Union Parish Family Court Records Lookup

Union Parish family court records are stored at the Clerk of Court office in Farmerville. The 3rd Judicial District Court handles all family law cases for Union Parish, including divorce, custody, child support, and protection orders. You can search these records at the courthouse on East Bayou Street or through online portals that cover Louisiana court records. The clerk's office keeps all family court filings and makes them available to the public under state law.

Union Parish Clerk of Court

The Union Parish Clerk of Court manages all family court records for the parish. The office is at 100 East Bayou Street, Suite 105, in Farmerville. You can reach the clerk by phone at (318) 368-3055. Hours run Monday through Friday. The staff handles all family law filings including divorce, custody, child support, paternity, protection orders, and related matters.

Union Parish is part of the 3rd Judicial District. This rural parish in north Louisiana has a smaller case volume than the bigger parishes, but the same state laws apply. Every divorce, custody dispute, and support case follows the same Louisiana statutes and procedures. The clerk assigns a case number when you file and keeps all documents in the court file from start to finish.

When you visit the office, bring a valid ID. Staff can search by name or case number. Old records may take a bit more time to pull from storage, but they are available.

Search Union Parish Family Court Records Online

Union Parish offers online access to court records through statewide portals. The Clerk Connect portal covers court records from many Louisiana parishes, including Union. You can search for divorce cases, custody filings, and other family law matters without driving to Farmerville. Clerk Connect charges a fee for access. A day pass costs $20 and a monthly plan runs $50.

The LCRAA portal also provides access to Union Parish court records. This portal is run by the Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority and covers records from participating parishes across the state. You can use it to search for family court filings, divorce judgments, and other documents.

E-filing is available in Union Parish for attorneys and self-represented parties. This lets you file motions, responses, and other documents in a family court case without going to the courthouse. Check the clerk's website for details on how to use the e-filing system.

Both online portals let you search by party name or case number. Results show basic case information. For the full case file with all documents, you may need to contact the clerk's office at (318) 368-3055 or visit in person.

Note: Not all older records may be available online. Contact the clerk for files from before the digital systems were put in place.

Divorce Records in Union Parish

Divorce cases are a key part of family court records in Union Parish. Louisiana law gives two main paths for ending a marriage. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102, one spouse files a petition and then both must live apart for 180 days before the court can finalize the divorce. If there are minor children, that period is 365 days. Under Article 103, couples who have already been separated for the needed time can file and get a quicker judgment.

The Union Parish Clerk of Court keeps all divorce documents. The file includes the petition, the answer, motions, temporary orders, community property settlements, and the final judgment. Each case gets a number when it is first filed. You can get plain or certified copies of any document. Certified copies are what most people need for legal matters. They cost more than plain copies.

Louisiana is a community property state under Civil Code Article 2325. Things gained during the marriage belong to both spouses equally unless they agree to different terms. Divorce records in Union Parish may include settlements that show how the couple divided their property and debts. These can cover real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal items.

Union Parish Custody and Support Cases

Child custody and support cases are filed through the 3rd Judicial District Court and stored at the Union Parish Clerk of Court. These records cover custody disputes, visitation schedules, child support orders, and any changes made later. Parents can file for custody whether they are married or not. Paternity cases also go through this court.

Louisiana courts use the "best interest of the child" standard under Civil Code Article 134 when making custody decisions. The judge looks at each parent's home, the child's needs, and the bond between parent and child. Child support follows state guidelines under La. R.S. 9:315. The formula is based on both parents' gross income. Support orders can be enforced through wage garnishment, tax intercepts, and other collection tools if payments fall behind. Either parent can ask the court to modify the order if there is a real change in circumstances.

Protection orders in Union Parish are filed under the Protection from Abuse Act (La. R.S. 46:2131). A person can ask the court for an order against an abusive family or household member. These orders go into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry for law enforcement to check across the state. The process works the same in Union Parish as in any other parish in Louisiana.

Public Access to Union Parish Family Court Records

Family court records in Union Parish are public under the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1). Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need to be involved in the case. Records involving minors may have some details redacted. Adoption records are sealed under the Children's Code (Articles 411-417) and need a court order to open.

To get copies, visit the clerk's office at 100 East Bayou Street in Farmerville. You can also call (318) 368-3055 to ask about mailing a request. Include the case number or party names so the clerk can find the right file. Plain copies and certified copies have different fees. Check with the clerk for current rates before you send payment.

Legal Help for Union Parish Family Court

Legal aid is available for Union Parish residents who need help with family court matters. Kisatchie Legal Aid serves this part of north Louisiana and handles family law cases like divorce, custody, and support. Call 211 to see if you qualify for free legal help based on your income.

The Louisiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that can match you with a family law attorney in the area. Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org has self-help guides and forms for people who want to handle their own case. The clerk's office may also have basic forms available at the window. Ask the staff when you visit.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes are near Union Parish. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3941, you file in the parish where either spouse lives. Make sure you have the right parish before filing your family court case.