Plaquemines Parish Divorce Records
Divorce records in Plaquemines Parish are filed with the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court and maintained through the 25th Judicial District Court in Belle Chasse. The clerk's office handles all civil filings for the parish, including divorce petitions, judgments, and final decrees. This page covers how to search records, how to file, and what resources are available to residents.
Plaquemines Parish Quick Facts
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
The Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court is the official keeper of all civil records in the parish, including divorce filings, judgments, and decrees. The office operates through the 25th Judicial District Court, which serves Plaquemines Parish exclusively. All divorce cases filed in the parish are processed through this court and maintained by the clerk's office.
| Court | 25th Judicial District Court (Plaquemines Parish) |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court |
| Location | Belle Chasse, LA |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | https://clerk25th.com/ |
| 25th JDC Self-Help | https://www.25thjdcselfhelp.com/ |
The clerk's office processes all filings, assigns case numbers, maintains case files, and issues certified copies of court documents. When you file for divorce in Plaquemines Parish, the clerk dockets the petition and manages all subsequent filings through the final judgment of divorce.
Louisiana's Public Records Law at La. R.S. 44:1 makes civil court records public. The public has the right to inspect and copy divorce records held by the clerk's office during normal business hours. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy of a divorce record.
The main page of the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court website at https://clerk25th.com/ provides information on available services, office hours, and how to access records.
The clerk's website is the primary resource for filing and record access in Plaquemines Parish, including information on the eRecording system for electronic document submission.
Self-Help Resources for Divorce Cases
The 25th Judicial District Court provides self-help resources for residents who are handling their own divorce cases. The 25th JDC Self-Help Center at https://www.25thjdcselfhelp.com/ offers forms, guides, and procedural information for civil and family law matters in Plaquemines Parish.
The 25th JDC Self-Help Center website at https://www.25thjdcselfhelp.com/ provides forms and step-by-step information for people representing themselves in divorce and family law cases.
The self-help center is a useful tool for anyone who plans to handle their own divorce without an attorney. It covers what forms to file, how to serve the other party, and what to expect at court hearings.
Self-help centers provide forms and general guidance but cannot give legal advice. If your case is complicated by issues like custody disputes, business assets, or domestic violence, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000 can provide free legal help to qualifying residents of Plaquemines Parish.
Louisiana Law Help at https://louisianalawhelp.org/ is another free resource for legal information. The site covers all aspects of the Louisiana divorce process including how to file, what to expect, and how community property is divided.
eRecording and Online Access
The Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court offers eRecording for electronic document submission. eRecording allows attorneys and parties to submit documents electronically rather than in person or by mail. This is particularly useful for residents of Plaquemines Parish who live far from the Belle Chasse courthouse, as the parish stretches a long distance along the Mississippi River.
Information about eRecording in Plaquemines Parish is available through the clerk's website at https://clerk25th.com/erecording/. This page explains how to submit documents electronically and what file formats are accepted.
eRecording makes it easier for residents and attorneys in remote parts of the parish to file documents without making a long drive to Belle Chasse.
Online record search is also available through the eClerks LA statewide portal at http://www.eClerksLA.com. This free portal lets you search civil records by name or case number. It is a good starting point when you need to look up a case but do not have the case number handy.
For in-person record access, the clerk's office at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse in Belle Chasse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff can help you locate a case and provide copies of documents for the applicable fee.
Filing for Divorce in Plaquemines Parish
To file for divorce in Plaquemines Parish, at least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941. If one or both spouses live in Plaquemines Parish, the petition is filed with the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court at the Belle Chasse courthouse.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 governs most divorce cases. The petitioner files a divorce petition and serves the other spouse. A 180-day waiting period begins on the date of service. If the couple has minor children, the waiting period extends to 365 days. After the period ends, either party can file a motion for final judgment.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 103 allows the divorce to proceed more quickly when the parties have already been living apart for the required period before filing. If the separation is complete before the petition is filed, the court can grant the divorce without the additional waiting period. Article 103 also covers divorces based on adultery or felony conviction.
Louisiana is a community property state under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325. Property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally jointly owned. The divorce proceeding addresses how community property is divided. If the parties agree, they can file a community property settlement. If they disagree, the court can partition the property through a separate proceeding.
Fees for filing a divorce petition in Plaquemines Parish follow standard Louisiana guidelines. The clerk's office can provide the current fee schedule. Contact the office or check the website before you file to confirm what is required and what fees apply.
Requesting Copies of Divorce Records
Certified copies of Plaquemines Parish divorce records can be requested in person at the clerk's office or by mail. In-person requests are usually handled the same day. Mail requests take longer. To request a record, provide the names of both parties, the case number if known, and the year of filing.
Certified copies carry a per-page fee. Uncertified copies cost less. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order. Call the clerk's office to confirm current rates and payment methods before submitting a mail request.
Records are public under La. R.S. 44:1. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy. Some documents may be sealed or restricted, particularly those involving minor children. The clerk's office will advise you on restrictions for specific records when you make your request.
Legal Aid Resources
Plaquemines Parish residents who need legal help with a divorce and cannot afford an attorney can contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000. They provide free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents and handle cases involving divorce, custody, and related family law matters.
The Louisiana Civil Legal Navigator at www.louisianalegalnavigator.org can help you find legal aid programs and self-help tools available in Plaquemines Parish. Louisiana Law Help at https://louisianalawhelp.org/ provides free guides to the divorce process in Louisiana, including how to complete forms and what to expect in court.
Nearby Plaquemines Parish Resources
Plaquemines Parish borders Orleans and Jefferson Parishes to the north and St. Bernard Parish to the northeast. For records from neighboring jurisdictions, the links below can help.