You are here

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

Introduction

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) is an electronic public access system which allows attorneys and the public to access the court's electronic docket and electronic claims register from a personal computer.  PACER allows you to view information while connected, or to save it to your computer for viewing and/or printing at your location at a later time.   Access to PACER for the Southern District of Illinois is available via the Internet at ecf.ilsb.uscourts.gov

An "Electronic Docket" is a summary of the bankruptcy case activity which includes case opening information, party and attorney information and a standard entry for each pleading filed or action taken in the case.  Ninety-nine (99) percent of all docket entries have been standardized for consistency and easy reading.  In addition, if available, the entry will contain a hyperlink to an image of the actual pleading filed with the court.

An "Electronic Claims Register" is a listing of claimants who have filed a claim in a given case.  It will include the name of the claimant, date filed, dollar amount and type of claim and a hyperlink to an image of the claim. 

All non-government users are charged $.10 per page accessed with a $3.00 maximum, the equivalent of 30 pages, for electronic access to any single document.  Generally a page is defined as 54-lines of data.  Quarterly statements will be generated and sent to each registered user accruing time on PACER.  For any balance that is less than $15, payment will be deferred until the account balance reaches $15 or more.  Payment in full is due each quarter or further access to the system will be restricted until outstanding balances are paid.

 

Availability / Hours

PACER is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.  There are times when maintenance will be necessary during work hours, but this normally takes less than two hours.

 

Registration

For PACER registration information call the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856 or visit the PACER Service Center website*

 

Hardware Requirements

  • Computer

A computer equipped with a web browser and access to the Internet 

  • Printer

A printer is not required to use PACER, though one would be beneficial if a paper copy of the electronic docket / claims register is desired.

 

Software Requirements

  • Internet Access / Web Browser

To use PACER, Internet access and Web browser software, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome are required.  The PACER website for the Southern District of Illinois is ecf.ilsb.uscourts.gov.  Click here* for a complete listing of court PACER websites. 

 

If You Have Problems

For detailed instructions on using PACER, visit the PACER Service Center* website to download a copy of the PACER User's Guide in PDF format.

If you have any difficulties logging into PACER, please contact the PACER  helpdesk at 1-800-676-6856 or visit the PACER Service Center* website.