Search Jefferson Parish Family Court Records

Family court records in Jefferson Parish are kept at the Clerk of Court office in Gretna. The 24th Judicial District Court handles all family law cases for this parish, which is one of the most populated in Louisiana with over 440,000 residents. You can search for divorce filings, custody orders, child support cases, and protection orders through the clerk's office or online. The parish has courthouses on both the East Bank and West Bank, plus a separate juvenile court, so knowing where to go matters. Staff can help you find the right case file and get the copies you need.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is Jon A. Gegenheimer. The main office sits at the Thomas F. Donelon Courthouse, 200 Derbigny Street in Gretna, LA 70053. This is where most family court records are filed and stored. The building has several divisions. Civil records are in Suite 2400. Criminal records are in Suite 1100. Domestic matters, which include divorce, custody, and support cases, are handled in Suite 1400. Call the main line at (504) 364-2900 or the domestic division at (504) 364-3787 if you have questions about a family court case.

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website has info on services, forms, and how to request records.

Jefferson Parish also has an East Bank office at 924 David Drive in Metairie. Some court matters can be handled there. For civil records questions, call (504) 364-3740. Office hours run Monday through Friday. The East Bank location is handy for people who live in Metairie, Kenner, or other communities on that side of the river. Most family court filings still go through the main Gretna courthouse, but copies and some services are available at the East Bank office too.

Under La. R.S. 44:1, most court records in Louisiana are public. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some records tied to juveniles or adoptions are sealed by law, but most family court files are open.

Jefferson Parish Family Court Records Online

The JeffNet portal is the main online search tool for Jefferson Parish court records. It lets you look up cases by name or case number from your computer. You can find divorce filings, custody cases, support orders, and other family law documents. JeffNet charges $5 for 24-hour access or $50 for a monthly subscription. This is one of the most complete parish-level search tools in the state.

The JeffNet portal gives you direct access to Jefferson Parish court case data and document images.

The Clerk Connect portal also covers Jefferson Parish. This statewide system lets you search court records across many parishes. If you are looking at cases in more than one parish, Clerk Connect is a good option. A subscription may be needed for full access.

The Clerk Connect system provides another way to search Jefferson Parish family court case information.

Note: Online records may not include every document in the paper file, so visit the courthouse if you need a complete copy.

Types of Jefferson Parish Family Court Records

Jefferson Parish family court records cover a wide range of case types. The domestic division handles divorce cases both with and without children. Custody filings set out which parent has legal and physical custody and what the visitation schedule looks like. Child support and spousal support orders are part of these files too. A rule to show cause can be filed when one party is not following a court order. Temporary restraining orders are also filed in family court when there is an urgent need.

Adoption records are filed with the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court but are sealed under Louisiana law. Tutorship and guardianship cases are for situations where someone needs to take legal charge of a minor or an incapacitated adult. Interdiction cases fall in the same area. Name changes and emancipation filings also go through the clerk's office. These are all considered family court matters in Jefferson Parish.

Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 sets the rules for divorce. One spouse files a petition and must then live apart for 180 days. If there are children under 18, the wait is 365 days. Under Article 103, if the couple has already been living apart for that time, the court can grant the divorce right away. Louisiana is a community property state. Under Civil Code Article 2325, property gained during the marriage belongs to both spouses equally unless they agree to different terms.

Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court

The Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court is at 1546 Gretna Boulevard in Harvey. Call (504) 367-3500 to reach the court. This court handles cases that involve children, including juvenile delinquency, child dependency and neglect, and some custody matters. Juvenile court records in Jefferson Parish are closed to the public. Only the parties to the case, their attorneys, and authorized agencies can see these files.

The Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors in a separate location from the main courthouse.

If a child is the subject of a dependency or neglect case, the Department of Children and Family Services may be involved. These cases are heard in juvenile court and the records are sealed under La. Ch.C. Art. 412. Child support enforcement cases that come through the state may also go through this court. If you are not sure whether your case is in the main courthouse or the juvenile court, call the clerk's office at (504) 364-2900 and they can tell you where to go.

Jefferson Parish Record Copy Fees

Copy fees at the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court are set by the office. A photocopy costs $1 per page. A certified copy costs $5 plus per-page charges. A certificate of divorce runs $18. These fees can change, so call before you send money. Certified copies have the clerk's seal and can be used in other courts or for legal matters.

For online access, JeffNet charges $5 for 24 hours or $50 per month. This lets you search and view case documents from your computer. If you file by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. If you cannot afford the filing fees for a new case, you may ask the court for a fee waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis form. The judge will look at your income and decide if you qualify.

Note: Filing fees for new cases are separate from copy fees and vary by case type.

Legal Help in Jefferson Parish

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services has offices that serve Jefferson Parish. They give free legal help to people with low income for family court matters including divorce, custody, and support. Call 211 to find out if you qualify. The Jefferson Bar Association can refer you to a family law attorney in the area. The Louisiana State Bar Association also has a statewide referral service.

Louisiana Law Help has self-help guides and forms for people who want to handle their own family court case. Many people in Jefferson Parish file their own divorce or custody case when both sides agree on the terms. The clerk's office can give you forms but cannot give legal advice. La. R.S. 9:315 sets the formula for child support. Both parents' incomes factor into the calculation. Protection orders under La. R.S. 46:2131 can be filed when domestic abuse is involved. These orders also show up on the Louisiana Protective Order Registry.

Cities in Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish has many cities and communities. All of them file family court cases at the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. Major communities include Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, Terrytown, Gretna, Harvey, and Westwego. All family law matters go through the 24th Judicial District Court.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes border Jefferson Parish. If you are not sure which parish handles your case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right parish for the court to have jurisdiction.