Lafourche Parish Public Records /Lafourche Parish Court Records

Lafourche County Court Records

What Is Lafourche County Court Records

Court records in Lafourche Parish (commonly referred to as Lafourche County) constitute the official documentation of judicial proceedings maintained by the various courts operating within the parish jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents generated during legal proceedings pursuant to Louisiana Public Records Law.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce decrees in family law cases

It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Lafourche Parish. While property records, vital statistics, and tax documents are also public records, they are maintained by separate parish offices rather than the court system. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings as defined under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1.

The following courts maintain records within Lafourche Parish:

17th Judicial District Court (state district court)
Lafourche Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
Thibodaux City Court
Lockport Mayor's Court
Golden Meadow Mayor's Court
Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal (for cases appealed from Lafourche Parish)

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Louisiana Judicial Branch oversees the statewide court system, including courts operating in Lafourche Parish.

Are Court Records Public In Lafourche County

Court records in Lafourche Parish are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law and constitutional principles of open courts. The Louisiana Constitution Article XII, Section 3 establishes that "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."

Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:31, any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record, subject to certain exceptions. The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain privacy exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Court judgments and orders
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Property records related to court proceedings
Marriage and divorce records

However, certain records may be sealed or restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court proceedings (per Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Certain family court matters involving minors
Records sealed by judicial order
Grand jury proceedings

It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving Lafourche Parish residents are maintained separately from parish records. Federal cases are governed by federal access rules through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records through its Public Access Policy, which balances transparency with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Lafourche County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Lafourche Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
Pay applicable search and copy fees
Review records on-site or request certified copies

By Mail:

Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court
Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for fees
Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Online Access:

Visit the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website
Register for an account if required
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
Pay any applicable online access fees
Download available documents

For records from the 17th Judicial District Court, contact:

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 818
Thibodaux, LA 70302
(985) 447-4841
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court

For federal court records involving Lafourche Parish residents, utilize the PACER system or contact:

United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7650
Eastern District of Louisiana

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of records must make records available during regular office hours or provide a written reason for denial within three business days.

How To Look Up Court Records in Lafourche County Online?

Lafourche Parish offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources vary in scope and accessibility depending on the court and case type.

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Online Records:

Navigate to the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website
Select "Online Records" or "Case Search"
Create a user account if required
Search using case number, party name, or filing date
Pay applicable access fees via credit card
View or download available documents

This system primarily contains records from the 17th Judicial District Court, including civil, criminal, probate, and family cases. Some documents may only display case summaries rather than full document images.

Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search:

Visit the Louisiana Supreme Court website
Select "Case Search" or "Docket Search"
Enter relevant search criteria
Review basic case information and status

This system provides docket information for cases appealed to higher courts from Lafourche Parish.

Federal Court Records:

For federal cases involving Lafourche Parish residents:

Access the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system
Register for a PACER account
Select the appropriate federal court (typically Eastern District of Louisiana)
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
Pay $0.10 per page viewed (with quarterly billing and fee exemptions available)

As noted by the Western District of Louisiana, "Our non-sealed or restricted cases which contain documents scanned from the court's records are available online" through the PACER system.

For traffic citations and certain minor offenses:

Visit the Louisiana Supreme Court Traffic Ticket Portal
Enter citation number and personal information
View case status and payment options

Online access may be limited for certain case types due to privacy restrictions or technical limitations. Some documents may require in-person requests at the courthouse.

How To Search Lafourche County Court Records for Free?

Lafourche Parish provides several options for accessing court records without payment, though free access may have limitations compared to paid services. Louisiana law guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge, as established in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(A), which states that "the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests."

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Lafourche Parish Courthouse during regular business hours
Request to inspect specific records at the Clerk of Court's office
Provide case information to assist in locating records
Review documents on-site at no charge

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Office
200 Green Street
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-4841
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court

Limited Free Online Access:

The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website offers basic case information at no charge, including:

Case numbers and filing dates
Party names
Case type and status
Scheduled hearing dates
Judge assignments

However, viewing or downloading document images typically requires payment of access fees.

Public Access Terminals:

Free computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching court records. While there is no charge to search, printing documents from these terminals may incur fees.

Law Library Access:

The 17th Judicial District Court Law Library provides free access to certain court records:

Lafourche Parish Law Library
200 Green Street, 2nd Floor
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-4841
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal Court PACER Fee Exemptions:

The PACER system waives fees when usage charges do not exceed $30 per quarter. Additionally, documents accessed via the PACER Case Locator's "Free Opinions Report" are available at no charge.

While inspection is free, obtaining copies of records typically incurs fees. Current copy fees are $1.00 per page for regular copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, as authorized by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:841.

What's Included in a Lafourche County Court Record?

Court records in Lafourche Parish contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
Summons and service of process documentation
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Court orders and rulings on motions
Judgment or dismissal documents
Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records typically include:

Charging documents (bill of information or indictment)
Arrest warrant or summons
Booking information
Bond or bail determination
Arraignment records
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts (if requested)
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation or parole information
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Family Court Records may include:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Visitation schedules
Property division agreements
Protective orders
Name change petitions
Adoption records (typically sealed)

Probate Court Records typically include:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Letters testamentary or of administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Accountings of estate administration
Orders of succession
Property transfer documents

Case Docket Sheets contain:

Chronological listing of all filings
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judge assignments
Attorney information
Filing fees paid
Service of process status

It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children, in accordance with Louisiana Supreme Court Rules.

How Long Does Lafourche County Keep Court Records?

Lafourche Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program and the Louisiana Supreme Court. These retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

General Retention Periods:

Civil Case Files: Minimum of 10 years after final disposition, with cases involving real property, successions, and interdictions kept permanently
Criminal Felony Cases: Permanently maintained
Criminal Misdemeanor Cases: Minimum of 10 years after final disposition
Traffic Citations: 3 years after final disposition
Juvenile Records: Until the subject reaches age 18, then sealed (with exceptions)
Domestic Violence Cases: Permanently maintained
Probate/Succession Records: Permanently maintained
Adoption Records: Permanently maintained (though sealed from public access)
Civil Judgments: 10 years from date of judgment (renewable)
Criminal Judgments: Permanently maintained

These retention periods are established pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which states that "All persons and public bodies having custody or control of any public record... shall preserve them for at least three years from the date on which the public record was made," with specific exceptions for longer retention periods.

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Division provides detailed retention schedules for court records. Additionally, the Louisiana Supreme Court has established specific guidelines for court record retention through its administrative rules.

Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation after their active retention period expires. Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to ensure the long-term accessibility of court records, particularly those with permanent retention requirements.

Individuals seeking older court records should contact the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court to determine availability and access procedures, as some older records may be stored off-site or in archival facilities.

Types of Courts In Lafourche County

Lafourche Parish operates within Louisiana's judicial system with several courts having jurisdiction over different case types and geographic areas. The parish court structure follows the hierarchy established by the Louisiana Judicial Branch.

17th Judicial District Court
200 Green Street
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-4841
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
17th Judicial District Court

This is the primary trial court with general jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $50,000, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases. The court has four divisions, each presided over by an elected judge.

Thibodaux City Court
1309 Canal Boulevard
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 446-7232
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thibodaux City Court

This court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and small claims within Thibodaux city limits.

Justice of the Peace Courts
Lafourche Parish has multiple Justice of the Peace districts:

Justice of the Peace District 1
(985) 632-7598
Hours: By appointment

Justice of the Peace District 2
(985) 537-7706
Hours: By appointment

Justice of the Peace District 3
(985) 693-7759
Hours: By appointment

Justice of the Peace District 4
(985) 447-6997
Hours: By appointment

Justice of the Peace District 5
(985) 537-6786
Hours: By appointment

Justice of the Peace District 6
(985) 798-8397
Hours: By appointment

These courts handle small claims up to $5,000, evictions, and certain civil matters in their respective districts.

Mayor's Courts
Several municipalities in Lafourche Parish operate Mayor's Courts for municipal ordinance violations:

Lockport Mayor's Court
710 Church Street
Lockport, LA 70374
(985) 532-3117
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Golden Meadow Mayor's Court
107 Jervis Drive
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
(985) 475-7942
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Appellate Courts with Jurisdiction over Lafourche Parish:

Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
1600 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 382-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
First Circuit Court of Appeal

Louisiana Supreme Court
400 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 310-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Louisiana Supreme Court

Federal Courts with Jurisdiction over Lafourche Parish:

United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Eastern District of Louisiana

What Types of Cases Do Lafourche County Courts Hear?

The courts in Lafourche Parish adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Louisiana law. Each court type handles specific categories of cases as follows:

17th Judicial District Court:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits exceeding $50,000
Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody, support)
Successions and probate matters
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases
Adoptions
Property disputes and real estate litigation
Personal injury claims
Medical malpractice lawsuits
Complex commercial litigation
Appeals from lower courts within the parish

Thibodaux City Court:

Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
Traffic violations occurring in Thibodaux
Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
Small claims up to $5,000
Eviction proceedings within city limits
City ordinance violations
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Peace bonds

Justice of the Peace Courts:

Small claims up to $5,000
Eviction proceedings
Civil suits up to $5,000
Justice of the peace weddings
Notarial services
Peace bonds

Mayor's Courts:

Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic violations within town limits
Certain misdemeanor offenses
Code enforcement violations

Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal:

Appeals from the 17th Judicial District Court
Supervisory writs from lower courts
Review of administrative agency decisions

Louisiana Supreme Court:

Discretionary review of lower court decisions
Direct appeals in specific case types
Attorney disciplinary matters
Judicial conduct cases
Interpretation of state constitutional questions

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Louisiana Constitution Article V and further defined in the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure.

For federal matters affecting Lafourche Parish residents, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana handles federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights cases, bankruptcy proceedings, patent and copyright disputes, and cases involving federal statutes or the U.S. Constitution.

How To Find a Court Docket In Lafourche County

Court dockets in Lafourche Parish provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. These records are essential for tracking case progress and upcoming court dates. Several methods exist for accessing court dockets:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website
Navigate to the "Case Information" or "Docket Search" section
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
Review the docket listing showing all case events
Note that some online docket access may require registration and fees

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case is filed
Request docket information from the Clerk of Court's office
Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search
Review the docket at public access terminals or in printed form

Telephone Inquiries:

Basic docket information may be available by calling the appropriate court clerk:

17th Judicial District Court: (985) 447-4841
Thibodaux City Court: (985) 446-7232
Justice of the Peace Courts: Contact specific district (listed in previous section)

Court Calendars:

Weekly or monthly court calendars listing scheduled hearings are typically posted:

On courthouse bulletin boards
On the court's official website
At the Clerk of Court's office

For criminal cases, the District Attorney's office may provide docket information:

Lafourche Parish District Attorney's Office
200 Green Street, Suite 311
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-2003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For federal cases involving Lafourche Parish residents, docket information is available through the PACER system or by contacting:

United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7650
Eastern District of Louisiana

Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 251, the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining all court records, including dockets, and making them available for public inspection as required by law.

Which Courts in Lafourche County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Louisiana judicial system, certain courts are designated as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain complete, verbatim transcripts of their proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record-keeping requirements as defined in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:1896.

The following courts in Lafourche Parish are classified as courts not of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts: All six Justice of the Peace districts in Lafourche Parish operate as courts not of record. These courts handle small claims, evictions, and certain civil matters but do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) at the 17th Judicial District Court.

Mayor's Courts:

Lockport Mayor's Court
Golden Meadow Mayor's Court

These municipal courts handle ordinance violations and minor offenses but do not maintain official court reporters or verbatim transcripts. Appeals from Mayor's Courts are heard de novo at the 17th Judicial District Court.

The primary characteristics of courts not of record in Lafourche Parish include:

No court reporter is required to transcribe proceedings
No verbatim record of testimony is maintained
Appeals result in completely new trials (de novo) rather than reviews of the record
Simplified procedures compared to courts of record
Limited jurisdiction over minor matters

In contrast, the following Lafourche Parish courts are courts of record:

17th Judicial District Court
Thibodaux City Court (for certain proceedings)

These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings through court reporters, and appeals from these courts to higher courts are typically based on the official record rather than de novo trials.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established in the Louisiana Constitution Article V and further defined in various statutes governing court procedures and jurisdiction.