Lafourche Parish Court Records Search
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Lafourche Parish, situated in southeastern Louisiana with its parish seat in Thibodaux, operates a multi-tiered court system that processes civil, criminal, family, and probate matters across several courts and offices. The 17th Judicial District Court serves as the parish’s primary trial court with original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, while the Thibodaux City Court, four Justice of the Peace Courts, and two Mayor’s Courts handle matters within their respective jurisdictions. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court functions as the official custodian of court records, maintaining civil suits, criminal filings, conveyance records, mortgages, marriage licenses, and vital records.
Individuals looking for court case information in Louisiana can search through official clerk of court offices, online record portals, and public access terminals. The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court offers subscription-based online search tools covering civil, criminal, conveyance, and mortgage records. At the state level, LouisianaCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available court case information. The Louisiana Clerks’ Statewide Portal also provides links for conducting business with parish clerks across Louisiana, including record searches, e-filing, and e-recording.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lafourche Parish?
There are multiple ways to locate case records in Lafourche Parish, depending on whether the searcher needs civil, criminal, conveyance, or mortgage records.
Online record searches:
The Clerk of Court maintains two separate subscription-based portals accessible through the Records Search page:
- Civil and Criminal Records Portal — Provides access to civil and criminal indexes from July 1, 1982 to the present, minute entries from January 1, 2001, and document images from March 2018 onward. Civil e-filing is also available through this portal.
- Conveyance and Mortgage Records Portal — Covers property transfers, mortgages, and related land records maintained by the Clerk’s Office.
Each portal requires a separate account and subscription. The fee schedule for online access is:
| Subscription | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30-Day Unlimited Access | $50.00/month |
| 1-Day Unlimited Access | $20.00/day |
| 1-Year Unlimited Access | $550.00/year |
Subscriptions are non-refundable. Users must create an account, select a subscription, and then search by party name, case number, or other identifying information.
A free Court Date Finder tool is available to check upcoming civil and criminal court dates without a subscription.
In-person searches:
Visitors may use the public research area — equipped with computers and indexes — at the Clerk of Court’s main office. The Thibodaux office handles all civil, criminal, election, and administrative functions.
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court – Thibodaux (Main Office)
Temporary Location: 200 W. 2nd St., 3rd Floor, Thibodaux, LA 70301
Mailing: P.O. Box 818, Thibodaux, LA 70302
Phone: (985) 447-4841
Fax: (985) 447-5800
Toll-Free: (866) 447-4841
Email: clerk@lafourcheclerk.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Two branch offices provide limited services:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockport | 710 Church St., Lockport, LA 70374 | (985) 532-7361 | Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 for lunch) |
| Galliano | 16241 E. Main St., Cut Off, LA 70345 | (985) 632-8111 | Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 for lunch) |
Fees for in-person copy requests:
- Search (per name): $20.00
- Photocopy (per page): $1.00
- Certified copy: $5.00
- Conformed copy: $2.00
Are Court Records Public in Lafourche Parish?
Court records in Lafourche Parish are generally open to public inspection. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) establishes that records maintained by public bodies — including courts and clerks — are available for examination by any person, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution further guarantees the right of access to public documents, except in cases established by law.
The Clerk of Court’s Office processes public records requests by email at clerk@lafourcheclerk.com, in person, or by mail. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains a separate public records process; requests should be directed to the Custodian of Records using the Public Records Request Form and mailed or emailed to:
Chief Deputy Roy Gros
P.O. Box 5608
Thibodaux, LA 70302
Email: roy-gros@lpso.net
Records restricted from public access include:
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Sealed records (ordered sealed by a court)
- Expunged criminal records pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure
- Adoption records
- Sensitive information that a court has ordered restricted to protect privacy or safety
- Records in ongoing criminal investigations maintained by law enforcement (La. R.S. 44:3)
Only official public records maintained in the Clerk of Court’s office constitute the parish’s official public records. Online portal records are considered released records that have been recorded, indexed, and verified for general public viewing, though recently filed records may not appear immediately.
Lafourche Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Lafourche Parish are heard by the 17th Judicial District Court, which has five elected divisions (A through E). The court handles felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile matters. The Thibodaux City Court hears criminal cases within the city’s jurisdiction, and the Mayor’s Courts of Golden Meadow and Lockport process municipal ordinance violations.
Where criminal records are maintained:
The Clerk of Court’s Criminal Department, located on the third floor of the Courthouse Annex, manages all criminal case filings for the 17th JDC. Court proceedings are held at two locations:
- Old Courthouse: 201 Green Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301
- Courthouse Annex: 303 W. 3rd Street, Thibodaux, LA 70302
How to search criminal records:
- Online: Use the Civil and Criminal Records portal (subscription required: $50/month or $20/day). Criminal indexes are available from July 1, 1982, minute entries from January 2001, and images from March 2018.
- In person: Visit the Criminal Department at the Courthouse Annex. Provide the individual’s name, charges, or judgment details. The search fee is $20 per name, copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies are $5.00 plus a $5.00 processing fee.
- By phone: Contact the Criminal Department at (985) 447-5512.
Active warrants: The Sheriff’s Office publishes an active warrants search through its online portal.
Local background checks through the Sheriff’s Office:
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office provides local criminal history reports at three locations:
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| LPSO Administrative Office | 200 Canal Blvd., Thibodaux, LA 70301 |
| Criminal Operations Center | 805 Crescent Ave., Lockport, LA 70374 |
| South Lafourche Substation | 102 W. 91st St., Cut Off, LA 70345 |
Fees are $5.00 per report for Lafourche Parish residents and $10.00 for non-residents. A valid photo ID is required. Contact the Records Section at (985) 449-4428 or email recordsinfo@lpso.net for more information.
Fingerprint-based background checks are available through IdentoGO for $60.75 (in-state applicants) at the Administrative Office and South Lafourche Substation. Civil Live Scan fingerprinting for employers and state agencies costs $59.50 and is conducted only at the Administrative Office.
Criminal court forms and links — including the Advice of Rights/Guilty Plea form, Waiver of Defendant’s Presence, Change of Address form, and firearms transfer documents — are available from the 17th JDC website. Tickets and fines can be paid through the Sheriff’s Office.
Lafourche Parish Civil Court Records
Civil lawsuits, contract disputes, property matters, personal injury claims, and other non-criminal cases in Lafourche Parish are filed with the 17th Judicial District Court through the Clerk of Court’s Civil Department, located on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex building.
How to obtain civil records:
- Online: Access the Civil and Criminal Records Search portal at the Clerk’s records search page. A subscription is required ($50/month, $20/day, or $550/year). Civil e-filing is available through the same portal.
- In person: Visit the Civil Department at 200 W. 2nd St., 3rd Floor (temporary location), Thibodaux, LA 70301.
Civil filing fees (estimated advance deposits):
The Clerk collects fees for multiple agencies on new suits, including a $10.00 17th JDC Fund fee, $29.50 Judges’ Supplemental Compensation Fund, $0.50 Judicial College Fund, and $1.50 Supreme Court Reporting Fee. Selected deposit amounts from the civil fees schedule include:
| Filing Type | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Money Due / Suit on Note | $275.00 |
| Name Change | $300.00 |
| Executory Process (Foreclosure) | $500.00 |
| Damages | $300.00 |
| All Other New Suits | $300.00 |
| Each Additional Service | $75.00 |
| Garnishment (with one service) | $300.00 |
| Rule to Show Cause (one service) | $150.00 |
| Motion for Appeal | $200.00 |
| Answer (no service) | $50.00 |
| Jury Order | $175.00 |
| Writ of Seizure | $125.00 |
| Writ of Fieri Facias | $175.00 |
| Subpoena | $75.00 |
Civil forms — including name change, divorce, and other self-help documents — are accessible through the Louisiana State Bar Association forms page. The 17th JDC Self-Help Center, located on the first floor of the Old Courthouse at 201 Green Street in Thibodaux, provides procedural guidance and forms for self-represented litigants.
Property and land records:
Conveyance and mortgage records are searchable through the Clerk’s Conveyance and Mortgage portal (separate subscription required). Property tax assessments, ownership data, and parcel maps are available from the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office at 403 St. Louis Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: (985) 447-7242
Lafourche Parish Family Court Records
Lafourche Parish does not have a separate family court. All family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, and Protection from Abuse cases — are heard by the 17th Judicial District Court. The court operates a Family Preservation Court program and administers the Families in Need of Services (FINS) Program. Family case filings are processed through the Clerk of Court’s Civil Department.
Domestic filing deposits:
| Case Type | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Divorce (no rules or TRO) | $275.00 |
| Divorce (with rule) | $375.00 |
| Divorce (with rule and TRO) | $425.00 |
| Divorce (with TRO only) | $375.00 |
| Custody (no rule) | $275.00 |
| Custody (with rule) | $350.00 |
| Adoption (one child) | $550.00 |
| Each additional child (adoption) | $75.00 |
A guided divorce form for Article 103 divorces without children is available through the Louisiana Supreme Court. Adoption cases cannot be e-filed and must be filed conventionally.
Marriage licenses:
The Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses at all three office locations. The fee is $32.00 (cash only), which includes one certified copy mailed after the signed license is returned. Applicants may complete an online marriage application in advance but must appear in person with the required documents to finalize the application. Key requirements:
- Both parties’ certified birth certificates
- Valid photo ID
- Social Security numbers
- If previously married, date of divorce or date of death of prior spouse
- 24-hour waiting period before the license can be used
- License expires 30 days from the application date
- Applicants must be 18 or older (minors aged 16–17 require judicial authorization and parental consent)
Certified copies of previously issued marriage records can be requested by mail using the marriage certified copy request form. Fees are $6.00 for marriages from 1991 to the present and $7.00 for marriages in 1990 or earlier. Payment by check or money order should be made payable to “Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court” and mailed to: Clerk of Court, Attn: Copy Department, P.O. Box 818, Thibodaux, LA 70302-0818.
Birth and death certificates:
The Clerk’s Office provides certified copies of Louisiana birth and death certificates in person only at the Thibodaux office, which accesses the state Vital Records database. Fees are cash only:
- Birth Certificate: $34.00
- Birth Certificate + Birth Card (bundle only): $48.00
- Death Certificate: $26.00
Requestors must present valid photo ID and demonstrate an eligible relationship (self, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, legal guardian, or current spouse). Non-entitled parties must submit an Authorization of Records Release form. A birth or death certificate application should be completed in advance. Birth certificates older than 100 years and death certificates older than 50 years must be obtained from the Louisiana State Archives at (225) 922-1207. Death certificates registered before July 2012 require contacting Louisiana Vital Records at (504) 593-5100. The birth and death certificate counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at (985) 447-5266.
Lafourche Parish Probate Court Records
Probate and succession matters in Lafourche Parish are handled by the 17th Judicial District Court. Louisiana uses the term “succession” rather than “probate” for the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. The Clerk of Court’s Office maintains succession records, tutorship filings, interdictions, and related documents.
Estimated advance deposits for probate-related filings:
| Filing Type | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Succession (one decedent) | $300.00 |
| Succession (two decedents) | $500.00 |
| Tutorship | $300.00 |
| Minor’s Settlement | $300.00 |
| Tutorship and Minor’s Claim | $400.00 |
| Petition for Notice of Application | $150.00 |
| Interdiction | $450.00 |
How to search probate records:
The Clerk’s Civil and Criminal Records portal includes a “Wills and Donations” category with indexes dating back to September 1817. Users can search succession and estate records through this portal after registering and selecting a subscription plan ($50.00/month, $20.00/day, or $550.00/year). Copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies are $5.00.
In-person requests can be made at the Clerk of Court’s Civil Department. Provide the decedent’s name, case number (if known), or approximate date of filing. The Clerk can conduct a name search for $20.00. For complex estate matters or questions about filing procedures, the 17th JDC Self-Help Center at 201 Green Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, offers guidance to self-represented individuals navigating succession proceedings.