Search St. James Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records
St. James Parish dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Convent, where the 23rd Judicial District Court processes all family law cases. You can access these records in person at the courthouse during business hours, send a written request by mail, or use online court record tools to search for case information.
St. James Parish Quick Facts
St. James Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Convent is the official keeper of all dissolution of marriage records in St. James Parish. The clerk's office holds civil case files from the 23rd Judicial District Court, which covers Ascension, Assumption, and St. James Parishes together. Under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, dissolution of marriage case files are open to public inspection. Viewing records during business hours is free. Fees apply only when you ask for copies.
The courthouse in Convent is the filing location for St. James Parish cases. The clerk handles new case filings, certified copy requests, and general record inquiries. You do not need to be a party to the case to request records. Walk-in visits are welcome during office hours. The clerk's staff can help you search the index to find a specific dissolution of marriage case.
The 23rd JDC serves St. James Parish from the Convent courthouse. Cases filed in Ascension or Assumption Parishes are handled by those parishes' respective clerks, even though all three parishes share the same judicial district.
| Filing Address |
5800 Louisiana Hwy 44 Convent, LA 70723 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | (225) 562-2270 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search St. James Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Online
For certified copies of dissolution of marriage judgments, you must contact the Clerk of Court directly in Convent. Online portals provide case information only and are not a source of certified legal documents. Call (225) 562-2270 to ask what is available and to request certified copies.
The ClerkConnect portal is another tool that provides access to court records for participating Louisiana parishes. Check the portal to see if St. James Parish records are available online through that system at the time of your search.
23rd Judicial District Court Dissolution of Marriage
The 23rd Judicial District Court covers Ascension, Assumption, and St. James Parishes and handles all dissolution of marriage cases filed in each. For St. James Parish residents, all filings go through the Clerk of Court in Convent. The court applies Louisiana Civil Code standards to all dissolution of marriage cases, regardless of which parish the case is filed in.
Louisiana recognizes two main routes to dissolution of marriage. Civil Code Article 102 allows a spouse to file a petition and then wait for the living-separate period to pass. That period is 180 days when the couple has no minor children. It is 365 days when minor children of the marriage exist. Article 103 allows a spouse who has already been living separate and apart for the required time to file for an immediate judgment. Article 103 also covers fault-based grounds including adultery and conviction of a felony with a hard labor sentence.
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for six months before filing. For cases in the 23rd JDC for St. James Parish, either spouse must be domiciled in St. James Parish. The clerk's office in Convent can answer basic questions about where to file if you are unsure which parish applies.
The 23rd JDC provides free legal forms for dissolution of marriage cases, custody, child support, and name changes. These forms are available at the courthouse. They include instruction sheets to help filers who are not represented by an attorney understand the steps. The self-help materials do not substitute for legal advice, but they make the filing process easier to navigate.
How to Get Dissolution of Marriage Records in St. James Parish
You can get dissolution of marriage records from St. James Parish by visiting the Convent courthouse in person or by sending a written request by mail. In-person visits allow you to get copies the same day if the records are available. Mail requests take longer but work if you cannot make the trip.
For an in-person visit, go to 5800 Louisiana Hwy 44 in Convent during regular business hours. Give the clerk the full names of both parties and the approximate year the case was filed. Bring a case number if you have one. Show a valid photo ID. The clerk will search the records and let you know what is on file. Pay the applicable copy fees. Certified copies cost more than plain copies but are required for most legal and administrative uses, including name changes on state-issued ID, property record updates, and insurance or benefit changes.
For mail requests, write to the St. James Parish Clerk of Court, 5800 Louisiana Hwy 44, Convent, LA 70723. Include the names of both spouses, the case filing date if known, and the case number if you have it. Include a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order made out to the clerk's office for the estimated fees. Call ahead to confirm the current fee schedule before you send payment.
Records are open under La. R.S. 44:1. The clerk will tell you at the time of your request if any portion of the file is sealed or restricted from public access.
What St. James Parish Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage case file in St. James Parish includes every document filed from the opening petition through the final judgment. The petition states the grounds for dissolution under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 or 103, names both parties, and describes the relief the filing spouse is seeking. The civil cover sheet and verification are attached to the petition when it is filed.
If both parties agree on all issues, the case moves to a consent judgment or default judgment after the waiting period ends. If there are disputes about property, children, or support, there will be additional filings such as motions, stipulations, and hearing notices. The final judgment is signed by the district judge and certified copies are available from the clerk.
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage covers:
- Termination of the marriage under Louisiana Civil Code
- Division of community property under Article 2325 if addressed
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Spousal support if applicable
- Name restoration if requested by either party
Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies of court records in St. James Parish, consistent with Louisiana court rules. Sealed records require a court order to access.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in St. James Parish
The Law Library of Louisiana maintains a free online guide to dissolution of marriage under Louisiana law. It covers Articles 102 and 103, waiting periods, residency rules, community property, and other key topics. The guide is written in plain language and is a good starting point before you visit the courthouse.
The Law Library of Louisiana's guide is free to access online and covers the full dissolution of marriage process under Louisiana Civil Code, including the 23rd JDC procedures that apply to St. James Parish cases.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of St. James Parish, including help with dissolution of marriage cases. Call 211 to check eligibility and get connected. The 23rd JDC also has self-help forms available at the courthouse for people who want to file on their own. The Louisiana State Bar Association runs a statewide referral service if you need a private family law attorney.
Nearby Parishes
St. James Parish sits between Ascension and St. John the Baptist Parishes along the River Road corridor. Dissolution of marriage cases must be filed in the parish where you or your spouse is domiciled. Confirm your filing location with the clerk before submitting a petition.