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Electronic Notice & Case Updates

Anyone can search for federal court cases, view public case information and court dockets, and access public documents filed in federal court. The Case Search page explains how to access case information online through PACER, in person at the Clerk's Office, or by telephone using the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS).

Additionally, if you are a party in a case in the Southern District of Texas, you may also be able to:

  • Receive automatic email notifications (electronic service or e-service) when documents are filed in your case, if you meet the eligibility requirements described below;
  • Electronically submit documents to the Court in certain circumstances. See the Electronic Filing (CM/ECF and EDSS) page.

Consent to e-service is optional. If you do not consent to e-service, you will continue to receive court notices and documents through the U.S. Mail. By consenting to e-service, you will receive Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) emails as soon as documents are filed in your case, allowing you to receive court notices more quickly and avoid delays associated with postal mail. 

If you qualify and would like to receive notices by email, review the information below, complete the appropriate form, and submit it to the Clerk's Office.

Qualifications to Consent to E-Service

District Court

You may consent to e-service if all of the following apply:

  1. You are a party in one or more pending civil or miscellaneous cases in the Southern District of Texas;
  2. You are not currently incarcerated;
    and
  3. You are self-represented (pro se).

Bankruptcy Court

You may consent to e-service if either of the following:

  1. You are a debtor in a pending bankruptcy case;
    or
  2. You are a self-represented (pro se) party in a pending bankruptcy or adversary case.

What to Know If You Consent to E-Service

If you choose to consent to e-service:

  1. You will no longer receive paper copies of court-filed or party-filed documents in your case.
  2. You will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) email whenever a docket entry is made in your case. The NEF email will include the case number, style of the case, and the text of the entry.
  3. If a document was filed with that entry, the NEF will include a hyperlink to the document.
  4. You may view each filed document one time without charge by using the hyperlink in the NEF email within 15 days after the notice is sent. You should download or print the document the first time you view it. 
  5. After your free view has been used or 15 days have passed, access to the document requires a PACER account and applicable PACER fees may apply.
  6. Consenting to e-service does not authorize you to file documents electronically. Separate approval from the presiding judge is required to electronically file.
  7. You are still responsible for serving documents you file on the other parties in your case as required by the applicable rules.
  8. You must immediately notify the Court if your email address changes. 

How to Consent to E-Service

Before consenting to e-service, be sure you have reviewed the two sections above to ensure you are qualified and that you understand the effects of your consent:

  • Qualifications to Consent to E-Service
  • What to Know If You Consent to E-Service

To consent to receive e-service by Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF), you must complete the appropriate form, and submit to the Clerk's Office.

In Bankruptcy Court, self-represented parties can submit documents to the Clerk's Office in person, by postal mail, or by uploading them electronically.

If you want to upload documents electronically you can do so from the Bankruptcy Electronic Document Submission System (BK EDSS) page. Additional information about this option can be found on the Electronic Filing (CM/ECF and EDSS) page.

Important Note: Submitting documents electronically through BK EDSS, requires you to consent to e-service.