Frequently Asked Questions
Attorneys who practice in this court are required to use an electronic filing system known as ECF (Electronic Case Filing). That system allows a user to file PDF documents over the internet.
Is electronic filing mandatory?
How do I register for electronic filing?
What if I made a mistake when registering?
How am I notified when documents are filed in my case?
Do I need accounts for both ECF and PACER?
Can I use my firm's PACER account?
What is the internet address of the court's electronic filing system?
Can the public view cases and documents in ECF?
Can the public use ECF to file documents with the court?
What are the rules and procedures regarding electronic filing?
How do I file a new civil case?
How do I add staff to my account to receive notices of electronic filing?
How do I change my personal information or contact information?
How do I receive a daily summary report of electronic filings?
Can I determine the size and cost of a document before PACER charges me to view it?
How can I resolve a billing error?
Is electronic filing mandatory?
Yes, for attorneys. Pro se litigants are not required to file electronically. Certain types of filings, such as audio and video recordings, and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, cannot be filed electronically due to the limitations of the system.
How do I register for electronic filing?
Lawyers who practice in this court must register for a PACER account at https://pacer.uscourts.gov. Once you have registered, log into PACER and select Manage My Account > Maintenance > Attorney Admissions/E-File Registration. Select the Western District of Wisconsin to file in this court. Pro se litigants who have a PACER account may request permission to file electronically by visiting the same site.
By registering for electronic filing, you consent to electronic service of all documents as provided in the court's Electronic Filing Procedures, Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 49 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
What if I made a mistake when registering?
If you made a mistake, log into PACER and select Manage My Account to update your personal information. For assistance, please contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.
How am I notified when documents are filed in my case?
Each attorney of record in a case will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) that contains a copy of the docket entry and a link to the document that was filed. Each attorney is entitled to one free viewing of the document. If the attorney has added any secondary recipients, they are also entitled to a free viewing. The link will automatically expire after its first use or 15 days, whichever occurs first. It is suggested that users save the document during the initial viewing to avoid future PACER charges.
Do I need accounts for both ECF and PACER?
In the past, an attorney was required to have a PACER account to view documents and an ECF account to file documents - one such account for each court in which the attorney practiced. Currently, only one account is needed to view or file documents: an individual PACER account. "Individual" means that each filing user must have a unique account. To obtain an individual PACER account, visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov or contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856. If had you an ECF account and you recently obtained an individual PACER account, court staff can help you link those accounts for continuity.
Can I use my firm's PACER account?
Some law firms have a shared PACER account. A shared account may be used to access public documents in a case, but restricted documents are available only to case participants, namely, attorneys of record. Case participants must use their individual PACER credentials to access restricted documents.
Is training available?
The court does not offer training, but help is available from the clerk's office by calling (866) 241-7123 or by writing to wiwd_ecfhelp@wiwd.uscourts.gov. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you need immediate assistance, you are encouraged to call. The court does not provide after-hours support.
What is the internet address of the court's electronic filing system?
What software is needed?
ECF is a web-based system that requires no special software. A personal computer with an internet connection and a compatible web browser, such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, is sufficient.
Can the public view cases and documents in ECF?
Yes. With a PACER account, the public can view cases and documents that are not sealed. The clerk's office also maintains a number of public workstations with view-only access to the electronic filing system.
Can the public use ECF to file documents with the court?
Generally, no. Litigants can electronically file documents in a case. Pro se litigants may request permission to do so. A member of the public may not file documents in a case in which they are not a party.
What are the rules and procedures for electronic filing?
A comprehensive guide to electronic filing in this court is available HERE. Help is available by calling (866) 241-7123 during regular business hours. For help with a PACER account, please call the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.
How do I file a new civil case?
For detailed instructions, refer to the Electronic Filing Procedures.
How do I add staff to my account to receive notices of electronic filing?
To add staff to your account to receive notices of electronic filing:
1. Log into the electronic filing system.
2. Click on Utilities in the menu bar.
3. Under Your Account, select Maintain Your E-Mail.
4. Click Add Additional E-Mail Address and enter the new address in the space provided, ensuring that the box marked "Active" is checked. This person/address will receive all notices of electronic filing unless you designate specific cases.
5. Click Submit to complete the transaction.
You will receive a confirmation message on the screen that your e-mail preferences have been updated.
How do I change my personal information or contact information?
To update any personal information, including your firm, telephone number, address, e-mail address, or a credit card that you keep on file, log into PACER and select Manage My Account.
What if I forgot my password?
Contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.
How do I receive a daily summary report of electronic filings?
You can receive e-mail notices of each filing in a case, or you can request a daily summary report:
1. Log into the electronic filing system.
2. Select Utilities > Your Account > Maintain Your E-Mail.
3. Click on an e-mail address to see configuration options for that address.
4. Under "Case Specific Options," enter the case number that you would like to monitor.
5. Click on "Find Case" and then "Add Case(s)."
6. Highlight the name and number of the case and click on "Change selected case(s) to notice as a summary report."
7. On the left side of the screen, click "Submit All Changes."
Can I determine the size and cost of a document before PACER charges me to view it?
Yes. When you attempt to view a document, PACER will display information regarding the number of billable pages and the related cost. To accept the charges, click "View the Document." Additional information on the cost to access documents is available HERE. PACER charges $.10 per page, but the cost to access a single document is capped at $3.00 and fees are waived if the user accrues less than $30 of charges in a quarter.
How can I resolve a billing error?
If you believe there is a billing error, contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.