Search Bossier Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records
Bossier Parish dissolution of marriage records are held at the Clerk of Court in Benton, where the 26th Judicial District Court processes all family law filings in the parish. You can search records online through ClerkConnect, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a written request by mail to get case documents and certified copies.
Bossier Parish Quick Facts
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Benton is the official keeper of all dissolution of marriage records filed in Bossier Parish. The office holds civil, criminal, land, and court records, and it operates under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, which makes most records available for public inspection at no charge during business hours. You pay only for copies, not for viewing records.
The physical address is 204 Burt Boulevard, Benton, LA 71006. Mailing address is P.O. Box 310, Benton, LA 71006. Main phone is (318) 965-9600. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fax is (318) 965-3765. If you want to reach the 26th JDC judges directly, that line is (318) 965-2217.
The clerk handles dissolution of marriage requests by phone, in person, by mail, and through the ClerkConnect online portal. For certified copies, in-person requests during business hours are the most efficient. Mail requests take longer due to processing and return shipping time.
| Physical Address | 204 Burt Boulevard, Benton, LA 71006 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 310, Benton, LA 71006 |
| Main Phone | (318) 965-9600 |
| Fax | (318) 965-3765 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
26th Judicial District Court Dissolution of Marriage
The 26th Judicial District Court serves both Bossier and Webster Parishes. The court has six elected judges divided across Divisions A through F, plus one appointed hearing officer. All dissolution of marriage cases filed in Bossier Parish go before one of the 26th JDC judges. The court handles civil, criminal, and family law matters for the full district.
The 26th JDC website is the official source for court information, dockets, and forms. The site also provides self-help resources for people handling their own cases. Free legal forms are available for custody, divorce, child support, and court procedures. These forms are particularly useful for uncontested dissolution of marriage cases where both parties agree on all terms.
The 26th JDC site includes information on filing procedures, court rules, and contact information for each division. If you need to check a case status or find out which judge is assigned to a dissolution of marriage matter in Bossier Parish, start at the court's official website.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 lets you file for dissolution of marriage before the spouses have completed their separation. After filing, the law requires a waiting period. That period is 180 days when no minor children are involved. It extends to 365 days when either spouse has minor children living with them. Article 103 applies once the parties have already been living apart for the required time and want a final judgment quickly. Article 103 also allows fault-based dissolution on grounds like adultery, felony conviction, or abuse.
Search Bossier Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Online
Bossier Parish participates in ClerkConnect, a statewide online records platform available to the public. Through ClerkConnect, you can search civil, criminal, and land records for the parish. Dissolution of marriage case records appear in the civil section. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows case details, filing dates, and document images where available.
ClerkConnect also supports e-filing for cases in the 26th Judicial District Court. If you are an attorney or a self-represented party who wants to file documents electronically, ClerkConnect is the platform Bossier Parish uses. E-filing saves a trip to the courthouse and creates a timestamped record of when documents were submitted.
The 26th JDC forms page offers free downloadable forms for dissolution of marriage, custody, and child support. Using the correct forms from the start reduces delays in your case. The self-help section is designed for people without attorneys, and the forms are updated to match current court rules.
How to Get Dissolution of Marriage Records in Bossier Parish
There are four ways to get dissolution of marriage records from the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court. Each method works, and the right one depends on your situation and how quickly you need the documents.
In person at 204 Burt Boulevard in Benton is the fastest option. You can often get certified copies the same day if the file is available. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties or the case number. Tell the clerk whether you need regular copies or certified copies. Certified copies cost more but are required for name changes on government IDs, property transfers, and similar legal purposes.
By phone, you can call (318) 965-2336 for dissolution of marriage record requests. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and walk you through what you need to provide. Phone requests are not a substitute for a written or in-person request, but they help you prepare before you visit or mail in your paperwork.
By mail, send a written request to P.O. Box 310, Benton, LA 71006. Include the names of both parties, the approximate year the case was filed, a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for search and copy fees. Call first to get the current fee schedule so your request is not held up.
Online through ClerkConnect, you can access case information and document images directly. This is the most convenient option for researching records without visiting the courthouse. Go to clerkconnect.com and search the civil records for Bossier Parish.
What Bossier Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage case file in Bossier Parish contains the full record of the proceeding. The file starts with the petition, which names both parties, states the grounds for dissolution under Article 102 or 103, and sets out what the filing spouse is asking the court to do. A verification form and civil cover sheet are attached. Service documents follow, showing how the other spouse was notified of the filing.
If the case is contested, the file grows to include the other spouse's answer, counter-petition if filed, motions, and hearing transcripts. Financial disclosure statements, property inventories, and custody evaluation reports may also be in the file. Most dissolution of marriage cases in Louisiana are uncontested, so the file is often shorter.
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most important document in the file. It ends the marriage and contains all the court's orders on property, support, and custody. This document must be certified by the clerk before most government agencies and courts in other states will accept it. A plain photocopy does not carry the clerk's seal and is not acceptable for most legal purposes outside the courthouse.
Records are public under La. R.S. 44:1. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from copies given to the public. Any portion of a case file that a judge sealed requires a separate court order to access.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Bossier Parish
Northwest Louisiana Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Bossier Parish, including help with dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to reach local legal aid resources and find out if you qualify. Income limits apply, but the service covers a range of family law matters.
The Louisiana State Bar Association lawyer referral service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The referral service charges a small fee for the initial consultation, which is typically lower than standard attorney rates. After that, fees depend on the attorney and the complexity of your case.
The Law Library of Louisiana maintains a free online guide to dissolution of marriage that explains Articles 102 and 103 in plain terms. The guide covers residency requirements, waiting periods, fault grounds, and community property basics. It is a good starting point before you file or before you call an attorney.
Webster Parish, which shares the 26th JDC with Bossier, has its clerk's office at 410 Main Street, Minden, LA 71055, phone (318) 371-0366. If you have a case that spans both parishes or need records from Webster Parish, that is the contact to use.
Cities in Bossier Parish
Bossier City is the largest city in Bossier Parish and is served by the 26th Judicial District Court. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by Bossier City residents go through the same Clerk of Court office in Benton. Fees, procedures, and access methods are the same regardless of which community in the parish you live in.
Nearby Parishes
Bossier Parish borders Caddo Parish to the west and several other north Louisiana parishes. Louisiana law requires you to file for dissolution of marriage in the parish where either you or your spouse is domiciled. Check the correct parish before filing.