Jefferson Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records

Jefferson Parish dissolution of marriage records are held at the Clerk of Court office in Gretna, where the 24th Judicial District Court handles all family law cases filed in the parish. You can search these records online through JeffNet, request certified copies in person at the courthouse, or submit a written request by mail to the clerk's office.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court keeps all dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson Parish. The main courthouse is in Gretna on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, the clerk's civil, criminal, traffic, marriage license, and mortgage and conveyance records are available for public examination. Access to records during business hours is free. You pay only for copies you request.

Public Records Custodian for the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is Gina M. Perrin, Chief Deputy Clerk of Court. Records requests can be submitted in person at the filing window, by mail, or online through the JeffNet portal. The clerk noted that patrons can view records at no charge Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., without needing an appointment or advance notice.

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website provides access to JeffNet, forms, and department contacts for all record types including dissolution of marriage cases.

The clerk's website provides direct access to JeffNet and all filing information for dissolution of marriage cases in Jefferson Parish.

Search Jefferson Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Online

Jefferson Parish uses JeffNet for online access to public records. JeffNet is a browser-based records system sponsored by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court since 2004. It gives access to property, civil, criminal, and other public records 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system holds over 140 million document images going back to 1825. Dissolution of marriage case records in the 24th JDC civil system are searchable from 1986 forward, with document images available from 1825 through the present.

JeffNet charges $5.00 for a 24-hour access pass, which gives full access to all records and images for that period. Document downloads cost $0.75 per page in PDF format. Monthly subscriptions are available at $50.00 per user ID per month, with an advance deposit of $100 typically required. Certified copies through JeffNet cost $0.75 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for court records.

JeffNet supports e-filing for cases in the 24th Judicial District Court, First Parish Court, and Second Parish Court. It does not include e-recording services for land records.

To search dissolution of marriage cases on JeffNet, go to the login page, create an account or log in, select Civil records, and enter the names of the parties or the case number. Results show case activity from 1986 forward. If you need document images from earlier cases, those go back to 1825 through the same system.

24th Judicial District Court Dissolution of Marriage

All dissolution of marriage cases in Jefferson Parish are filed in the 24th Judicial District Court. The court is located at the Thomas F. Donelon Building at 200 Derbigny Street in Gretna. The Judicial Administrator is Michael T. O'Brien. The general information line is (504) 364-3740. New suit filings contact is (504) 364-2967.

Public records requests directed to the court itself (separate from the Clerk) go to Michael T. O'Brien, Judicial Administrator, Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court, Thomas F. Donelon Building, Suite 2100, 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, Louisiana 70053. The court staff will search, retrieve, and review requested records and inform you of status within three business days. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Viewing records in person during normal business hours is at no charge.

The Jefferson Parish Law Library is located at 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5200, Gretna, LA 70053. Phone: (504) 364-2970. The library has self-help resources, reference materials, and form books available to the public for dissolution of marriage research.

The clerk's office information page describes services available at both the Gretna courthouse and the East Bank office for dissolution of marriage requests.

How to Get Dissolution of Marriage Records in Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish offers three ways to request dissolution of marriage records. In person at the Gretna courthouse is the fastest option for same-day certified copies. Mail requests work when you cannot visit in person. Online access through JeffNet is available around the clock for case information and document images.

For in-person requests, visit the General Government Building at 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5600, Gretna, LA 70053 during business hours. Complete the records request form at the filing window. Provide the names of both parties, the approximate date of the dissolution of marriage, and your case number if known. Show a valid government-issued photo ID. Pay the applicable search and copy fees. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a certification fee on top of the per-page charge.

For mail requests, download and complete the public records request form from the clerk's website. Include a copy of your valid photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail to: Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 10, Gretna, LA 70054-0010.

Note: Juvenile Court records are not available through JeffNet and are handled separately by Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court.

What Jefferson Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

A dissolution of marriage case file in Jefferson Parish contains every document filed from the opening petition through the final judgment. The petition states the grounds under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 or 103, names both parties, and sets out the relief being requested. The verification form, civil cover sheet, and service instructions follow. If the other spouse files an answer or counter-petition, those go into the file as well.

The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most important document. It ends the marriage and sets out all the terms: community property division, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support amounts, spousal support if any, and name change if approved. This document is signed by the judge and certified copies are available from the Clerk of Court. Most legal matters, from changing your name on a driver's license to updating a property deed, require a certified copy of this judgment. It shows more detail than a simple divorce certificate.

Dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson Parish typically contain:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage (Article 102 or 103)
• Verification form and civil cover sheet
• Service instructions or waiver of service
• Answer and counter-petition if filed
• Financial disclosures and sworn statements of assets
• Community property settlement agreement
• Child custody and support documents if applicable
• Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
• Name change order if applicable

Records are public under La. R.S. 44:1. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies. Sealed records require a court order to access.

Jefferson Parish Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Fees for dissolution of marriage in Jefferson Parish cover both filing a new case and requesting copies of existing records. Search fees run $5 to $20 depending on search parameters. Regular copy fees are $1.00 per page at the courthouse or $0.75 per page through JeffNet. Certification fees for court records add $5.00 per document on top of the per-page copy charge. Mortgage record certification costs $10.00 per document.

Filing fees for a new dissolution of marriage case vary based on the type of filing and whether additional services are needed. Service through the Jefferson Parish Sheriff adds a charge. If you need service by publication, that costs more. Call the clerk's office at (504) 364-2900 to confirm current filing fees before you go.

If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can ask the court to waive them by filing an In Forma Pauperis affidavit. The judge reviews the request and decides based on your income and expenses. This option is available for all dissolution of marriage case types.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Jefferson Parish

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services serves Jefferson Parish. They provide free legal help to people with low income, including assistance with dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to find out if you qualify and to connect with their office.

The Jefferson Bar Association can refer you to a family law attorney who handles dissolution of marriage in Jefferson Parish. The Louisiana State Bar Association also runs a statewide referral service. The Law Library of Louisiana divorce guide at its online resource page covers Articles 102 and 103 in plain language and is free to use. Louisiana Law Help provides self-help guides and forms for people who want to handle their own dissolution of marriage case without an attorney.

The Jefferson Parish Law Library at Suite 5200 in the Gretna courthouse has reference materials available during business hours. Staff can point you to form books and court rules. They do not give legal advice, but the materials available help you understand the process.

Cities in Jefferson Parish

All cities and unincorporated communities in Jefferson Parish file dissolution of marriage cases through the 24th Judicial District Court at the Gretna courthouse. Qualifying cities with their own pages include Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, and Terrytown. All four communities file through Jefferson Parish, and the same clerk, fees, and procedures apply across the whole parish.

Nearby Parishes

Jefferson Parish borders several other parishes. If you are not sure which parish handles your dissolution of marriage case, check where you are domiciled. Louisiana law requires you to file in the parish where either spouse lives.