BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County circuit clerk's office is going electronic.

"Jan. 4, we began scanning all filings, all pleadings -- basically anything that goes into a file with the exception of probation violations," said Circuit Clerk Christy Hency. "It's a step toward e-filing. We're not going to get there overnight, but scanning is a step toward that."

Records must be kept by the circuit clerk's office on everything that goes through the courts in Scott County from felonies to divorces, from adoptions to child support records.

Up until now, all those records have been on paper organized in file folders and stored in filing cabinets.

"Progressing toward e-filing will eventually lead to the elimination of file folders altogether. Paper documents will no longer exist. Instead, they will all be stored electronically," Hency said.

The St. Charles County Circuit Court, which along with the Missouri Court of Appeals is one of the two pilot programs for e-filing in the state, has completely made the transition to electronic filing, according to Hency.

"In St. Charles they are refusing all paper documents," she said.

Hency said she hasn't decided yet whether her office will continue to accept paper documents once the transition to e-filing is completed.

Electronic filing provides staff in the circuit clerk's office with the ability to quickly find and produce copies of court documents, which they are frequently asked to do.

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO