Ascension Parish Court Records Search
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Ascension Parish, located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana, has its parish seat in Donaldsonville and its population center in Gonzales. The parish’s court system includes the 23rd Judicial District Court, the Ascension Parish Court, two Justice of the Peace Courts, and a Mayor’s Court. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of court records, maintaining civil, criminal, family, and probate files, as well as land records, marriage records, and vital records. The clerk operates from two office locations — one in Gonzales and one in Donaldsonville — and provides both in-person and electronic access to records.
Individuals seeking Louisiana court records can search through official clerk offices, public access terminals located at courthouses, and online tools maintained by parish clerks. The eClerks LA platform, also referred to as ACCESS (Ascension Clerk of Court Electronic Search System), allows users to search court records online. Additionally, LouisianaCourts.us may help users identify court case information and locate resources across Louisiana’s judicial districts.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ascension Parish?
Looking up a court case in Ascension Parish can be done online, in person, or by mail. The approach depends on the type of case and the level of detail needed.
Online Case Search
The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court provides online access to court records through ACCESS (eClerks LA). This platform covers mortgage records, conveyance records, map records, criminal and traffic records, civil records, and marriage records. New users must create an account to access subscription-based features. The Louisiana Statewide Portal within eClerks LA offers a free search tool that helps locate land records, marriage licenses, and civil, family, and probate court records across participating parishes.
In-Person Access
Both clerk office locations have public access computers available for searching filed records without needing a subscription login. Walk-in visitors can also submit records requests directly to clerk staff during business hours.
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court Offices
| Location | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donaldsonville | 300 Houmas Street, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 | (225) 473-9866, ext. 8 | (225) 473-8641 |
| Gonzales (Civil) | 607 East Worthey Street, 1st Floor, Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 621-8400, ext. 2 | (225) 621-8403 |
| Gonzales (Criminal) | 607 East Worthey Street, 1st Floor, Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 621-8400, ext. 3 | (225) 644-8790 |
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Search and Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil records search | $15 |
| Criminal records search | $20 |
| Standard copies | $1 per page |
| Certified copies | $5 |
| Conformed copies | $3 |
| Extract of minutes | $10 |
Mail Requests
Written requests should include relevant case details (party names, case number, dates), payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests can be sent to either clerk office location listed above.
Are Court Records Public in Ascension Parish?
The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) establishes that records maintained by public bodies in Louisiana, including court records, are presumptively open to public inspection and copying. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court provides access to most court records through its offices and electronic search systems.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public access under Louisiana law and court rules:
- Sealed and expunged records — Records that a court has ordered sealed or expunged are not available to the public
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are generally confidential
- Grand jury proceedings — These records are closed to public inspection
- Medical and mental health records — Health-related documents submitted in court proceedings may be protected
- Substance abuse records — Treatment-related records carry federal and state confidentiality protections
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifiers may be redacted
- Victim and witness information — Sensitive details about victims or witnesses in protective custody may be withheld
- Trade secrets and proprietary information — Business records designated as trade secrets are exempt
The Clerk of Court’s office is entirely self-funded through statutorily established fees for recordings, certified copies, and services related to civil and criminal proceedings. All fees for accessing court records are set by Louisiana statute.
Ascension Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Ascension Parish are primarily handled by the 23rd Judicial District Court, which has original jurisdiction over all criminal cases including felonies and misdemeanors. The 23rd JDC serves Ascension, Assumption, and St. James Parishes, with six elected judges (Divisions A through F) and two hearing officers. The Ascension Parish Court handles misdemeanor and traffic cases within its more limited jurisdiction.
23rd Judicial District Court Locations (Criminal)
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Donaldsonville Courthouse | 300 Houmas Street, P.O. Box 192, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 | (225) 473-9866 |
| Gonzales Courthouse | 828 South Irma Boulevard, Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 621-8400, ext. 7 |
| Gonzales Satellite Office | 815 East Worthey Street, Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 621-8400, ext. 6 |
Normal Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be searched through ACCESS (eClerks LA) online or through public access terminals at the clerk’s offices. To search in person or by mail, contact the Gonzales criminal records office at (225) 621-8400, ext. 3. A criminal records search costs $20, with copies at $1 per page and certified copies at $5.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and inmate data. The Sheriff’s Office provides a public Inmate Search tool on its website, searchable by name, subject number, or booking number. The office also accepts public records requests for law enforcement records.
Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Headquarters
828 South Irma Boulevard
Gonzales, LA 70737
Phone: (225) 621-8300
Donaldsonville District Office
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Phone: (225) 473-8671
State Criminal Background Checks
The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information administers statewide criminal history records. Background checks can be requested through the following methods:
- Online — Internet Background Checks are available at $26 per search (paid by credit card). New users must register for an account.
- Right to Review (personal records) — Individuals can review their own criminal history by scheduling an appointment through the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS) at an IdentoGO digital fingerprinting site.
- Mail — Submit fingerprints, completed Right to Review Authorization Form, and payment to the Bureau of Criminal Identification, P.O. Box 66614, Mail Slip A-6, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.
- Third-party requests — Require a completed authorization form and general disclosure form, along with payment and valid ID.
Note that effective December 1, 2024, a $5 technology fee was added to all background check requests per La. R.S. 15:587 D(1).
Ascension Parish Civil Court Records
The 23rd Judicial District Court handles the full range of civil litigation in Ascension Parish, including contract disputes, property matters, personal injury claims, commercial litigation, and appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies. The Ascension Parish Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts less than $20,000 and small claims disputes. The Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims up to $5,000 and eviction matters.
Ascension Parish Court
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Donaldsonville | 300 Houmas Street, P.O. Box 192, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 | (225) 473-9866 |
| Gonzales | 828 South Irma Boulevard, Building 2, Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 621-8400, ext. 7 |
Justice of the Peace Courts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Justice Court | 1004 Madison Street, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 | (225) 473-4407 |
| 2nd Justice Court | 16179 State Bank Drive, Suite B, Prairieville, LA 70769 | (225) 744-8880 |
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case records maintained by the Clerk of Court can be searched through the ACCESS online portal or by visiting a clerk office in person. Public access computers are available at both the Gonzales and Donaldsonville locations. For civil records inquiries, contact the Gonzales civil division at (225) 621-8400, ext. 2. A civil records search costs $15, standard copies are $1 per page, and certified copies are $5.
The Clerk of Court also offers e-filing and e-recording services for attorneys and legal professionals who need to submit documents electronically.
Forms and Court Rules
The 23rd Judicial District Court provides orders and forms through its website, including checklists for various civil filings. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court also offers divorce checklist forms and other civil filing resources on its website. Court rules for the 23rd JDC are available through the clerk’s office.
Ascension Parish Family Court Records
Family law cases in Ascension Parish are handled by the 23rd Judicial District Court, which exercises jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption proceedings. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court maintains all family division case records.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court case information can be searched through ACCESS (eClerks LA) online or by using public terminals at the clerk’s offices. The search fee for family records is $15, with standard copies at $1 per page and certified copies at $5.
Divorce Records
The Clerk of Court maintains divorce case files and can provide copies of divorce judgments, property settlements, and related orders. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court website provides divorce checklist forms for both Article 102 and Article 103 divorces under the Louisiana Civil Code. To request copies of divorce records by mail, prepare a written request that includes the names of the parties, the date and place of the divorce, and the case file number. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, and submit the request to either clerk office location.
Marriage Records
The Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ascension Parish. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $7. Standard copies are $1. Marriage records can also be searched online through the ACCESS portal and the Louisiana Statewide Portal.
Birth and Death Records
The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court maintains copies of birth records dating from 1903 and death records from 2013. These vital records are restricted to the record subject, immediate family members, and authorized attorneys or agents. To request a certified copy, applicants must complete the Birth/Death Certificate Application and submit it in person with a government-issued photo ID and payment.
| Record | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $34 |
| Death certificate | $26 |
Payment is accepted by cash or credit/debit card at the Gonzales and Donaldsonville clerk office locations during regular business hours.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Protection from abuse orders are filed through the 23rd Judicial District Court. Case information related to active protection orders can be searched through the clerk’s online system or by contacting the clerk’s office directly.
Ascension Parish Probate Court Records
Louisiana uses the term “succession” rather than “probate” for matters involving the estates of deceased individuals. Succession cases in Ascension Parish are handled by the 23rd Judicial District Court, which has original jurisdiction over all civil matters including successions, estate administration, and related proceedings. The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court maintains succession case files and makes them available to the public.
Types of Probate/Succession Matters
The District Court handles a range of succession-related matters, including the administration of estates of deceased persons, the probate and execution of wills, the appointment of executors and administrators, interdiction and guardianship of incapacitated individuals, the appointment of tutors and curators, and trust administration where connected to succession matters.
Searching Succession Records
Succession and probate-related case records can be searched through ACCESS (eClerks LA). The Louisiana Statewide Portal also allows free searches for civil, family, and probate court records across participating Louisiana parishes, including Ascension.
Requesting Probate Records In Person or By Mail
Walk-in requests for succession records can be made at either Clerk of Court office location. Mail requests should include specific case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. The search fee is $15, copies are $1 per page, and certified copies are $5.
Gonzales Office
607 East Worthey Street, 1st Floor
Gonzales, LA 70737
Phone: (225) 621-8400, ext. 2
Fax: (225) 621-8403
Donaldsonville Office
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Phone: (225) 473-9866, ext. 8
Fax: (225) 473-8641
Property Records
For property-related matters that often accompany succession proceedings, the Clerk of Court serves as the Ex-Officio Recorder of Deeds, Mortgages, and other legal instruments. Land records are searchable through the ACCESS portal. The Ascension Parish Assessor’s Office maintains property assessment records and offers a property search tool that allows searches by address, owner name, parcel number, or subdivision. The Sheriff’s Office also publishes sheriff’s sale listings for properties being sold pursuant to court orders.