Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records are official documents maintained by the elected Clerk of Court for Louisiana’s 15th Judicial District. These records include civil and criminal case files, marriage licenses, probate filings, land deeds, liens, and vital records like birth and death certificates. The office, led by Clerk Louis J. Perret, operates from the historic courthouse at 800 South Buchanan Street in Lafayette, LA 70501. It serves the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and handles over 12,000 record requests each year. Residents can call (337) 291-6400 to schedule appointments, request certified copies, or check case status. An online portal offers 24-hour access to searchable records dating back to 1972, making it easy for attorneys, title companies, researchers, and the general public to obtain needed information quickly and securely.
How to Access Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records
There are three main ways to access Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records: in person, by phone, or online. For in-person visits, go to 800 South Buchanan Street during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and know the case number or full names involved. Phone requests can be made to (337) 291-6400 for general inquiries or (337) 291-6345 for arrest reports. Online access is available through two secure portals: eSearch for land records and ClerkConnect for court case management. Each system requires registration and follows strict privacy rules. Certified copies cost $10 each, with standard processing taking three to five business days. Expedited service may be available for urgent needs.
eSearch Portal for Land and Mortgage Records
The eSearch portal provides exclusive access to Lafayette Parish’s Mortgage and Conveyance Land Records database. This system contains digitized deeds, liens, subdivision plats, and other property-related documents filed from 1995 to the present. Each record includes a unique transaction ID and can be downloaded as a PDF. Subscribers pay $30 per year for unlimited searches, while occasional users can buy individual records for $5 each. The portal also flags encumbrances such as tax liens or easements that may affect property ownership. This helps title companies, real estate agents, and private investigators conduct thorough due diligence before closing transactions.
ClerkConnect: Secure Case Management System
ClerkConnect is the official electronic filing and case management platform used by the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. Launched in 2012, it allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file motions, view docket entries, receive real-time notifications, and track case progress. Users must log in with two-factor authentication to ensure security. The system complies with PCI DSS standards and encrypts all data at rest. It also integrates with the Louisiana Supreme Court’s statewide tracking network, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. This tool streamlines legal workflows and reduces paper usage across the judicial district.
http://clerkconnect.lpclerk.com/Login.aspx
Types of Records Available
Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records cover a wide range of legal and civil matters. Civil cases include lawsuits, evictions, small claims, and contract disputes. Criminal records contain felony and misdemeanor filings, arrest reports, and sentencing details. Probate records include wills, estate settlements, and guardianship orders. Land records feature property deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps. Vital records issued by the office include certified birth and death certificates, as well as marriage licenses. All records are retained according to Louisiana Revised Statute 13:2474 and are available to the public unless sealed by court order.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees for Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records vary by service. Certified copies cost $10 each. Online land record searches through eSearch require a $30 annual subscription or $5 per individual document. Name searches in the LA Court system cost $0.10 per query. Standard processing time for mailed or phone requests is three to five business days. In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day if documents are on file. Rush services are not officially offered, but urgent cases can be discussed with staff during office hours. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card for online transactions.
Vital Records Services
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court works closely with the Louisiana Department of Health to provide vital records services. Certified birth and death certificates can be obtained in person or by mail. Marriage licenses are issued and recorded at the courthouse and can be used for outbound filings. To request a birth or death certificate, applicants must provide proof of identity and relationship if applicable. Processing times match standard record requests—three to five business days. The physical address is 800 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502.
Public Record Laws and Compliance
Lafayette Parish follows Louisiana state laws governing public access to court and government records. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 13:2474, most court documents are open to the public unless restricted by law or court order. The office maintains electronic indexes of all recorded instruments dating back to 1972. Requests must include specific details like case numbers or party names to speed up retrieval. The Clerk’s office does not provide legal advice but can guide users on how to locate records. All staff are trained in privacy compliance to protect sensitive personal information.
Online Search Tools and Databases
Multiple online tools help users find Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records quickly. The main portal at lpclerk.com offers links to eSearch and ClerkConnect. PubRecord.org aggregates daily updates from 14 local courts, including City Court, District Court, and Justice of the Peace districts. Results show case titles, filing dates, nature of suit, and final dispositions. Users can export data to CSV or request official PDFs for $2 per page. The system refreshes nightly, ensuring recent judgments appear within hours. These resources support legal research, background checks, and property transactions.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court is located at 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. For general inquiries, call (337) 291-6400. Arrest reports can be requested at (337) 291-6345, and civil docket questions at (337) 291-6392. Mailing address is P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended for complex requests. Staff assist with record searches, certification, and guidance on legal procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records
Many people have questions about how to get, use, or understand Lafayette Parish Clerk Of Court Records. Common concerns include cost, speed, eligibility, and online access. Below are detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions based on real user needs and official policies.
How do I get a certified copy of a marriage license from Lafayette Parish?
To get a certified copy of a marriage license, visit the Clerk’s office at 800 South Buchanan Street or call (337) 291-6400. You’ll need the full names of both parties and the date of marriage. Certified copies cost $10 each and take three to five business days to process. If you’re not in Lafayette, mail a written request with payment and a copy of your ID to P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. The license must have been issued in Lafayette Parish to be available here.
Can I search court records online for free?
Yes, basic court record searches are free through PubRecord.org, which updates nightly with data from 14 Lafayette courts. However, downloading official PDFs costs $2 per page. For land records, eSearch requires a $30 annual subscription or $5 per document. Free searches show case titles, dates, and dispositions but not full documents. This helps users decide if they need certified copies before paying fees.
Are criminal records public in Lafayette Parish?
Yes, most criminal records are public unless sealed by a judge. Arrest reports, felony filings, and misdemeanor charges can be requested by calling (337) 291-6345. You’ll need the defendant’s name or case number. Juvenile records are confidential. Certified copies cost $10 and take three to five days. Some records may be restricted due to ongoing investigations or privacy laws.
How far back do Lafayette Parish land records go?
Digitized land records on eSearch go back to 1995. Older paper records may be available in person at the courthouse but are not online. The main index of recorded instruments dates back to 1972 and is searchable through the Clerk’s website. For historical research, visit during business hours or contact the office for assistance locating older files.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Clerk’s office?
Appointments are not required but are recommended for complex requests like probate filings or large record searches. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can help with basic inquiries, certified copies, and form submissions without an appointment. Calling ahead at (337) 291-6400 can save time and ensure someone is available to assist you.
Is my personal information safe when using online portals?
Yes. Both eSearch and ClerkConnect use secure login systems with two-factor authentication. All data is encrypted and complies with state and federal privacy standards. The office follows PCI DSS rules for payment processing and does not store sensitive data unnecessarily. IP addresses may be logged for security but are not shared publicly.
What if I can’t find the record I’m looking for?
If a record isn’t found online, it may be in paper form or under a different name. Call (337) 291-6400 or visit in person for help. Provide as much detail as possible—names, dates, case types. Staff can search alternate spellings or cross-reference related files. Some records may be restricted or archived offsite.
https://www.lpclerk.com/
Phone: (337) 291-6400
Address: 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.