GOSHEN COUNTY – Beginning January 7, 2025, e-filing will be required for all submissions from attorneys to the Goshen County District Court. E-filing has been available since October 7, 2025. However, mandatory use has been rolled out in phases across the Wyoming District Courts, and Goshen County is toward the end of the implementation process.

File and ServeXpress (FSX), the company providing the e-filing system, offers the court the ability to link submissions with its existing case management system, FullCourt Enterprise. Over time, there will be a seamless integration where new submissions will automatically be added to the official case file. Once finalized, the new process will be quicker, more accurate, and easier to use for searches and other administrative tasks. Anne Sutton, president of the Wyoming Clerks of District Court Association, says the system should be easier for the parties as well, because no one will have to print a document, put it in an envelope, mail it, and wait for the mail—everything will be automatic.

Stakeholders who had anticipated instant improvement with the new technology have not seen their expectations fully realized. Many issues have arisen, causing frustration for users. Some issues have been relatively minor and simple to fix, such as standardizing document titles and ensuring the correct fee is attached to various submissions. Other issues, however, are much larger. Cases brought in the District Court can be broad in scope and complexity, and with complex cases come the need for additional customization of the software to align with the established processes of the court. Users are required to take an online course before accessing the FSX system, but many users have found the training does not cover enough material to build confidence in using the system. Court clerks have been providing additional training and tips to supplement the official training. In addition to training, staff at the Clerk’s Office have conducted one on one tutorials and assistance. 

Brandi Correa, Clerk of Goshen County District Court, emphasizes communication is key. 

“When an attorney is going to be initiating a filing that is different, complex, or nuanced, a call to the clerk’s office ahead of time can help.” 

Sutton added, between ensuring the accuracy of the files coming through the FSX system and assisting legal professionals with the new system, the clerks are “working harder than we’ve ever worked, busier than we’ve ever been.”

In addition to the technical issues, adjustments have been necessary due to the consolidation of the filing process. Prior to the electronic system, the filing process was self-contained in each county district court. However, with the implementation of the new technology, many processes now require state-level involvement. There are now state committees for both the FullCourt Enterprise system and the FSX system. Local court staff must coordinate with decision-makers at the state level to resolve more than the most basic issues and to recommend system improvements. Even determining access levels or resolving problems with access levels must now be processed by vendors rather than by local court staff. While these protocols should resolve with time, they are currently slowing down the work of the clerk’s office, and the delay is causing additional frustrations.

To mitigate the implementation issues, the court has set rules accommodate technical difficulties if certain requirements are met, such as notifying the court and providing evidence of an attempt to upload using the FSX system. Additionally, pro se litigants, who are representing themselves, are not able to use the e-filing system yet and will continue to file traditionally at the courthouse.

Still, despite the rocky implementation, Goshen County Attorney Eric Boyer sees the potential of a fully electronic system. 

“Its time has definitely come in terms of available technology (scanners, email, digital storage, and computing capabilities). The federal courts have required it for decades, and that implementation works well nationwide,” Boyer said. 

Correa adds most local attorneys have been on board and have been participating in e-filing since it became available in October, so the mandatory use deadline should not present additional challenges.

Sutton acknowledges working out the “bugs” could take up to a year, but she is confident the change will improve the filing system in the long run. She said from her years as a district court clerk, she has confidence in the commitment which clerks have to the integrity of the record. 

“Advocating as best we can to get to smooth sailing as soon as we can, and to make sure that the systems reflect complete and accurate representation. Clerks are some of the most passionate people I’ve worked with in 20 years in the courts,” Sutton said. 

With dedicated staff at the district court, attorneys willing to adopt new technology, and patience and flexibility as the systems are further adjusted and customized, the implementation of mandatory e-filing in the Goshen County District Court should prove to be a benefit to those with business at the court in the long run.