Acadia County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Acadia Parish in 2026
AcadiaParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution judgments, separation agreements, custody orders, property division documents, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Acadia Parish may be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
- The Acadia Parish Clerk of Court maintains case records accessible through in-person and written request; an online portal for case-level searches may be available through the clerk's office directly
- Most common method for locating filed divorce proceedings
- Basic case information is available at no charge
- Certified copies and document reproduction require payment of applicable fees
2. State Vital Records
- The Center for Vital Records and Statistics at the Louisiana Department of Health compiles and issues vital records for Louisiana citizens
- Divorce certificates for statistical purposes are registered with the state; however, as noted by the Louisiana Department of Health, "the Louisiana Vital Records Registry cannot issue a certified copy of a divorce decree"
- Members of the public seeking certified copies must contact the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted
- Fees apply for state-level record requests
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Acadia Parish Courthouse
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881
Acadia Parish — The Official Website of Louisiana
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and judgments
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Acadia Parish Clerk of Court, 500 NE Court Circle, Crowley, LA 70526
- Include the following with each written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (337) 788-8881
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex proceedings may retain legal counsel to access records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed documents upon demonstrating good cause to the court. The Louisiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking professional legal assistance.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses of either party in Acadia Parish
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct Parish:
Under Louisiana law, divorce proceedings are filed in the parish where either spouse is domiciled at the time of filing. Pursuant to La. C.C. art. 102 and related procedural rules, one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement — at present, at least one party must have been domiciled in Louisiana for a minimum of six months prior to filing. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Acadia Parish should consider whether the proceeding may have been filed in an adjacent parish.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in the system immediately following the final hearing; records are entered within days to several weeks of the court's judgment
- Older records may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time
- Records older than 50 years may be available through the Louisiana State Archives
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct parish of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (337) 788-8881 for assistance
What Are Acadia Parish Divorce Records?
Acadia Parish divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the 15th Judicial District Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the parish's permanent legal archive and constitute public records subject to applicable state law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for divorce or separation
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of community property, spousal support obligations if any, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure documents
- Community property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and succession matters
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security and benefits eligibility
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court for Acadia Parish serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, indexed by party name and case number. The Center for Vital Records and Statistics at the Louisiana Department of Health maintains statistical divorce records at the state level but does not issue certified copies of decrees.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code, including La. C.C. art. 103, which sets forth the grounds for divorce. Public access to court records is governed by Louisiana's public records law under La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq., which establishes a presumption of openness for records maintained by public bodies, including courts.
Are Acadia Parish Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Acadia Parish are public court records subject to Louisiana's public records law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents; however, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some proceedings)
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- Schools attended by children
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Access to case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Acadia Parish?
The Acadia Parish Clerk of Court charges standard fees for document reproduction and certification. Current fees are established pursuant to La. R.S. § 13:843, which governs clerk of court fees in Louisiana.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification seal | Included in certification fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current rates with the Clerk of Court at (337) 788-8881 prior to submitting a request.
- Accepted payment methods at the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Clerk of Court; members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted.
- Electronic copies, where available, may be subject to the same per-page fee as paper copies.
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record requests; parties who believe they qualify for a waiver based on indigency may inquire with the clerk's office.
- Inspection of records at public access terminals is available at no charge; fees apply only to reproduction and certification.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Acadia Parish
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities for both parties
Property-Related Documents:
- Community property inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations where applicable
Children-Related Documents (Where Applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and need analysis worksheets
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the matter was resolved through mediation (note: mediation communications are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the proceeding
- Final judgment of divorce, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) where retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Acadia Parish
Proof of divorce in Acadia Parish is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Clerk of Court. As stated by the Louisiana Department of Health, "you must obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree from the Clerk of Court office in the parish where the divorce was granted."
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the parish where the divorce was filed — for Acadia Parish proceedings, contact the Clerk of Court directly.
- Gather required identifying information: full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if available.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or as otherwise permitted by the clerk's office.
- Pay applicable copy and certification fees as established under current fee schedules.
- Receive the certified copy bearing the clerk's official seal, which serves as legally recognized proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881
Acadia Parish — The Official Website of Louisiana
Members of the public may also access vital records online services through the official Louisiana state website, which provides guidance on obtaining divorce-related documentation through parish clerks of court statewide.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Acadia Parish?
A divorce proceeding in Acadia Parish may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While Louisiana law establishes a general presumption of public access to court records under La. R.S. § 44:1, courts retain authority to seal records upon a demonstrated showing of good cause.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be sealed or redacted to protect the safety of the individual.
- Child protection matters: Information identifying minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and psychological evaluations, may be restricted or sealed.
- Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or medical history are subject to confidentiality protections under both state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms upon a showing that public disclosure would cause harm.
- Mediation communications: Under Louisiana law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the 15th Judicial District Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Acadia Parish Keep Divorce Records?
Acadia Parish divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Louisiana's records retention requirements for permanent court records. The Clerk of Court is responsible for the preservation of these records as part of the parish's official legal archive.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Maintained by the Clerk of Court for a minimum period established by state records retention schedules; active and recently closed cases are retained in accessible storage.
- Archived records: Older case files may be transferred to archival storage; retrieval may require additional processing time.
- Records older than 50 years: As noted by the Louisiana Department of Health's marriage and vital records guidance, records of this age may be available through the Louisiana State Archives.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in digital format and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same permanent retention standards as the underlying judgment.
Members of the public seeking records from older proceedings should contact the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.
Lookup Divorce Records in Acadia Parish
- Records and Statistics — Louisiana Department of Health
- Acadia Parish divorce records — The Official Website of Louisiana
- Louisiana vital records online services
- Center for Vital Records and Statistics — Louisiana Department of Health
- Marriage certificates and divorce record guidance — Louisiana Department of Health