Ascension Parish Public Records /Ascension Parish Divorce Records

Ascension County Divorce Records

What Are Ascension County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Ascension Parish, Louisiana are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition for divorce, financial disclosures, custody arrangements, property settlements, and the final judgment of divorce.

The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of divorce records within the parish. These records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Ascension Parish are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different components maintained by different government entities. The court case files are maintained by the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court, while statistical information may be reported to the Louisiana Department of Health's Center for Vital Records and Statistics.

Are Ascension County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Ascension Parish have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific documents requested and the requesting party's relationship to the case. Generally, divorce case files maintained by the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1 et seq.), with certain important exceptions.

Court proceedings and associated documents in divorce cases are typically accessible to the public with the following exceptions:

Records sealed by court order
Documents containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's information
Cases involving domestic violence where protective orders have been issued
Matters involving child abuse or neglect
Records containing medical or mental health information

The Louisiana Public Records Law establishes the public's right to inspect and copy public records, but this right is balanced against privacy interests, particularly in family court matters. Certain sensitive information within divorce records may be redacted before public disclosure, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 44:4.1, which outlines exceptions to public records access.

While the general case information may be publicly accessible, certified copies of divorce decrees or judgments typically have restricted access limited to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their legal representatives
Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest in the records
Individuals with written authorization from one of the named parties

How To Find a Divorce Record In Ascension County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Ascension Parish may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records in the parish is:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:

Prepare necessary information about the divorce case, including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Submit a records request using one of these methods:
- In-person visit to the Clerk of Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Written request by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Online search through the Clerk's electronic records system
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fees (typically $5-20 depending on search parameters)
- Copy fees ($1-2 per page for regular copies)
- Certification fees ($5-10 per document for certified copies)

For divorces that occurred many years ago, records may have been transferred to:

Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 922-1000
Louisiana Secretary of State

Requestors should note that pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 13:841, clerks of court are authorized to charge reasonable fees for searches, copies, and certifications of public records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Ascension County Online?

Ascension Parish offers digital access to certain divorce records through the Clerk of Court's online portal. This system provides a convenient method for conducting preliminary research without visiting the courthouse in person. To access divorce records online:

Visit the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court website
Navigate to the "Online Records" section
Register for an account if required (some basic search functions may be available without registration)
Select "Civil Records" or "Family Court Records" from the search options
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Current status

The online system provides access to basic case information and potentially some document images. However, not all documents within a divorce file may be available online due to privacy considerations and technical limitations. Documents containing sensitive personal information are typically not accessible through the online portal.

For more comprehensive federal court records that may relate to divorce proceedings (such as bankruptcy filings affecting property division), the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court documents. PACER can be accessed at:

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

Users should be aware that online access to court records typically involves user fees based on the number of pages viewed or documents downloaded. These fees help support the maintenance of the electronic records systems.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Ascension County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, there are several methods to access basic divorce record information in Ascension Parish at minimal or no cost:

Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court provides public access computers at the courthouse where individuals can search court records without paying online access fees
- These terminals are available during regular business hours
- Basic case information can be viewed for free, though printing may incur charges
Louisiana State Law Library:
- Public law libraries may provide access to legal databases that include court records
- Reference librarians can assist with navigating these resources
- Located at 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Limited online searches:
- The Clerk of Court website may offer basic case information searches at no cost
- These free searches typically provide limited information such as case numbers, party names, and filing dates
- Detailed document access usually requires payment
Local public libraries:
- Some public libraries provide access to genealogical resources that may include historical divorce records
- Libraries may offer free access to subscription-based genealogy websites

Individuals should note that while basic information may be available at no cost, obtaining official copies or certified documents will require payment of statutory fees as established by Louisiana Revised Statute 13:841. Additionally, comprehensive searches that require staff assistance or extensive research time may incur search fees regardless of whether copies are made.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Ascension County

Divorce records in Ascension Parish typically contain multiple documents that collectively provide a comprehensive record of the divorce proceedings. The contents of these records generally include:

Petition for Divorce:
- The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce
- Information about the marriage, including date and location
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Information regarding minor children (if applicable)
Summons and Service of Process:
- Documentation showing the non-filing spouse was properly notified
- Proof of service or waiver of service
Financial Disclosures:
- Sworn statements of assets and liabilities
- Income information for both parties
- Property valuations
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support calculations and orders
- Parenting plans
Property Settlement Agreements:
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Disposition of the family home
- Distribution of retirement accounts and investments
Judgment of Divorce (Divorce Decree):
- The final court order terminating the marriage
- Judge's signature and date of divorce finalization
- Terms and conditions of the divorce settlement
- Name restoration information (if applicable)
Post-Judgment Modifications (if any):
- Changes to custody, support, or property arrangements
- Enforcement actions

The level of detail in divorce records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate. Records from contested divorces typically contain more extensive documentation, including transcripts of hearings, witness testimonies, and exhibits presented as evidence.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Ascension County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Ascension Parish can obtain this documentation through the following procedures:

Certified Copy of Divorce Decree:
- The most authoritative proof of divorce is a certified copy of the final judgment or decree
- This document bears the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk
- To obtain a certified copy, submit a request to:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

Required Information for Requests:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
- Valid identification
- Purpose for requesting the record
Methods of Request:
- In-person at the Clerk's office
- By mail with a notarized request form
- Through an authorized third-party service
Verification Letter:
- For some purposes, a verification letter confirming the divorce occurred may be sufficient
- This letter typically includes names, case number, and date of divorce
- Generally less expensive than a complete certified copy

For divorces finalized in Ascension Parish but processed many years ago, records may have been transferred to the Louisiana State Archives. In such cases, proof of divorce can be requested from:

Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 922-1000
Louisiana Secretary of State

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 13:841, fees for certified copies typically range from $5-15 per document, with additional charges for search time if the case information provided is incomplete.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Ascension County?

While divorce proceedings in Ascension Parish are generally matters of public record, there are several mechanisms through which certain aspects of a divorce case may be kept confidential:

Sealing of Records:
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file
- Judges may grant such requests when privacy interests substantially outweigh the public's right to access
- The legal standard for sealing records is outlined in Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426
Protective Orders:
- The court may issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of sensitive information
- These orders typically cover financial data, medical records, and information related to minor children
Redaction of Personal Information:
- Certain personal identifiers are automatically redacted from publicly accessible versions of court documents
- These include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's names
- This redaction is mandated by Louisiana Revised Statute 44:4.1
Confidential Filings:
- Certain documents may be filed under seal with the court
- These typically include psychological evaluations, detailed financial statements, and sensitive medical information
Covenant Marriage Dissolution:
- Louisiana's covenant marriage laws provide for additional privacy protections in some circumstances
- Counseling records and reconciliation attempts may be kept confidential

It is important to note that complete confidentiality of a divorce proceeding is rare and generally requires compelling circumstances such as:

Risk of physical harm to a party or child
Disclosure of trade secrets or highly sensitive financial information
Protection of victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with Louisiana's public records laws.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Ascension County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Ascension Parish varies significantly based on several key factors. The timeline for divorce completion typically follows these general parameters:

Uncontested Divorces:
- No-fault divorces after living separate and apart:
  - 180 days if no minor children (pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 103.1)
  - 365 days if minor children are involved
- Processing time after separation period: 30-90 days
- Total typical timeframe: 7-14 months
Contested Divorces:
- Initial filing to final judgment: 6-24 months
- Factors that extend timeline:
  - Disputes over child custody and support
  - Complex property division
  - Business valuation issues
  - Retirement account division
  - High-conflict litigation
Covenant Marriages:
- Require longer separation periods (typically 2 years)
- May involve mandatory counseling
- Average timeframe: 24-30 months
Court Scheduling Factors:
- Current caseload of the 23rd Judicial District Court
- Judge availability
- Court holidays and closures
- Continuances requested by either party
Procedural Requirements:
- Service of process: 15-30 days
- Discovery period: 3-6 months in contested cases
- Mandatory waiting periods after filing: varies by case type
- Mediation sessions (if ordered): 1-3 months

According to statistics from the Louisiana Supreme Court's judicial administrator, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in the 23rd Judicial District (which includes Ascension Parish) is approximately 8.5 months for uncontested cases and 14.7 months for contested matters. However, highly complex cases involving substantial assets or contentious custody disputes may extend well beyond these averages.

How Long Does Ascension County Keep Divorce Records?

Ascension Parish maintains divorce records according to Louisiana's comprehensive records retention schedule. The preservation periods for these records vary based on their type and historical significance:

Court Case Files:
- Active divorce case files are maintained by the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court indefinitely
- These records are preserved as permanent judicial records pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 44:36
- After a certain period (typically 10-15 years), older records may be:
  - Microfilmed or digitized
  - Transferred to the Louisiana State Archives
  - Maintained in off-site storage facilities
Judgment Records:
- Final judgments of divorce are permanently preserved
- These records are never destroyed due to their ongoing legal significance
- Judgments are indexed for public reference
Supporting Documentation:
- Financial disclosures: minimum 10 years
- Temporary orders: minimum 10 years after case closure
- Procedural filings: minimum 5 years after case closure
- Exhibits: returned to parties or maintained for 3-5 years
Electronic Records:
- Modern divorce filings maintained in electronic systems
- Digital preservation follows the same retention periods as paper records
- Backup systems ensure long-term preservation

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program establishes the official retention schedules for court records, including divorce proceedings. These schedules ensure that records with legal, administrative, or historical value are preserved appropriately.

For research purposes, particularly for divorces finalized many decades ago, researchers may need to contact:

Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 922-1000
Louisiana Secretary of State

How To Get a Divorce In Ascension County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Ascension Parish must follow Louisiana's established legal procedures. The process typically involves these steps:

Establish Residency:
- At least one spouse must have been a Louisiana resident for a minimum of 12 months prior to filing
- The petition should be filed in Ascension Parish if either spouse resides there
Determine Grounds for Divorce:
- No-fault divorce after living separate and apart:
  - 180 days if no minor children
  - 365 days if minor children are involved
- Fault-based grounds (less common):
  - Adultery
  - Felony conviction
  - Abandonment
Prepare and File Petition:
- Complete the Petition for Divorce
- Include information about:
  - Marriage details
  - Children (if any)
  - Property
  - Proposed arrangements for custody and support
- File at:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

Serve the Other Spouse:
- Formal service through sheriff's office
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees)
- The served spouse has 15-30 days to respond
Resolve Temporary Matters:
- Temporary child custody and support
- Interim spousal support
- Temporary use of property
- Protective orders (if needed)
Discovery and Negotiation:
- Exchange of financial information
- Valuation of assets
- Negotiation of settlement terms
- Mediation (may be court-ordered)
Finalize the Divorce:
- Uncontested: Submit judgment for court approval
- Contested: Attend trial where judge will decide unresolved issues
- Obtain signed judgment from the court
Post-Divorce Procedures:
- Implement property division
- Update legal documents and beneficiary designations
- Change names on accounts and identification

The 23rd Judicial District Court, which serves Ascension Parish, provides forms and information for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is strongly recommended, particularly for cases involving children or significant assets.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Ascension County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Ascension Parish can obtain the necessary legal forms through several channels:

Clerk of Court Office:
- Basic divorce packets are available for purchase
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain filing procedures
- Forms available at:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

23rd Judicial District Court:
- Self-help resources may be available
- Some standardized forms for uncontested matters
- Located at:

23rd Judicial District Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866

Louisiana Supreme Court Website:
- Self-represented litigant forms
- Instructions for completing divorce paperwork
- Available at Louisiana Supreme Court Self-Help Resources
Legal Aid Organizations:
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- Forms and guidance for self-represented litigants
- Located at:

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
715 Saint Ferdinand Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 448-0080
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

Louisiana State Bar Association:
- Referrals to attorneys
- Some self-help resources
- Information available at Louisiana State Bar Association

Required forms typically include:

Petition for Divorce
Verification form
Affidavit of Income and Expenses (if children involved)
Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Property Division Inventory (for community property)
Final Judgment form

Individuals should be aware that while standardized forms are available, divorce proceedings involve complex legal and financial considerations. Consultation with a qualified attorney is recommended, particularly for cases involving children, significant assets, or disputed issues.