Vernon Parish Court Records
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Vernon Parish sits in western Louisiana, with Leesville as the parish seat. Established in 1871 from parts of Natchitoches, Rapides, and Sabine Parishes, the parish runs a multi-level court system covering felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, juvenile proceedings, and succession (probate) filings. The 30th Judicial District Court sits at the top of the parish court structure and has general jurisdiction over all case types. Below it, the Leesville City Court handles misdemeanors, ordinance violations, and civil matters within its territorial limits. Justice of the Peace Courts across the parish's wards resolve minor civil and criminal disputes. Five Mayors Courts in Anacoco, Hornbeck, New Llano, Simpson, and Rosepine handle traffic infractions and municipal ordinance offenses.
If you're looking for court records in Vernon Parish, you have several options. The Vernon Parish Clerk of Court maintains official records for the 30th Judicial District Court and allows in-person access at the courthouse during business hours. The eClerks LA Statewide Portal offers a free search tool covering land records, marriage licenses, and civil, family, and probate court records across all 64 Louisiana parishes. LouisianaCourts.us can also help you find publicly available case information. For property records, the Clerk of Court operates a subscription-based online indexing system for mortgages and conveyances. Criminal background checks go through the Louisiana State Police PATCH system, not the Clerk's office.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Vernon Parish?
The right starting point depends on which court handled the case and what type of record you need.
Vernon Parish 30th Judicial District Court
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 215 South 4th Street, Leesville, LA 71446 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 40, Leesville, LA 71496-0040 |
| Phone | (337) 238-1384 |
| Fax | (337) 238-9902 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
The District Court sits in three divisions:
- Division A – Judge Tony A. Bennett, (337) 239-2147
- Division B – Judge C. Anthony Eaves, (337) 239-3584
- Division C – Judge Scott Westerchil, (337) 238-3531
All three judges are located at 215 South 4th Street, Leesville, LA 71446 (P.O. Box 1700, Leesville, LA 71496-0040). The court's local rules are published on the 30th JDC website, and a complete set is also available through the Louisiana Supreme Court's District Court Rules page.
Leesville City Court
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 West Lee Street, Leesville, LA 71496 |
| Phone | (337) 238-1531 |
| Fax | (337) 392-8582 |
| City Judge | Elvin Fontenot |
| Judicial Administrator | Glenda Dowden |
For traffic and criminal record inquiries in cases handled by City Court, contact the Leesville Police Department at (337) 238-0331. You can pay traffic tickets online through NCourt.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Vernon Parish has Justice of the Peace Courts in Wards 2 through 8, handling minor civil cases and summary criminal offenses.
| Ward | Judge | Phone | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ward 2 | Rodney Haymon | (337) 353-9575 | 196 Holly Grove Rd, Anacoco, LA 71403 |
| Ward 3 | John W. Bonner | (337) 424-5138 | 2055 Bonner Rd, Evans, LA 70639 |
| Ward 4 | Arlene Cook | (337) 537-1967 | 207 Ray Cook Rd, Leesville, LA 71446 |
| Ward 5 | Ellis Yeley | (318) 358-5351 | 132 P. Lacaze Rd, Pitkin, LA 70656 |
| Ward 6 | Justin Bonnette | (337) 383-7074 | P.O. Box 522, Simpson, LA 71474 |
| Ward 7 | Trista Leann Johnson | (337) 396-4158 | 4967 Churchman Rd, Pitkin, LA 70656 |
| Ward 8 | Linda L. Smith | (337) 208-4802 | P.O. Box 111, Slagle, LA 71475 |
Searching Records Online
The Clerk of Court accepts e-filings for new civil suits and additional pleadings through eClerks LA. For property record searches, the online indexing system provides access to mortgage and conveyance indices, with marriage indices also available—though copies of marriage certificates must be requested directly from the Clerk's office. Subscription rates for the online system are $20 for a 24-hour pass, $100 for 31 days, or $1,000 for a full year, plus a $1.00 per page copy rate and a service charge of $0.30 plus 3% per credit card transaction.
Are Court Records Public in Vernon Parish?
The Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) establishes a broad right of public access to government records, including court documents. Under this law, any person of the age of majority may inspect and copy public records maintained by government custodians during regular business hours.
That said, several categories of records are not open to the public in Vernon Parish courts:
- Juvenile records – Proceedings involving minors as defendants or children in need of care are sealed by statute and accessible only to authorized parties.
- Adoption records – All documents related to adoption are confidential.
- Sealed and expunged records – Criminal records sealed or expunged by court order are removed from public view.
- Medical and mental health records – Filings containing psychiatric evaluations, medical histories, or treatment information are restricted.
- Victim records – Identifying information for victims of domestic violence and sexual offenses is withheld to protect personal safety.
- Confidential informant records – The identities and records of confidential informants used in criminal prosecutions are exempt from disclosure.
Vital records—birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates—follow separate confidentiality rules under the Louisiana Vital Statistics Law (La. R.S. 40:32 et seq.). Louisiana is a closed-record state for vital records: birth records become public 100 years after the birth year of the named individual, death records become public 50 years after the date of death, and marriage records are confidential for 50 years from the date of marriage. Within those restricted periods, only the named parties, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives may access them.
Vernon Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Vernon Parish is divided among the 30th Judicial District Court, the Leesville City Court, and the Justice of the Peace Courts. The District Court handles all felony prosecutions and presides over every stage of criminal proceedings—from bail hearings and arraignments through jury trials and sentencing. The Leesville City Court has authority over misdemeanor offenses and municipal ordinance violations within city limits. Justice of the Peace Courts resolve summary criminal matters such as traffic citations and fish and game violations, and may accept pleas and impose sentences for third-degree misdemeanors and certain first-offense DUI charges classified as second-degree misdemeanors.
The Clerk of Court, Jeff Skidmore, is the custodian of all criminal records for the 30th Judicial District Court. Criminal docket entries, judgments, sentences, and case filings can be reviewed at the Clerk's office at the courthouse.
Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office
The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office is the parish's primary law enforcement agency and maintains arrest records and jail booking information.
- Street Address: 1203 South Fourth Street, Leesville, LA 71446
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 649, Leesville, LA 71496
- Phone: (337) 238-1311
- Fax: (337) 238-4987
- Chief Deputy: Calvin Turner
- Chief of Detectives: Rhonda Jordan
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains statewide criminal history records. Under Louisiana law, this information is restricted to authorized requestors. The Internet Background Check (IBC) platform, run by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, lets qualified users submit criminal background check requests online. As of December 1, 2024, a $5 technology fee is added to all background check requests under La. R.S. 15:587 D(1). You can also submit requests by mail to:
Louisiana State Police
7919 Independence Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains incarceration records for individuals held in state custody. For inmates in the Vernon Parish Jail, contact the Sheriff's Office at (337) 238-1311.
Vernon Parish Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Vernon Parish are primarily filed in the 30th Judicial District Court, which has general jurisdiction over personal injury claims, contract disputes, property litigation, mortgage foreclosures, and other civil actions. The Leesville City Court exercises concurrent jurisdiction over civil disputes within its monetary limits. Justice of the Peace Courts hear small claims and minor civil matters.
Filing and Fees
The Vernon Parish Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all civil filings in the District Court. All pleadings must be submitted to the Clerk's office on the first floor of the courthouse at 215 South 4th Street, Leesville, LA 71446. The civil services fee schedule is available on the Clerk's website. A few important points to keep in mind:
- Filings involving a curator carry an additional $200 per curator.
- Each additional defendant beyond the first adds $100 to the filing cost.
- Before filing any motion in an ongoing suit, confirm with the Clerk that sufficient funds are on deposit—pleadings will be rejected if the account is short.
E-Filing
The Clerk of Court accepts electronic filings through eClerks LA. Instructions for e-filing new civil suits and additional documents are on the Clerk's e-filing page.
Copies and Certified Documents
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies | $2.00 per page |
| Conformed copy | $5.00 + copy fee |
| Certified copy | $10.00 + copy fee |
| Notary fee | $10.00 |
| Postage | Actual amount |
The eClerks LA Statewide Portal is a free search tool that covers civil, family, and probate court records across Louisiana parishes, including Vernon Parish—it's the most accessible option for a remote search. For property-related records, the online indexing system offers conveyance and mortgage indices from November 1960 to the present on a subscription basis.
Genealogical Research
Court records in Vernon Parish date to 1871, when the parish was established. You can conduct genealogical research at the Clerk of Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Vernon Parish Family Court Records
Family law cases in Vernon Parish fall under the jurisdiction of the 30th Judicial District Court, which handles divorce, custody, adoption, and protective orders. The court also operates a Self-Help Center for individuals representing themselves in legal proceedings.
Divorce
Divorce actions are filed with the Clerk of Court at 215 South 4th Street. All divorce-related records—petitions, court orders, judgments, and decrees—are maintained by the Clerk's office. Eligible persons may request copies in person. Because divorce records are treated as confidential vital records under Louisiana law, only authorized individuals (the named parties, their legal representatives, or persons with a direct interest) may access them during the restricted period.
Child Custody and Support
The Domestic Relations section of the court handles financial support matters for children and spouses. This office is a branch of the 30th Judicial District Court. Note that the Domestic Relations office does not adjudicate custody or visitation disputes—those are handled separately through the District Court's civil division.
Domestic Violence
Protection from abuse orders are issued by the District Court. Identifying information for victims in domestic violence cases is exempt from public records disclosure.
Adoption
Adoption proceedings go through the District Court, and all adoption-related documents are confidential. These records are not accessible to the general public.
Marriage Licenses
The Clerk of Court's Marriage License department issues marriage licenses in Vernon Parish. Key requirements include:
- Fee: $40.00
- Contact: (337) 238-4345 or (337) 239-2830
- Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk's office before 4:00 p.m.
- Required documents: Certified birth certificate under seal, valid photo identification (driver's license, government ID, or passport), Social Security number for each party, and a copy of any previous divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married.
- Age requirement: No license is issued to anyone under 16; applicants aged 16–17 require judicial authorization and written parental consent.
- Waiting period: 24 hours from the time and date of issuance, unless a judicial waiver is obtained from a District Judge or Justice of the Peace (La. R.S. 9:242).
- Expiration: The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance (La. R.S. 9:235).
- Ceremony: May be performed by a Minister of the Gospel or a Justice of the Peace, within Louisiana's territorial limits, in the presence of two witnesses of full age (La. R.S. 9:244).
Marriage indices are searchable through the online indexing system, but copies of marriage certificates must be obtained in person from the Clerk's office. Marriage records less than 50 years old are confidential and available only to the named parties, their parents, descendants, spouses, or legal representatives. Records older than 50 years are transferred to the Louisiana State Archives and are publicly accessible.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates may be obtained in person at the Clerk of Court's office. Applicants for a birth certificate must appear in person with valid identification. The Louisiana Department of Health State Registrar and Vital Records also issues these records:
State Registrar & Vital Records
628 North 4th Street
P.O. Box 629
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629
Phone: (225) 342-9500 | Fax: (225) 342-5568
Under the Louisiana Vital Statistics Law, birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years. Within those periods, only the record subject, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives may obtain copies.
Vernon Parish Probate Court Records
Louisiana uses the term "succession" rather than "probate" to describe the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. The 30th Judicial District Court has jurisdiction over all succession matters in Vernon Parish—including the probate of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, administration of estates, trust matters, guardianships (tutorships), and estate disputes.
Filing a Succession
Succession proceedings begin with a petition filed with the Clerk of Court. The filing deposit for a standard succession in Vernon Parish is approximately $350. All pleadings are submitted at:
Vernon Parish Clerk of Court
215 South 4th Street
P.O. Box 40
Leesville, LA 71446
Phone: (337) 238-1384
The Clerk of Court accepts e-filings for succession matters through the eClerks LA portal. Before filing motions in an existing succession proceeding, contact the Civil Services office to confirm that sufficient funds are on deposit.
Succession Records
Succession records—including inventories, accountings, judgments of possession, and court orders—are maintained by the Clerk of Court and are generally available to the public. You can review copies in person during regular business hours. Standard copy fees apply: $2.00 per page for regular copies and $10.00 plus copy fees for certified copies.
Guardianships (Tutorships)
Under Louisiana law, guardianship of a minor is called a tutorship, and guardianship of an incapacitated adult is called an interdiction or curatorship. These proceedings are filed in the District Court and maintained by the Clerk of Court.
Searching Probate Records
The eClerks LA Statewide Portal includes probate court records in its free search tool, letting you locate succession filings across Louisiana parishes. For in-person research, the Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note that no purses, backpacks, or cell phones are permitted in the courthouse.
The Vernon Parish Assessor's Office can also be a useful resource when tracing property connected to an estate. The Assessor maintains property records and offers a property search tool searchable by owner name, property address, subdivision, or township.
Vernon Parish Assessor
310 East Courthouse Street
P.O. Box 1535
Leesville, LA 71446
Phone: (337) 239-2167