Court records for Lafourche Parish in Louisiana can be accessed through several channels. LafourcheParishCourt.org allows you to view public information about court cases. Additionally, records are available through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals installed directly in the courthouse. To search for civil and criminal cases at the parish level, use the Lafourche Clerk of Court public records portal, and for federal cases, search through the PACER system.
Lafourche Court System & Jurisdictions
In Louisiana, parishes operate instead of counties, and the state's judicial system has its own specifics. Lafourche Parish is served by several judicial instances of varying levels.
17th Judicial District Court
This is the court of general jurisdiction for Lafourche Parish. It handles:
- Criminal cases — from felonies to certain categories of misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits with no monetary limit
- Family matters: divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate cases — the process of settling an estate after death
- Juvenile cases
The District Court handles the majority of serious cases in the parish.
Lafourche Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
Justices of the Peace handle minor civil disputes where the claim amount usually does not exceed $5,000. This is akin to small claims court in other states.
City Courts
Thibodaux City Court operates within the city of Thibodaux and handles traffic violations, city ordinances, and minor criminal misdemeanors. For cases related to arrests within the parish, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office publishes information on its website.
Federal Courts
Lafourche Parish falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Federal case records are available exclusively through PACER — the nationwide electronic access system for federal court documents.
Lafourche Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the Clerk of Court or directly the office of the respective court. The schedule of the 17th Judicial District Court is usually updated at the court level and may be available through the clerk's office.
Several practical steps:
- Call the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court and inquire about the date and time of a specific hearing by providing the case number.
- Visit the courthouse — the schedule is often posted near the courtroom or on an information board.
- For federal cases, check the calendar through PACER.
Parole hearings are conducted by the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole. The schedules of these hearings, which are open to the public, are published on the Parole Dockets page of the state's Department of Corrections.
How to Get a Copy of a Lafourche Court Document
All parish court documents are maintained by the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court. There are two types of copies: certified and uncertified. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and has legal force — it is required by banks, attorneys, and government agencies. An uncertified copy is suitable for review.
Online
Through the records search portal of the Lafourche Clerk of Court, you can find civil, criminal, mortgage, and conveyance records. The portal allows you to view case information, but to obtain a certified copy, you need to contact the clerk's office.
In Person or by Mail
Contact the Clerk of Court's office:
To order by mail, send a written request specifying:
- The full name of the party (parties) involved
- Case number, if known
- Type of document (court decision, transcript, divorce certificate, etc.)
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount
Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued exclusively by the Clerk of Court of the parish where the divorce was filed. Marriage certificates older than 50 years may be stored in the Louisiana State Archives.
Access Restrictions
Not all records are open to the public. Juvenile, adoption, and certain family cases are usually closed to public access. Sealed cases are also inaccessible without a judge's order.
Lafourche Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Louisiana law and the internal rules of the Clerk of Court. Below are approximate rates — exact amounts are recommended to be confirmed directly with the clerk's office by calling (985) 447-4841.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | Check with the clerk's office |
| Regular document copy (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $5.00 and up (depends on document type) |
| Certified divorce decree copy | Check with the clerk's office |
| Access to federal records via PACER | $0.10 per page (charged by the federal court) |
Payment at the office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some online services of the Clerk of Court may accept credit cards — confirm this when submitting a request. For mail requests, include a self-addressed envelope with prepaid postage.
Federal records through PACER are charged separately: $0.10 per page, with a quarterly threshold below which no fee is charged.