Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in New Orleans
New Orleans dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, located at 421 Loyola Avenue in downtown New Orleans. New Orleans and Orleans Parish share the same geographic boundaries, so all city residents file through the parish court system. The Clerk of Civil District Court maintains all dissolution of marriage case files and provides certified copies of judgments to the public.
New Orleans Quick Facts
Where to File for Dissolution of Marriage in New Orleans
New Orleans residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. The Clerk of Civil District Court is Chelsey Richard Napoleon. Dissolution of marriage matters fall under the Civil Division, specifically Docket 5, which handles separations, divorces, rules for custody, name changes, and related family law matters. The Domestic Docket phone is (504) 407-0046. The general clerk's line is (504) 407-0000.
All documents recorded and filed in the clerk's office are scanned and accessible electronically online. Active cases are kept in the Record Room in numerical order. Completed cases are stored at a warehouse unless the record pertains to inheritance rights, property title, or marital status. The Annex Record Room houses Successions and Domestic Cases from 1918 to 2003. Allow extra time when requesting records from the Annex or warehouse storage.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court clerk website provides access to online records, downloadable forms, and department contacts.
The clerk's website provides forms, department contacts, and information about the online records access system for New Orleans dissolution of marriage cases.
| Court | Orleans Parish Civil District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402 New Orleans, LA 70112 |
| Main Phone | (504) 407-0000 |
| Domestic Docket | (504) 407-0046 |
| Record Room | (504) 407-0036 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | orleanscivilclerk.com |
New Orleans Dissolution of Marriage Forms
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court forms page provides downloadable PDFs for dissolution of marriage filings. These include the Cover Sheet for All Actions for Divorce or Annulment, Statement of Income and Expenses, Motion for Preliminary Default, the In Forma Pauperis Affidavit for fee waivers, and protective order petition forms. Having these forms filled out before you arrive at the clerk's office speeds up the filing process.
Forms are organized by docket type on the forms page. Dissolution of marriage and related domestic matters fall under the Docket 5 section.
The Civil Departments page on the clerk's website lists all division contacts including the Domestic Docket. Three free copies of any final dispositive judgment are given to parties who request them at the time the judgment is signed. After that point, standard copy fees apply.
The departments page helps you identify the right contact for your type of dissolution of marriage matter, whether it involves property, custody, or other issues.
How to Search New Orleans Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records can be searched at the Record Room counter in the courthouse by filling out a request form. Provide the case information you have, including the names of both parties and an approximate date. The Record Room phone is (504) 407-0036. For cases stored in the Annex or warehouse, allow extra retrieval time when making your request.
An online remote access system is available through the clerk's office for searching case information digitally. Subscriptions and fees apply for full document access. Basic case searches may be available at public terminals in the courthouse at no cost during business hours.
To search dissolution of marriage records in New Orleans, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number if you have it
For a mail request, send your written request with the case details, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Orleans Parish Civil District Court, 421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402, New Orleans, LA 70112.
New Orleans Dissolution of Marriage Record Fees
Certified copies of dissolution of marriage documents from the Orleans Parish Civil District Court cost $3.00 per page. Uncertified copies cost $1.00 per page. Three free copies of any dispositive judgment are provided to parties who request them at the time the judgment is signed by the judge. After that point, standard per-page copy fees apply for all requests.
Filing fees for a new dissolution of marriage case are set by the court. Effective January 1, 2026, filing fees were increased. Call the clerk at (504) 407-0000 to confirm current rates before you file. Service through the Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff adds a charge on top of the filing fee. If you have low income, you may request a fee waiver by filing the In Forma Pauperis Affidavit form available on the clerk's forms page.
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Process in New Orleans
New Orleans residents follow Louisiana state law when filing for dissolution of marriage in Orleans Parish. At least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941. If you live in New Orleans, you file at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. You do not need to have been in Orleans Parish for any minimum period, but Louisiana residency of six months is required.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, a no-fault dissolution of marriage filed before the required separation period is complete requires 180 days of waiting after the petition is filed when no minor children are involved, or 365 days when minor children are part of the case. Under Article 103, spouses who have already been living separate and apart for the required time can file and get a judgment of dissolution of marriage quickly without the post-filing wait. Uncontested cases with agreed-upon terms can move faster than contested ones.
Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. All property acquired during the marriage belongs equally to both spouses. The dissolution of marriage judgment divides community property. Each spouse keeps their separate property.
Note: The Record Room keeps hard copies of active cases. Older domestic cases from 1918 to 2003 are in the Annex. Cases prior to 1918 may require additional research steps.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in New Orleans
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of New Orleans who need help with dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to reach local services and find out if you qualify. The New Orleans Bar Association can connect you with a family law attorney who handles dissolution of marriage cases in Orleans Parish.
The Law Library of Louisiana divorce guide covers Articles 102 and 103 in plain language and is available free online. It is a good starting point before you file. The clerk's forms page has the In Forma Pauperis Affidavit if you need to ask for a fee waiver. Louisiana Law Help provides step-by-step guides for people handling their own dissolution of marriage case.
Orleans Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records
New Orleans is in Orleans Parish. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. For more detail on the parish court system, full department contacts, historical records, and related resources, visit the Orleans Parish dissolution of marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities in and around the New Orleans metro area also file dissolution of marriage cases through their parish courts. Each city links to its own page with local courthouse details and resources.