Paperless Ouachita Clerk of Court

In keeping her commitment to serve the citizens of Ouachita Parish, Clerk of Court Dana Benson has initiated the transition to a paperless system. The new system at the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court's Office will be implemented on January 1, 2025. Following the Louisiana Legislature's enactment of legislation (Acts 2024, No. 694), which mandates that all documents filed in Clerk of Court offices must be submitted electronically, the system will undergo an upgrade before the law takes full effect on January 1, 2026. Under this law, no Clerk of Court will accept filings that fail to meet the established electronic standards.

Non-attorneys can file documents electronically using free access to Clerk Connect or filing stations available at the Clerk's Office. Assistance will be readily provided by the friendly staff. Judges will continue to receive documents electronically for signatures, and any paper copies required by Judges, Law Clerks, or Judicial Assistants can be printed in their offices, saving valuable time. The only paper documents maintained in file folders will include originals of documents and exhibits introduced as evidence, those submitted with petitions for executory processes, or those filed in summary judgment proceedings until the order or judgment becomes final and definitive. This also includes original wills, as specified under CCP 253(E).

The paperless system will reduce costs associated with file folders, labels, printing, and storage, while ensuring better record security. In accordance with CCP 253(D), the electronic record will be considered the official record, eliminating the risk of documents being misfiled, altered, or removed. This transition enhances the protection and integrity of Ouachita Parish’s records. For more information, contact Dana Benson, COC, CERA, at 318-327-1444.