Louisiana Dissolution of Marriage Records
Louisiana dissolution of marriage records are public documents held by parish Clerks of Court across all 64 parishes in the state. When a marriage ends through the district court system, the full case file becomes a permanent record at the parish courthouse where it was filed. You can search dissolution of marriage cases online through parish portals, request certified copies in person at the courthouse, or submit a written records request by mail to the Clerk of Court in the parish where the case was heard.
Louisiana Dissolution of Marriage Quick Facts
Where to Find Louisiana Dissolution of Marriage Records
Each of Louisiana's 64 parishes has a Clerk of Court who keeps the official records for all civil cases filed in that parish. This includes dissolution of marriage cases. The Clerk stores every document in the case, from the opening petition through the final judgment signed by the judge. These files are public records, and any person may request them. You do not need to be a party to the case to obtain copies.
The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry is a common source of confusion for people seeking dissolution of marriage records. The registry does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees. Its website makes this clear. If you need the official dissolution of marriage judgment, you must go to the Clerk of Court in the parish where the case was heard. The health department handles birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for Orleans Parish only.
The LDH vital records page confirms that certified divorce decrees must be obtained from the Clerk of Court, not from the state health department.
The LDH marriage and divorce information page also explains the distinction between marriage licenses, certificates, and dissolution of marriage decrees. If your license was purchased in a parish other than Orleans, the Clerk of Court for that parish is your source. The Vital Records Registry only holds Orleans Parish marriage licenses.
Understanding where different documents come from saves time. For any dissolution of marriage judgment or full case file, go directly to the parish clerk.
How to Search Dissolution of Marriage Records Online
Louisiana offers several ways to look up dissolution of marriage records from home. Many parishes use the ClerkConnect portal, a multi-parish records system that lets you search civil and family court cases, view documents, and access case histories online. ClerkConnect is available by subscription. Daily, monthly, and annual access plans are offered. Rates vary by parish. Once you have access, you can search across all participating parishes from a single account.
ClerkConnect covers civil cases, family cases including dissolution of marriage filings, criminal records, land records, and more. E-filing and e-recording services are also available through the same platform.
To find a specific dissolution of marriage case, you need at least one spouse's full name, the approximate year the case was filed, and the parish where it was heard. A case number speeds things up considerably if you already have it.
What Louisiana Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage case file held at the parish Clerk of Court contains all documents filed from the start of the case through the final ruling. The first document is the petition for dissolution of marriage. It names both parties, cites the grounds under Louisiana law, and states what the filing party is requesting from the court. The other spouse's answer follows, along with any counter-petition. Motions filed during the case, temporary orders, and hearing schedules are also part of the file.
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the key document most people need. A judge signs this to formally end the marriage. The judgment covers community property division, child custody and visitation if children are involved, support obligations, and any approved name change. This is the document required when changing a name on official identification, updating a real estate deed, or proving marital status for legal purposes. Certified copies are available from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the judgment was signed.
Dissolution of marriage records in Louisiana typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage (Article 102 or 103)
- Citation and proof of service on the other party
- Answer and any counter-petition filed
- Financial affidavits and community property declarations
- Child custody and support worksheets if applicable
- Community property settlement agreement
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Some parishes now maintain electronic records only. East Baton Rouge Parish, for example, went paperless in 2018. Records filed before that date may require archive retrieval. Call the clerk ahead to ask about older records.
Louisiana Laws on Dissolution of Marriage
Louisiana provides two no-fault paths for dissolution of marriage under Civil Code Articles 102 and 103. Under Article 102, a spouse files the petition before the required separation period ends. After filing, the law sets a waiting period of 180 days when no minor children are involved, or 365 days when minor children are part of the case. During this time, either party can ask for temporary orders on custody or support. The community property regime is terminated retroactively to the date the petition was filed, which matters for property acquired during that waiting period.
Article 103 is the faster path. Under this provision, spouses who have already lived separate and apart for the required waiting period can file and get a judgment of dissolution of marriage quickly, often within weeks. No additional waiting is required after filing because the separation has already occurred. This is the most common way dissolution of marriage cases are concluded in Louisiana when both parties agree on terms.
The Louisiana Supreme Court oversees the district courts that handle all dissolution of marriage cases in each of Louisiana's 42 judicial districts.
The Supreme Court sets procedural rules for district courts statewide, including courts that handle family law and dissolution of marriage matters.
Article 103 also allows fault-based dissolution of marriage in three situations: adultery (with documented proof), a spouse's felony conviction resulting in imprisonment at hard labor, and abuse of a spouse or child supported by a court order or finding. Fault grounds skip the standard waiting period entirely.
Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. All property gained during the marriage belongs equally to both spouses. The court divides community property when granting dissolution. Each spouse keeps separate property, which includes anything owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance.
Residency requirements apply to all dissolution cases. At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for six months before filing. The case must be filed in the parish where either spouse lives. This rule is set by Louisiana law and applies to all no-fault and fault-based filings.
Free Resources for Dissolution of Marriage in Louisiana
The Law Library of Louisiana has a comprehensive guide to dissolution of marriage law. The guide is free and available online. It covers Articles 102 and 103 in plain language, explains the residency rules, describes community property division, and walks through the forms and steps involved. It is one of the best starting points for anyone who wants to understand the process before filing.
The Law Library guide is regularly updated and covers both contested and uncontested dissolution cases.
The Louisiana State Bar court forms page provides forms used in dissolution of marriage cases across Louisiana's judicial districts. You can find petitions, property settlement forms, and custody worksheets. Some forms are free. Others are available at a small cost through the bar's online form system.
Having the right forms before you visit the clerk's office reduces errors and speeds up the filing process.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide free legal help to people with low income who need assistance with dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to find legal aid programs in your area. Each parish's district court self-help center, where available, can also point you to forms and basic procedural information.
Are Louisiana Dissolution of Marriage Records Public
Yes. Dissolution of marriage records in Louisiana are public records under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1. This law gives any person the right to inspect and copy records held by public bodies, including courts. You can request to see any dissolution of marriage case file at the parish Clerk of Court without being a party to the case and without giving a reason for your request.
Some limits apply. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies. Information specifically about minor children may be restricted in some filings. Sealed records require a court order to access, but sealing is rare in routine dissolution of marriage cases. Cases involving domestic violence and active protective orders may have additional access limitations.
Note: Inspecting records in person at the clerk's office is generally free. You pay only for copies, with most parishes charging $1 per page and $5 or more for certified documents.
Browse Dissolution of Marriage Records by Parish
Each of Louisiana's 64 parishes has a Clerk of Court who maintains dissolution of marriage records. Select a parish below to find local contact information, online access options, fees, and courthouse details.
View All 64 Louisiana Parishes
Dissolution of Marriage Records in Louisiana Cities
Residents of Louisiana's major cities file dissolution of marriage cases at the district court serving their parish. Pick a city below to learn more about local resources, courthouse contact information, and how to access records in your area.