Vermilion Parish Court Records Search
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Vermilion Parish, situated in the coastal region of southwestern Louisiana, processes its court matters through the Fifteenth Judicial District Court, which shares jurisdiction with Lafayette and Acadia Parishes. The parish seat in Abbeville houses the principal courthouse and the offices of the Clerk of Court, who serves as custodian of all civil, criminal, family, and probate filings. Alongside the district court, Vermilion Parish maintains city courts in Abbeville and Kaplan, as well as Justice of the Peace courts spread across multiple wards. Individuals seeking court records — whether to verify a judgment, research a property transaction, review a criminal disposition, or obtain a vital record — will find several pathways to access these documents both in person and through electronic systems.
Louisiana residents looking to locate court case records can search through official clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and web-based tools maintained by the judiciary. LouisianaCourts.us may assist in identifying publicly available court case information at the state level, while parish-level records are primarily accessed through the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court and the individual courts that generated them.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Vermilion Parish?
The Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court operates as the central repository for all district court filings in the parish. The office is organized into specialized departments — Civil, Criminal, Recording, Research, and Public Service — each handling distinct categories of records. Searching for a case typically begins either in person at the courthouse or through the Clerk’s online portal.
Vermilion Parish Courthouse (Clerk of Court)
Address: 100 North State Street, Suite 101, Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: (337) 898-1992
Fax: (337) 898-4556
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For in-person visits, the Research Department assists the public in locating and retrieving civil, probate, marriage, and military records. Staff can search written indexes and computerized records dating back to 1936. The Records Department handles file retrieval and copying, while the Civil Department and Criminal Department manage active case filings in their respective subject areas.
Remote searches are available through the Official Records Web Portal, which requires users to create an account. Once logged in, records can be searched by party name or instrument-specific data. The portal covers recorded documents including conveyances, mortgages, marriage records, and other instruments maintained by the Clerk.
Beyond the district court, Vermilion Parish has additional courts handling local matters:
Abbeville City Court
Address: 208 South State Street, Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: (337) 893-1513
Kaplan City Court
Address: 701 North Cushing Avenue, Kaplan, LA 70548
Phone: (337) 643-8602
Abbeville City Court exercises criminal, traffic, civil, and juvenile jurisdiction within Abbeville city limits. Kaplan City Court handles similar matters for its municipality. Misdemeanor offenses committed within city limits are typically prosecuted in these courts rather than in the district court.
Vermilion Parish also operates Justice of the Peace courts across its wards, handling small civil claims and performing certain quasi-judicial functions. These courts are located throughout the parish in Abbeville, Maurice, Erath, Gueydan, and Kaplan.
The parish falls within the appellate jurisdiction of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal and the trial jurisdiction of the Fifteenth Judicial District Court, which has 13 elected judges across Divisions A through M, one Commissioner, and five hearing officers.
Are Court Records Public in Vermilion Parish?
Court records in Vermilion Parish are generally open to public inspection under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1 et seq.). The Clerk of Court makes these records available during regular business hours, and copies can be obtained for applicable fees. However, several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Medical records submitted as evidence or filed in court proceedings
- Paternity records
- Mental health records
- Adoption proceedings
- Grand jury proceedings, including juror identities and transcripts
- Sealed and expunged records
- Gestational surrogacy records
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Pretrial services program records
- Domestic violence records and reports
- Complete presentence investigation reports
- Attorney-client privileged communications and work product
- Records involving sexual assault or abuse of child victims
- Advisory or memoranda opinions related to court administration
- Bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and credit or debit card numbers
- Personal information of victims or alleged victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses
- Personnel records, employment applications, and employment investigation and hearing records
- Unexecuted search and arrest warrants and their supporting affidavits
Standard copy fees for accessing public records at the Clerk’s office are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies made by customer (per page) | $1.00 |
| Copies made by Deputy Clerk (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copies | $10.00 each |
| Conformed/stamped copies | $5.00 each |
| Full-size maps | $3.00 each |
| Fax — first page | $5.00 |
| Fax — each additional page | $2.00 |
Requesters visiting the courthouse should bring valid identification. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for most transactions.
Vermilion Parish Criminal Court Records
Felony prosecutions in Vermilion Parish are handled by the Fifteenth Judicial District Court and filed through the Clerk of Court’s Criminal Department. This department receives Bills of Information and Indictments from the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, manages defendant notifications, coordinates with attorneys and bondsmen, and issues subpoenas. Misdemeanors occurring within Abbeville or Kaplan city limits are prosecuted in the respective city courts.
Criminal case records maintained by the Clerk’s office can be searched in person. A criminal search fee of $20.00 per name applies and covers the research itself. Copies of located records carry additional charges: $1.00 per page for regular copies, $5.00 each for certified copies, $3.00 each for conformed copies, $10.00 for an extract of minutes, and $15.00 for a certified extract of minutes. The Criminal Department can be reached at (337) 898-4558, with fax at (337) 740-8803.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and incident records separately from the Clerk. The Sheriff’s Records Division processes public records requests and background checks. Requests can be submitted:
- In person at 101 South State Street, Abbeville, LA 70510 (Administrative Office) or 407 Charity Street, Abbeville, LA 70510 (Investigations — 2nd floor)
- By mail to Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Records, P.O. Box 307, Abbeville, LA 70511-0307
- By email to records@vermilionsheriff.gov
- By phone to the Records Division at (337) 898-4405
Current inmate information is available through the Sheriff’s Office Prisoners Portal, which allows searches by the arrestee’s last name. The facility is located at 14202 Allen Bares Jr. Drive, Abbeville, LA 70510, with the booking line at (337) 898-4430 and jail administration at (337) 898-4424.
Expungements in Vermilion Parish require filing through the Criminal Department. The filing fees, which are non-refundable, must be paid as separate instruments to multiple agencies:
- $200.00 (cash or money order) payable to the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
- $250.00 (money order) payable to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
- $50.00 (money order) payable to the District Attorney, 15th Judicial District
- $50.00 (money order) payable to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff
- $50.00 (money order) payable to the Department of Public Safety (DWI charges only)
Statutory forms for expungement filings are available through the Louisiana State Legislature website, including Article 987 (Motion to Set Aside Conviction), Article 989 (Motion for Expungement), Article 991 (Order Form), and Article 992 (Order of Expungement). Anyone considering an expungement is strongly encouraged to consult an attorney before filing.
Vermilion Parish Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Vermilion Parish is filed in the Fifteenth Judicial District Court through the Clerk’s Civil Department, which handles all civil suits, clerk’s suits, adoptions, successions, and related matters. The department indexes suits, maintains docket and minute books, tracks costs, and processes citations, writs, subpoenas, and other court process under the seal of the court.
Advance deposits are required with any initial petition under R.S. 13:842. The correct deposit must accompany the original pleading; otherwise, documents may be returned or held unfiled until payment is received. All outstanding court costs must be paid before a suit can be dismissed or certified copies of judgments issued. Questions about costs should be directed to the Accounting Department at (337) 898-4540.
Key civil filing fees include:
| Filing Type | Advance Deposit |
|---|---|
| New suit without service of process | $250.00 |
| New suit with one service of process | $450.00 |
| Adoption | $400.00 |
| Name change | $250.00 |
| Executory process (with one service) | $450.00 |
| Sequestration / injunctive relief (with one service) | $350.00 |
| Garnishment (with one service) | $350.00 |
| Each additional service of process | $100.00 |
| Service through the Secretary of State | $125.00 |
| Subpoenas | $100.00 |
Pleadings filed into existing suits without service of process are charged at $6.00 for the initial page and $4.00 for each subsequent page, per R.S. 13:841. Conformed copies cost $3.00 each, certified copies $5.00 each, and standard copies $1.00 per page. Fax filings carry a $5.00 transmission fee plus a $15.00 receipt fee, with page charges of $6.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. Original pleadings must follow within seven days.
Civil records — including judgments, motions, and pleadings — can be researched in person at the Research Department, which maintains written indexes and computerized records going back to 1936. The department provides access to original documents, microfilm, and electronic images. The Official Records Web Portal also allows registered users to search and view recorded civil instruments online.
Pursuant to Act 415 of the 2017 Regular Session (R.S. 13:996.69), an additional filing charge of $150.00 applies per initial filing in a civil suit (excluding adoptions), and $30.00 upon filing each additional pleading. These surcharges support the courthouse building fund and have been in effect since December 1, 2017.
Vermilion Parish Family Court Records
Family law matters in Vermilion Parish — including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and protective orders — are adjudicated in the Fifteenth Judicial District Court. The Clerk’s Civil Department processes these filings, while the Criminal Department handles protective orders and juvenile matters. Filing a new family suit with one service of process requires a $400.00 advance deposit. A Rule to Show Cause under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, covering the issuance of one rule without including the Judgment of Divorce, requires $350.00. Additional service of process costs $100.00 per service.
Pleadings in existing family suits follow the same per-page charges as other civil filings. A Certificate of Divorce (per R.S. 40:57 and R.S. 40:58) costs $15.00 through the Clerk’s office. All outstanding court costs must be cleared before certified copies of divorce judgments can be issued. The Clerk can be contacted about family case costs at the Civil Processing line, (337) 898-4534, or by calling the main office at (337) 898-1992.
Marriage records in Vermilion Parish are maintained by the Clerk of Court and can be searched through the Research Department or via the Official Records Web Portal. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.00 each. Marriage license inquiries can be directed to (337) 898-4532.
Birth and death records are available through the Clerk’s Public Service Department. Under Louisiana law, birth records remain confidential for 100 years following birth, and death records for 50 years after the year of death. Only authorized individuals may obtain certified copies, including the person named on the record, the current or surviving spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, a succession representative (for death certificates), an attorney representing an eligible person, or a beneficiary of the deceased’s financial institution account. To obtain a certificate from the Clerk:
- Bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID to the Clerk’s office
- Complete the Birth/Death Certificate Application Form (available online or in the office)
- Pay the applicable fee — $34.00 for a birth certificate (long form), $48.00 for a birth certificate with birth card, or $26.00 for a death certificate
- Accepted payment methods are cash, check, or credit card
The Clerk has access to Louisiana records only. Birth certificates for individuals born before 1984 may involve a wait of 15 minutes to one hour, a return trip, or a postage fee for mailing. Delayed certificates may require contacting the New Orleans Vital Records office. No phone orders are accepted. For questions, contact the Public Service Department at (337) 898-4542 or (337) 898-4539.
Alternatively, the Louisiana Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics issues birth and death certificates at lower fees: $15.00 per birth certificate copy, $24.00 for a birth certificate and birth card pair, and $7.00 per death certificate copy. Applications can be submitted by mail (with a $0.50 state surcharge per transaction) using the Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate, in person at the Vital Records Central Office at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), or through online and telephone ordering via an authorized service provider for an additional processing fee. Mail requests should be sent to Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160.
Vermilion Parish Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Vermilion Parish are handled through the Fifteenth Judicial District Court, with all filings processed by the Clerk of Court’s Civil Department. Louisiana’s probate proceedings — referred to as successions — encompass the settlement of estates, recognition of testaments (wills), appointment of succession representatives, administration of estate assets, and final distributions to heirs. The Clerk also handles tutorship (guardianship of minors), emancipation, and interdiction (adult guardianship) proceedings.
Advance deposit requirements for probate filings are as follows:
| Proceeding Type | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Large succession (estate over $125,000) | $350.00 |
| Small succession (estate under $125,000) | $300.00 |
| Large tutorship (over $50,000) | $350.00 |
| Small tutorship (under $50,000) | $250.00 |
| Emancipation | $300.00 |
| Interdiction | $300.00 |
Additional probate-related charges include $6.00 for the initial page of any subsequent pleading, $4.00 per additional page, $3.00 for conformed copies, and $5.00 for certified copies. Certificates of no opposition cost $15.00, publication notices without certified copies cost $15.00, and letters of confirmation, appointment, administration, testamentary, or tutorship (without certified copies) cost $20.00.
Records of completed successions and other probate matters are preserved in the Clerk’s Research Department and can be accessed in person during business hours. Staff can retrieve files using the decedent’s name, case number, or other identifying details. The Records Department handles civil, probate, marriage, and military record retrieval and manages file check-outs for attorneys conducting research.
Online access to certain recorded probate instruments may be available through the Official Records Web Portal, though active succession case files are typically accessed through the Civil Department or in the courthouse file room. Individuals researching estate matters should contact the Research Department directly or call the Clerk’s main line at (337) 898-1992. For questions about outstanding probate costs or advance deposit requirements, the Accounting Department can be reached at (337) 898-4540.
The Vermilion Parish Assessor’s Office may also be a useful resource for individuals involved in succession proceedings who need to verify property valuations or ownership records. The Assessor’s office provides free online property searches and accepts in-person visits Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.