Newsletter, February 2002

Earn Points on Your Credit Card

Did you know that you can earn plane tickets just by filing with us? In order to take full advantage of Electronic Case Filing (ECF) you must have a Blanket Credit Card Authorization form on file with the Clerk’s Office. We can accept credit cards for payment of all fees, costs, fines and expenses in Madison and Eau Claire. This option is not available to debtors. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover are all approved for this program. The Authorization form and information on the program are available on our website at: http://www.wiwb.uscourts.govcredit_card.htm, or call the office for information. However, you do not have to wait for ECF to start. We urge you to sign up today to begin earning those frequent flyer miles!

New Local Rules

We will be distributing them for comment very shortly via the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) to all counsel who have appeared as the attorney of record on any matters filed within the past twelve months. In addition, they will be on our court website and copies will also be available at the Madison and Eau Claire offices. Please make a note to review them.

ECF Administrative Procedures Manual

Please check our website for the working draft. They will be effective on April 1, 2002.

Attorney and Staff Training for ECF

Specific information to register you and your staff for training classes will be posted on our website in late February. The Panel Trustees have already completed their training and we will begin working very soon with our attorney focus group. Judge Martin, Judge Utschig, chambers and the clerk’s office staff will all be using ECF during court hearings, to administer cases, manage the court calendar and provide customer service. We all look forward to working with you and your staff!

New Case Numbering Format

As the result of implementing ECF, it has been necessary to modify the case number format. The new format was effective January 1, 2002. New case numbers will be as follows:
Example: Case Number 02-10050-7
02 [year] - 10050 [number]- 7 [chapter]
Note: Bankruptcy case numbers begin with 10000; Adversary case numbers begin with 0.

Important WebPACER News

Due to required software upgrades, the old WebPACER system will be replaced by ECF/PACER effective February 4, 2002. Dial-in PACER is no longer available. Your current login and password will work with the new system. Check our website for registration information. PLEASE NOTE: the court will be live on ECF effective February 4.

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