Civil Department

The Civil Department is responsible for the filing of all Civil Suits, Domestic Suits, Clerk’s Suits, Adoptions, Successions and all matters relating thereto. This includes proper indexing of all suits and keeping a record of all costs associated with any filings. The Civil Department files all pleadings, documents, exhibits, and endorses thereon the fact and date of filing.

Effective January 1, 2026, the legislature has prohibited the use of fax filings and mail-in filings in all state district courts, including those for civil and criminal cases, as well as in parish courts. Attorneys may file electronically, in person, or through a court courier (also known as a court runner) whom they can hire or delegate to perform the service. This method fulfills the mandatory e-filing requirement. If an attorney chooses to file a paper document in person, they can opt to have the original document returned to them after the Clerk has digitized it. (2025 Regular Session, Act No. 352)

The Civil Department issues citations, writs, subpoenas, and other process of the Court in the name of the State of Louisiana and affixes the seal of the Court thereto.

The Civil Department collects, in accordance with R.S. 13:842, advance payment from the plaintiff for the anticipated costs the Clerk will have in processing the litigation. They also collect all accrued costs from the party incurring the additional costs in accordance with R.S.13:843, including but not limited to, costs of a jury trial, the costs of taking depositions, and expert witness fees.