Marrero Divorce Decree Records
Marrero divorce decree records are held by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. Marrero is an unincorporated community on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, so it has no city court system of its own. Every divorce filed by a Marrero resident goes through the 24th Judicial District Court. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court keeps those files and handles all requests for certified copies of divorce decrees.
Marrero Quick Facts
Where to Get Marrero Divorce Decree Records
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is the office you need. Jon A. Gegenheimer serves as clerk. His office keeps all civil court records for Jefferson Parish, including divorce decrees filed in the 24th Judicial District Court. The main courthouse is in Gretna, just a short drive from Marrero.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court handles divorce record requests by phone, email, mail, and in person. The civil division email is 24thCivilInformation@jpclerkofcourt.us. Staff can look up your case and tell you what copies cost before you come in or send payment.
| Court | Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Derbigny St Gretna, LA 70053 |
| Phone | (504) 364-2900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| 24thCivilInformation@jpclerkofcourt.us | |
| Website | jpclerkofcourt.us |
The Gretna courthouse is close to Marrero along the West Bank. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. Arrive before 4:30 PM to make sure you have time to complete your request.
How to Search Marrero Divorce Decree Records
You have a few ways to search for divorce records in Marrero. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website at jpclerkofcourt.us is a good starting point. The clerk's office provides online access to civil case records for many filings. You can search by name or case number to find a case.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk website shown below provides access to the civil case search portal where you can look up divorce filings for Marrero residents.
The clerk's site covers the full 24th Judicial District Court. Marrero cases are mixed in with all Jefferson Parish cases in the same system.
You can also search through the Louisiana Clerks of Court statewide portal. This free tool covers all parishes and lets you look up the index for civil records without a fee.
The statewide portal gives you case index data. For full documents or certified copies, you must contact the Jefferson Parish Clerk directly.
To search, you will need the full name of at least one spouse. Having a case number or year of filing helps narrow results. If you do not know those details, the clerk staff can help with a name search.
Divorce Filing Process for Marrero Residents
Marrero residents file for divorce at the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court in Gretna. You submit your petition there, pay the filing fee, and the clerk assigns your case a number. Next, you must serve your spouse using the Jefferson Parish Civil Sheriff or a private process server approved by the court.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941 requires at least one spouse to be domiciled in Louisiana. If you live in Marrero, you can file in Jefferson Parish. You do not need to live there for a specific time before filing, but domicile must be established in the state.
After filing, you wait for the time period required by law before the judge can grant the final divorce decree. Under Article 102, the wait is 180 days with no minor children and 365 days when minor children are involved. Article 103 allows an immediate decree when spouses already lived apart for the required period before filing, or in fault-based cases such as adultery or abuse.
Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. Marital assets and debts are split equally by default. The final divorce decree becomes a public record under La. R.S. 44:1 once the judge signs it.
Jefferson Parish Divorce Decree Fees
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court charges fees set by state law. Copy fees are generally $1 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost more per document. Filing fees for a new divorce petition vary by case type.
Call the clerk's office at (504) 364-2900 or email the civil division to get current fee information before you submit a request. Fees do change, and the clerk can confirm what you owe before you come in or mail a payment. If you send a mail request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for the correct amount.
People with low income may ask the court for a fee waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis form. A judge reviews it and decides if your filing fees are waived. Copy fees for existing records are generally not covered by this waiver.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
Two different documents can prove a divorce. They come from different offices. The divorce decree is the full court order. It includes all terms, custody orders, and property division. You get it from the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court.
A divorce certificate is a short record from the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry. It shows names, the date, and the parish. It does not include decree terms. Certificates cost $9 each from LDH. Most banks and courts want the full decree, not just the certificate. Check with the office asking for proof before you order the wrong document.
Legal Help for Divorce in Marrero
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services covers Jefferson Parish and offers free legal help for people who qualify based on income. They handle family law cases including divorce. Call 211 to find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org is a free site with guides, forms, and instructions for people who file without a lawyer. The Jefferson Parish Bar Association can connect you with a private family law attorney if you need paid help. The Louisiana State Bar Association also has a statewide referral service.
Pro Se Divorce Filing in Marrero
You can file your own divorce case without a lawyer. This works best when both spouses agree on everything and there are no complex issues. The Jefferson Parish Clerk's office can hand you a list of required forms, but staff cannot give you legal advice.
Louisiana Law Help has free self-help guides for every step of the divorce process. The eClerks LA portal can help you track your case once it is filed. If children are in the case, you will also need to file child support forms. The clerk can tell you which forms apply.
Jefferson Parish Divorce Decree Records
Marrero is in Jefferson Parish. All divorce filings for Marrero residents go through the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. For full details on the parish court system, fees, and related records, visit the Jefferson Parish divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby Louisiana cities also file divorce cases at their respective parish courthouses.