The courts in Andrew and Buchanan counties will soon implement an upgrade to the courts’ filing systems that should be good news for those who file documents, and those who read them.
On May 19, 2014 the Andrew and Buchanan County courthouses will implement the Missouri Electronic Filing (eFiling) System.
Officials say the new system will enhance court access and efficiency. The 5th Judicial Circuit joins a growing number of courts throughout the state that now accept filings from attorneys electronically.
“We are very pleased with the shift to electronic filing,” Presiding Judge Patrick K. Robb said. “In making the change, we can offer attorneys extended hours of access to cases, providing them greater flexibility; reduce their costs for printing, copying and mailing; and better serve attorneys and their clients with the ultimate goal of improving efficiency in the operation of the courts.”
The Missouri eFiling System allows courts to receive, process and manage cases electronically. Attorneys can check the status of cases or submit filings without making trips to the courthouse, calling during business hours or waiting for available staff support to conduct a search. Public case docket information has been available in the court of appeals and other courts across the state through Case.net and is accessed easily through the Missouri courts website at www.courts.mo.gov. With electronic filing, case documents will be stored electronically at the court and will be viewable electronically through Case.net by Missouri attorneys who are registered and subscribed to the Missouri eFiling System. Access to public case documents by the general public or Missouri attorneys who are not registered users is available at the court during normal business hours.
“We are excited about being part of this growing initiative,” Judge Patrick K. Robb said, “But, as with any change in computer systems, we have a learning curve to overcome as we transition from paper to electronic case documents. We ask for everyone’s patience as we become more comfortable with this new way of doing business.”
The Supreme Court of Missouri, all three districts of the Missouri Court of Appeals, and trial courts in 31 counties have converted to electronic filing successfully. It is expected that in the future all of the courts in the state will convert to electronic filing.