Lafayette Parish Court Records Search
LouisianaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on LouisianaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Lafayette Parish occupies a central position in southern Louisiana’s Acadiana region, with the city of Lafayette serving as the parish seat. The parish falls within Louisiana’s 15th Judicial District, which also encompasses Acadia and Vermilion Parishes. The 15th JDC operates with 13 elected judges across Divisions A through M, one Commissioner, and five hearing officers, handling the full range of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters at the district level. Within the city limits of Lafayette, the City Court of Lafayette exercises concurrent jurisdiction over misdemeanors, certain civil disputes, traffic violations, and select juvenile proceedings. The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court serves as the legal custodian of all district court records, while the City Court maintains its own files for matters within its jurisdiction.
Residents of Louisiana seeking court case information can access records through multiple channels. Clerk of court offices throughout the state maintain both physical and electronic files, and many provide in-person research terminals for public use. Online tools such as the eClerks LA statewide portal offer free index searches of land, civil, marriage, and probate records across participating parishes. Subscription-based platforms like Clerk Connect extend access to detailed court filings, including criminal and traffic records. The City Court of Lafayette also hosts its own case search tool. For broader information about Louisiana’s court structure and resources, LouisianaCourts.us may help users locate publicly available case data.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lafayette Parish?
The method for finding a Lafayette Parish court record depends on which court handled the case and whether the requester needs basic case information or certified document copies.
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
Physical Address: 800 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502
Phone: (337) 291-6400
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding legal holidays)
City Court of Lafayette
Address: 105 East Convent Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: (337) 291-8720
Fax: (337) 291-8774 (criminal/traffic), (337) 291-8181 (juvenile)
Online Search Options
The Clerk of Court provides multiple online access tiers through Clerk Connect:
| Subscription Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Access (Civil, Criminal, Traffic & Family) | $10.00 |
| 30-Day Access (Civil, Criminal, Traffic & Family) | $25.00 |
The court records subscription provides access to unsealed civil and probate case data, plus criminal and traffic case details including charges, case history, minutes, dispositions, and service information. To set up a subscription, complete the Credit Application for Charge Account and Online Court Records Agreement forms and submit them to the clerk’s office. For subscription questions, call (337) 291-6477.
For land records specifically, the Lafayette Parish eSearch website through the clerk’s online records portal contains index searches for mortgage, conveyance, and UCC records, with document images beginning from January 1, 1935.
The eClerks LA portal provides a free index search of Lafayette Parish land records, civil records, marriage licenses, and probate records without requiring a subscription.
For City Court matters, the Case Search tool allows searches by defendant name or docket number and displays case numbers, citation numbers, violation descriptions, and case status.
In-Person Searches
Visitors to the Lafayette Parish Courthouse can use public computers in the Land Records/Copy Department to research property records dating back to 1936. Civil and criminal case files may also be reviewed in person by contacting the appropriate department within the Clerk’s office.
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public copies (self-service) | $0.50 per page |
| Copies made by staff | $1.00 per page |
| Index pages | $2.50 each |
| Plats (8½ x 11 or 8½ x 14) | $1.00 per page |
| Plats (all other sizes) | $5.00 each |
| Certification | $10.00 + copy charges |
| Conformed copy | $5.00 + copy fee |
Are Court Records Public in Lafayette Parish?
Louisiana law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 251 designates the clerk of court as the legal custodian of all court records and authorizes the clerk to furnish copies to any person upon request. Additionally, La. R.S. 44:31 grants the public the right to inspect and copy public records, requiring custodians to provide a reasonable explanation when a request is denied.
However, several categories of records are restricted from general public access:
- Juvenile court case records
- Sealed or expunged court documents
- Confidential investigation materials and law enforcement investigative techniques
- Sensitive victim and witness identifying information
- Family law documents restricted by statute
- Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and financial account details
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential sources
Louisiana is also a “closed record” state for vital records, meaning birth and death certificates are not public documents and may only be issued to persons who meet specific eligibility criteria under state law. All filings made with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court may become public record subject to the Louisiana Public Records Act, and the clerk’s office prominently notes this on its website.
Criminal records held by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office carry additional restrictions under La. R.S. 44:1 and 44:3. Records classified as investigative reports, supplemental reports, statements, and those identifying sexual offense victims, juvenile offenders, or security procedures remain privileged even after adjudication and cannot be released without a court order.
Lafayette Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Lafayette Parish are divided between the 15th Judicial District Court and the City Court of Lafayette. Felony charges and misdemeanors occurring outside city limits are filed in the district court through the District Attorney’s Office. The City Court handles state misdemeanor offenses and city ordinance violations committed within its territorial jurisdiction, along with certain juvenile criminal and traffic matters.
District Court Criminal Records
The Clerk of Court’s Criminal Department manages all felony filings under the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure. This department processes formal charges, sends defendant notifications, issues subpoenas, and maintains court minutes and evidence records.
To request copies of criminal case documents, send an email to CriminalRecordsRequest@lpclerk.com with the following information:
- Docket number
- Case caption
- Title of requested documents
- Number of regular or certified copies needed
- Payment method
- Requester’s name, phone number, email, fax, or mailing address
Criminal records can also be accessed through the Clerk Connect online subscription or in person at the courthouse. The Criminal Department can be reached at (337) 291-6329.
City Court Criminal Records
The City Court of Lafayette maintains its own criminal case files. The court’s online Case Search tool allows public searches by name or docket number. For document copies or additional information, contact the court directly at (337) 291-8720.
Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office
Arrest and booking records are maintained by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, not the Clerk of Court. The Sheriff’s online inmate search tool provides details on recently booked individuals and upcoming court dates.
Public records requests to the Sheriff’s Office can be submitted:
- In person: Records Department, 303 West Vermillion Street (entrance at 900 Lafayette Street, Suite #120)
- By email: recordsrequest@lafayettesheriff.com
- By mail: Captain John Mowell, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 3508, Lafayette, LA 70502
- Phone: (337) 236-5845
Records Division hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
| Sheriff’s Office Record | Fee |
|---|---|
| Accident report | $8.00 |
| Online accident report | $14.00 |
| Background check | $25.00 |
| Incident & initial reports | $10.00 |
| Call for service | $15.00 + $1.00 per additional page |
| Fingerprints (ink roll) | $20.00 |
| Clearance letter (notarized) | $30.00 |
| Body-worn camera video | $30.00 each |
| Dash camera video | $30.00 each |
| Copies of other documents/photos | $1.00 per page |
Allow 7–10 business days after an incident before requesting a report.
Lafayette Parish Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Lafayette Parish are handled by both the 15th Judicial District Court and the City Court of Lafayette. The district court’s Civil Department processes all civil suits, clerk’s suits, adoptions, successions, and related filings, including proper indexing, docket and minute book maintenance, and cost tracking. The Civil Processing section issues citations, writs, subpoenas, and other court process.
The City Court has jurisdiction over small claims valued at $5,000 or less, civil cases where claims do not exceed $20,000 (including general damages, open account, personal injury, and contract actions), and eviction disputes where annual rent does not exceed $36,000 and monthly rent is $3,000 or less. Cases exceeding these thresholds are filed in district court.
Filing Fees (Civil Advanced Deposits)
Civil filing in Louisiana requires an advance deposit to cover anticipated processing costs per R.S. 13:842. Selected deposit amounts include:
| Case Type | Advance Deposit |
|---|---|
| Ex-Parte Custody, Interdiction | $700.00 |
| Adoptions, Divorce w/Rule and TRO, Make Judgment Executory & Garnishment | $600.00 |
| 3601 Protective Order, Custody, Divorce w/Rule or TRO, Domestic Protective Order, Garnishment | $500.00 |
| Divorce, Executory Process, Succession, Open Account, Promissory Note | $400.00 |
| Small Claims, Damage/Personal Injury, Name Change, Separation, Emancipation, Small Succession, Tutorship, Workers’ Comp | $300.00 |
| Rules (Exception, Child Support, Custody, Alimony, Summary Judgment, Appeal, New Trial) | $300.00 |
| Motion to Continue, Motion to Fix for Trial | $200.00 |
Each advance deposit includes one service. Additional services cost $100.00 each. Service through the Secretary of State adds $50.00 per service.
Civil records can be searched through the Clerk Connect subscription or the free eClerks LA index portal. To request copies, contact the Civil Records section at (337) 291-6303 or the Court Cost section at (337) 291-6314. Email requests to the civil department should include the docket number, case caption, document titles, copy type (regular or certified), payment method, and a return address or fax number.
Property Records
The Clerk’s Land Records/Copy Department maintains conveyance and mortgage records, mineral leases, chattel records, UCC filings, subdivision maps, and other recorded instruments from 1936 to the present. The department has six public computers available for on-site searching.
Requests for copies can be submitted by email to CopyDepartment@lpclerkc.com, by fax at (337) 291-6393, by mail, or in person. For research assistance, call (337) 291-6300.
The Lafayette Parish Assessor provides free online tools for property research, including a real estate search by owner name, address, assessment number, or subdivision, and a personal property search. An interactive assessor map allows users to click on any parcel to view ownership, valuation, and tax history.
Lafayette Parish Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Lafayette Parish encompass divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters. These cases are adjudicated across several divisions of the 15th Judicial District Court, and certain juvenile and family matters also fall under the City Court of Lafayette’s jurisdiction.
The Clerk of Court’s Family Court Department maintains records, sets dockets, issues warrants, and notifies parties of court dates for family-related proceedings. The Non-Support division works with the District Attorney and the Louisiana Department of Social Services to set and enforce child support orders pursuant to LSA-46:236.1.
Family court forms are available through the 15th Judicial District Court website and the Lafayette Bar Association, which sells forms specifically designed for use in the 15th JDC.
Most family court records carry restricted access, available only to case parties and entities specifically authorized by law. The Clerk’s Juvenile department can be reached at (337) 291-6327, the Non-Support division at (337) 291-6367, and Protective Orders at (337) 291-6386.
The City Court handles child in need of care (CINC) and families in need of services (FINS) proceedings within its territorial jurisdiction. Records from these proceedings must be requested directly from the City Court.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court at the courthouse, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Only one party must appear in person with required documents for both parties. Applicants need to provide proof of birth (certified birth certificate, birth card, or equivalent), Social Security numbers, and documentation of any prior marriage terminations.
- License fee: $27.50 plus $4.00 per page for attachments
- Certified copy of marriage license: $5.00
- Credit/debit card convenience fee: 3.00% (minimum $1.00)
The license is valid for 30 days and must be used for ceremonies in Louisiana only. It must be purchased at least 24 hours before the ceremony. Applicants may complete the marriage application online before visiting the office. Social Security numbers can be kept confidential upon written request at the time of license purchase.
To obtain a certified copy of a previously recorded marriage license, complete the Request for Certified Copies of Marriage License form and mail it with $5.00 per copy to: Marriage License Department, Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. Include full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and the license number if known.
Birth and Death Certificates
Louisiana is a closed record state, so birth and death certificates are issued only to eligible individuals. The Clerk’s office has access to birth records and Louisiana death records for deaths occurring after July 9, 2012.
- Birth certificate: $34.00 (walk-in only, cash only)
- Birth certificate with birth card: $48.00
- Death certificate: $26.00 (walk-in only, cash only)
Certificates are issued from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the courthouse. Eligible applicants include the person named on the certificate, their current spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and legal guardians with a judgment of custody. Non-family members may request certificates with a signed authorization letter from an entitled individual, accompanied by a copy of the entitled party’s valid ID. Applicants must present one primary photo ID or two secondary identification documents. For deaths before July 9, 2012, contact the Louisiana Vital Records office at (504) 593-5100. The birth records department can be reached at (337) 291-6330 and the death certificate department at (337) 291-6432.
Lafayette Parish Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Lafayette Parish — referred to as “successions” under Louisiana law — are filed in the civil division of the 15th Judicial District Court. These proceedings address the settlement of a deceased person’s estate, including the probate of wills, appointment of succession representatives, determination of heirs, transfer of property, and resolution of inheritance disputes.
The Clerk of Court’s Successions section within the Civil Department handles probate case filings and can be reached directly at (337) 291-6312. Filing a succession requires an advance deposit of $400.00 (or $300.00 for a small succession). These deposits cover anticipated clerk processing costs per R.S. 13:842, and additional costs may accrue depending on the complexity of the proceedings.
Probate case records can be searched through the eClerks LA free index portal or the Clerk Connect subscription service. Civil and probate document images are available online from May 24, 2006, with indexes dating back to April 20, 1961.
To request copies of probate records by mail, contact the Civil Records section at (337) 291-6303 and provide the case docket number, caption, and titles of the documents needed. Standard copy fees apply: $0.50 per page for self-service copies, $1.00 per page for staff-prepared copies, and $10.00 for certification plus copy charges. Certified copies of succession documents, such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, are frequently required for managing a decedent’s financial accounts and property transfers.
Individuals may also visit the Clerk’s office in person to research probate files or use the onsite public computers to access electronic records. The Land Records/Copy Department at (337) 291-6300 can assist with locating recorded succession judgments and related property transfer documents.