St. Landry Parish Public Records /St. Landry Parish Divorce Records

St. Landry County Divorce Records

What Are St. Landry County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in St. Landry Parish are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code § 103, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition for divorce, financial disclosures, custody arrangements, property settlements, and the final judgment of divorce.

The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records. As mandated by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, these documents are preserved to:

Provide legal proof of marital status change
Enable individuals to legally remarry
Support name change processes
Verify eligibility for Social Security benefits
Establish documentation for loan applications
Substantiate immigration matters
Serve as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings

Divorce records in St. Landry Parish are categorized as both vital records and court records, reflecting their dual importance in documenting both personal status changes and judicial proceedings.

Are St. Landry County Divorce Records Public?

The public accessibility of divorce records in St. Landry Parish follows a nuanced framework established by Louisiana law. Under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:31, divorce records are generally considered public documents. However, the degree of access varies depending on the specific type of record and the information contained therein.

Court divorce case files, including petitions, responses, and final judgments, are typically accessible to the public with certain exceptions:

Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and minor children's information may be redacted or restricted
Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders that seal certain documents
Records that a judge has specifically ordered sealed for compelling privacy reasons

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Louisiana law, these documents are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals who can demonstrate a legitimate legal interest

The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records and implements access protocols in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking divorce records must comply with established procedures and may be required to provide identification and complete formal request forms.

How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Landry County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in St. Landry Parish may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, which maintains these records in accordance with state law.

To obtain divorce records, requesters should follow these steps:

Complete a records request form, available at the Clerk of Court's office or downloadable from their official website
Provide specific information about the divorce, including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Submit applicable fees (currently $5-25 per record, depending on certification requirements)
Indicate preferred delivery method (in-person pickup, mail, or electronic delivery where available)

St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court

For divorces finalized more than 50 years ago, requesters may need to contact the Louisiana State Archives, which maintains historical court records. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Health's Vital Records Registry may provide verification of divorce for certain administrative purposes.

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the age and accessibility of records, with recent records typically available more promptly than historical documents.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in St. Landry County Online?

St. Landry Parish offers limited online access to divorce records through digital platforms maintained by the Clerk of Court. The online search capabilities allow members of the public to locate basic case information, though comprehensive document access typically requires in-person requests.

To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's official website
Navigate to the "Court Records" or "Case Search" section
Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
Enter search criteria, which may include:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range
- Case type (select "Divorce" or "Family Law")
Review the search results, which typically display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned

Online access generally provides case indexes rather than complete documents. The system displays basic information about divorce proceedings, including filing dates, party names, and case status. To obtain copies of actual documents, requesters must typically:

Note the case number and relevant information from the online search
Submit a formal request to the Clerk's office (either in person, by mail, or through their electronic request system where available)
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction and certification

For cases filed before the implementation of electronic record-keeping, online information may be limited or unavailable. In such instances, requesters should contact the Clerk's office directly for assistance with historical records.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In St. Landry County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in St. Landry Parish have several options, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to official certified copies.

Free access options include:

In-person inspection at the courthouse
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court during regular business hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files (providing names and approximate dates)
- Examine non-sealed documents on-site without charge
- Note that while viewing is free, copying or printing documents incurs standard fees
Public access terminals
- Use computer terminals available at the courthouse
- Search the case management system for basic divorce case information
- Access is limited to case indexes and docket information rather than full documents
Law libraries
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Law Library or nearby academic law libraries
- Access legal research databases that may contain published divorce cases
- Note that only cases involving significant legal questions may be published
Online case indexes
- Basic case information may be viewable through the Clerk's website without fees
- Limited to confirming case existence, filing dates, and general status

Researchers should be aware that while inspection of public records may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents requires payment of established fees. Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or contain confidential information are not available for public inspection regardless of the access method.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In St. Landry County

Divorce records in St. Landry Parish comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.

The standard divorce file includes:

Petition for Divorce
- Initial filing that commences the divorce action
- States grounds for divorce (Louisiana recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds)
- Identifies parties and marriage details
- Outlines preliminary requests regarding property, support, and custody
Citation and Service Documentation
- Proof that the non-filing spouse received legal notice
- Returns of service or waiver of service forms
Responsive Pleadings
- Answer to the petition filed by the responding spouse
- Potential counter-petitions or cross-claims
Financial Disclosures
- Sworn statements of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
- Supporting documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, and property valuations
Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support calculations and orders
- Parenting plans
Property Settlement Agreements
- Detailed division of marital assets and debts
- Allocation of retirement accounts and pensions
- Disposition of the family home and other real property
Judgment of Divorce
- Final court order terminating the marriage
- Incorporates all agreements or court determinations
- Restores maiden name if requested
- Contains judge's signature and court seal
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable)
- Modifications to custody, support, or property division
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation

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

How To Get Proof of Divorce In St. Landry County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in St. Landry Parish may obtain this documentation through established procedures administered by the Clerk of Court. Official proof of divorce serves as legal verification of marital status change and is frequently required for remarriage, name changes, and various administrative purposes.

To obtain proof of divorce, requesters should:

Submit a formal request to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
- Complete the "Request for Certified Copies" form
- Provide specific case information including names of both parties and approximate divorce date
- Include a copy of government-issued photo identification
Specify the type of proof needed
- Certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce (most comprehensive)
- Certificate of Divorce (abbreviated document confirming divorce)
- Verification letter (simple confirmation of divorce status)
Pay the required fees
- Certified Judgment of Divorce: $10-25 (varies by page count)
- Certificate of Divorce: $5-10
- Verification letter: $5
- Additional copies: $1-5 each
Choose delivery method
- In-person pickup (available same day for recent records)
- Mail delivery (include self-addressed stamped envelope)
- Expedited courier service (additional fees apply)

St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court

For divorces finalized in St. Landry Parish but occurring more than 50 years ago, requesters should contact the Louisiana State Archives, which maintains historical court records. The Archives requires similar documentation but may have different fee structures and processing timeframes.

Authorized representatives, including attorneys and legal proxies, may request proof of divorce on behalf of involved parties with proper documentation of their authority to act as agent.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In St. Landry County?

While divorce proceedings in St. Landry Parish are generally matters of public record, Louisiana law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by both statutory provisions and judicial discretion.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealing by Judicial Order
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of divorce records
- Judges evaluate requests based on Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure § 1426
- Compelling privacy interests must outweigh the public's right to access
- Common grounds include protection from harassment, safeguarding business information, or preventing identity theft
Automatic Confidentiality Protections
- Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's identifying information receive redaction
- Medical records and psychological evaluations introduced as evidence
- Income tax returns and detailed financial disclosures
- Allegations of domestic abuse under Louisiana Domestic Abuse Assistance Act § 46:2131
Protective Orders
- When domestic violence is involved, protective orders may restrict access to case information
- Address confidentiality programs may shield location information of abuse victims
Alternative Dispute Resolution Records
- Mediation communications and settlement negotiations
- Collaborative divorce process documents prior to court filing

To request confidentiality, parties must:

File a formal motion to seal records with the court
Demonstrate specific, serious harm that would result from public disclosure
Propose the least restrictive confidentiality measures necessary
Attend a hearing where the judge will evaluate the request

Even when records are sealed, certain government agencies retain access for official purposes. Additionally, parties to the divorce and their legal representatives maintain access to all records regardless of confidentiality designations applied to public access.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In St. Landry County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in St. Landry Parish varies considerably based on several factors, including the type of divorce filed, the complexity of issues involved, and the cooperation level between parties. Louisiana law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual completion times often extend beyond these statutory minimums.

Statutory Waiting Periods:

No-fault divorce based on living separate and apart: 180 days if no minor children; 365 days with minor children (Louisiana Civil Code § 103.1)
Fault-based divorce: No mandatory waiting period, but procedural requirements typically extend timeframes

Typical Timeframes by Divorce Type:

Uncontested Divorces
- Minimum processing time: 2-3 months after separation period
- Average completion time: 3-6 months total
- Factors affecting speed: court calendar congestion, document preparation time, service of process
Contested Divorces
- Minimum processing time: 6 months after separation period
- Average completion time: 9-18 months total
- Complex cases may extend to 24+ months
- Factors affecting duration: property valuation disputes, custody evaluations, discovery complications
Covenant Marriages
- Minimum processing time: 2 years after separation
- Average completion time: 30 months total
- Limited grounds for divorce extend timeframes significantly

According to the Louisiana Judicial Council, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in St. Landry Parish is approximately 8.5 months, though this varies significantly based on case complexity.

Factors that commonly extend divorce timeframes include:

Disputes over child custody and support
Complex property division requiring business valuations or pension calculations
High-conflict relationships necessitating multiple court hearings
Difficulty locating or serving the respondent spouse
Court calendar congestion and continuances
Changes in legal representation during proceedings

Parties seeking expedited resolution may utilize mediation, collaborative divorce processes, or settlement conferences to resolve disputes outside of court, potentially reducing overall timeframes.

How Long Does St. Landry County Keep Divorce Records?

St. Landry Parish maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by Louisiana state law and administrative regulations. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention schedule for divorce records in St. Landry Parish includes:

Active Court Records
- Complete case files maintained at the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
- Retention period: Permanent for final judgments and decrees
- Supporting documentation: Minimum 10 years from case closure
- Electronic case management system records: Permanent
Historical Records Transfer
- Records older than 50 years may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives
- Transfer occurs pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:408
- Original documents may be microfilmed or digitized prior to transfer
- Indexes to historical records remain with the Clerk of Court
Vital Records Registration
- Divorce certificate registrations: Permanent retention
- Maintained by the Louisiana Department of Health's Vital Records Registry
- Serves as statistical and verification resource
Temporary Supporting Documents
- Discovery materials not entered into evidence: 3 years after case closure
- Financial disclosure forms: 5 years after case closure
- Guardian ad litem reports: 10 years after case closure or until youngest child reaches majority

The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court implements a records management program that includes:

Regular conversion of paper records to digital format
Secure storage of original documents in climate-controlled environments
Disaster recovery protocols to protect against loss
Periodic audits to ensure compliance with retention requirements

Individuals seeking divorce records should note that while the information remains available indefinitely for final judgments, the accessibility and format may change over time. Records from recent decades are typically available in their original form, while historical records may be accessible only in microfilm or digital formats.

How To Get a Divorce In St. Landry County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in St. Landry Parish must follow procedures established by 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 St. Landry Parish, petitioners should:

Determine Eligibility and Grounds
- Confirm residency requirements: either spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for at least 12 months
- Identify appropriate grounds: Louisiana permits no-fault divorce after living separate and apart (180 days without children, 365 days with children)
- Fault-based grounds include adultery, felony conviction, or physical/sexual abuse
Prepare Required Documentation
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Information for Service of Process
- Proposed Judgment (for uncontested cases)
- Child custody and support worksheets (if applicable)
File Documents with the Clerk of Court
- Submit completed forms to:
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $250-400, with additional fees for service)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals through In Forma Pauperis application
Serve Documents on Spouse
- Service through Sheriff's Office or private process server
- Waiver of service possible if spouse cooperates
- Alternative service methods available if spouse cannot be located
Complete Required Waiting Periods
- Adhere to statutory separation periods
- Schedule court date after waiting period expires
Attend Court Proceedings
- Uncontested divorces: Brief hearing to confirm agreement terms
- Contested divorces: Multiple hearings, potentially including temporary orders, discovery disputes, and trial
Obtain Final Judgment
- Judge signs final decree
- Clerk records judgment
- Certified copies available for legal purposes

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings (pro se), but legal representation is advisable, particularly for complex cases involving significant assets or contested custody. The Louisiana State Bar Association provides referral services for those seeking legal counsel.

How To Get Divorce Papers In St. Landry County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in St. Landry Parish require specific legal documents to properly file their case. These divorce papers can be obtained through several channels, depending on the petitioner's circumstances and needs.

Methods for obtaining divorce papers include:

St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
- Visit the Civil Department during business hours:
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
- Request divorce petition packet (specify with or without children)
- Forms provided include basic pleadings only; customization may be necessary
- Nominal fee applies for form packets (typically $10-25)
Louisiana Supreme Court Self-Help Resources
- Access standardized divorce forms through the Louisiana Supreme Court's website
- Forms available include:
  - Petition for Divorce
  - Verification
  - Affidavit of Facts
  - Motion for Preliminary Default
  - Judgment of Divorce
- Download and print forms at no cost
- Instructions included for completion
Legal Aid Organizations
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- Services include form provision, completion guidance, and limited representation
- Income eligibility requirements apply
Private Attorneys
- Retain legal counsel to prepare customized divorce documents
- Attorney fees vary significantly ($1,000-5,000+ depending on complexity)
- Most comprehensive option, particularly for complex cases
Online Legal Document Services
- Commercial websites offer Louisiana-specific divorce forms
- Fees typically range from $150-300
- Quality and compliance with local rules vary; use with caution

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they receive all necessary documents, which typically include:

Petition for Divorce
Verification form
Civil Cover Sheet
Summons
Affidavit of Income and Expenses (for cases involving support)
Child custody and support worksheets (if applicable)
Property division forms (for cases involving significant assets)

Self-represented litigants should note that while standardized forms are available, they may not address all circumstances. Complex situations involving substantial assets, business interests, or contested custody may require customized legal documents prepared by an attorney.