Calcasieu Parish Court Records Search
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Calcasieu Parish, located in southwest Louisiana with its parish seat in Lake Charles, operates a court system anchored by the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The parish’s judicial structure includes ten elected district judges (Divisions A through J), a Magistrate Judge, the Lake Charles City Court, the Sulphur City Court, multiple Justice of the Peace courts, and several mayor’s courts. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of civil and criminal records generated by the district court, in addition to maintaining property records, marriage licenses, and vital records. Whether you need a criminal background check, a certified copy of a divorce judgment, a succession filing, or a marriage certificate, knowing which office holds the record and how to request it will save considerable time.
Louisiana court records can be accessed through a variety of channels, including clerk of court offices, online case search subscriptions, and in-person visits to courthouses. Across the state, LouisianaCourts.us may assist users in identifying publicly available case information from parishes throughout Louisiana. For Calcasieu Parish specifically, the Clerk of Court’s office provides both in-office inspection and subscription-based online search tools covering civil suits, criminal cases, conveyance records, and mortgages.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Calcasieu Parish?
Searching for court records in Calcasieu Parish can be accomplished online, in person, or by mail. The method you choose depends on the type of record, the level of detail needed, and whether you require certified copies.
Online Case Search Tools
The Clerk of Court maintains two separate subscription-based platforms for remote searches. These systems are managed through the Online Search Services page:
- Civil Records (via ClerkConnect) — Covers civil lawsuits, divorces, successions and probate matters, and civil minutes. Users can search by case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date.
- Criminal and Land Records (via eSearch) — Covers the criminal index, criminal case history, criminal minutes, mortgages, conveyances, marriages, and miscellaneous recordings.
Subscription fees as of July 1, 2025:
| Platform | 1 Day | 1 Month | 12 Months | Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Records (ClerkConnect) | $20.00 | $55.00 | $660.00 | $1.00 |
| Criminal & Land Records (eSearch) | $20.00 | $45.00 | $540.00 | $1.00 |
The two platforms are managed separately. Users who need access to both civil and criminal/land records must maintain one subscription of each type. Online accounts are purchased with credit cards through the Clerk’s website. For assistance, contact the IT department at it@calcasieuclerk.gov or call (337) 437-3558, ext. 185.
In-Person Searches
Records are available for inspection at no charge during office hours at the Clerk’s office. In-office copies cost $1.00 per page.
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: (337) 437-3550
Direct Dial: (337) 437-3558
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (passports and birth/death certificates not processed after 3:30 p.m.)
Mail and Fax Requests
Written requests can be mailed to P.O. Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602, or faxed to the appropriate department (consult the fax directory). Include the party name, case number (if known), approximate filing year, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copy fees should accompany mail requests.
Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 14th Judicial District Court | 1001 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601 | (337) 437-3100 |
| 14th JDC West Annex (Sulphur) | North Huntington Street, Sulphur, LA 70663 | (337) 313-1140 |
| Lake Charles City Court | 118 West Mill Street, Lake Charles, LA 70602 | (337) 491-1564 (Civil) / (337) 491-1565 (Criminal/Traffic) |
| Sulphur City Court | 1551 East Napoleon Street, Sulphur, LA 70663 | (337) 527-7006 |
| DeQuincy Magistrate Court | North Holly Street, P.O. Box 968, DeQuincy, LA 70633 | (337) 786-8241 |
The Fourteenth Judicial District Court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Calcasieu Parish?
Louisiana law establishes broad public access to government records, including court filings. The Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1 et seq.) defines public records as all documents, papers, and materials created or maintained by public bodies in the transaction of official business. Requestors do not need to state a purpose for their request but must be of legal age and present valid identification, as provided in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(A).
Records Generally Accessible to the Public
- Criminal case filings, charges, pleas, dispositions, and sentencing records maintained by the Clerk’s Criminal Records Department
- Civil complaints, motions, judgments, and pleadings in the Clerk’s Civil Records Department
- Property records including mortgages, conveyances, and liens
- Marriage license records (post-ceremony certified copies)
- UCC filings
- Succession and probate filings
- Court minutes (criminal minutes from 1993 to present; civil records maintained by the Civil Records Department)
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Several categories of records are sealed from general public access under Louisiana law:
- Juvenile records — Records involving minors in delinquency, child in need of care (CINC), and families in need of services (FINS) proceedings are confidential under the Louisiana Children’s Code.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization and accessible only by court order or through the Louisiana Voluntary Registry.
- Domestic violence records — Protective order filings and related details may be restricted to protect victim safety.
- Mental health records — Involuntary commitment proceedings and related evaluations are not publicly accessible.
- Sealed and expunged records — Under Louisiana R.S. 44:9, expunged criminal records are removed from public access and treated as confidential. The record is not destroyed but is no longer available to the general public.
- Personal identifiers — Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal data are redacted or excluded from public filings.
- Military discharge records — DD214 documents filed after January 1, 2000, are confidential by law. Older military discharges remain accessible.
Record subjects, government entities, and individuals authorized by court order may request access to otherwise restricted records.
Calcasieu Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Calcasieu Parish are prosecuted in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court for felony matters and serious misdemeanors, while the Lake Charles City Court and Sulphur City Court handle lesser criminal offenses and traffic violations within their respective jurisdictions. The Criminal Records Department of the Clerk of Court is the official custodian of criminal court case records from the district court.
What the Criminal Records Department Maintains
- Criminal case records from 1986 to the present
- Criminal background searches from 1987 to the present
- Criminal court minutes from 1993 to the present
- Archived criminal records from 1910 to 1985
- Expungement processing
- Criminal appeals processing
Criminal Record Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal record background check | $20.00 |
| Certification (stamp and seal only) | $5.00 |
| Conformed copies | $3.00 |
| Copies of documents | $1.00 per page |
| Extract of court minutes | $10.00 |
| Copies emailed or faxed | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional |
| Credit card processing fee | $2.00 |
Searching Criminal Records
To request criminal records in person, visit the Criminal Records Department at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Provide the defendant’s name, case number, and relevant dates. For remote access, the Clerk’s online Criminal Case Search Tool requires account creation and a subscription (see fee table above).
Statewide Criminal History
The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Background checks can be conducted through the Internet Background Check system maintained by the Louisiana State Police. Individuals may also submit a completed Background Check Authorization form with the required fee to:
Louisiana State Police
Bureau of Criminal Identification & Information
P.O. Box 66614
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information independently of the court system. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 5400 East Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615, Phone: (337) 491-3715 Current inmate information is available through the Sheriff’s online inmate roster.
Expungement
Louisiana law permits eligible individuals to petition for the expungement of certain arrest and conviction records. The Clerk’s expungement page provides brochures outlining eligibility criteria, required documents, and associated costs. Estimated total expungement fees for a standard case are approximately $550.00, split among the Louisiana State Police ($250.00), the Clerk of Court ($200.00), the Sheriff’s Office ($50.00), and the District Attorney ($50.00). First-offense marijuana expungements carry a reduced total of approximately $300.00. Appointments with the expungement processor can be scheduled by calling (337) 437-3558, ext. 152.
Calcasieu Parish Civil Court Records
The Fourteenth Judicial District Court exercises original jurisdiction over all civil matters in Calcasieu Parish, including breach of contract, personal injury, foreclosure, successions, and declaratory judgment actions. The Lake Charles City Court handles civil cases within its monetary jurisdiction. The Clerk of Court’s Civil Records Department maintains all civil suit records from the district court, including divorce actions and succession proceedings.
Civil Records Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies | $1.00 per page |
| True copies | $5.00 |
| Certification (mortgages and conveyances) | $10.00 |
| 10-year civil name search (per name) | $15.00 |
| Act of Congress certification | $10.00 |
| UCC copies | $2.00 per page |
| Documents emailed or faxed | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional |
| Credit card processing fee | $2.00 |
Civil Filing Fees (Advance Deposits)
Civil filing requires advance deposits paid to the Clerk of Court. Key deposit amounts from the current fee schedule include:
- Standard civil suit: $400.00 (includes one service; each additional service $100.00)
- Damages suit with injunction: $510.00
- Succession under administration, mandamus, emancipation, revive judgment: $365.00
- Name change: $265.00
- Eviction suits and small claims: $300.00
- Rules and motions requiring hearing date: $175.00
- Adoption: $350.00
- Voluntary transfer of custody: $200.00
Searching Civil Records
The Civil Records Department is accessible by phone at (337) 437-3558 (ext. 460 for department phones, ext. 126 for supervisor, ext. 203 for assistant supervisor) or fax at (337) 437-3830. A search requires the individual’s name or party names, an approximate year, and the suit or instrument number if available.
For online access, the ClerkConnect civil case search platform allows subscribers to search civil suits, divorces, successions, and civil minutes remotely. The platform also distributes copies of mortgages, conveyances, and UCC filings.
Individuals who need help representing themselves in civil proceedings can access resources through the 14th Judicial District Court Self-Help Center, which provides forms and procedural guidance for unrepresented litigants.
Calcasieu Parish Family Court Records
Family law matters in Calcasieu Parish are handled by the Family and Juvenile Court division of the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The court addresses divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, guardianship, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. The court is located at a separate facility from the main courthouse:
Calcasieu Parish Family and Juvenile Court
1000 Ryan Street, North Annex
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Mailing: P.O. Box 1150, Lake Charles, LA 70602
Phone: (337) 437-3363
Fax: (337) 437-3390
Court Administrator: Stephanie Gould (sgould@14jdcfjc.org)
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records can be requested in person at the Clerk’s office, by mail, or through the ClerkConnect civil case search platform (family matters are filed as civil suits). A case number or party names are required to facilitate the search. Because family court proceedings frequently involve sensitive information regarding minors, domestic violence victims, and mental health matters, access to many family court records is restricted to the parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
Divorce Records
Divorce actions are filed in the civil division of the district court and maintained by the Clerk’s Civil Records Department. Certified copies of divorce judgments and related filings can be obtained at the Clerk’s office. Dissolution of marriage certificates cost $5.00. The ClerkConnect online portal also provides access to divorce case records for subscribers.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Recording Department of the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court. All couples must schedule an appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. by calling (337) 437-3558, ext. 492. Walk-ins are not accepted. Both parties must complete the marriage license application online before their appointment.
Marriage license fees:
- License fee: $27.50 (cash or credit card only; no bills larger than $20)
- Certified copy of marriage license: $10.00
- Souvenir copy: $5.00
- Waivers (no Social Security number, minors, corrections): $4.00 per page
- Credit card processing fee: $2.00
Key requirements include a certified birth certificate (short form acceptable for Louisiana-born applicants), valid photo identification, and Social Security numbers. A 24-hour waiting period applies after the license is obtained; the license expires 30 days from issuance and is valid only for ceremonies performed within Louisiana (R.S. 9:222, 9:244).
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in Calcasieu Parish are issued exclusively at the West Calcasieu / Sulphur Annex office. They are not available at the Lake Charles courthouse location.
West Calcasieu Annex (Sulphur)
1300 E. Napoleon Street
Sulphur, LA 70663
Phone: (337) 990-8279
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (applications not accepted after 3:30 p.m.)
Fees for certificates at the Clerk’s office:
- Birth certificate: $34.00
- Birth certificate and birth card: $48.00
- Death certificate: $26.00
Payment is accepted in cash or credit card only (minimum $2.95 credit card processing fee; no bills over $20; checks and money orders not accepted). Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members (mother, father, spouse, child, grandparent, or sibling), and individuals with certified custody documents or court orders.
Death certificates registered in Louisiana from July 9, 2012, to the present are available at the Clerk’s office. For deaths occurring prior to that date, requests must be submitted by mail to the Louisiana Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70160, Phone: (504) 593-5100
Under Louisiana law, birth records older than 100 years and death records older than 50 years become publicly accessible through the Louisiana State Archives, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125.
Calcasieu Parish Probate Court Records
Louisiana does not use the term “probate court”. Instead, succession proceedings—the legal process by which a decedent’s estate is administered and distributed—are handled by the Fourteenth Judicial District Court and recorded by the Clerk of Court’s Civil Records Department. The Clerk maintains succession files alongside other civil suit records, including wills, petitions for possession, inventories, accountings, and judgments of possession.
Types of Succession Proceedings
- Testate successions (decedent left a valid will)
- Intestate successions (decedent died without a will)
- Small successions (simplified procedure for estates meeting statutory thresholds)
- Ancillary successions (for out-of-state decedents with Louisiana property)
- Independent administrations
Searching Succession and Probate Records
Succession records can be searched using the same tools available for civil records. In person, the Civil Records Department at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, will search by party name or case number. The department’s 10-year name search service ($15.00 per name) can identify succession filings for a specific individual. Online subscribers can access succession records through the ClerkConnect platform by searching under civil case types.
Guardianship and Interdiction
In Louisiana, guardianship of adults is referred to as “interdiction” (full or limited). Interdiction proceedings are filed in the district court and recorded in the civil records. Guardianship (tutorship) of minors follows similar procedures. These filings are accessible through the same civil records search channels, though certain medical evaluations and personal information within the file may be restricted.
Steps to Obtain Succession Records
- Identify the decedent’s full name and approximate date of death or filing.
- Contact the Civil Records Department at (337) 437-3558, ext. 460, to confirm the case was filed in Calcasieu Parish.
- Provide the case number if known, or request a 10-year name search ($15.00).
- Request copies of specific documents at $1.00 per page; certification costs $10.00 per seal.
- For mail requests, include all identifying information, applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to P.O. Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602.
Archived succession records dating from 1910 to 1985 are held by the Criminal Records Department’s archives section and may require additional time to locate. For questions about archived materials, contact (337) 437-3558.