Search Lafayette Divorce Decree Records
Lafayette divorce decree records are kept at the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. Lafayette operates under a consolidated Lafayette Consolidated Government, but divorce records remain a parish-level function. The Clerk of Court holds all filed petitions, final judgments, and divorce decrees for cases filed by Lafayette residents. The clerk's office provides access to those records in person, by mail, and through the eClerks LA statewide portal. If your divorce was filed in Lafayette, the decree is at 800 S. Buchanan Street.
Lafayette Quick Facts
Where to Get Lafayette Divorce Decree Records
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court is the official keeper of all divorce records for Lafayette. Clerk Louis J. Perret heads the office. The physical address is 800 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. The mailing address is P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. The main phone number is (337) 291-6400. The clerk's website is at lpclerk.com.
Lafayette Consolidated Government at lafayettela.gov handles city and parish government services. The city government does not maintain divorce records. Those are held exclusively at the clerk's office. Go to the clerk at 800 S. Buchanan, not to any city hall office.
Lafayette's consolidated government website provides general services for residents. For divorce decree access, the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court is the right contact, not the city government office.
| Clerk | Louis J. Perret |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 S. Buchanan Street Lafayette, LA 70501 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502 |
| Phone | (337) 291-6400 |
| Website | lpclerk.com |
How to Search Lafayette Divorce Decree Records
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court offers a free index search through the eClerks LA portal. This covers land, civil, marriage, and probate records. For divorce decree records, the civil index is the right place to start. You can search by name and find a case number without paying any fee.
The clerk's office also offers online subscriptions for full record access. Subscription rates are $10 for one day, $25 for 30 days, and $300 for a full year. Printed pages cost $1 each. These rates are set by the clerk's office and may change. Confirm the current rates at lpclerk.com before subscribing.
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court at lpclerk.com shows record access options, subscription details, and contact information. Check the site before you visit to make sure you have the right form of payment and any required ID.
In-person searches at 800 S. Buchanan let you look up a case by name or case number. Staff can make copies for you. Note that the courthouse has strict prohibited items rules. You cannot bring cellphones, smart watches, cameras, recording devices, or any electronic devices inside. Leave those in your car before you enter.
Lafayette Courthouse Access Rules
The Lafayette Parish Courthouse at 800 S. Buchanan enforces a strict list of prohibited items. You must leave these outside the building before entering:
- Weapons and self-defense items of any kind
- Tobacco products and e-cigarettes
- Cellphones and smart watches
- Recording devices and cameras
- All other electronic devices
This matters if you plan to visit the clerk's office in person. Plan ahead. Leave your phone and other devices in the car. Bring a valid photo ID and any paperwork related to the case you are looking up. The clerks can make copies for you on site.
Filing for Divorce in Lafayette
Lafayette residents file for divorce at the 15th Judicial District Court through the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. You file the petition at 800 S. Buchanan and pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk assigns a case number and keeps all documents filed in the case.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941, you file in the parish where at least one spouse lives. If you live in Lafayette, you file in Lafayette Parish. The state requires that at least one spouse be domiciled in Louisiana.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 requires a waiting period after you file. No minor children means 180 days. With minor children, the wait is 365 days. Under Article 103, if both spouses have already lived apart for the required period before filing, the court can grant the divorce without a waiting period after filing.
Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. Property and debts from the marriage split equally unless a valid prior agreement exists. The final decree is a public record under La. R.S. 44:1.
Lafayette Divorce Decree Fees
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court charges $1 per printed page for copies obtained through the online subscription system. In-person copy fees may vary. Certified copies of the final divorce decree cost more than plain copies. Ask the clerk's office for current certification fees when you call.
Filing a new divorce petition comes with court filing fees. The clerk sets those fees, and they can change. Call (337) 291-6400 before you file to confirm current costs. If you have low income, you can submit an In Forma Pauperis request to ask the court to waive filing fees.
A short divorce certificate from the Louisiana Department of Health costs $9 per certified copy. It shows basic facts about the divorce but not the full decree terms. Use the full decree for most legal, financial, and official purposes. The certificate is only sufficient when the requesting party specifically asks for it.
Legal Help for Divorce in Lafayette
Lafayette residents have a few options for legal help with divorce cases. Some services are free for people who qualify based on income. Others offer paid consultations.
Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org has free guides and forms for people filing without a lawyer. The site explains each step from filing the petition to getting a certified copy of the final decree. It also covers community property rules, child support, and custody matters specific to Louisiana law.
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation serves the Lafayette area and handles family law cases for qualifying low-income residents. The Louisiana State Bar Association has a statewide lawyer referral program if you want to hire an attorney. Call 211 for local legal aid referrals and program details.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate in Lafayette
Two documents can prove a divorce in Lafayette. They are different and come from different offices.
The divorce decree is the full court order. It is signed by the judge and contains all terms including property division, custody orders, and support. You get it from the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. This is what most agencies, banks, and courts ask for when they need proof of divorce.
The divorce certificate is a short form issued by the Louisiana Department of Health. It costs $9 per certified copy. It shows names, date, and parish but not the full terms of the judgment. If someone asks for proof of divorce, find out which document they need before you request anything. In most cases, the full decree is the right document.
Lafayette Parish Divorce Decree Records
Lafayette is the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, and all city divorce cases go through the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. For full details on parish-level court procedures, fee schedules, and related records, visit the Lafayette Parish divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby Louisiana cities also file divorce cases at their respective parish courthouses.