Lafourche Parish Public Records /Lafourche Parish Divorce Records

Lafourche County Divorce Records

What Are Lafourche County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Lafourche Parish are official legal documents maintained by the parish court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are governed by Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of petitions, judgments, and decrees that formally terminate a marriage contract.

The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining them as part of the parish's permanent legal archives. Divorce records serve multiple essential functions:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change proceedings
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research resources

Under Louisiana law, divorce records are categorized as vital records and are maintained according to specific retention schedules established by state statute. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records in both physical and digital formats to ensure their preservation and accessibility.

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

Are Lafourche County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Lafourche Parish maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Lafourche Parish is structured as follows:

Generally Public: Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, filing dates, and final judgment dates
Limited Access: Financial affidavits, child custody evaluations, and certain settlement agreements
Restricted Access: Records sealed by court order, cases involving domestic violence, or matters concerning minor children's welfare

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:4.1, certain divorce record components may be exempt from public disclosure when they contain sensitive personal information or when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Additionally, certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to:

Former spouses named in the divorce
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with legitimate legal interest and court order

The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court balances the public's right to information with privacy protections established under state law. Individuals seeking divorce records must demonstrate proper identification and, in some cases, legal standing to access certain components of these records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Lafourche County in 2026

Individuals seeking divorce records in Lafourche Parish may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court, which maintains comprehensive archives of all divorce proceedings filed within the parish.

To obtain divorce records, requesters should follow these steps:

Determine the appropriate office: Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted
Gather necessary information: Full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number (if known)
Submit a formal request: Complete the records request form available through the Clerk's office
Provide identification: Present valid government-issued photo ID
Pay applicable fees: Standard search and copy fees apply (currently $5.00 per name searched and $1.00 per page copied)
Specify delivery method: In-person pickup, mail delivery, or electronic delivery (where available)

For in-person requests, visitors may utilize the public access terminals at:

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

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and send payment in the form of money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted for mail requests. The Louisiana Department of Health provides additional guidance on obtaining certified copies of vital records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lafourche County Online?

Lafourche Parish offers digital access to certain divorce record information through the Clerk of Court's online portal. This system provides a convenient method for conducting preliminary research and locating basic case information without visiting the courthouse in person.

To search for divorce records online, follow these steps:

Visit the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Records Search portal
Select "Civil Records" from the available search options
Create a user account if you don't already have one (free registration required)
Enter search criteria such as party names, case numbers, or date ranges
Review the search results, which will display basic case information
Note that complete case files may not be available online; some documents require in-person inspection

The online system provides access to:

Case numbers and filing dates
Party names and attorney information
Docket entries and case status
Judgment information
Limited document images (for non-confidential filings)

Important limitations of the online system include:

Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
Confidential or sealed records are not accessible online
Complete case files typically require in-person inspection
Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online portal

For comprehensive searches or certified copies, requesters should contact the Clerk's office directly or visit in person. The Lafourche Parish government website provides additional information about available parish services.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lafourche County?

Lafourche Parish residents and researchers may access certain divorce record information without payment through several available channels. While obtaining certified copies typically involves fees, preliminary research and basic information can often be accessed at no cost.

Free access options for divorce records include:

Public Access Terminals: The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court provides public access computers at the courthouse for on-site research. While printing documents incurs fees, viewing records on-screen is free.
Online Case Information: Basic case information is available through the Clerk of Court's online portal. Registration is required but free, and users can view basic case information without charge (though document downloads may incur fees).
Public Libraries: The Lafourche Parish Library system offers free internet access and may maintain local history collections that include divorce indexes or historical records.
Louisiana State Archives: For historical divorce records (generally over 50 years old), the State Archives may provide research assistance without charge, though copy fees apply.

When utilizing free access methods, researchers should note:

Records may be limited to basic information rather than complete files
Older records might not be digitized or easily accessible
Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees

Lafourche Parish Library - Main Branch
705 West 5th Street
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-4119
Lafourche Parish Library

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lafourche County

Divorce records in Lafourche Parish comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 103 and contain multiple components that document different aspects of the divorce proceeding.

A complete divorce record file typically includes:

Petition for Divorce: The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
Citation and Service Documentation: Proof that the respondent received legal notice
Answer and Counterclaim: Respondent's formal reply to the petition
Financial Disclosures: Sworn statements detailing assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
Property Settlement Agreements: Documents outlining division of marital property
Child Custody and Support Orders: Determinations regarding minor children
Temporary Orders: Court directives in effect during the pendency of the case
Final Judgment/Decree of Divorce: The court's final ruling that legally terminates the marriage
Name Change Orders: Documentation if either party resumed a former name
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Instructions for dividing retirement accounts

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of marital assets. Records from contested divorces typically contain more extensive documentation, including transcripts of hearings, expert witness testimony, and detailed findings of fact.

The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules, ensuring their preservation for legal and historical purposes.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lafourche County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Lafourche Parish must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Clerk of Court. This official document serves as conclusive evidence that a marriage was legally dissolved and is accepted for all legal purposes.

To obtain proof of divorce, follow these procedures:

Submit a formal request to the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court where the divorce was granted
Provide specific information including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
Present valid identification such as driver's license, passport, or state ID
Pay the required fee - currently $5.00 for the search plus $1.00 per page for copies, with an additional $5.00 for certification
Specify delivery method - in-person pickup, mail delivery, or expedited shipping

For mail requests, include:

Completed request form
Copy of valid identification
Self-addressed stamped envelope
Payment by money order or cashier's check

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted, as these records are not maintained by the state vital records office.

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

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lafourche County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Lafourche Parish may be granted confidential status. While Louisiana generally maintains court records as public documents, specific provisions exist to protect sensitive information and vulnerable parties.

Divorce records may be sealed or redacted in the following situations:

By Court Order: A judge may seal records upon motion by either party demonstrating good cause, such as:
- Protection of business trade secrets
- Prevention of identity theft
- Safeguarding sensitive financial information
- Protecting reputation from unfounded allegations
Statutory Protections: Certain information is automatically protected under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Victims of domestic violence
Protective Orders: When domestic abuse is alleged, associated records may be sealed to protect victim safety
Covenant Marriage Divorces: Records related to mandatory counseling sessions remain confidential

The process for requesting confidentiality includes:

Filing a motion to seal with the court
Demonstrating compelling reasons that outweigh public interest
Obtaining a court order specifying which documents are sealed
Ensuring proper redaction of sensitive information in public filings

Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, including the names of the parties, case number, and the fact that a divorce was granted. The complete sealing of an entire divorce case is rare and requires exceptional circumstances.

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to determine appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with public records laws.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lafourche County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Lafourche Parish varies significantly based on multiple factors, including the type of divorce filed, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Louisiana law establishes minimum waiting periods that affect timeline expectations.

Typical timeframes for Lafourche Parish divorces include:

Uncontested Divorces (No Minor Children)
- Minimum 180 days separation required under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103.1
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks after filing (if all paperwork complete)
- Total time: Approximately 7-8 months from separation to final decree
Uncontested Divorces (With Minor Children)
- Minimum 365 days separation required by statute
- Processing time: 3-6 weeks after filing
- Total time: Approximately 13-14 months from separation to final decree
Contested Divorces
- Preliminary hearings: 30-60 days after filing
- Discovery phase: 3-6 months
- Pre-trial conferences: 1-2 months
- Trial scheduling: 2-6 months (depending on court docket)
- Total time: 18-36 months from filing to resolution
Covenant Marriages
- Require counseling and extended waiting periods
- Typically add 3-6 months to standard timeframes

Factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:

Complex property division issues
Business valuation requirements
Child custody disputes
Relocation issues
Limited court availability
Attorney scheduling conflicts
Mediation or counseling requirements

According to court statistics, approximately 65% of divorces filed in Lafourche Parish are resolved within 12 months of initial filing. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court can provide current information regarding case processing times and court schedules.

How Long Does Lafourche County Keep Divorce Records?

Lafourche Parish maintains divorce records according to Louisiana's comprehensive records retention schedule, which establishes specific timeframes for preserving various categories of court documents. These retention policies ensure the long-term availability of important legal records while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention periods for divorce records in Lafourche Parish are as follows:

Permanent Retention
- Final Judgments and Decrees of Divorce
- Property Settlement Agreements
- Child Custody Determinations
- Name Change Orders
- Case Indices and Docket Books
Extended Retention (75+ years)
- Financial Affidavits and Property Inventories
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Child Support Orders (until youngest child reaches age 75)
Medium-Term Retention (20-30 years)
- Temporary Orders and Motions
- Procedural Filings and Notices
- Discovery Materials
- Hearing Transcripts
Short-Term Retention (5-10 years)
- Scheduling Notices
- Attorney Appearances
- Routine Correspondence

These retention schedules are established pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36, which governs the preservation of public records. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court implements a hybrid storage system that includes:

Active physical storage for recent records (0-5 years)
Archival physical storage for older records
Microfilm preservation for historical records
Digital scanning and electronic storage (implemented for records from approximately 2000 forward)

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be stored in alternative formats or at the Louisiana State Archives. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court can provide guidance on accessing records from different time periods.

How To Get a Divorce In Lafourche County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Lafourche Parish must follow specific procedures established under Louisiana law. The divorce process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and whether minor children are involved.

To initiate a divorce in Lafourche Parish, follow these steps:

Establish Residency: At least one spouse must have been a Louisiana resident for a minimum of 12 months prior to filing
Determine Grounds for Divorce: Louisiana permits no-fault divorce based on:
- Living separate and apart for 180 days (no minor children)
- Living separate and apart for 365 days (with minor children)
- Fault-based grounds are also available under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103
Prepare Required Documents:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification Form
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Information for Vital Records
File Documents with Clerk of Court:
- Submit paperwork to the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $250-350, with additional fees for service)
- Request service of process on the other spouse
Complete Service of Process:
- Sheriff's service
- Long-arm service (for out-of-state spouses)
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees)
Wait for Response Period:
- Spouse has 15-30 days to respond (depending on service method)
Proceed Based on Response:
- If uncontested: Submit judgment after waiting period expires
- If contested: Participate in case management, discovery, and hearings
Attend Court Hearings (if required)
Obtain Final Judgment

For assistance with divorce proceedings, individuals may:

Consult with a private attorney
Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services for low-income assistance
Utilize self-help resources available through the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court

Lafourche Parish Courthouse
200 Green Street
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 447-4841
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court

How To Get Divorce Papers In Lafourche County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Lafourche Parish must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms. These documents establish the foundation for the divorce case and must be properly prepared to avoid procedural delays.

Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court:
- Visit the Civil Department at the courthouse
- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation
- Basic forms are available for a nominal fee
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain filing procedures
Online Resources:
- The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website provides downloadable forms
- Louisiana Supreme Court website offers standardized domestic forms
- Forms must be printed and properly completed before filing
Legal Aid Organizations:
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides forms and assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- Self-Help Resource Centers at some courthouses offer guidance
Private Attorneys:
- Legal counsel can prepare customized documents
- Attorneys ensure forms address specific circumstances