Search Louisiana Divorce Records
Louisiana divorce records are public documents kept by parish District Courts and the Louisiana Vital Records Registry. Each of the 64 parishes stores divorce case files at the Clerk of Court office. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person at courthouses across the state.
Louisiana Divorce Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Louisiana Divorce Records
There are two main sources for divorce records in Louisiana. Parish Clerk of Court offices hold the full case files for every divorce filed in that parish. These files contain the petition, the response from the other spouse, community property settlements, and the final judgment signed by the judge. The Clerk of Court in each parish keeps these records and can make copies for you.
The Louisiana Vital Records Registry keeps divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a judgment of divorce. It shows basic facts like the names of both spouses, the date, and the parish where it took place. The registry has certificates for divorces going back decades. You can order them by mail or in person at a parish health unit. Certificates cost $9 for the first copy.
Note: Divorce certificates from the health department show less detail than full court records from the Clerk of Court.
How to Search Divorce Records in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several ways to look up divorce records. Online access is the fastest for most searches. You can look from home any time of day. In-person visits work well when you need certified copies or want to see the full case file.
Many parish Clerk of Court offices have their own online case search portals. Some parishes use systems like the Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority to provide digital records. Coverage and fees vary by parish. Check with the specific parish where the case was filed to find their search tool.
To search divorce records in Louisiana, you typically need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate date of the divorce filing
- Parish where the case was filed
You can also search in person at any Clerk of Court office. Go to the parish where the divorce was filed. Staff can help you find records and make copies. Most clerks charge a per-page fee for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones.
Types of Divorce Records in Louisiana
Louisiana divorce records include several types of documents. The judgment of divorce is the final court order that ends a marriage. A judge signs this after the case is done. The judgment states the marriage is over and may address child custody, support, and community property. This is the most complete divorce record you can get. It comes from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the case was heard.
The divorce certificate is a shorter document from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry. A certificate proves that a divorce took place but does not contain the full terms of the settlement. Many people need a certificate for things like changing their name, getting remarried, or updating legal papers.
Divorce records in Louisiana typically contain:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Date and place of the marriage
- Date the divorce was filed
- Date the divorce was finalized
- Parish and court where it was heard
- Grounds cited for the divorce
- Community property division terms
Court case files may also hold motions, responses, and other papers filed during the case. You can get copies of any paper in a case file from the Clerk of Court.
Louisiana Divorce Laws and Rules
Louisiana law sets the rules for getting a divorce. The state legislature has put specific rules in place for residency, grounds, waiting periods, and property division. You must follow these rules to file for divorce in Louisiana.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941, at least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana to file here. You file in the parish where either spouse lives. The petition must state that you meet this residency requirement.
Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, a spouse may file for divorce after living separate and apart for 180 days (or 365 days if there are minor children). Under Article 103, spouses who have already lived apart for the required time can file and get an immediate divorce. Most divorces in Louisiana use one of these no-fault grounds.
Louisiana is a community property state. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325, property gained during the marriage belongs to both spouses equally. The court divides community property when granting a divorce. Each spouse keeps their separate property, which includes things owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance.
Divorce Record Fees in Louisiana
Fees vary based on what you need and where you get it. The Louisiana Vital Records Registry charges $9 for a divorce certificate search plus one certified copy. If you need it fast, additional fees apply for rush handling.
Parish District Courts charge their own fees for divorce cases and records. Filing for divorce costs roughly $200 to $400 in most parishes. Fees can go up if children are part of the case. Getting copies of existing divorce records costs less. Most clerks charge per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones.
Fee waivers are available for people with low income who need to file for divorce. You can ask the court to waive the fees by filing an In Forma Pauperis form. You must show proof of low income. The judge will decide if you qualify.
Note: Filing fees and copy fees can change, so contact the court or agency to confirm current costs.
How to Get Copies of Louisiana Divorce Records
You can get copies of divorce records in Louisiana in several ways. For divorce certificates from the Vital Records Registry, mail your request with the names of both spouses, the divorce date, the parish, and your payment. You can also visit a parish health unit in person for same-day service in some locations.
For full divorce judgments and case files, go to the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was filed. You can ask in person or call ahead to check what you need. Some clerks accept mail requests. You will need to know the names of the parties or the case number.
Wait times vary by method and location. In-person requests at a health unit may be same-day. Mail requests to the state take longer. Court record requests depend on the workload at that parish's clerk office.
Legal Help for Divorce in Louisiana
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Louisiana. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services gives free legal help to people with low income. They handle family law cases including divorce. Acadiana Legal Service Corporation serves the western part of the state. Call 211 to find legal aid near you.
The Louisiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney. You can reach them to get connected with a family law lawyer in your area who handles divorce cases.
Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org offers self-help guides and legal info for people who want to handle their own case. The site has forms and instructions for common family law matters. Each parish District Court may also have self-help resources at the clerk office.
Are Divorce Records Public in Louisiana
Yes, divorce records are public in Louisiana. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1), citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records. This covers divorce records held by the courts. You do not have to be one of the parties in the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
Some limits apply to what you can see. Certain details may be redacted from public copies. These include financial account numbers and information about minor children. A party can also ask the court to seal records. A judge may seal records after a hearing if the person shows good cause. Sealed records are rare.
Note: Divorce certificates from the vital records office may have some access rules, but full court records at the Clerk of Court are generally open to all.
Browse Louisiana Divorce Records by Parish
Each parish in Louisiana has its own Clerk of Court who keeps divorce records. Pick a parish below to find local contact info and resources for that area.
Divorce Records in Major Louisiana Cities
Residents of major cities file for divorce at their parish District Court. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.