From preserving records dating back to the 1800s to overseeing election integrity, the Webster Parish Clerk of Court’s Office plays a vital role in local government operations, according to Clerk of Court Holli Vining.
“The Clerk of Court’s office provides a wide variety of services to the parish,” Vining said. “We are the keeper of the historical records of Webster Parish from the date it was established in 1871.”
In addition to managing and preserving mortgage and conveyance records, the office processes civil, criminal, juvenile, adoption, probate, and non-support records. The office also handles protective orders and provides ex-officio notary services. Staff manage jury duty and serve as minute clerks during court proceedings.
The office’s vital records department issues marriage licenses and certified birth and death certificates. As chief election official for Webster Parish, Vining is responsible for training and assigning election commissioners, overseeing elections, and tallying votes.
Vining said the most common public requests are for copies of or information about land and court records, marriage licenses, and birth certificates.
To expand public access to services, the Clerk’s office offers records through its website. The eClerks LA portal, a statewide platform, allows users to search land, marriage, and civil record indices. A notification feature can alert users if any transactions are filed in a monitored name.
“We welcome the public to come to our office to file documents, obtain information, or request records,” Vining said. “We can assist with requests over the phone or by email. Documents can also be mailed to us or filed electronically through our website.”
Vining also addressed common misconceptions about the office, including funding and legal document review.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that we operate on tax-payer dollars,” Vining said. “Our office operates on self-generated funds from fees that are set by law and collected for the services we perform and we do not receive any tax money.”
Another misconception is that the office determines the legality of documents prior to filing.
“We are required to file all documents presented to us and we are prohibited by law from giving any legal advice about the content or form of those filings,” Vining said.
Vining, who has served as Clerk of Court for nearly 21 years, said the job is rewarding because of its focus on public service.
“The nature of the position of Clerk of Court is to assist the public and help them with their needs even when they aren’t sure what it is they need,” she said. “I employ an outstanding staff of true public servants and I also enjoy seeing them go over and above to assist the public.”
Vining emphasized that the Clerk of Court’s office is often behind-the-scenes in nearly every facet of parish operations.
“Even if they don’t realize it, every citizen is serviced by our office either directly or indirectly,” she said. “We work as a team and everyone benefits from that.”
That includes working behind the scenes to ensure fair and accurate elections.
“Louisiana is ranked 2nd in the nation in Election Integrity and that speaks to the efforts that we put into making sure your vote is counted accurately and securely,” Vining said.