E-Courts launch in New Hanover and Pender Counties

CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) –Many counties across the Cape Fear region have implemented e-Courts on their websites, making a step toward a more digital legal process.

We attended first appearances at the Pender County Courthouse to witness the new system in action. Going paperless means that documents can now be e-filed, and court information is accessible to the public through an online portal.

District Judge Chad Hogston, who oversees the district that includes New Hanover and Pender counties, shared how the transition is going so far. He explained that the typical caseload of around 1,000 cases was reduced to just 100 as everyone adjusts to the new system.

“It’s just starting; people need to learn the process, so there are going to be hiccups here and there,” Hogston said. “We’ve reduced our docket substantially, but we plan on slowly trickling up the numbers in court, and as soon as possible, we will be back to running normal.”

Currently, e-Courts is live across 62 counties in North Carolina, with the remaining counties expected to transition by the end of the year.