Orleans Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records

Orleans Parish dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Civil District Court Clerk of Court at 421 Loyola Avenue in New Orleans, where the Civil Division handles all domestic cases including divorce, separation, child custody, and name changes. You can request records in person at the Record Room, submit a written request by mail, or access case information remotely through the clerk's online system.

Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk

The Orleans Parish Civil Clerk of Court, Chelsey Richard Napoleon, oversees the Civil District Court records in New Orleans. The office handles two major divisions: Land Records and Civil. Dissolution of marriage cases fall under the Civil Division, which also handles personal injury, accidents, successions, and foreclosures. Domestic matters including divorce and child support are handled specifically in the Civil Division.

All documents filed at the clerk's office are scanned and can be accessed electronically. The clerk has worked to make records more accessible by digitizing filings. This means many dissolution of marriage records are available through the office's Remote Access System without an in-person visit.

The Orleans Civil Clerk website provides access to the Remote Access System, downloadable forms, department contacts, and fee schedules. Visit the site to find forms for dissolution of marriage and other domestic matters before you file.

The Orleans Parish Civil Clerk website gives access to the Remote Access System, forms, and all department contacts for dissolution of marriage filings in New Orleans.

Domestic Docket 5: Dissolution of Marriage in Orleans Parish

Within the Civil Division of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Docket 5 handles all domestic matters. This is the specific docket that covers separations, divorces, rules for custody, name changes, and suits for injunctive relief. The Domestic Docket phone line is (504) 407-0046. Call this number directly for questions specific to your dissolution of marriage case.

Dissolution of marriage cases in Orleans Parish are filed under the Civil District Court system, not through a separate family court. The Civil Division handles both property disputes and domestic cases. If your case involves both community property division and dissolution of marriage, those matters can be addressed together in the Civil District Court.

The Civil Departments page on the clerk's website describes each docket's function and provides contact information. Knowing which docket handles your type of case before you call will save time and get you connected to the right staff.

The Civil Departments page shows which docket handles dissolution of marriage and other domestic cases in Orleans Parish, with direct phone numbers for each division.

How to Get Dissolution of Marriage Records in Orleans Parish

The Record Room at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court is where you request dissolution of marriage records. The phone number for the Record Room is (504) 407-0036. Active cases are kept numerically at the courthouse. Completed cases are stored at a separate warehouse. The Annex holds successions and domestic cases from 1918 to 2003. If your record is at the Annex or the warehouse, allow extra time for retrieval.

For in-person requests, visit Room 402 at 421 Loyola Avenue. Fill out a request form at the Record Room counter. Provide the names of both parties, the approximate date of the dissolution of marriage, and a case number if you have it. Show valid photo ID. Pay the applicable fees. Certified copies cost $3.00 per page. Uncertified copies cost $1.00 per page. If you are one of the parties to the case and you request copies of the dispositive judgment when it is signed, you can get up to 3 free copies at that time.

Mail requests go to: Orleans Parish Civil District Court, 421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402, New Orleans, LA 70112. Include the names of both parties, the case number, your contact information, a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order. Note that if the record is at the Annex or warehouse, retrieval takes longer than for active cases at the courthouse.

Online access is available through the Remote Access System on the clerk's website. This subscription-based service lets you view and in some cases download records without visiting the courthouse. Contact the clerk's main line at (504) 407-0000 for current subscription details and fees.

Orleans Parish Dissolution of Marriage Forms

The Orleans Parish Civil Clerk provides several downloadable forms for dissolution of marriage and related domestic matters. These are available as PDFs through the clerk's website. Having the right forms ready before you file saves time at the counter.

The forms page on the Orleans Civil Clerk website lets you download dissolution of marriage petition forms, income disclosure statements, and other required documents before visiting the courthouse.

Available forms include:

• Cover Sheet for All Actions for Divorce or Annulment
• Statement of Income and Expenses
• Motion for Preliminary Default
• In Forma Pauperis Affidavit (fee waiver request)
• Petition for Protection from Abuse

Download and complete the correct forms before going to the courthouse. The cover sheet is required for every dissolution of marriage filing. The Statement of Income and Expenses is used in cases involving child support or spousal support. The In Forma Pauperis Affidavit lets you ask the court to waive filing fees if you cannot afford them.

What Orleans Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

A dissolution of marriage file at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court holds the complete history of the case from start to finish. The petition is the first document. It names both spouses, states the grounds for dissolution under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 or 103, and sets out what the filing spouse is asking the court to order.

Depending on how the case proceeded, the file may also include: a summons, proof of service or a waiver of service, an answer and counter-petition from the other spouse, financial disclosures, a community property settlement agreement, child custody and support orders, hearing transcripts, mediation agreements, qualified domestic relations orders, any name change order, and the final judgment of dissolution of marriage. The file can be a single page or hundreds of pages depending on how complex the case was.

The final judgment is the most important document. It is what most agencies require as proof the marriage ended. The judgment is signed by the judge, shows the date the marriage was dissolved, and sets out all court orders on property, children, and support. Certified copies from the clerk carry the court seal and the clerk's signature.

Records are public under La. R.S. 44:1. Social Security numbers and account numbers are redacted from copies given to the public. Sealed records are not available without a court order. Note that effective January 1, 2026, filing fees increased. Check the clerk's website for the current schedule.

Vital records note: The Louisiana Department of Health holds Orleans Parish marriage records for the past 50 years. Older Orleans Parish marriage records are at the Louisiana State Archives. The LDH does not hold dissolution of marriage decrees. For dissolution records, contact the Orleans Civil Clerk directly.

Orleans Parish Dissolution of Marriage Fees

The Orleans Parish Civil Clerk charges $3.00 per page for certified copies and $1.00 per page for uncertified copies of dissolution of marriage records. If you are a party to the case and you request copies of the final dispositive judgment when it is signed, you receive up to 3 copies at no charge.

Filing fees for new dissolution of marriage cases changed effective January 1, 2026. Contact the clerk at (504) 407-0000 or visit the clerk's website to confirm the current filing fee schedule. Service fees through the Orleans Parish Sheriff add to the cost. Service by publication costs more than personal service.

If you cannot afford the filing fees, download the In Forma Pauperis Affidavit from the clerk's website, fill it out, and submit it with your petition. The judge reviews your income and expenses and decides whether to grant the waiver. The clerk's staff can direct you to the form if you ask when you visit or call.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Orleans Parish

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in Orleans Parish. Services include dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to reach SLLS and check eligibility. They can help with filing, court appearances, and understanding your rights.

The Louisiana State Bar Association has a statewide referral service for finding a family law attorney. Many attorneys in New Orleans handle dissolution of marriage cases. Fees vary. Uncontested cases with no property or custody disputes are often handled on a flat fee basis. Contested cases with property division or custody disputes cost more.

The Law Library of Louisiana divorce guide covers Articles 102 and 103 in plain language and is free to access online. The Louisiana State Bar legal resources page lists pro bono services by region. Louisiana Law Help has self-help guides and forms for people who want to handle their own dissolution of marriage case.

Cities in Orleans Parish

Orleans Parish and the City of New Orleans share the same geographic boundaries. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents of New Orleans are filed at the Civil District Court on Loyola Avenue. The same clerk, fees, and procedures apply throughout the parish.

Nearby Parishes

Orleans Parish borders three other parishes. If you are not sure which parish court holds the dissolution of marriage case you are looking for, check where either spouse was domiciled when the petition was filed.