

    The "free look" expires after 15 days and applies to the main document only.  Do not double-click the link on the NEF, this will "kill" your "free look."

  • Does your court accept filings via FAX?

    No.  Filings must either be e-filed in CM/ECF (mandatory for attorneys) or manually filed with an original signature

  • Are subpoenas filed in the record?

    Unless ordered to do so by the court, subpoenas are not routinely filed in the record.

  • Can you tell me how long it will take for the judge to make a decision or ruling in my case?

    No.  The Clerk's Office can not predict when the judge will make his/her decision in any case.

  • I want to file an exhibit over the 50mb (megabytes) limit. What do I do?

    The 50mb limit is per PDF.  You may split your exhibits into smaller PDFs and then upload them into CM/ECF.  If your exhibits had to be scanned into PDFs, you may want to check the resolution settings of the scanner.  The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts recommends 300dpi as the minimum resolution for scanned documents.

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