Lafayette Parish Court Docket
The Lafayette Parish court docket covers all cases filed with the 15th Judicial District Court, which is shared with Acadia and Vermilion parishes. With around 245,000 residents, Lafayette is one of the most populous and active judicial districts in Louisiana. The Clerk of Court office in Lafayette handles civil cases, criminal filings, land records, and probate matters, with online access available through the eClerks LA portal for free index searches.
Lafayette Parish Quick Facts
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court for Lafayette Parish is Hon. Louis J. Perret. His office is at 800 S. Buchanan St. in Lafayette and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk maintains the official court docket for the 15th Judicial District and serves as the official recorder of deeds and land documents for Lafayette Parish. Civil case filings, criminal records, land recordings, marriage licenses, and probate matters are all managed here.
The 15th Judicial District covers Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes. Each parish has its own clerk of court office. Cases filed in Lafayette Parish are handled through the Lafayette office. If you are not sure which parish a case was filed in, the clerk's staff can help you figure it out based on the addresses of the parties involved.
The clerk's website is at lpclerk.com. It provides detailed information on services, online access options, and courthouse procedures. The site notes that a free index search for land, civil, marriage, and probate records is available on the eClerks LA portal for Lafayette Parish. The office also encourages e-recording for mortgage, conveyance, UCC, and other documents.
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court website at lpclerk.com is the main resource for court docket access, e-recording options, and clerk services in Lafayette Parish.
| Clerk of Court | Hon. Louis J. Perret |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502 |
| Phone | (337) 291-6400 |
| Fax | (337) 291-6392 |
| clerkofcourt@lpclerk.com | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lpclerk.com |
How to Search Lafayette Parish Court Dockets
The eClerks LA portal is the primary online tool for Lafayette Parish court docket and land record searches. The clerk's office confirms that a free index search for land, civil, marriage, and probate records is available on eClerks LA for Lafayette Parish. That means you can search by name or document type and see index-level results at no cost. Full document images require a paid subscription.
In-person access is available at the courthouse on S. Buchanan St. The office opens at 8:00 AM, which is earlier than many other Louisiana parishes. Bring a party name or case number when you visit. Staff will search the docket and let you view the file. Copies can be ordered during your visit. Note that the clerk's office prohibits certain items in the courthouse, including cellphones, smart watches, recording devices, cameras, and all other electronic devices. Plan accordingly before you go.
E-recording is available for mortgage, conveyance, UCC, and other documents. Attorneys and title professionals can record documents electronically without a trip to the courthouse. Check the clerk's website for the e-recording setup and requirements.
For appellate records, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal covers Lafayette Parish. Cases appealed from the 15th Judicial District are heard in Lake Charles. The 3rd Circuit maintains its own online docket separate from the district court records.
Lafayette Parish Court Docket Record Types
The 15th Judicial District Court in Lafayette Parish handles a wide range of cases. Civil matters include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property suits, and successions. Criminal prosecutions range from misdemeanor charges to serious felonies. Probate filings cover wills, successions, and interdictions. Family law matters are also filed at the district court level. Every case gets its own docket number and file maintained by the clerk.
Land records are a major part of the clerk's holdings. Deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments affecting property, and UCC filings for Lafayette Parish are all recorded here. The eClerks LA portal covers these land records in its free index search. For real estate transactions, title searches, or lien checks in Lafayette Parish, this is the main source.
Marriage licenses and notarial acts are also held at the clerk's office. The clerk serves as the official recorder for Lafayette Parish. That means court cases, land documents, and civil status records all go through the same office.
The clerk's office notes that all filings made with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court may become part of the public record under the Louisiana Public Records Act. This applies to documents filed by parties, attorneys, and other filers.
Online Access and eClerks LA
Lafayette Parish participates in the eClerks LA portal, which provides free index searches for land, civil, marriage, and probate records. This is one of the most accessible online records systems available in Louisiana. You can sign up for an eClerks Alert, which is a free personalized monitoring service for land records across Louisiana parishes. If a document affecting a property you care about is recorded in Lafayette Parish, the alert can notify you.
Full document images on eClerks LA require a paid subscription. The system works with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on desktop. Mobile access may be limited. For the most complete experience, use a desktop browser.
The Clerk Connect platform is another tool that covers some Louisiana parishes. Check that site to see if Lafayette Parish is available there in addition to eClerks LA. Having two platforms to check increases your chances of finding older or more obscure records.
Public Records Law in Lafayette Parish
Under La. R.S. § 44:32, any person 18 or older has the right to inspect public records without giving a reason. Inspection is free during business hours. Fees apply only for copies. The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court notes that all filings may become public record under the Louisiana Public Records Act. That means most court docket records in Lafayette Parish are open to anyone who asks.
Some records are restricted by law. Juvenile case files are closed under the Louisiana Children's Code. Adoption records are sealed. Grand jury proceedings are not public. Mental health records carry their own privacy protections. The clerk's staff can tell you whether a specific record is open or restricted before you visit.
If you believe a record that should be public is being withheld, the Louisiana Law Help website explains your rights and how to pursue access under state law.
Legal Help in Lafayette Parish
The Louisiana State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for people seeking attorneys in Lafayette Parish or the Acadiana region. Legal aid organizations serving south-central Louisiana may provide free civil legal help to qualifying individuals. For residents who cannot afford a private attorney, these organizations are a good starting point.
The Louisiana Law Help website is free and has plain-language guides on clerk of court services, how to access records, and how to navigate the courts without an attorney. The Louisiana Supreme Court site links to court system guides and self-help resources.
Cities in Lafayette Parish
Lafayette is the parish seat and the largest city in Lafayette Parish. All civil and criminal cases in Lafayette go through the 15th Judicial District Court and the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court.
Nearby Parishes
Lafayette Parish is in south-central Louisiana and is one of the region's main judicial centers. Several neighboring parishes have their own court dockets and clerk offices. Check party addresses or event locations to confirm which parish holds the records you need.