Search Houma Dissolution of Marriage Records
Houma dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained at the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court, located at 7856 Main Street in downtown Houma. The 32nd Judicial District Court handles all family law matters for Terrebonne Parish residents, including dissolution of marriage cases. The clerk's office holds records dating back to 1915 and provides both in-person and online access to case files and certified copies of judgments for anyone with a legitimate need to search these public records.
Houma Quick Facts
Where to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Houma
Houma residents file all dissolution of marriage cases at the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court. The clerk's office and the 32nd Judicial District Court share the same building at 7856 Main Street. Clerk Jodie P. Burton oversees all civil and family records maintained by the office. The clerk can be reached at (985) 868-5660 for general inquiries about records and case filings.
The 32nd Judicial District Court has five judges who handle family law matters. The court's main line is (985) 868-3600. All dissolution of marriage petitions, motions, and judgments are filed through the clerk's office. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed on state and federal holidays.
The clerk's office maintains public records going back to 1915. For older records, allow extra time when making your request. Staff can help you locate cases by name, approximate date, or case number. Call ahead to confirm the best way to request a very old record before you make the trip downtown.
The ClerkConnect portal provides remote online access to Terrebonne Parish court records, including dissolution of marriage case information. You can search by case number, party name, or document type.
ClerkConnect gives Houma residents online access to dissolution of marriage case records from home, without a trip to the courthouse. Both civil and family searches are available through the portal.
| Court | 32nd Judicial District Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Jodie P. Burton, Clerk of Court |
| Address | 7856 Main Street, Suite 100 Houma, LA 70360 |
| Phone | (985) 868-5660 |
| Court Phone | (985) 868-3600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Records From | 1915 to present |
How to Search Houma Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search dissolution of marriage records in Houma three ways: in person at the clerk's office, online through the eClerks portal for civil searches, or by mail. The public records portal allows searches by case number, party name, or document type. Most people start with a name search when they do not have a case number handy.
For an in-person search, visit the clerk's office during business hours and ask for the civil or family division. Staff will help you locate the case file. Public terminals may be available in the courthouse for basic searches at no cost. Bring as much information as you can, including full names of both parties and an approximate year of filing.
To request records by mail, write to the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court at 7856 Main Street, Suite 100, Houma, LA 70360. Include the names of both parties, the year of the case, and payment for copy fees. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your copies.
The eClerks portal handles civil records searches online. This is a good option if you need to check case status or find a case number before visiting in person. Not all documents are available for download through the public portal, so in-person or mail requests may still be needed for full certified copies.
The Law Library of Louisiana divorce guide explains how Louisiana dissolution of marriage records are maintained and how to find them. It covers the difference between court case files and vital records.
The Law Library of Louisiana offers free online guides to Louisiana divorce law and record access. These guides are useful if you are searching for older Houma dissolution of marriage records or want to understand what documents are public.
Houma Dissolution of Marriage Record Fees
The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court charges set fees for searches and copies of dissolution of marriage records. A civil record search costs $15. A family court record search also costs $15. These search fees apply when you ask the clerk's office to locate a record for you.
Certified copies of dissolution of marriage documents cost $5 for the first page, plus $1 for each additional page. Regular uncertified copies cost $1 per page. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, such as remarriage or a name change, make sure to ask for a certified copy specifically when you submit your request.
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying low-income residents. Ask the clerk about the In Forma Pauperis process if you cannot afford the standard fees for filing or copying. Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office include cash, check, and credit card, though you should confirm accepted payment types before your visit.
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Process in Houma
Houma residents file for dissolution of marriage at the 32nd Judicial District Court under Louisiana state law. At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for the six months prior to filing. Terrebonne Parish is the proper venue when either spouse lives in the parish at the time of filing.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 allows a couple to file a petition for dissolution of marriage before the required separation period is complete. After filing, there is a waiting period of 180 days when no minor children are involved. When minor children are part of the case, the wait is 365 days. This is the most common approach when the parties have not yet been separated long enough to file immediately.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, spouses who have already been living separate and apart for the required period can file and receive a judgment of dissolution of marriage without the post-filing wait. This process is faster. Article 103 also covers fault-based grounds for dissolution of marriage.
Louisiana is a community property state. All property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally. The dissolution of marriage judgment will address the division of community property under Civil Code Article 2325. Each spouse keeps their own separate property, which includes things owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during it.
The 32nd JDC offers a self-help resource with free legal forms for custody, divorce, and court procedures. Ask the clerk's office about available self-help materials if you plan to handle your own dissolution of marriage case without an attorney.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Houma
Houma residents who need legal help with dissolution of marriage cases can contact legal aid organizations that serve Terrebonne Parish. South Louisiana Legal Services offers help to qualifying low-income residents. Call 211 to reach local referral services and get connected to the right resource.
The Terrebonne Parish Bar Association can refer you to a local family law attorney who handles dissolution of marriage cases. The 32nd JDC Self-Help program provides free forms for custody, divorce, and court procedures for people who represent themselves. The Louisiana State Bar Association's website also lists resources for finding legal help across the state.
The Louisiana State Bar Association legal resources guide is available online and covers how to find a lawyer and what to expect from the dissolution of marriage process in Louisiana.
Note: Houma City Court at 8046 Main Street handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. It does NOT handle dissolution of marriage cases. All dissolution of marriage filings go to the 32nd JDC Clerk of Court at 7856 Main Street.
Terrebonne Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records
Houma is the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish. All dissolution of marriage cases for Houma residents are filed and maintained by the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court. Visit the Terrebonne Parish page for full court details, fee schedules, online access information, and other resources related to dissolution of marriage records in the parish.