East Baton Rouge County Divorce Records
What Are East Baton Rouge County Divorce Records?
East Baton Rouge Parish divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the parish court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records in East Baton Rouge Parish typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, creating a comprehensive case file.
Divorce records serve several important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish maintains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings and the resulting records. These documents become part of the public record upon filing, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed under specific circumstances.
Are East Baton Rouge County Divorce Records Public?
East Baton Rouge Parish divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally available for public inspection under the Louisiana Public Records Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is not unlimited and contains important exceptions.
The following components of divorce records typically remain public:
- Petitions for divorce
- Court orders and judgments
- Property settlement agreements
- Child support determinations
- Court hearing schedules and minutes
Conversely, certain elements may be restricted from public access:
- Financial affidavits and tax returns
- Social Security numbers and dates of birth
- Minor children's identifying information
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
- Medical and mental health records
- Records specifically sealed by judicial order
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1, these documents are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest
- Those with a court order authorizing access
Researchers seeking divorce records should be aware that while basic case information may be publicly accessible, obtaining complete divorce files may require proper identification and, in some cases, legal authorization.
How To Find a Divorce Record In East Baton Rouge County in 2026
Finding divorce records in East Baton Rouge Parish requires contacting the appropriate government offices that maintain these records. The primary repositories for divorce records are:
19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3962
East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court
Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records
To locate divorce records, follow these steps:
- Determine the approximate date of divorce (year at minimum)
- Gather identifying information about both parties (full names, including maiden names)
- Contact or visit the Clerk of Court office with this information
- Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's office or online
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees
- Present valid photo identification when requesting records in person
For divorces finalized more than 50 years ago, researchers may also contact:
Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 922-1000
Louisiana State Archives
Requesters should be prepared to pay fees for both the search and any copies provided. Current fees are established under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:841, which authorizes clerks of court to charge for records services.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in East Baton Rouge County Online?
East Baton Rouge Parish offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. These online resources provide a convenient starting point for divorce record searches without requiring an in-person visit to government offices.
The primary online resource is:
East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court Online Records Search
https://www.ebrclerkofcourt.org/records-search/
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court website
- Select the "Records Search" option
- Create a user account if required (first-time users)
- Choose "Civil 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 search results for relevant divorce cases
- Note that complete documents may not be viewable online
- Record the case number and filing date for further inquiries
Additional online resources include:
Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search
https://www.lasc.org/Court_Case_Search
This database primarily contains appellate cases but may include divorce cases that were appealed to higher courts.
Online searches typically provide basic case information such as:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case type
- Judge assignments
- Scheduled hearings
- Docket entries
Complete divorce files, including all pleadings and exhibits, generally require an in-person request or formal written request to the Clerk of Court. Online access to divorce certificates is not available due to privacy restrictions established under state law.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In East Baton Rouge County?
East Baton Rouge Parish offers several options for accessing divorce records without payment, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to obtaining official copies. Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection at the Courthouse
The 19th Judicial District Court allows members of the public to view non-confidential divorce case files on-site without charge. Visitors may:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid identification
- View the requested files at designated public terminals or reading areas
- Note that while viewing is free, printing or copying documents incurs fees
Public Law Library Resources
The East Baton Rouge Parish Law Library provides free access to certain legal records:
East Baton Rouge Parish Law Library
300 North Boulevard, 4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-7614
EBR Parish Law Library
Online Case Information
Basic case information can be accessed without charge through:
- The 19th Judicial District Court website, which provides case status information
- Public access terminals at the courthouse that display docket information
Researchers should note that while these free methods provide access to basic information, they have limitations:
- Only non-confidential portions of divorce records are accessible
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited
- Historical records (older than 10 years) may require additional processing time
- Complete divorce certificates always require payment of statutory fees
- Records may not be removed from the courthouse
For comprehensive research, particularly for legal purposes, obtaining official copies remains the most reliable approach despite the associated fees.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In East Baton Rouge County
Divorce records in East Baton Rouge Parish comprise multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components:
Petition for Divorce
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (no-fault or fault-based)
- Statement regarding minor children, if any
- Requests for property division, support, and custody
Summons and Service Documentation
- Proof that the non-filing spouse received legal notice
- Affidavits of service or waiver of service forms
Financial Disclosures
- Sworn statements of assets and liabilities
- Income verification documents
- Property valuations
- Retirement account information
Child-Related Documents (when applicable)
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support calculations and orders
- Parenting plans
- Children's medical and educational provisions
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders during proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
- Property division determinations
- Spousal support (alimony) provisions
- Name change authorizations
Settlement Agreements
- Negotiated terms between parties
- Mediation results
- Property distribution plans
- Debt allocation arrangements
Court Transcripts
- Records of hearings and trials
- Testimony from witnesses
- Judicial rulings and comments
The final divorce decree, which formally dissolves the marriage, summarizes the court's decisions on all relevant matters and becomes the official record of the divorce. This document is particularly important as it serves as legal proof of the marriage's termination for all future purposes.
According to Louisiana Civil Code Article 159, the judgment of divorce terminates a marriage and creates the legal basis for former spouses to remarry and establish separate legal identities.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In East Baton Rouge County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in East Baton Rouge Parish requires securing a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate. These documents serve as legal verification that a divorce was granted and are commonly needed for remarriage, name changes, and various legal matters.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
From the Clerk of Court (Recommended for Recent Divorces)
19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3962
East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court
- Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Purpose for requesting the document
- Return address and contact information
- Include proper identification (photocopy of driver's license or state ID)
- Enclose the required fee ($5-$15 per copy, depending on certification needs)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
From the Louisiana Vital Records Registry (For Divorces After 1956)
Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records
- Complete the Divorce Certificate Application form
- Provide proof of identity and legal interest in the record
- Submit the current fee ($9.00 for the first copy, $7.00 for each additional copy)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing by mail, or receive same-day service for in-person requests
For Historical Divorce Records (Pre-1956)
Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 922-1000
Louisiana State Archives
Expedited service is available for an additional fee at both the Clerk of Court and Vital Records offices. Requesters should note that certified copies of divorce decrees are considered prima facie evidence of divorce under Louisiana Code of Evidence Article 902, making them legally acceptable proof in most situations requiring verification of marital status.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In East Baton Rouge County?
Divorce proceedings in East Baton Rouge Parish can maintain certain levels of confidentiality, though complete privacy is rarely possible due to the public nature of court records. Louisiana law provides several mechanisms for protecting sensitive information within divorce cases.
Sealing Records Under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426, parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files when:
- Disclosure would cause undue embarrassment or harassment
- The information contains trade secrets or proprietary business information
- The records contain sensitive personal identification information
- Children's best interests require confidentiality
- Domestic violence or abuse allegations are present
The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to access against privacy interests before granting such requests.
Protective Orders Judges may issue protective orders that:
- Limit disclosure of financial information
- Restrict public access to custody evaluations
- Protect medical and mental health records
- Shield sensitive testimony from public view
Automatic Redactions Certain information is routinely redacted from public divorce filings:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names (often replaced with initials)
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in cases involving safety concerns
Confidential Settlements While the divorce decree itself remains public, parties may:
- Enter into confidential settlement agreements
- Include non-disclosure provisions in property settlements
- Utilize private mediation to resolve disputes outside court
Covenant Marriage Exceptions Louisiana's covenant marriage laws under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:307 require counseling before divorce, but these proceedings follow the same public record rules as standard divorces.
Parties seeking confidentiality should discuss options with legal counsel early in the divorce process, as retroactive sealing of records is more difficult to obtain. The court retains discretion in all confidentiality matters, balancing privacy concerns against the presumption of public access to judicial proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In East Baton Rouge County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in East Baton Rouge Parish varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce filed, the complexity of issues involved, and the level of agreement between parties. Louisiana law establishes minimum waiting periods that affect all divorce timelines.
Uncontested Divorces When spouses agree on all issues, divorces can be completed relatively quickly:
- No-fault divorces after living separate and apart: 180 days minimum if no minor children; 365 days with minor children, per Louisiana Civil Code Article 103.1
- Processing time after waiting period: 2-4 weeks
- Total typical timeframe: 7-13 months
Contested Divorces When spouses disagree on significant issues, the process lengthens considerably:
- Initial filing to final judgment: 9-18 months
- Cases involving complex property division: 12-24 months
- High-conflict custody disputes: 12-36 months
- Cases requiring multiple hearings or trial: 18-36 months
Fault-Based Divorces Louisiana permits immediate divorce (no waiting period) for certain fault grounds under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103:
- Adultery
- Felony conviction with sentencing
- Protective order based on domestic abuse
However, proving these grounds often requires extensive evidence gathering and litigation, potentially extending the overall timeline to 6-12 months despite the absence of a waiting period.
Factors Affecting Timeline Several variables can extend or shorten divorce proceedings:
- Court docket congestion in the 19th Judicial District
- Attorney availability and scheduling
- Complexity of property division
- Business valuation requirements
- Child custody evaluations
- Mediation success or failure
- Discovery disputes
- Judicial continuances
According to the Louisiana Judicial Council's annual report, the average time from filing to disposition for domestic cases in East Baton Rouge Parish is approximately 10.5 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.
How Long Does East Baton Rouge County Keep Divorce Records?
East Baton Rouge Parish maintains divorce records according to Louisiana's comprehensive records retention schedule, which establishes different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance. These retention policies ensure both legal access and historical preservation.
Permanent Records The following divorce documents are preserved permanently:
- Final divorce judgments and decrees
- Property settlement judgments
- Child custody determinations
- Name change orders within divorce proceedings
- Index books and docket records
These permanent records are maintained initially by the 19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court and eventually transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for long-term preservation according to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:411.
Long-Term Retention (25+ Years) Documents with extended but not permanent retention include:
- Financial affidavits and property inventories: 25 years
- Child support calculations and orders: 25 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Temporary orders and interim judgments: 25 years
Medium-Term Retention (10-25 Years) Certain procedural documents are kept for intermediate periods:
- Deposition transcripts: 10 years
- Hearing transcripts: 10 years
- Discovery documents: 10 years
- Motions and procedural filings: 10 years
Digital Conversion Since 2010, East Baton Rouge Parish has implemented digital preservation for court records, including divorce files. This digitization process:
- Creates electronic backups of paper records
- Improves accessibility for authorized users
- Enhances preservation capabilities
- Allows for eventual destruction of paper copies of non-permanent records
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that:
- Records from 1970-present are typically available through the Clerk of Court
- Records from 1900-1970 may be housed at the Louisiana State Archives
- Records predating 1900 may be incomplete or require specialized archival research
The Louisiana Secretary of State's office oversees the state's records management program and can provide guidance on locating historical divorce records through their Records Management services.
How To Get a Divorce In East Baton Rouge County
Obtaining a divorce in East Baton Rouge Parish requires following specific legal procedures established by Louisiana law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but generally follows these steps:
1. Establish Residency At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for 12 months preceding the filing, as required by Louisiana Civil Code Article 3521.
2. Determine Grounds for Divorce Louisiana offers several grounds for divorce:
- Living separate and apart for 180 days (no minor children)
- Living separate and apart for 365 days (with minor children)
- Adultery
- Felony conviction with sentencing
- Protective order based on domestic abuse
3. Prepare and File Petition File the petition for divorce with:
19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3962
East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court
Required documents typically include:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Filing fee payment ($250-$400)
- Service information form
4. Serve the Other Spouse The non-filing spouse must receive legal notice through:
- Sheriff's service
- Private process server
- Certified mail (if permitted)
- Waiver of service (if cooperative)
5. Wait for Response The served spouse has 15-30 days to file an answer, depending on service method.
6. Address Temporary Matters For divorces that will take time, temporary orders may be needed for:
- Child custody and support
- Spousal support
- Use of family home
- Bill payment responsibilities
7. Discovery and Negotiation Parties exchange financial information and attempt to resolve issues through:
- Formal discovery requests
- Mediation (often required in custody cases)
- Settlement conferences
- Attorney negotiations
8. Finalize the Divorce After required waiting periods and resolution of issues:
- Submit final judgment for court approval
- Attend final hearing if required
- Receive signed judgment of divorce
9. Post-Divorce Matters After divorce is granted:
- Implement property division
- Execute name changes
- Update estate planning documents
- Transfer titles and deeds
For assistance with divorce proceedings, low-income residents may contact:
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
715 St. Ferdinand Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 448-0080
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
How To Get Divorce Papers In East Baton Rouge County
Obtaining divorce papers in East Baton Rouge Parish can be accomplished through several methods, depending on whether you need forms to initiate a divorce or copies of documents from an existing or completed divorce case.
For Filing a New Divorce:
Self-Help Resources The 19th Judicial District Court provides basic divorce forms for self-represented litigants:
19th Judicial District Court Self-Help Resource Center
300 North Boulevard, 4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-7674
19th JDC Self-Help Resources
Available during limited hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM), this center offers:
- Basic divorce petition forms
- Fee waiver applications
- Child support worksheets
- Custody declaration forms
Louisiana Law Help This online resource provides downloadable divorce forms and instructions: Louisiana Law Help
Louisiana Supreme Court Self-Help Portal Offers standardized forms approved for use statewide: Louisiana Supreme Court Self-Help
For Copies of Existing Divorce Records:
19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3962
East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court
To request copies:
- Visit the Civil Records Department during business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Provide case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Complete records request form
- Pay applicable fees:
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00-$15.00 depending on document type
- Search fees: $10.00 if case number unknown
Mail Requests For those unable to visit in person:
- Send written request with all known case information
- Include check or money order for estimated fees
- Provide self-addressed stamped envelope
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Attorney Services For complex divorces, consulting with an attorney is recommended:
Baton Rouge Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
544 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 344-4803
Baton Rouge Bar Association
This service can connect individuals with attorneys who specialize in family law and divorce proceedings, often offering initial consultations at reduced rates.
Lookup Divorce Records in East Baton Rouge County
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court Records Search
Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search
Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records