Jefferson Davis Parish Divorce Records
Jefferson Davis Parish divorce records are filed with the Clerk of Court in Jennings and are public documents available to anyone under Louisiana law. This page explains how to search, request, and understand those records.
Jefferson Davis Parish Quick Facts
Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court
The Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court is Hon. Richard M. "Rick" Arceneaux, located at 300 North State Street, Room 106, in Jennings. The Clerk of Court is the parish recorder, chief election official, and custodian of many public records of the parish. The office records conveyances and mortgages; issues marriage licenses, birth certificates, and passports; and receives and files all civil, criminal, and probate records. Many of these original documents and records are kept permanently in the office.
The preservation and security of these records is a priority and requires constant attention. The office is self-sufficient and operates from the fees collected for services provided, not from taxes. That means every fee you pay goes directly toward maintaining and protecting these public records.
| Court | Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 N. State Street, Room 106, Jennings, LA 70546 (P.O. Box 799, Jennings, LA 70546) |
| Phone | (337) 824-1160 |
| Fax | (337) 824-1354 |
| rick@jeffdavisclerk.com | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | jeffdavisclerk.org |
The Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court website provides an overview of services, contact information, and links to online access tools.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court website is your starting point for record requests and online access.
Call (337) 824-1160 or email rick@jeffdavisclerk.com for specific case inquiries before visiting the office in Jennings.
Online Record Access
Jefferson Davis Parish offers online access to court records through two main portals. The Louisiana Clerks Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) was established by the Louisiana Legislature to provide free land record searches for Mortgage and Conveyance indices of all participating Clerks of Court throughout the State of Louisiana. The LCRAA portal at laclerksportal.org is the tool for property and land record searches.
For civil case records, including divorce filings, the eClerks LA system may also be available. Check the clerk's "go online" page for current access options and any subscription or per-use fees.
The Go Online page on the Jefferson Davis Clerk site lists current online access options for court records and land records.
Use the go-online page to find the right portal for the type of record you need before logging in or creating an account.
The 31st Judicial District Court
The 31st Judicial District Court covers Jefferson Davis Parish only. This single-parish district means the court focuses entirely on local cases. The courthouse is located at 300 North State Street, Room 202, in Jennings. The phone number for the court is (337) 824-3506, and Chief Judge C. Steve Gunnell presides.
Divorce cases in Jefferson Davis Parish are heard by the 31st JDC. The clerk's office, which shares the same building on North State Street, maintains all the records from those cases. In-person visits to the courthouse give you access to both the court and the clerk in one location.
Louisiana Divorce Law Basics
Louisiana gives spouses two ways to get a divorce. Under Civil Code Article 102, one spouse files a petition, and the court waits 180 days to issue the final judgment. If there are minor children, the wait is 365 days. Under Article 103, if spouses have already been apart for the required time, the divorce can move faster after filing.
Louisiana is a community property state. Civil Code Article 2325 says that all property and debts built up during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. When a divorce involves significant assets, the file may include a community property settlement or a court-ordered partition. These documents become part of the public record.
Domicile is also a factor. Civil Code Article 3941 requires at least one spouse to be domiciled in Louisiana to use the state's courts. For a Jefferson Davis Parish filing, the party must have ties to the parish.
Copy Fees
The Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court charges $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $5.00 to $15.00 depending on the document and certification level. These fees apply to divorce case records and all other civil court documents. Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals.
For mail requests, send a letter to P.O. Box 799, Jennings, LA 70546. Include party names, the approximate year of filing, and a check or money order for copy fees. The office will mail the documents when the request is processed.
What Divorce Records Contain
A Jefferson Davis Parish divorce file may include the original petition, any responses, temporary orders for custody or support, financial disclosures, community property inventories, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. The final judgment is what most people need for remarriage, name changes, or other legal matters.
Louisiana R.S. 44:1 makes these records public. Anyone can request to view or copy them without stating a reason. The clerk must respond to a public records request promptly. If any portion of a file has been sealed by a judge, the clerk will note it and explain what is restricted.
Legal Aid
Jefferson Davis Parish residents who need free legal help can contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation at (337) 237-4320. This organization serves the region and can assist with divorce filings, family law questions, and accessing public records.
Louisiana Law Help provides free online legal information, guides, and forms for people who are navigating the divorce process without a lawyer.
Nearby Parishes
Jefferson Davis Parish is in southwest Louisiana. If you are researching records that may involve neighboring areas, these clerks' offices may be relevant.