St. Landry Parish Divorce Records Search
St. Landry Parish divorce records are filed and maintained by the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court in Opelousas, under the 27th Judicial District Court, which serves St. Landry Parish exclusively. The clerk's office at stlandry.org handles all civil case filings, including divorce petitions and final judgments. You can review the courts overview on the parish website to understand how the court system is organized before you start your search or file a case. Legal aid through Acadiana Legal Service Corporation is available for residents who need help but cannot afford an attorney.
St. Landry Parish Quick Facts
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court is located in Opelousas. This office keeps all civil court records for the 27th Judicial District, including divorce filings, custody orders, and final judgments. The clerk's website offers information about the court system, services available, and how to contact the office. For direct help with a specific record, call or visit the office in Opelousas during regular business hours.
| Court | 27th Judicial District Court (St. Landry Parish) |
|---|---|
| Address | St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas, LA |
| Phone | Contact office directly |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | http://www.stlandry.org/ |
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website at stlandry.org is the main portal for clerk services, court information, and contacts for the Opelousas courthouse.
The clerk's website provides an overview of available services, links to the courts division, and contact information for the St. Landry Parish courthouse in Opelousas.
Courts Division Overview
The St. Landry Parish website includes a courts overview section that explains how the parish court system works. This is helpful if you are new to filing a court case or want to understand the structure of the 27th JDC before you contact the clerk's office. It covers the different types of cases the court handles and provides a map of services within the division.
The courts overview at stlandry.org/courts-division/courts-overview explains the structure and jurisdiction of St. Landry Parish courts, including the 27th Judicial District Court that handles divorce cases in Opelousas.
The courts overview is a good reference for understanding the difference between the various divisions and what types of matters each one handles within the St. Landry Parish court system.
For divorce specifically, you are dealing with the civil division of the 27th JDC. Cases involving children will also touch the family and juvenile divisions depending on the issues. If you are not sure which division your matter falls under, the clerk's staff can direct you when you call or visit.
How to Search for Divorce Records
For an initial online search of St. Landry Parish civil records, the eClerks LA statewide portal at eClerksLA.com is available. The portal aggregates civil case data from participating Louisiana parishes and lets you search by name or case number. You can confirm whether a case was filed in St. Landry Parish without driving to Opelousas.
The portal returns index-level information: case number, party names, filing date, and case status. It does not give you the full documents. For certified copies or full file access, you must contact the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court in person or by mail. Call the office to confirm what is available and what it costs before you make the trip or send a request.
In-person searches are also possible at the clerk's office in Opelousas. Staff can pull up a case by name or number and tell you what documents are in the file. Bring a photo ID and cash or a check to pay for any copies you need on the spot.
Filing for Divorce in St. Landry Parish
At least one spouse must be domiciled in St. Landry Parish to file a divorce here. You bring the petition to the clerk's office in Opelousas, pay the filing fee, and the clerk assigns a case number and issues a citation. Service on the other party is required before the case can proceed.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 sets the waiting period before the divorce is granted: 180 days with no minor children, 365 days if there are minor children. Article 103 allows the divorce to proceed right away if the required separation period was already done before filing. Your facts determine which article fits.
Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses by default. What you owned before the marriage, or received by gift or inheritance during it, is your separate property and not subject to division. The 27th JDC applies these rules in all divorce cases in St. Landry Parish.
Divorce cases can be simple or complex depending on whether the parties agree. When both spouses agree on all terms, the process moves quickly and the judge can sign the judgment without a contested hearing. When there are disputes about property, children, or support, the case takes longer and a hearing is required. Getting an attorney helps in either case, but it is essential in contested proceedings.
Filing fees follow standard Louisiana rates for the clerk's office. Call or check the website for the current fee schedule before you file. If you cannot pay, ask about fee waiver procedures for indigent filers.
Requesting Copies of Divorce Records
Once a divorce is final in St. Landry Parish, the judgment and case documents are public records under La. R.S. 44:1. You can get copies from the clerk's office in Opelousas. For in-person requests, bring your photo ID and payment. For mail requests, send the case details and a check or money order to the clerk's office address in Opelousas.
Certified copies are required for most legal purposes, including name changes, remarriage, and updating financial or government records. They cost more than plain copies. Be clear about what you need when you make your request so the clerk can fill it correctly.
Response times vary. Busy periods at the courthouse can slow things down. If you need records quickly, call ahead to ask how long current processing takes and whether expedited service is available.
Legal Aid in St. Landry Parish
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in St. Landry Parish and the surrounding Acadiana region. Their number is (337) 237-4320. They handle divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters for eligible clients. Income and asset limits apply, so contact them to see if you qualify.
The Louisiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service can also help you find a private family law attorney in the Opelousas area. Most family law attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which lets you understand your options before committing to legal fees.
Nearby Parishes
St. Landry Parish is in the heart of Acadiana in south-central Louisiana. Evangeline Parish is to the east. Pointe Coupee Parish is to the southeast. Avoyelles Parish is to the northeast. Each has its own clerk of court and judicial district.