Open AP Case
Last Updated: June 24, 2005

An Adversary is a lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case. It is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.

Step-by-Step Procedures:
To File Electronically

1. In CM/ECF, Select [Adversary].

2. Select [Open an AP Case].

   • Do not enter a case number.

   • Case type “ap”

   • Date filed (today’s date)

   • Complaint “y”

3. Enter Lead Case Number.

   • Association Type is Adversary.

4. Case assignment appears next.

5. Search for a Party screen:

   • Enter last/business name (upper and lower case) to search for plaintiff name in database.

   • Party search results:

     • If plaintiff name appears, select the name.

     • If plaintiff name does not appear, click on “Create new party."

6. Party Information screen:
   This screen appears for selected name or creating new party.

   • Enter address information if known.

   • Select Role “Plaintiff.”

7. Select the “Attorney” button and search by last name of attorney representing plaintiff.

   • Review plaintiff information once more before submission.

8. Repeat steps for each plaintiff and defendant.  

   Note: When entering defendant(s), do not enter attorney for defendant(s) at this time. Change pro se field to yes.

9. Case Information Screen:

   • Select Party Code.

   • Select only one nature of suit (ALWAYS select 727 objection to discharge if it is one of the suits).

   • Origin-default “original proceeding.”

   • Transfer date (court function).

   • Rule 23 (class action) - default  “n.”

   • Jury demand (default none) .

   • Enter dollar demand to the nearest thousand (e.g. enter 5 for $5,000).

10. Browse

    to Select the Complaint (pdf file).

11. The filing fee exceptions screen appears. Leave the Fee box blank if any of the 3 special cases apply to you..

12. The trustee fee option screen appears. Follow the instructions for Trustees/ DIP's on the screen

13. Click [Next]

14. Verify the final docket text; if correct, click [Next] to submit your document(s).