Calcasieu Parish Court Records
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Calcasieu Parish, in southwest Louisiana, has its parish seat in Lake Charles and runs its court system through the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The parish court 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 mayors' courts. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court is the official record custodian for civil and criminal cases filed in the district court, and also maintains property records, marriage licenses, and vital records. Whether you need a criminal background check, a certified divorce judgment, a succession filing, or a marriage certificate, knowing which office holds the record—and how to request it—will save you considerable time.
Court records can be accessed through clerk of court offices, online case search subscriptions, and in-person courthouse visits. LouisianaCourts.us may help you identify publicly available case information from parishes across Louisiana. For Calcasieu Parish specifically, the Clerk of Court's office offers 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?
You can search for court records in Calcasieu Parish online, in person, or by mail. The right method depends on what type of record you need, how much detail you require, and whether you need a certified copy.
Online Case Search Tools
The Clerk of Court runs two separate subscription-based platforms for remote access. Both are managed through the Online Search Services page:
- Civil Records (via ClerkConnect) — Covers civil lawsuits, divorces, successions and probate matters, and civil minutes. 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. If you need access to both civil records and criminal/land records, you'll need one subscription for each. Purchase accounts online by credit card through the Clerk's website. For help, contact the IT department at it@calcasieuclerk.gov or call (337) 437-3558, ext. 185.
In-Person Searches
You can inspect records at no charge during office hours. 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: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (passport and birth/death certificate requests not processed after 3:30 p.m.)
Mail and Fax Requests
Send written requests to P.O. Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602, or fax the appropriate department (check the fax directory). Include the party name, case number if you have it, the approximate filing year, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Attach payment for any copy fees.
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 is open 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 course of official business. You don't need to explain why you're making a request, but under Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:32(A), you must be of legal age and present valid identification.
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; 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
Felony matters and serious misdemeanors go before the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The Lake Charles City Court and Sulphur City Court handle lesser criminal offenses and traffic violations within their 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 records in person, go to the Criminal Records Department at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles. Bring 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. You can run a background check through the Internet Background Check system maintained by the Louisiana State Police. You can also mail 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 keeps arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information separately from the court system. The office is at 5400 East Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615, Phone: (337) 491-3715 Current inmate information is available on the Sheriff's online inmate roster.
Expungement
Louisiana law allows eligible individuals to petition for expungement of certain arrest and conviction records. The Clerk's expungement page has brochures covering eligibility criteria, required documents, and costs. Estimated total fees for a standard expungement are approximately $550.00, divided 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. To schedule an appointment with the expungement processor, call (337) 437-3558, ext. 152.
Calcasieu Parish Civil Court Records
The Fourteenth Judicial District Court has original jurisdiction over 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 district court civil suit records, including divorce 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 filings require 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 a hearing date: $175.00
- Adoption: $350.00
- Voluntary transfer of custody: $200.00
Searching Civil Records
Reach the Civil Records Department by phone at (337) 437-3558 (ext. 460 for department phones, ext. 126 for the supervisor, ext. 203 for the assistant supervisor), or Fax: (337) 437-3830 To search, have the individual's name or the party names ready, along with an approximate year and the suit or instrument number if you have it.
For online access, the ClerkConnect civil case search platform lets subscribers search civil suits, divorces, successions, and civil minutes remotely. It also distributes copies of mortgages, conveyances, and UCC filings.
If you're representing yourself in a civil case, the 14th Judicial District Court Self-Help Center offers forms and procedural guidance for unrepresented litigants.
Calcasieu Parish Family Court Records
Family law cases in Calcasieu Parish go through the Family and Juvenile Court division of the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The court handles divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, guardianship, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. This court operates at a separate location 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
You can request family court records in person at the Clerk's office, by mail, or through the ClerkConnect civil case search platform (family matters are filed as civil suits). Bring a case number or party names. Because family proceedings often involve sensitive information about minors, domestic violence victims, and mental health matters, many family court records are restricted to the parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
Divorce Records
Divorce actions are filed in the district court's civil division and maintained by the Clerk's Civil Records Department. Certified copies of divorce judgments and related filings are available at the Clerk's office. Dissolution of marriage certificates cost $5.00. Subscribers can also access divorce case records through the ClerkConnect online portal.
Marriage Licenses and Records
The Recording Department of the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses. 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. Before your appointment, both parties must complete the marriage license application online.
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
You'll need 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 issued; 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—not at the Lake Charles courthouse.
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 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 prior to that date, submit requests 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 doesn't use the term "probate court". Instead, succession proceedings—the legal process for administering and distributing a decedent's estate—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 use the same search tools as civil records. In person, the Civil Records Department at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, will search by party name or case number. The 10-year name search service ($15.00 per name) can identify succession filings for a specific individual. Online subscribers can search succession records through the ClerkConnect platform by filtering for civil case types.
Guardianship and Interdiction
In Louisiana, guardianship of adults is called 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 you have it, 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 from 1910 to 1985 are held by the Criminal Records Department's archives section and may take additional time to locate. For questions about archived materials, call (337) 437-3558.