St. Bernard Parish Divorce Records Search
St. Bernard Parish divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Chalmette and fall under the 34th Judicial District Court, which serves St. Bernard Parish exclusively. The clerk's office keeps all civil case filings, including divorce petitions and final judgments. You can search for records online through the eSearch portal at records.stbclerk.com, which covers both civil and criminal case indexes. For certified copies or detailed document requests, contact the clerk's office in Chalmette directly during regular business hours.
St. Bernard Parish Quick Facts
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
The St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court is located in Chalmette. This office is responsible for all civil and criminal court records in the parish, including divorce filings, judgments, and related documents. The clerk maintains both the physical files and the electronic database used by the eSearch portal. You can reach the office by phone, visit in person, or use the online portal to start your search.
| Court | 34th Judicial District Court (St. Bernard Parish) |
|---|---|
| Address | St. Bernard Parish Courthouse, Chalmette, LA |
| Phone | Contact office directly |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | http://stbclerk.com/ |
The St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court website at stbclerk.com provides information about court services, the clerk's office, and links to the online records search portal.
The clerk's main page gives you access to news from the office, links to available services, and the direct path to the online case search tool for St. Bernard Parish.
eSearch Portal: Online Case Records
St. Bernard Parish has its own online records portal, separate from the statewide tools. The eSearch system at records.stbclerk.com lets you look up civil and criminal cases by name or case number. This includes divorce cases filed through the 34th Judicial District Court. The portal is free to use and available at any time.
The eSearch portal at records.stbclerk.com is the dedicated online case search tool for St. Bernard Parish civil and criminal records, including divorce filings.
Through the eSearch portal, you can find case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status for divorce records in St. Bernard Parish without visiting the Chalmette courthouse.
Keep in mind that the portal shows case index information, not the full documents. If you need to read the actual petition, judgment, or any document in the file, you must contact the clerk's office and request copies. Certified copies require payment of the clerk's copy fees, which you can confirm by calling the office.
Additional Search Tools
Filing for Divorce in St. Bernard Parish
To start a divorce case in St. Bernard Parish, at least one spouse must be domiciled in the parish. The petition is filed with the Clerk of Court in Chalmette. The clerk will collect the filing fee, assign a case number, and issue a citation for service on the other party.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 requires a waiting period after filing before the divorce can be granted: 180 days with no minor children, 365 days when minor children are involved. Article 103 allows a couple to get a divorce more quickly if the separation has already occurred before they filed. Your attorney can tell you which path applies to your case.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325, Louisiana is a community property state. Property and debt acquired during the marriage is divided equally unless there is a prenuptial agreement or a court makes an exception. Separate property owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is not part of community property. These rules apply in all Louisiana parishes, including St. Bernard.
The 34th Judicial District Court handles all civil matters in St. Bernard Parish, including divorce, custody, and support. The court has its own procedures and local rules. If you are filing without an attorney, ask the clerk's office for guidance on the process and what forms are needed.
Getting Certified Copies
Once a divorce is final, the judgment is a public record. You can get certified copies from the St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court in Chalmette. Certified copies are needed for name changes, remarriage, and many government or legal processes. The clerk's office can tell you the current per-page fee when you call or visit.
To request copies by mail, write to the clerk's office with the case number or parties' names, the specific documents you need, and payment for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the copies mailed back. Processing times can vary, so call ahead if you need records quickly.
Louisiana's Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, gives anyone the right to inspect and copy public court records. Divorce records, with limited exceptions for sealed portions, fall under this law. If you believe you are being improperly denied access, consult a local attorney.
Legal Aid in St. Bernard Parish
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in the New Orleans metro area, including St. Bernard Parish. You can reach them at (504) 529-1000. They handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and domestic issues. If you qualify based on income, they can provide attorney assistance at no cost.
The Louisiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service can also help you find a licensed family law attorney in St. Bernard Parish or the surrounding metro area. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations for divorce cases.
Nearby Parishes
St. Bernard Parish is part of the greater New Orleans area. Orleans Parish is directly to the west, and Plaquemines Parish borders St. Bernard to the south. Jefferson Parish is also nearby across the river. Each has its own clerk of court and court system.