New Orleans Divorce Records
New Orleans divorce records are filed at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. New Orleans and Orleans Parish share the same boundaries, so all city cases go through the parish court system. The Clerk of Civil District Court keeps all divorce files and gives out copies of judgments.
New Orleans Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in New Orleans
New Orleans residents file for divorce at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. The court is at 421 Loyola Avenue in downtown New Orleans. The Clerk of Civil District Court handles all filings. This is where you file new cases and get copies of divorce records.
| Court | Orleans Parish Civil District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 421 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, LA 70112 |
| Phone | (504) 407-0000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | orleanscdc.com |
The courthouse is in the Central Business District near city hall. Street parking has meters. Parking garages are nearby. The RTA streetcar and bus routes serve the area. Security checks all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID.
How to Search New Orleans Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in New Orleans online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you just need basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies the same day.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court has an online case search system. You can search by name or case number. Check the clerk's website for their current search tool and any fees that apply. This is a quick way to find divorce records without leaving home.
To search divorce records in New Orleans, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you know it
You can also visit the clerk office in person. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead to ask what you need to bring.
Divorce Filing Process in New Orleans
New Orleans residents follow Louisiana state law when filing for divorce. Since New Orleans is in Orleans Parish, you file at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Each step creates records that become part of your case file.
First, you must meet the residency rule under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941. At least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana. If you live in New Orleans, you can file here. You do not have to have lived in Orleans Parish for any set period, but you must be domiciled in Louisiana.
You file the petition for divorce at the clerk's office. You pay the filing fee at this time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff or a private process server. Proof of service goes in the court file.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, there is a 180-day waiting period after filing (365 days if there are minor children). During this time, you may ask for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of the home. Under Article 103, if you have already been living apart for the required time, you can get an immediate judgment of divorce.
Louisiana is a community property state. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325, property gained during the marriage is split equally. The final judgment ends the marriage and becomes a public record under the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1).
Note: Uncontested divorces in New Orleans can move fairly fast if both parties agree on all terms.
New Orleans Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in New Orleans are set by the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. The cost to start a new divorce case varies. Other court actions cost more. Fees can change, so call the clerk to check the current rates before you file.
Common fees for divorce in New Orleans include:
- Filing a petition for divorce
- Service of process through the Civil Sheriff
- Certified copies of the judgment
- Motion filing fees
If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. You file an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify. Getting copies of existing divorce records has its own fees. Plain copies cost less than certified ones.
Legal Help for Divorce in New Orleans
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in New Orleans. Some give free legal aid to people with low income. Others offer a first meeting at a reduced cost.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services serves the New Orleans area. They give free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle family law cases including divorce. Their website has more info on services available in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Bar Association can help connect you with a family law attorney. The Louisiana State Bar Association also runs a statewide referral service. Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site walks you through the process and helps you fill out forms.
New Orleans Community Resources
The City of New Orleans offers resources that may help during a divorce. These are not legal services, but they can help with related needs like child care, housing, and crisis support.
Community resources in New Orleans cover:
- Child care centers and aid programs
- Child protective services contacts
- Child support help and enforcement
- Domestic violence legal services
- Domestic violence shelters
- Crisis hotlines
- Counseling services
Call 211 for help connecting to local services in New Orleans. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 is available 24 hours a day.
Filing Without a Lawyer in New Orleans
Some New Orleans residents file for divorce on their own. This is called a pro se divorce. It works best when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no complex issues with property or children. The court does not give legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your own case.
Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org has guides and forms for people filing without a lawyer. The Orleans Parish Civil District Court may also have self-help resources at the clerk office. Ask the staff what forms you need to file for divorce.
If children are part of your case, you need extra forms for child support. Louisiana uses income-based guidelines to set support amounts. The clerk can tell you what forms you need.
Divorce Certificates in New Orleans
After a divorce is final in New Orleans, you may need a divorce certificate. This is not the same as the judgment of divorce. A certificate is a shorter document from the state vital records office that proves the divorce took place. A judgment is the full court order with all the terms.
The Louisiana Vital Records Registry issues divorce certificates. You can get one from the Orleans Parish Health Department or order by mail from the state. The fee is $9 for one certified copy. For the full judgment with all the terms, you get that from the Clerk of Civil District Court.
Most people who need to prove their divorce in New Orleans will want the judgment since it has more detail than a certificate.
Orleans Parish Divorce Records
New Orleans is in Orleans Parish, and all divorce filings go through the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. For more on the parish court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Orleans Parish divorce records page.