Ouachita Parish Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Ouachita Parish are maintained by the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court in Monroe through the 4th Judicial District Court. As of January 1, 2025, the clerk's office went fully paperless, making Ouachita Parish one of the first in Louisiana to move to an all-electronic filing system. This page explains how to search records, file a divorce case, and get copies from the clerk's office.
Ouachita Parish Quick Facts
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
Dana Benson serves as the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court. The office is located at 301 South Grand Street Suite 104 in Monroe. Mail can also be directed to P.O. Box 1862, Monroe, LA 71210-1862. The clerk's office is part of the 4th Judicial District Court, which covers both Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes.
| Court | 4th Judicial District Court (Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes) |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Dana Benson |
| Address | 301 South Grand Street Suite 104, Monroe, LA 71201 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 1862, Monroe, LA 71210-1862 |
| Phone | (318) 327-1444 |
| Fax | (318) 327-1462 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | https://www.opclerkofcourt.com/ |
| 4th JDC | https://www.4jdc.com/ |
The Ouachita Parish Courthouse is located on South Grand Street in Monroe. Office hours are Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Monroe City Court is a separate entity; its clerk and administrator is Cathy Varner, reachable at (318) 329-2580. City court and district court are different systems. Divorce cases go to the district court, not city court.
The main page of the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court website at https://www.opclerkofcourt.com/ provides access to the office's services, the electronic filing system, and information on how to search records.
The clerk's website is the primary resource for anyone filing or searching divorce records in Ouachita Parish, including access to the electronic record system introduced in 2025.
Electronic Filing and Paperless Records
Ouachita Parish was among the first in Louisiana to go fully paperless. As of January 1, 2025, all documents filed with the clerk's office are submitted electronically. Clerk Dana Benson implemented the system ahead of the statewide mandate, fulfilling a campaign promise. The transition means that all new filings, including divorce petitions and related documents, are now electronic from the start.
The system uses electronic records as the official record. In the clerk's words, "the official record shall be the electronic record, eliminating any chance of a document being misfiled, altered or removed from the record." This provides stronger document integrity than the old paper-based system and should make records easier to search and retrieve going forward.
Clerk Connect is the electronic filing and access system used by the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court. It provides free access to case records for members of the public. Filing stations are available at the courthouse for people who need assistance submitting documents electronically. If you are filing a divorce case, you can either use Clerk Connect from home or visit the courthouse to use a filing station with staff assistance.
For people who prefer in-person access, the clerk's office at 301 South Grand Street in Monroe can assist with record searches and copies during regular business hours. Search fees are typically $5-10 per name per year. Standard copy fees apply for certified and uncertified copies.
4th Judicial District Court and Self-Help
The 4th Judicial District Court covers both Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes. The court's website at https://www.4jdc.com/ provides information about court divisions, procedures, and available resources. The 4th JDC Self-Help Center is available online at https://www.4thjdcselfhelp.com/divorce and provides forms, guides, and procedural information specifically for divorce cases.
The 4th Judicial District Court website at https://www.4jdc.com/ provides an overview of the court system serving Ouachita Parish, including court divisions and how civil cases are processed.
The 4th JDC site includes links to the self-help center and information on how divorce cases are handled, which is useful for people who plan to represent themselves.
The 4th JDC Self-Help Center at https://www.4thjdcselfhelp.com/divorce is specifically focused on divorce cases in Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes. It provides forms and step-by-step guidance. Self-help centers cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand what documents to file and in what order.
Property Records and Related Offices
In divorce cases where real property or assessed value is relevant, the Ouachita Parish Assessor's office maintains property records for the parish. The assessor's website provides property tax records and assessed values, which can be useful when determining community property values during a divorce.
Property information for Ouachita Parish is available through the assessor's office at http://www.opassessor.com/, which may be relevant in divorce cases involving real property or community assets.
Property records from the assessor can help establish the value of real estate owned by the couple, which affects how community property is divided in a divorce proceeding.
Louisiana is a community property state under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325. Most property and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned. Divorce proceedings in Ouachita Parish must address how community property is divided. If the parties agree, a community property settlement can be filed. If they disagree, the court can partition the community property through a separate legal proceeding.
Filing for Divorce in Ouachita Parish
To file for divorce in Ouachita Parish, at least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941. The petition is filed electronically through Clerk Connect or at the courthouse using a filing station. The clerk assigns a case number, and all subsequent filings are handled through the electronic system.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 governs most divorce cases. The petitioner files a petition and serves the other spouse. The 180-day waiting period begins on the date of service. If the couple has minor children, the waiting period is 365 days. After the period ends, a motion for final judgment can be filed.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 103 applies when the parties have already been living apart for the required period. If that separation occurred before the petition is filed, the divorce can be granted more quickly without waiting the full period after filing. Article 103 also covers divorces based on adultery or felony conviction.
Search fees are typically $5-10 per name per year when searching records by name. Certified copies and uncertified copies carry standard Louisiana copy fees. Contact the clerk's office at (318) 327-1444 for current rates before visiting or submitting a mail request.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Legal Aid of North Louisiana provides free civil legal services to income-qualifying residents of Ouachita Parish. They can be reached at (318) 325-0773 and handle cases involving divorce, custody, and related family law matters.
The Louisiana Civil Legal Navigator at www.louisianalegalnavigator.org helps residents find legal aid programs and self-help tools. For Ouachita Parish residents, this tool can identify local options for free or low-cost legal help.
Louisiana Law Help at https://louisianalawhelp.org/ provides free legal information and guides. The site explains how to file for divorce, what to expect during the process, and how community property is handled under Louisiana law. It is a good starting point for anyone who plans to handle their own case.
Nearby Ouachita Parish Resources
Ouachita Parish shares the 4th Judicial District with Morehouse Parish. For records from neighboring jurisdictions in northeast Louisiana, the links below can help.