Access Alexandria Divorce Records

Divorce records in Alexandria are maintained by the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court and heard by the 9th Judicial District Court, both located on Murray Street in downtown Alexandria. Rapides Parish records go back to 1865, with computerized indexes available from 1984 onward. This page explains how to search for, request, and file divorce records in Alexandria, including where to get certified copies and where to find legal help.

Where Alexandria Divorce Cases Are Filed

All divorce cases for Alexandria residents go through the 9th Judicial District Court. Alexandria has its own City Court, but it handles only municipal matters -- traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small civil claims. It does not hear divorce cases. Nearby Pineville also has its own City Court, but the same rule applies: all divorce filings go to the 9th JDC.

The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all 9th JDC civil cases, including divorce. Clerk Robin L. Hooter oversees the office at 701 Murray Street. The Clerk's office describes its own role: "The Office of the Clerk of Court is established by the Louisiana Constitution. Under the Constitution, the Clerk is the Recorder of Mortgages, Clerk of the District Court and the Election Officer of the parish."

The Clerk's office is on the first floor of the Rapides Parish Courthouse. Parking is available on Foisy Street, with additional parking at the corner of Washington and 8th Streets. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Rapides Parish Clerk of Court

9th Judicial District Court

How Far Back Rapides Parish Records Go

Alexandria's courthouse has a notable history that affects older record availability. The Clerk is direct about it: "The Records of Rapides Parish begin in 1865. The records prior to that date were destroyed in a courthouse fire during the Civil War. The records are microfilmed as authorized by the legislature."

If you are searching for records from before 1865, they do not exist -- lost in the Civil War fire. For records from 1865 through the early 1980s, microfilmed copies are available through the Clerk's office. Computer-indexed records begin in 1984 and can be searched online or at courthouse terminals.

For pre-1984 records, plan on an in-person visit to the Clerk's office or a mail request with specific case information. Staff can search the microfilm and index for older records when asked. The records are also notable for their integration with other parish agencies: "This office is one of the few Clerk's offices in the state which is linked by computer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff and District Attorney."

Searching Alexandria Divorce Records Online

The Rapides Parish Clerk offers RAPID E-Search for online record access. The tool is available at rapidesclerk.org and covers computer-indexed records from 1984 onward. You can search by party name or case number. This is the fastest way to find basic case information without visiting the courthouse.

In-person public access terminals at the Clerk's office are also available during business hours at no charge. For records not in the computer system, in-person research or a mail request is the next step.

The 9th JDC Self-Help Center is at 701 Murray Street -- the same building as the Clerk's office. Staff there can help self-represented parties understand what forms they need and how to submit them. Call (318) 443-6893 for hours and current availability.

The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court provides access to the RAPID E-Search portal and other tools for searching Alexandria divorce and civil case records. The image below shows the Clerk's main website.

The Rapides Clerk's RAPID E-Search system allows online searches of civil case records including divorces filed in Alexandria through the 9th Judicial District Court, with coverage from 1984 to present.

Filing for Divorce in Alexandria

To file for divorce in Alexandria, at least one spouse must be domiciled in Rapides Parish under Civil Code Article 3941. Filing takes place at the Clerk's office at 701 Murray Street, Suite 102. You can file in person, by mail, or by civil filing fax at (318) 487-9361.

Louisiana has two main divorce tracks. Under Civil Code Article 102, you can file before the required waiting period ends. After serving the petition, you wait 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days if minor children are involved. Under Civil Code Article 103, if the required separation was already complete before you filed, the divorce can be granted right away without further waiting.

The 9th JDC handles cases across nine divisions (A through I), plus a Hearing Officer who may address some preliminary or uncontested matters. Case assignment is made at the time of filing. There is no way to choose a specific division -- the assignment happens automatically.

Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. Assets and debts from the marriage are generally divided equally unless the parties agree otherwise or a court orders a different split. Disputes over community property can extend the timeline for finalizing a divorce significantly.

Uncontested divorces -- where both parties agree on everything, including property, custody, and support -- tend to move much faster than contested cases. If both spouses are aligned, the process can be straightforward. If there are disputes, expect more time and more paperwork.

Getting Certified Copies of Divorce Records

Certified copies of divorce judgments are available from the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court at 701 Murray Street, Suite 102. Call (318) 473-8153 or email info@rapidesclerk.org to ask about current fees and procedures before sending a request.

Mail requests go to P.O. Drawer 952, Alexandria, LA 71309. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and a check or money order for estimated fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail.

For recent records in the RAPID E-Search system, some documents may be viewable online without a trip to the courthouse. Older records and certified copies require a formal request through the Clerk's office. Always confirm current fees before submitting -- they can change.

Legal Help in Alexandria

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation has an Alexandria office at 1808 Jackson Street, reachable at (318) 443-7281. They provide free civil legal help to income-eligible residents of Alexandria and the surrounding Rapides Parish area. They handle family law matters including divorce for qualifying clients.

The 9th JDC Self-Help Resource Center is at 701 Murray Street, (318) 443-6893. It is in the same building as the Clerk's office, which makes it convenient to get guidance and submit a filing in a single trip. Staff can help with forms and procedural questions but do not give legal advice.

Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org provides plain-language guides to Louisiana divorce law -- what forms are needed, what the waiting periods are, how community property works, and how to handle both contested and uncontested cases.

For private attorney referrals, the Louisiana State Bar Association has a statewide referral service. Local bar associations in Rapides Parish also maintain lists of family law attorneys who handle divorce cases in the Alexandria area.

Public Records Access

Under La. R.S. 44:1, Louisiana's Public Records Law, finalized divorce records are open to the public. Case filings, petitions, and judgments can be inspected and copied by any member of the public. Records involving minor children or sealed by court order may have restricted access. Ask the Clerk about any limitations before requesting specific documents. Fees for certified copies are governed by La. R.S. 13:841, the statewide clerk fee schedule.

Rapides Parish Divorce Records

All Alexandria divorce cases are filed in Rapides Parish. The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court holds official case records from 1865 onward and issues certified copies of divorce judgments. For the complete parish-level guide covering records, fees, and access options, visit the Rapides Parish page.

View Rapides Parish Divorce Records