The Civil Department is responsible for the filing and processing of all civil matters, including civil suits, adoptions, successions, appeals, and related proceedings. This includes the accurate indexing of all filings, maintenance of court dockets, and the tracking of all costs associated with each case. The department files all pleadings, documents, and exhibits and officially endorses each filing with the date of filing.

The Civil Processing Section issues citations, writs, subpoenas, and other court-ordered processes in the name of the State of Louisiana and the Parish of Ascension and affixes the official seal of the Court to each document.

In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 13:842, the Civil Department collects advance deposits for anticipated court costs associated with litigation. Pursuant to R.S. 13:843, the department also collects all accrued costs incurred during the course of a case, including, but not limited to, jury trial costs, deposition expenses, and expert witness fees.