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

The Civil Processing section 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 Minute Clerk of a court keeps the minutes of the court daily when in session and transcribes them into the Minute Book, as required by Article 254. The Minute Clerk of a trial court administers the oath to jurors and witnesses and files all exhibits offered in evidence, when directed to do so by the Court.

The Civil Cost Accounting section collects advance payment in accordance with R.S. 13:842 from the plaintiff for the anticipated costs the Clerk will have in processing the litigation. This section also collects 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.