ECF Filing - General FAQs

The Clerk's Office is fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated staff. While we encourage you to call us if you have questions, we hope you will first take the time to research your inquiry using the various sections of this web site. To expedite your research this section provides answers to those frequently asked questions about the court and its procedures. We hope you find them helpful and informative.

  • How do I update my name, address, or firm name/affiliation?
    Filer Users must notify the court of any change to this information. If you are participating in any active cases in CM/ECF, electronically file a “Notice of Change of Address” in each of those cases. You must update your contact information via PACER. From the PACER home screen, select "Manage My Account" located in the upper right side of the screen. Select the Maintenance tab and follow the links to update your contact information. PACER will forward the updated contact information to this court.
  • I received an order from the court but I do not understand what the judge is saying. Can you explain it to me?
    Court staff is not permitted to give legal advice or to interpret orders issued by the court. If you need clarification as to what an order says or means, you should request clarification in writing with an appropriate filing in the case.
  • How do I update the primary email addresses associated with my CM/ECF Account?
    Filing users are required to keep the primary email address where they wish to receive Notices of Electronic Filing current. Log into PACER, from the home website page select "Manage My Account" located in the upper right side of the page. Select the Maintenance tab and follow the links to update your email address. PACER will forward that information to this court.
  • What is an “Endorsed Order”?
    An “Endorsed Order” is an order issued by the court that is a text only entry on the court’s docket; it does not have a PDF document attached to it. The parties still receive notice of such an order through a Notice of Electronic Filing. AP 4.1(b).
  • Are official court transcripts filed in ECF?
    Yes. For more information regarding the court’s policy regarding public access to court transcripts, please visit the "Electronic Access to Court Transcripts" link available in the ECF Reference Materials section of the website.
  • What is the difference between PACER and CM/ECF?
    PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the service through which the public can view case dockets and documents. CM/ECF (Case Management Electronic Case Files) is the system that allows filing users to submit documents to the court electronically. On November 12, 2019, the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire upgraded its CM/ECF software to the Next Generation (NextGen) of CM/ECF. NextGen simplifies electronic filing by combining your CM/ECF and PACER accounts into a single Central Sign-On account. Through the PACER website, filers use one login and password to view documents and to electronically file in all NextGen courts where they have permission to file.
  • Can members of the public view cases and documents in ECF?
    Yes. Members of the public who register for a PACER login and password may view cases and documents in ECF (https://pacer.uscourts.gov/). Additionally, members of the public may access certain judicial opinions without a login and password and free of charge through the Government Publishing Office's GovInfo system (https://www.govinfo.gov). GovInfo provides free public access to official publications of all three branches of federal government including written court opinions from selected United States appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

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