Louisiana processes over 15,000 divorce cases annually, with each case generating official records that become part of the state's public records system. A Louisiana divorce certificate, also known as a divorce decree, serves as legal proof that a marriage has been officially ended by the courts. Unlike birth certificates or marriage certificates issued by the Louisiana Department of Health, divorce records are maintained by the clerk of court in the parish where the divorce was granted, making the process of obtaining these documents different from other vital records.
Louisiana Divorce Records
Louisiana divorce records are legal documents that provide official proof of a marriage's dissolution. These records contain important information about the divorce proceedings and the final court decision. The state treats divorce records as public documents, which means most people can access them, though there are specific rules about who can get certified copies.
The Louisiana court system maintains these records permanently, unlike some other states that may limit how long they keep divorce files. This permanent storage ensures that people can obtain copies of their divorce papers many years after the divorce was finalized. The records include details about property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support when these issues were part of the divorce case.
Louisiana law requires that all divorce proceedings go through the court system, either through the traditional court process or through alternative methods like mediation. Regardless of how the divorce was completed, the final divorce decree becomes an official court record that gets filed with the clerk of court in the parish where the case was heard.
Types of Divorce Documents Available
Louisiana provides different types of divorce-related documents depending on what information someone needs. Understanding these different document types helps people request the right paperwork for their specific situation.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
The main document people need is the divorce decree, which is the official court order that ends the marriage. This document contains the judge's final decision and includes all the terms of the divorce. Some people call this a "divorce certificate," but the proper legal term is "divorce decree" or "Final Judgment of Divorce."
The divorce decree includes basic information like the names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, the case number, and whether the court awarded attorney fees to either party. If the divorce involved property division, child custody, or spousal support, those details appear in separate documents that are part of the complete court file.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Louisiana courts provide both certified and uncertified copies of divorce records. Certified copies have an official seal and signature from the clerk of court, making them legally valid for official purposes like changing your name, updating insurance policies, or proving your marital status for new marriage licenses.
Uncertified copies contain the same information but lack the official seal. These copies work fine for personal records or informal verification, but banks, government agencies, and other official organizations typically require certified copies for legal transactions.
Who Can Get Louisiana Divorce Records
Louisiana law allows different levels of access to divorce records depending on the relationship to the case and the type of document requested. Understanding these access rules helps people know what they can obtain and what documentation they might need to provide.
Public Access to Divorce Records
Since divorce proceedings are public court cases, the basic divorce records are available to anyone who requests them. This means any member of the public can go to the appropriate clerk of court office and request copies of divorce decrees, even for people they don't know.
However, this public access typically applies only to the basic divorce decree. Detailed financial information, private settlement agreements, and other sensitive documents may have restricted access. The court file may contain documents that are sealed or confidential, especially when minor children are involved.
Restricted Access for Detailed Records
While basic divorce information is public, detailed records often have limited access. People who can typically obtain complete records include the divorced parties themselves, their attorneys, immediate family members like parents and adult children, and legal representatives acting on behalf of the parties.
The following people usually qualify for full access to divorce records:
- The divorced spouses named in the case
- Legal representatives or attorneys for the parties
- Parents of the divorced parties
- Adult children of the divorced parties
- Court-appointed guardians or conservators
- People with valid court orders requiring access
People requesting detailed records may need to provide identification and prove their relationship to the case. Some courts require notarized statements or other documentation before releasing complete files to family members or legal representatives.
Where to Get Your Louisiana Divorce Certificate
The location where you can obtain Louisiana divorce records depends on where the divorce case was filed and completed. Unlike other vital records that might be available from multiple state agencies, divorce records are only available from specific local court offices.
Parish Clerk of Court Offices
Every Louisiana divorce case is handled by a district court in one of the state's 64 parishes. The clerk of the court in that specific parish maintains the official records for all divorce cases heard in their court. This means you must contact the clerk of the court office in the parish where the divorce was granted, not just any parish where you might have lived.
For example, if your divorce was finalized in Orleans Parish, you must contact the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court's office. If the divorce happened in East Baton Rouge Parish, that's where the records are kept. Moving to a different parish after your divorce doesn't change where your divorce records are stored.
Each parish has its own procedures, fees, and office hours. Some larger parishes have websites where you can search for cases and sometimes order copies online. Smaller parishes may require in-person visits or mail requests.
Online Access Options
Many Louisiana parishes now provide online access to court records, including divorce cases. These online systems allow people to search for cases using names, case numbers, or dates. However, online access usually shows only basic case information, not complete documents.
Online systems that provide divorce record access include databases for larger parishes like Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and East Baton Rouge Parish. These systems typically allow searching by party names or case numbers, and some permit downloading basic documents directly from the website.
Even when online access is available, obtaining certified copies usually requires contacting the clerk's office directly. The online systems serve as a way to locate cases and verify information, but the official certified documents typically must be requested through traditional methods.
How to Request Divorce Records
The process for requesting Louisiana divorce records varies by parish, but most follow similar basic procedures. Understanding these common steps helps people prepare their requests properly and avoid delays.
Required Information for Requests
Most clerk of court offices require specific information to locate divorce records. Having this information ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance of errors. The basic information needed typically includes both parties' full names as they appeared in the divorce case, the approximate date when the divorce was granted, and the parish where the case was filed.
Additional helpful information includes the case number if known, the name of the judge who handled the case, and the names of any attorneys involved. While this extra information isn't always required, it can help the clerk's office locate records more quickly, especially for common names or older cases.
Required Information | Why It's Needed | Alternatives |
Full names of both parties | To locate the correct case file | Maiden names, nicknames used |
Date of divorce | To narrow the search timeframe | Approximate year if exact date unknown |
Parish where granted | Records stored by the parish | Check multiple parishes if uncertain |
Case number | Direct access to the file | Can be found with names and dates |
Request Methods and Procedures
Louisiana parishes typically accept divorce record requests through three main methods: in-person visits, mail requests, and online submissions, where available. Each method has advantages and specific requirements.
In-person requests often provide the fastest service and allow immediate clarification of any questions. Visitors can review available documents and decide which copies they need. Most clerk offices accept cash, checks, or money orders for fees, though credit card acceptance varies by parish.
Mail requests require complete information and payment in advance. Request letters should include all identifying information, specify whether certified or uncertified copies are needed, and include payment for estimated fees. Including a self-addressed stamped envelope can speed return delivery.
Processing Times and Fees
Processing times for divorce record requests vary significantly between parishes and depend on the request method. In-person requests often receive same-day service, while mail requests may take one to three weeks. Online requests through parish websites are typically processed within a few business days.
Fees for divorce records also vary by parish but generally range from $5 to $25 per copy for basic divorce decrees. Certified copies typically cost more than uncertified copies. Additional fees may apply for copies of complete court files, expedited service, or multiple copies.
Some parishes charge flat fees regardless of document length, while others charge per page. Court files for complex divorces involving significant assets or custody disputes can be quite lengthy, potentially resulting in higher copying costs.
Your Divorce Certificate
Louisiana divorce certificates contain specific information that serves different purposes. Understanding what information appears on these documents helps people determine if they have what they need for their intended use.
Information Included in Divorce Records
The basic divorce decree includes fundamental information about the case and the court's decision. This typically includes the full legal names of both parties, the case number assigned by the court, the date the divorce was granted, and the judge's signature and official seal.
Additional information may include the grounds for divorce (such as living separate and apart for the required time period), any name changes granted as part of the divorce, court costs and who was ordered to pay them, and basic statements about property division or support obligations.
Detailed information about property settlements, child custody arrangements, and financial support typically appears in separate documents that are part of the complete court file. These might include settlement agreements, custody orders, and support calculation worksheets.
Special Situations and Considerations
Certain circumstances create unique challenges or requirements for obtaining Louisiana divorce records. Understanding these special situations helps people navigate potential complications and plan accordingly.
Old Divorce Records
Louisiana courts have maintained divorce records for many decades, and most older records remain available. However, very old records may be stored differently or may have limited information compared to modern computerized systems.
Records from 50 years or more ago may be archived in different locations or may require special handling. Some older records may have deteriorated or may be stored on microfilm, potentially affecting copy quality. Despite these challenges, most Louisiana parishes can locate and provide copies of divorce records dating back many decades.
The format and detail level of older divorce records may differ from current documents. Earlier records might have less detailed information or may use different legal language. However, they still serve as valid proof of divorce for legal purposes.
Interstate Recognition
Louisiana divorce certificates are recognized as valid legal documents throughout the United States. Other states must give "full faith and credit" to Louisiana court orders, including divorce decrees. This means a Louisiana divorce certificate can be used for legal purposes in any other state.
However, different states may have varying requirements for what documentation they need for specific purposes. Some states might require additional authentication or may have specific forms that need to be completed along with the divorce certificate.
Multiple Copies and Amendments
Many people find it helpful to obtain multiple certified copies of their divorce decree when initially requesting records. This approach saves time and money compared to making separate requests later when additional copies are needed for different purposes.
Courts typically offer reduced per-copy pricing when multiple copies are requested at the same time. Having several certified copies on hand allows people to submit documents to different agencies simultaneously rather than waiting for documents to be returned before using them elsewhere.
Alternative Access Methods
While the parish clerk of court represents the primary source for Louisiana divorce records, some alternative methods may provide access to basic divorce information or assist with locating records.
Third-Party Services
Commercial services offer assistance with obtaining public records, including divorce documents. These services typically charge fees above the court's standard costs but may provide convenience for people who cannot easily visit court offices or who need help navigating the system.
Third-party services can be particularly helpful for people living far from Louisiana who need divorce records, people who are uncertain about which parish handled their divorce, or those who need assistance with complex requests involving multiple documents.
However, people should verify that third-party services can provide the specific type of documentation needed. Some services may provide only informational copies or summaries rather than certified copies required for legal purposes.
Online Databases and Search Tools
Various online databases provide access to Louisiana court records, including some divorce information. These databases can help locate case information, verify dates, and identify the correct court and case number for official requests.
Online search tools are particularly useful for preliminary research when people need to confirm basic information before making formal record requests. However, these databases typically don't provide complete official documents and shouldn't be relied upon as substitutes for certified court records.
Access Method | Advantages | Limitations |
Parish Clerk Office | Official records, certified copies | Must visit or contact specific parish |
Online Parish Systems | Convenient searching, some downloads | Limited to participating parishes |
Third-Party Services | Assistance with location and process | Higher costs, may not provide certified copies |
Public Record Databases | Helpful for preliminary research | Information only, not official documents |
Planning for Your Record Request
Successful requests for Louisiana divorce records benefit from advance planning and preparation. Understanding the process and gathering necessary information beforehand can save time and prevent complications.
Gathering Necessary Information
Before contacting any clerk of the court office, collect all available information about the divorce case. This includes both parties' full legal names as they appeared in court documents, which may be different from their current names due to remarriage or name changes.
Determine the approximate timeframe when the divorce was granted, even if the exact date isn't known. Court staff can search within date ranges, but having at least the year helps narrow the search significantly.
If possible, locate any existing divorce documents, court papers, or legal correspondence that might contain case numbers, judge names, or attorney information. This additional data can speed the search process and ensure accurate record retrieval.
Budgeting for Costs
Plan for the various costs associated with obtaining divorce records. Beyond the basic copying fees, consider potential expenses for certified copies, expedited processing, shipping or travel costs, and fees for complete court files if detailed information is needed.
Contact the relevant clerk of court office to verify current fees and accepted payment methods before submitting requests. Some offices accept only cash or money orders, while others may accept credit cards or checks.
Timeline Considerations
Allow adequate time for record processing, especially when divorce certificates are needed for time-sensitive purposes like marriage license applications or legal deadlines. In-person requests typically receive the fastest service, but mail and online requests may take several weeks.
Consider seasonal workload variations that might affect processing times. Court offices may be busier during certain times of the year, and holiday periods can extend normal processing times.