St. Tammany Public Records /St. Tammany County Divorce Records

St. Tammany County Divorce Records

What Are St. Tammany County Divorce Records?

St. Tammany Parish divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the 22nd Judicial District Court that document the dissolution of marriage within the parish. These records constitute the formal documentation of divorce proceedings as governed by Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which establishes the legal framework for divorce in the state. Divorce records in St. Tammany Parish typically include petitions, judgments, and associated legal filings that chronicle the termination of marital relationships.

Divorce 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 documentation for genealogical research

The 22nd Judicial District Court maintains the official court records of divorce proceedings, while the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court preserves these records and makes them available according to state public records laws.

Are St. Tammany County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in St. Tammany Parish have a nuanced public access status governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, which establishes the state's public records framework. While court divorce case files are generally considered public records, access varies depending on the specific document type and content.

The public accessibility of divorce records is structured as follows:

Court Case Files: Basic divorce case information including party names, case numbers, and final judgment dates are typically accessible to the public through the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court.
Restricted Content: Certain sensitive information within divorce records may be redacted or restricted, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Minor children's identifying information
- Allegations of domestic abuse
- Medical or mental health information
Sealed Records: In some instances, divorce records may be completely sealed by judicial order pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426, particularly when disclosure would cause undue harm or when the records contain sensitive information about minors.
Certified Divorce Certificates: These official documents verifying divorce are available with restricted access, typically limited to:
- Former spouses named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with legitimate legal interest and appropriate documentation

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court balances public access rights with privacy protections when managing divorce record requests.

How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Tammany County in 2026

Finding divorce records in St. Tammany Parish requires contacting the appropriate government offices that maintain these records. The process involves several potential approaches:

Option 1: St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
The primary repository for divorce records is the Clerk of Court's office, which maintains court records including divorce proceedings.

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

To obtain divorce records:

Complete a public records request form (available at the office or online)
Provide the names of both parties to the divorce
Include the approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record search plus $1.00 per page for copies)

Option 2: 22nd Judicial District Court
For pending divorce cases or recent proceedings, the district court may provide information.

22nd Judicial District Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-5300
22nd Judicial District Court

Option 3: Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry
For certified divorce certificates (verification of divorce only, not full court records).

Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry
628 N. 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

Full names of both spouses (including maiden name if applicable)
Date of divorce (at least the year)
Parish where the divorce was granted
Case number (if known)

How To Look Up Divorce Records in St. Tammany County Online?

St. Tammany Parish offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. These online resources provide varying levels of detail and accessibility:

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court Online Records
The Clerk's office maintains an online records portal that allows for basic case searches:

Visit the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court website
Navigate to "Court Records Search" or "Public Records"
Create a user account if required
Select "Civil Cases" as the search category
Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number, or date range)
Review the basic case information displayed

This online system typically provides:

Case numbers
Party names
Filing dates
Case type
Basic docket information
Judge assignment

Louisiana Judicial Administrator's Office
For verification of divorce judgments, the state's centralized system may be consulted:

Access the Louisiana Supreme Court website
Navigate to the case information section
Search by party name or case number
Review available case status information

Important limitations of online searches:

Complete divorce file documents are generally not available for download
Sensitive or sealed information is excluded from online access
Older records (typically pre-2000) may not be digitized
User fees may apply for certain search functions
Official certified copies cannot be obtained online

For comprehensive divorce record information, users are typically directed to follow up with in-person requests at the Clerk's office after identifying basic case information online.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In St. Tammany County?

Several options exist for accessing divorce records in St. Tammany Parish without incurring fees, though these methods typically provide limited information:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court provides public access computer terminals at no charge:

St. Tammany Parish Justice Center
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700

These terminals allow visitors to:

Search basic case information
View docket entries
Identify case numbers and filing dates
Determine case status

No fees are charged for basic searches, though printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees.

Law Library Resources
The 22nd Judicial District Court Law Library offers public access to legal research tools:

22nd Judicial District Court Law Library
701 N. Columbia Street, Room 2301
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-5350

Library resources include:

Legal research databases
Court rules and procedures
Self-help materials for divorce proceedings
Access to public records indices

Online Basic Case Information
Limited case information is available without charge through:

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court website basic search functions
The Louisiana Supreme Court case information portal

Important considerations:

While basic searches may be free, obtaining copies of actual documents typically requires payment of statutory fees
Certified copies always require payment of established fees pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:841
Staff assistance with extensive research may incur fees
Records older than 20 years may require archival retrieval fees

What's Included in a Divorce Records In St. Tammany County

Divorce records in St. Tammany Parish comprise several document types that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain:

Petition for Divorce

Names and addresses of both spouses
Date and location of marriage
Grounds for divorce (such as living separate and apart)
Statement regarding minor children (if applicable)
Community property declarations
Requested relief from the court

Summons and Service Documentation

Proof that the non-filing spouse received legal notice
Sheriff's return or private process server affidavit
Waiver of service (if applicable)

Financial Disclosures

Sworn detailed descriptive lists of assets and liabilities
Income statements from both parties
Property valuations
Pension and retirement account information

Child-Related Documents (when applicable)

Custody and visitation arrangements
Child support calculations and worksheets
Parenting plans
Children's healthcare provisions

Judgment of Divorce

Final court order terminating the marriage
Date the divorce becomes effective
Judge's signature and court seal
Terms of property division
Spousal support determinations
Name restoration provisions (if requested)

Settlement Agreements

Community property partitions
Debt allocation arrangements
Spousal support terms
Other negotiated terms between parties

Post-Judgment Filings

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Property transfer documents
Modifications to original judgments
Enforcement proceedings

The comprehensiveness of divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the presence of minor children, and the complexity of property division matters.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In St. Tammany County?

Obtaining official proof of divorce in St. Tammany Parish requires following specific procedures to secure legally recognized documentation. Two primary forms of divorce verification are available:

1. Certified Copy of Divorce Judgment
The most comprehensive proof of divorce is a certified copy of the final judgment from the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court:

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

To obtain this document:

Submit a written request specifying the names of both parties
Provide the approximate date of divorce
Include the case number (if known)
Present valid photo identification
Pay the certification fee (currently $10 per document plus $1 per page)
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests

2. Divorce Verification Certificate
For situations requiring only confirmation that a divorce occurred (rather than specific terms):

Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry
628 N. 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records

This process requires:

Completion of the vital records request form
Payment of the certificate fee (currently $9.00)
Proof of identification
Documentation of legal interest in the record

Acceptable requesters for divorce verification include:

Former spouses named in the divorce
Legal representatives with written authorization
Immediate family members with proof of relationship and legitimate need
Government agencies for official purposes
Individuals with court orders authorizing access

Most third-party entities requiring proof of divorce (employers, government agencies, financial institutions) will accept either form of documentation as valid verification of marital status change.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In St. Tammany County?

Divorce proceedings in St. Tammany Parish are presumptively public records under Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:1, but several mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in certain circumstances, maintain confidentiality of divorce records.

Sealing Divorce Records
Complete confidentiality through sealing requires judicial intervention:

A motion to seal must be filed with the 22nd Judicial District Court
The requesting party must demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh public access rights
Judges apply a balancing test weighing privacy interests against public right to access
Orders to seal must be narrowly tailored to protect legitimate privacy concerns

Grounds for Sealing or Restricting Access
Courts may grant confidentiality protections when records contain:

Allegations of domestic violence pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 46:2134
Information that could endanger a party or child
Sensitive medical or mental health information
Financial data that could facilitate identity theft
Information about minor children beyond basic identification
Trade secrets or proprietary business information

Protective Orders
Less restrictive than complete sealing, protective orders may:

Redact specific sensitive information
Limit access to certain documents within the case file
Require use of pseudonyms or initials in public filings
Mandate confidential filing of financial disclosures

Covenant Marriage Divorce Proceedings
Divorces involving covenant marriages (established under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:272) may include mandatory counseling records that receive heightened confidentiality protections.

Practical Confidentiality Measures
Even without formal sealing, parties can enhance privacy by:

Filing sensitive exhibits under seal with court permission
Referencing sensitive matters in general terms in public filings
Including minimal personally identifying information in filings
Utilizing settlement agreements (which may contain confidentiality provisions) rather than litigating all issues

Individuals seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to implement appropriate protective measures before sensitive information enters the public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In St. Tammany County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in St. Tammany Parish varies significantly based on several factors, including the divorce type, complexity of issues, and cooperation between parties. The Louisiana Civil Code establishes different waiting periods depending on the circumstances.

Uncontested Divorces
When spouses agree on all terms, divorces proceed most efficiently:

No minor children: Minimum 180 days of living separate and apart under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103
With minor children: Minimum 365 days of living separate and apart
Total timeframe: Typically 7-9 months from filing to final judgment

Contested Divorces
When spouses disagree on significant issues:

Same statutory waiting periods apply (180 or 365 days)
Additional time required for:
- Discovery processes (3-6 months)
- Settlement negotiations (variable)
- Court hearings on temporary matters (1-3 months)
- Trial scheduling (dependent on court docket)
Total timeframe: Typically 12-24 months

Covenant Marriage Divorces
For couples who elected covenant marriage status:

Extended waiting periods apply under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:307
Limited grounds for divorce with additional requirements
Total timeframe: Typically 18-36 months

Fault-Based Divorces
When alleging adultery or certain felony convictions:

No mandatory waiting period
Requires evidentiary proof of fault grounds
Total timeframe: 6-12 months depending on evidence complexity

According to the 22nd Judicial District Court's annual report, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in St. Tammany Parish is approximately 8.5 months for uncontested matters and 14.7 months for contested cases.

Factors that commonly extend divorce timeframes include:

Complex property division issues
Business valuation requirements
Child custody evaluations
Retirement account divisions requiring QDROs
High-conflict dynamics between parties
Court congestion and scheduling delays

How Long Does St. Tammany County Keep Divorce Records?

St. Tammany Parish maintains divorce records according to Louisiana's comprehensive records retention schedule, which establishes different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance. The retention of these records is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which establishes the general framework for public records preservation.

Permanent Retention
The following divorce records are maintained permanently:

Final Judgments of Divorce
Property Partition Judgments
Name Change Orders
Signed Settlement Agreements incorporated into judgments
Index of cases (party names, case numbers, and disposition)

Extended Retention Periods
Other divorce-related documents have specific retention schedules:

Case files with minor children: Until youngest child reaches age 27
Financial disclosure affidavits: 10 years after judgment
Temporary orders: 10 years after final judgment
Discovery materials: 3 years after final judgment
Procedural motions and orders: 10 years after final judgment

Archival Processes
As records age, they undergo different storage processes:

Active records (0-5 years): Maintained in the Clerk's office
Semi-active records (5-15 years): Transferred to on-site archives
Older records (15+ years): May be transferred to microfilm or digital format

Digital Conversion
The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court has implemented a records digitization program:

Records from approximately 1985 forward have been digitized
Older records are being progressively converted to digital format
Original paper records may be preserved even after digitization for historical value

Accessing Older Records
Retrieving older divorce records may require:

Additional processing time (typically 3-5 business days)
Special request forms for archival retrieval
Additional fees for extensive searches
Appointment scheduling for viewing historical records

The Louisiana State Archives may also maintain copies of historically significant divorce records or those from defunct courts pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:408.

How To Get a Divorce In St. Tammany County

Obtaining a divorce in St. Tammany Parish requires following Louisiana's established legal procedures. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

Uncontested Divorce Process

Establish Residency
- At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Louisiana for 12 months preceding filing
- File in St. Tammany Parish if either spouse resides there
Prepare Required Documents
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Service instructions
- Forms available from the 22nd Judicial District Court Self-Help Resource Center
File Documents with Clerk of Court

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $250-400)
- Fee waiver applications available for qualifying low-income individuals
Serve Divorce Papers
- Sheriff's service (additional fee)
- Private process server (additional fee)
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees to accept service)
Wait Required Separation Period
- 180 days if no minor children
- 365 days if minor children involved
- No waiting period for adultery or felony conviction grounds
Submit Final Judgment
- After waiting period, submit Motion for Final Judgment
- Include Affidavit of Non-Military Service
- Submit proposed Judgment of Divorce

Contested Divorce Process

For contested divorces, additional steps include:

Temporary Orders Hearing
- Court may issue orders regarding interim support, custody, and property use
Discovery Process
- Exchange of financial information
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Property valuations
Mandatory Mediation
- Required in cases involving child custody disputes
- May be ordered for property division issues
Pre-Trial Conference
- Establish trial parameters
- Attempt settlement negotiations
Trial
- Present evidence and testimony
- Judge renders decision on contested issues
Post-Judgment Procedures
- Implementation of property divisions
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement accounts
- Name change procedures if requested

Legal representation is strongly recommended for contested divorces, though uncontested matters may be handled pro se (self-represented) with assistance from the Self-Help Resource Center.

How To Get Divorce Papers In St. Tammany County

Obtaining divorce papers in St. Tammany Parish can be accomplished through several methods, depending on whether you need forms to initiate a divorce or copies of documents from an existing case.

Obtaining Divorce Filing Forms

22nd Judicial District Court Self-Help Resource Center
The primary source for standardized divorce forms:

22nd Judicial District Court Self-Help Resource Center
701 N. Columbia Street, Room 1303
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-5455
22nd JDC Self-Help Resource Center

Available forms include:
- Petition for Divorce (with and without children versions)
- Verification forms
- Service instructions
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
- Child support worksheets
- Final judgment templates
Louisiana Supreme Court Website
Standardized forms approved for statewide use:
- Visit the Louisiana Supreme Court Self-Help Resources
- Download applicable divorce petition forms
- Access instructions for completion
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Basic procedural information and filing requirements:

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

Obtaining Copies of Existing Divorce Case Documents

In-Person Requests
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page, $10.00 for certification)
Written Requests
- Submit a written request including:
  - Names of parties
  - Case number (if known)
  - Specific documents needed
  - Copy of requestor's identification
  - Payment for copies and certification
  - Self-addressed stamped envelope
Online Requests
- Limited document ordering available through the Clerk's website
- Registration required for online access
- Not all documents available through this method

Important Considerations

Forms obtained from self-help resources do not include legal advice
Complex cases (business ownership, significant assets, contested custody) may require customized documents
Certified copies are required for certain purposes (name changes, retirement divisions)
Third-party requests may require additional documentation of legal interest

Lookup Divorce Records in St. Tammany County

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search

Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records

22nd Judicial District Court

Louisiana Public Records Law

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