County Clerk Idoni notes customer convenience and tax dollar savings

January 17, 2012

WHITE PLAINS, NY: In recognition of the current success of electronic filing in Westchester County, the Office of Court Administration has expanded the mandatory e-filing program.  “Over the last year, electronic filing has proven not only convenient for our customers, but also reliable and efficient,” shared Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni.  “In addition, electronic filing benefits all county taxpayers as it eliminates the cost of storing physical records and reduces the cost of retrieving records.”

The New York State Courts Electronic Filing System, commonly referred to as “NYSCEF”, allows court papers to be both filed and served from the convenience of the filer’s home or office.  The system is also used by the Office of the Westchester County Clerk to review papers and route them, when necessary, to the court.  The system is then used by the court staff to process, review and take action on filings.  In addition to being an electronic filing system, NYSCEF provides online access to case files from any location with an internet connection.

“E-filing also helps to make our county a little greener,” shared Idoni whose office was the second in New York State, after New York City, to implement mandatory electronic filing.  “Electronic filing eliminates the need for attorneys or their support staff to travel to our White Plains office and also significantly reduces reliance on paper, making the filing process more environmentally responsible.”

Currently all contract, commercial and tort actions must be started electronically in the Westchester Supreme Court.  Beginning January 17, 2012, foreclosure and tax certiorari proceedings will also be part of the mandatory e-filing program.  “We encourage our foreclosure and tax certiorari filers to sign up for a free training class by visiting WestchesterClerk.com where classes are posted,” concluded Idoni. With this latest expansion, all court actions except matrimonial, election law, Article 78, and mental hygiene, including Article 81 cases must be e-filed.

For more information on electronic filing in Westchester County, please visit www.WestchesterClerk.com, www.nycourts.gov/efile or call (914)995-3070.