Technical difficulties may prevent you from filing electronically. Such difficulties may be related to the Court's ECF computer system or they may be related to your own computer.

A Filing User whose filing is made untimely as the result of a technical failure may seek appropriate relief from the Court
(SDNY ECF Rules & Instructions, section 11).

If a technical failure prevents you from filing electronically, follow the steps below:

• Do not attempt to file paper documents in ECF cases except for emergency filings (eg. Temporary Restraining Order);
• If the Court's ECF system is out of order you should electronically file your document as soon as the system is restored;
• If you missed a filing deadline when the ECF system was out of order, attach a statement to your electronic filing explaining how the interruption in service prevented you from filing in a timely fashion;
• If the problem concerns the Filing User's own equipment or Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the Court's ECF system remains in service, the Filing User may use the document scanners at the ECF Help Desk in the Clerk's Office to file electronically. Bring your paper documents and your SDNY ECF password (SDNY ECF Rules & Instructions, section 23.8).

What can you do when the ECF system is unavailable? You can start a new civil action by filing paper documents at the courthouse during regular office hours, and you can email stipulations and proposed orders to the Clerk for the Court's consideration.

Questions concerning Electronic Case Filing (ECF) may be directed to the ECF HELP DESK at (212) 805-0800, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

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