Filing Sealed Documents
Last Updated: April 20, 2026

Documents can be filed under seal only by order of the Court. The court must first grant a Motion to Seal before any document may be submitted under seal.

NOTE: Sealed documents will no longer be available for electronic viewing in CM/ECF. Users should avoid opening the PDF, as doing so will result in charges for viewing the placeholder file.

Step 1: File the Motion to Seal Document

Filing Requirements:

• Motion to Seal Document

  • State the reason for sealing the document keeping in mind that the motion is viewable by the public.

  • DO NOT ATTACH the sealed document.

• Proposed Order

To File Electronically

1. 1. Log into CM/ECF.

   2. Select [Bankruptcy or Adversary >  Motions/Applications].

   3. Enter the case number (e.g. xx-xxxxx)

   4. Select [Seal Document] from the event list.

   5. Skip the Joint Filing Screen. 

   7. Browse to select the Motion (.pdf file).
      
      DO NOT ATTACH the sealed document.

   8. Refer to related document (optional)

   9. Modify the text as appropriate.

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

   11. Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing displays giving you the document number. Copies of this notice are immediately e-mailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case.

   12. Electronically file the Proposed Order. 

Step 2: File the Sealed Document

If an order is entered granting the motion, file the Sealed Document.

• Parties are encouraged to file sealed documents electronically via ECF.  
  • If you do so, please do NOT send a paper copy to the Court.
• If the document is filed in paper, the court will scan the document and (a) shred the original; or (b) return it to the filer if a self-addressed stamped envelope was included.

Note: The docket entry will appear on the public docket as "Sealed Document" but the document can not be viewed.

Step-by-Step Procedures to file Sealed Document:

1. 1. Log into CM/ECF.

   2. Select [Bankruptcy or Adversary >  Miscellaneous].

   3. Enter the case number (e.g. xx-xxxxx)

   4. Select [Sealed Document] from the event list.

   5. Skip the Joint Filing Screen. 

   6. Select the party filer.

   7. Browse to select the sealed document (.pdf file).

   8. Modify the text as appropriate. 

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

Service

• CM/ECF can no longer be used as means for service of a sealed document.
• Service of sealed documents must be accomplished through other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. 
• Parties with the rights to access a sealed document must request a copy from the filing party.

Unsealing Documents

A Motion to Unseal a Document must be filed to request that a sealed document be unsealed.

• The request must be made to the court in the form of a motion.
  • Follow steps to file motion
• Court issues order unsealing document
• Court Staff will unseal the document only if directed to do so by order.