Louisiana Divorce Records

Thank you for visiting this page. We want to help you with your Louisiana Divorce Records Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We aim to make this guide clear and easy to use. We will show you where and how to look for these records in the state.

If you want to start your search right now, visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/divorce-records/ to begin your Louisiana Divorce Records Search. This resource can help you access databases quickly. It provides a way to look for records across different areas. Using this link may speed up your search for the divorce information you need to find right away. Please note this is one option to begin searching for records.

Where to Find Louisiana Divorce Records

Finding divorce records in Louisiana means knowing where to look. The main place is not a state office. Most records are kept at the local level. You must know the parish where the divorce took place.

Parish Clerk of Court: The Primary Source

The Clerk of Court in each Louisiana parish holds divorce records. This office keeps all documents filed for civil court cases. Divorce cases are civil cases. So, the Clerk of Court has the final divorce decree. They also have the full case file. You need to contact the Clerk in the parish where the divorce was granted. If the divorce was in Caddo Parish, contact the Caddo Parish Clerk. If it was in St. Tammany Parish, contact that Clerk. This is the best way to find recent divorce papers. These offices maintain and preserve these vital public records. They ensure the records are safe. They make them available as per state law. Access is often free to view records in person. You pay for copies.

Louisiana State Archives: Older Records

What if the divorce was long ago? The Louisiana State Archives may have the record. They keep very old court records. This often means records from before the early 1900s. But, rules can vary. For Orleans Parish, marriage records older than 50 years go to the State Archives. While this specifically mentions marriage records, divorce records often follow similar archival timelines, especially older ones. It is best to check with the Archives if you seek a very old divorce record. They have a research library. Staff can help you search their collections.

Types of Divorce Records

When you ask for a divorce record, know what you need. There are different kinds of documents in a divorce file. The two main ones are the decree and the full case file. One is short, the other has it all.

Divorce Decree

The divorce decree is the court's final order. It legally ends the marriage. This paper states the date the divorce is final. It includes the names of both spouses. It lists the court case number. It may include basic terms. This includes things like child custody or support if agreed upon. It has the judge’s name. This is often the main document people need. It proves the divorce happened. Certified copies are often needed for legal tasks. This includes name changes or getting remarried.

Full Case File

The full case file contains much more. It includes every paper filed during the case. This means the first petition for divorce. It has answers from the other spouse. It includes motions filed by lawyers. Orders from the judge are in there. Financial statements might be included. Property settlements are detailed. Child custody agreements are there too. This file gives the full story of the case. It can be very large. It provides deep detail. Most people only need the final decree. But researchers or parties involved in later disputes might want the full file. Accessing the entire file usually involves visiting the Clerk's office. Copying fees can add up due to the size.

Who Can Access Louisiana Divorce Records?

Louisiana law makes many court records public. But there are some rules. Access depends on the type of copy you need. It also depends on who you are.

Public Access to Records

Most divorce records are public information. This is under the Louisiana Public Records Law (RS 44:1 et seq.). Anyone can ask to see or get a plain copy. These are often called informational copies. You can visit the Clerk of Court's office. You can look at the records there. You can ask for copies of parts or all of the file. There are fees for copies. Some parishes may offer online viewing. This access is usually for basic case information. It may not include full document images online for privacy reasons. Always check the specific parish clerk’s website.

Restricted Access for Certified Copies

Certified copies have special status. They have an official seal or stamp. They prove the copy is true and correct. These are often needed for legal uses. Access to certified copies is usually restricted. Louisiana law limits who can get them. Generally, eligible people include:

• The individuals named in the divorce (the spouses).

• Their parents or grandparents.

• Their adult children.

• Their adult siblings.

• The legal representative (attorney) of either spouse.

• Someone with a court order granting access.

You may need to show ID. You might need proof of your relationship. This rule protects the privacy of the people involved.

State Agencies Do Not Issue Divorce Decrees

It is key to know this. The Louisiana Department of Health or its Vital Records Registry does not issue divorce decrees. They handle birth, death, and some marriage records. But divorce records stay with the Parish Clerk of Court where the divorce was granted. Do not contact the state health department for divorce papers. You must go to the parish level court clerk.

How to Request Divorce Records

Getting a copy of a divorce record involves steps. You need the right info. You need to contact the right office. You must use the correct method.

Identify the Correct Parish

This is the first, most vital step. Divorce records are filed by parish. You must know the parish where the divorce was finalized. Louisiana has 64 parishes. A divorce granted in Baton Rouge is in East Baton Rouge Parish. A divorce in New Orleans is in Orleans Parish. If you do not know the parish, finding the record is hard. Try to recall where the court case happened. Check old mail or papers if you can.

Information Needed for the Search

The Clerk needs details to find the record. Be ready to provide this info:

• The full names of both parties in the divorce. Include maiden names if known.

• The approximate date or year the divorce was granted. A specific date is best. A year range helps too.

• The parish where the divorce was finalized.

• The court case number, if you know it. This helps find the file fast.

Giving clear, full details makes the search easier. It makes it faster for the clerk staff. It lowers the chance of getting the wrong record. Fees often apply for the search itself. More info means less search time.

Request Methods

You can usually request records in a few ways. Each parish may have slightly different rules. Check their website or call first.

• In-Person: Visit the Parish Clerk of Court's office. Go to the civil records division. Fill out a request form. You may need your photo ID. You can often view records there. You can order copies on the spot. Pay the fees there. This is often the fastest way if you are local.

• By Mail: Write a letter to the Clerk of Court. Include all the needed information. State what you need (decree or full file, certified or plain copy). Include payment for estimated fees (check or money order). Call first to confirm fees and payment methods. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for return. Mail requests take more time. Allow for mail delivery and processing time.

• Online: Some parishes offer online access. This might be through portals like ClerkConnect (EBR) or JeffNet (Jefferson). Often, online access gives index data. It might allow viewing some documents. Ordering certified copies online is less common. It may require a subscription or separate login. Check the specific Parish Clerk’s website. Look for "Online Records" or "e-Search." Do not use non-official sites for official copies.

Associated Costs and Fees

There are costs to get copies. Fees vary a lot by parish. Expect to pay for:

• Search Fee: Some clerks charge a fee just to look for the record. This fee may cover a set amount of time.

• Copy Fee: There is usually a per-page fee for copies. A common fee is $1.00 per page. But it can be more or less. Full case files can cost a lot to copy.

• Certification Fee: If you need a certified copy, there is an extra fee. This fee is for the official seal and signature. It might be $5 or $10 per document.

Call the Clerk’s office first. Ask about their current fee schedule. Ask what payment types they take. This avoids delays.

Information Found in Divorce Records

Divorce records contain key personal data. They outline the end of a marriage. The details vary based on the case. But most records include common points. A typical Louisiana divorce record might show:

• Full legal names of both spouses.

• Date and place of the marriage (sometimes).

• Date the divorce petition was filed.

• Date the divorce decree was finalized.

• The parish where the divorce was granted.

• The specific court that handled the case.

• The court case number (docket number).

• Name of the judge who signed the decree.

• Terms of the divorce settlement, such as:

  • Division of community property.

  • Details about spousal support (alimony), if any.

  • Child custody arrangements (sole, joint, visitation).

  • Child support payment amounts and schedules.

  • Orders related to health insurance for children.

  • Restoration of a former name, if requested.

This information makes the record useful. It proves the divorce. It details the terms agreed to or ordered. This helps enforce the terms later if needed.

Louisiana State Archives Details

The Louisiana State Archives holds old records. It is part of the Secretary of State's office. It is a key resource for history research. It helps with family history too.

The Archives holds many types of state and local records. This includes court records from many parishes. Records are usually sent there after many years. The exact time frame varies. For very old divorce records, check here. This is especially true if the parish clerk does not have them. Orleans Parish records older than 50 years are often there.

Contact and Visit Information:

• Address: 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

• Phone: (225) 922-1000 (General Info), (225) 922-1208 (Research Library - verify number)

• Website: Louisiana State Archives

• Hours: Research Library hours are typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Check the website for current hours and any visitor rules.

The Research Library offers public access. You can search indexes and view microfilm. Staff can assist you. Fees may apply for copies made at the Archives. Their online catalog lists some holdings. Vital records indexes are also partly online.

Parish Clerk of Court Examples

Here is contact info for Clerks in major parishes. Hours are usually Mon-Fri, 8:00/8:30 AM to 4:30/5:00 PM. Call to confirm hours and specific department locations.

Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk

This office handles divorce records for New Orleans.

• Address: 421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402, New Orleans, LA 70112

• Phone: (504) 407-0000

• Website/Online Access: Orleans Civil Clerk Online Records. They offer online subscriptions for viewing records. In-person access is also available.

• Hours: Generally 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court

This office serves the Baton Rouge area. They have multiple locations.

• Main Office Address: 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (Check website for specific department locations, some are at the courthouse or archives building)

• Airline Branch: 9050 Airline Highway, Suite 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

• Phone: (225) 389-3950 (Main Number - navigate menu for Civil Records)

• Website/Online Access: EBR Clerk of Court Website. They use the ClerkConnect portal for online record searches. Subscriptions might be needed for full access. Public terminals are available in the office.

• Hours: Typically 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Some services like marriage licenses end earlier (e.g., 3:30 PM).

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

This office serves areas near New Orleans like Metairie and Gretna.

• Address: General Government Building, 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, LA 70053 (Verify location for Civil Records Dept)

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Gretna, LA 70054-0010

• Phone: (504) 364-2900

• Website/Online Access: Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Website. They offer JeffNet for online record access (subscription based). Public access terminals are available.

• Hours: Typically 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Recording may have specific cut-off times.

Relevant State Laws

Access to divorce records is based on state law. Two key laws are important here.

Louisiana Public Records Law

This law is found in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44 (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). It states that public records are open to anyone. Court records, including divorce files, are generally public. The law defines public records. It sets rules for requesting and viewing them. It lists exceptions for privacy (like Social Security numbers). It also outlines fees for copies. Each Clerk of Court acts as the custodian of their records under this law.

Clerk's Duty Regarding Divorce Records

Another law requires Clerks to report divorces. La. R.S. 40:61 states this duty. The Clerk must prepare a certificate for each divorce decree. They use forms from the state registrar. They send these certificates to the state registrar each month. This helps the state track vital statistics. But remember, the official divorce decree itself stays with the Clerk of Court. The state registrar (part of LDH) does not issue copies of the decree.

Helpful Resources

Louisiana Court Records | Louisiana Birth Records | Cascade County Jail