New Orleans Divorce Decree Records
New Orleans divorce decree 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, final judgments, and supporting documents, and gives out certified copies of decrees to those who need them.
New Orleans Quick Facts
Where to Get New Orleans Divorce Decree Records
New Orleans residents file for divorce at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. The Clerk of Civil District Court handles all filings in the Civil Division. The Civil Division is where domestic matters including divorce and child support are processed. All documents filed in this office are scanned and can be accessed electronically online.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court clerk's office serves both in-person visitors and remote requesters by mail, phone, and their website. Filing fees increased effective January 1, 2026. Call ahead to confirm current costs before you send a payment.
The clerk's office description of their Civil Division notes: divorce and child support are handled as domestic matters within that division, and all records are scanned for electronic access.
| 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 | orleanscivilclerk.com |
The courthouse is in the Central Business District near city hall. Security checks all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID. Street parking has meters nearby. Parking garages are also available in the area.
How to Search New Orleans Divorce Decree Records
You can search for a divorce decree in New Orleans online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you just need basic case info or a case number. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies of the decree the same day.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court has an online case search system. You can search by name or case number. The clerk's office scans all filed documents, so records are accessible electronically for many cases. Check the clerk's website for the current search tool and any fees that apply. This is the fastest way to find a divorce decree without coming to the courthouse.
To search New Orleans divorce decree records, 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 of a divorce decree cost more than plain ones. Call ahead to ask what you need to bring and what forms of payment are accepted.
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 in the process creates records that become part of your divorce case file. The clerk keeps all documents.
First, you must meet the residency requirement 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 need to have been in Orleans Parish for any specific length of time, but you must be domiciled in the state.
You file the petition for divorce at the clerk's Civil Division office. You pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk assigns your case a number. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers using the Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff or a private process server. Proof of service goes into the court file.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, there is a 180-day waiting period after filing if there are no minor children. If minor children are part of the case, the wait is 365 days. During this time, you may ask for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of the home. Under Article 103, if you have already lived apart for the required time before filing, the court can grant an immediate divorce decree.
Louisiana is a community property state. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2325, property earned during the marriage is split equally. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record under 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 and no children are involved.
New Orleans Divorce Decree 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 by case type. Fees increased effective January 1, 2026, so confirm current rates before you file.
Common fees for a New Orleans divorce case include a filing fee for the petition, service of process fees through the Civil Sheriff, motion filing fees, and copy fees for records. Certified copies of the divorce decree cost more than plain ones. Plain copies are $1 per page at most Louisiana parish clerks. Certification adds additional cost per document.
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 financial situation and decides if you qualify. This waiver applies to filing fees, not to copy fees for existing records.
Legal Help for Divorce in New Orleans
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in New Orleans. Some give free legal aid to people who qualify based on income. Others offer a reduced-fee first meeting to help you understand your options.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services serves the New Orleans area and handles family law cases including divorce. They give free legal help to people who meet income limits. Call 211 to find local legal aid services and check if you qualify.
The New Orleans Bar Association can help connect you with a family law attorney who handles divorce cases. 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, including guides on getting copies of a divorce decree.
New Orleans Resources for Divorce Cases
The City of New Orleans at nola.gov offers access to city services that may help during and after a divorce. The city's website links to child care programs, housing assistance, and crisis services for residents going through difficult situations.
The clerk's Civil Division handles all domestic matters including divorce. Their office can assist you with copies of your divorce decree or answer questions about your case file.
Other resources available in New Orleans include child support enforcement through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, domestic violence shelters, and counseling services. Call 211 for help connecting to these local programs.
Filing for Divorce 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 cannot give legal advice, but several free resources can help you file 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 materials at the clerk's office. Ask staff what forms you need to file for divorce in New Orleans.
If children are part of your case, you need additional forms for child support. Louisiana uses income-based guidelines to set support amounts. The clerk can tell you which forms apply to your situation.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate in New Orleans
After a divorce is final in New Orleans, you may need proof of the divorce for legal or personal purposes. Two types of documents can serve this purpose, and they come from different offices. The divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It includes all the terms of the settlement, custody orders, and property division. You get it from the Clerk of Civil District Court.
A divorce certificate is a shorter document issued by the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry. It proves that a divorce took place and shows the names, date, and parish. It does not contain the full terms of the decree. Certificates cost $9 per certified copy from LDH. Most legal matters require the full decree rather than just a certificate.
Orleans Parish Divorce Decree 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 information, related records, and additional resources, visit the Orleans Parish divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby Louisiana cities also file divorce cases at their respective parish courthouses.