Official Procedure Last Change March 22, 2022
Overview of Case Filing Options
There are three options to choose from when filing a new case:
1. Electronic filing using the Court's web site: Using the Court's CM/ECF system, the attorney creates PDF files of documents and a text file of the creditor list in his or her bankruptcy software or word processing program. The attorney then points his or her browser to the court's web site and logs on and files a case following the screens.
2. Bankruptcy Software's ECF Filing System: Most bankruptcy software programs have a system that allows the attorney to submit files without going through any question-and-answer screens on the court's web site. It makes the entire electronic filing process easier and faster for attorneys and their staff, integrating the ECF upload process with attorney's bankruptcy forms software. This is basically how it works: The user first enters case information, then clicks the "ECF Filing" button (or something similar) to create all electronic files at once: a PDF of the Petition and Schedules, a separate PDF of the Chapter 13 Plan, if applicable, a text file of the creditor address list, and a text file of the debtor information. After reviewing these files through an ECF Manager, the user clicks the "Filing" button, inputs the ECF login name and password, and then clicks "File Case" and it is filed.
Note: Contact your bankruptcy software vendor regarding the possibility of including the Statement of Social Security Number, Certificate of Credit Counseling, Means Test, and Pay Advices/Statement in Lieu as part of the auto-filing process. If you are unable to include these documents with the auto-filing process, you must file them separately, following the appropriate step-by-step instructions provided in this Procedures Manual.
3. Non-electronic filing: This option is only available for debtors filing without an attorney. The necessary documents, filing fee and diskette/CD/USB drive can be mailed in to the court or brought into the Clerk's office for filing over the counter. View acceptable methods of payment if a filing fee is due.
The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana does not support the Case Upload option available in some courts.