Washington Parish Divorce Records

Washington Parish divorce records are official documents that provide details on the dissolution of marriages in the Parish. These records may be used in legal proceedings, property settlements, and genealogy. The Clerk of Court in Franklinton maintains all civil case files under the 22nd Judicial District Court, which covers both Washington and St. Tammany Parishes.

Clerk of Court Office

The Washington Parish Clerk of Court is located at 908-B Washington Street in Franklinton. This is the main office for all civil record requests, including divorce filings. The 22nd Judicial District Court's Washington Parish location is at 908 E. Airport Rd in Franklinton. These are two separate addresses, so make sure you go to the right one for your purpose.

Birth and death records can be obtained by calling (985) 839-4663 to make your appointment. Divorce records do not require an appointment but calling ahead to confirm the case and fee is always a good idea before making the drive to Franklinton.

The Washington Parish Clerk of Court website provides contact information, hours, and an overview of services available at the Franklinton office.

The clerk's site at washingtonparishclerk.org is the primary source for up-to-date contact details and services in Washington Parish.

Contact and Service Details

For specific inquiries about records, you can reach the clerk by phone at (985) 839-4663 or by email at washparcoc@yahoo.com. For civil record submissions, use the civil fax at (985) 839-2925. The general fax is (985) 839-3116. Use the correct fax number based on whether your request is for a civil case or another type of record.

The Washington Parish Clerk of Court contact page provides specific information on how to reach the right department for divorce and civil record requests.

The contact page at washingtonparishclerk.org/contact/ lists phone numbers, fax lines, and email addresses for the Washington Parish clerk's various departments.

22nd Judicial District Court

Washington Parish is part of the 22nd Judicial District Court, which also covers St. Tammany Parish. All divorce cases filed in Washington Parish go through this court. The 22nd JDC handles civil and family law matters including divorce, custody, support, paternity, and property division.

The court's online portal at online.22ndjdc.org provides case information and scheduling for both Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. From this portal, you can look up case numbers, check hearing dates, and see the current status of a divorce proceeding.

The 22nd Judicial District Court portal provides docket information and case search tools for both St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.

The 22nd JDC contact page at online.22ndjdc.org/contact lists resources for both parishes in the district and how to reach court staff for scheduling and case information.

There is also a City Court in Bogalusa located at 2050 9th St, Bogalusa, LA 70427. City court handles lower-level civil matters. Most divorce filings go through the district court, not the city court, but for domestic matters that start in city court, the Bogalusa location is the relevant venue.

How to Obtain Washington Parish Divorce Records

To obtain a Washington Parish divorce record, individuals should visit the Washington Parish Clerk of Courts office, provide the names of the parties and the divorce date, and submit a formal request and pay any associated fees for certified copies.

In Person

Go to 908-B Washington Street in Franklinton during office hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). Bring the names of both parties and an approximate date. Bring payment of $1.00 per page for copies or $5.00 to $10.00 for certified versions. Staff will locate the file and provide copies while you wait.

By Mail

Write to the Washington Parish Clerk of Court at 908-B Washington Street, Franklinton, LA 70438. Include both party names, the approximate year of divorce, your return address, and a check or money order. Call (985) 839-4663 or email washparcoc@yahoo.com first to confirm the exact fee and what information is needed.

Online

The 22nd JDC portal at online.22ndjdc.org allows basic case searches. Third-party platforms also aggregate Washington Parish court records. For certified copies, you must contact the clerk's office directly.

Louisiana Divorce Law

All divorces in Washington Parish follow Louisiana law. Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 sets a 180-day waiting period from the date of filing for divorces without minor children. When children are involved, the wait is 365 days. Article 103 allows for immediate divorce if the parties have already been separated for the required period or in cases of domestic abuse.

Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941 requires that at least one spouse be domiciled in Louisiana to file for divorce in the state. Filing in Washington Parish specifically requires domicile in that parish. Community property rules under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325 apply to all property acquired during the marriage and must be addressed as part of the divorce settlement.

Divorce records in Washington Parish are public under La. R.S. 44:1. Anyone can request them, and the clerk must provide access. Fees are set by law.

Legal Resources

Louisiana Law Help provides free online guides on Louisiana divorce law, forms, and court procedures. It is a good starting point for anyone handling a divorce without a private attorney. The site covers everything from how to file the petition to how to finalize the judgment.

Legal aid resources serve Washington Parish residents. Contact the clerk's office for referrals to local legal aid organizations if you need help affording an attorney.

Nearby Parishes

Washington Parish is in southeastern Louisiana. See St. Tammany Parish to the south, which shares the 22nd Judicial District, and Tangipahoa Parish to the west. Each parish maintains its own separate clerk of court and civil record set.