Search Lafourche Parish Court Docket Records
Lafourche Parish court docket records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Thibodaux, serving the 17th Judicial District Court. This south Louisiana parish has around 100,000 residents and generates a steady volume of civil, criminal, and land record filings. Online access to the Lafourche Parish court docket is available through the Clerk Connect platform, which supports search inquiry, e-recording, and e-filing for this parish.
Lafourche Parish Quick Facts
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court for Lafourche Parish is Hon. Karen W. St. Germain. Her office is at 308 W. 3rd St. in Thibodaux. The clerk manages the official court docket for the 17th Judicial District and serves as the recorder for all land documents in Lafourche Parish. That means civil case files, criminal docket records, property recordings, and marriage licenses are all handled through the Thibodaux courthouse.
The 17th Judicial District covers Lafourche Parish only. It is not shared with any neighboring parish. All district court filings for Lafourche Parish go through the Thibodaux office. The clerk participates in the Clerk Connect platform, which makes it possible to search the court docket, submit e-recordings, and file documents electronically without visiting the courthouse.
Appeals from Lafourche Parish go to the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal, based in Baton Rouge. The 1st Circuit handles appellate cases from the 17th Judicial District and maintains its own docket separate from the district court records in Thibodaux.
The image below shows the Clerk Connect platform used by Lafourche Parish for online court docket access.
Clerk Connect provides civil, criminal, land, and UCC record access for Lafourche Parish and other participating Louisiana parishes through a single subscription-based platform.
| Clerk of Court | Hon. Karen W. St. Germain |
|---|---|
| Address | 308 W. 3rd St., Thibodaux, LA 70301 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 818, Thibodaux, LA 70302 |
| Phone | (985) 447-4841 |
| Fax | (985) 447-3256 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Search Lafourche Parish Court Dockets
Lafourche Parish participates in Clerk Connect. This platform lets you search the court docket and land records remotely. You can run search inquiries for civil and criminal cases, as well as land records and UCC filings. E-recording is also available for attorneys and title professionals who need to record documents electronically. E-filing allows court documents to be submitted without a visit to the courthouse.
In-person searches are available at the clerk's office at 308 W. 3rd St. in Thibodaux. Bring the name of a party or a case number when you visit. Staff will pull up the docket and let you see the file. You can order copies at that time. Plain copies and certified copies are available at different rates. Call the office to confirm current fees before you go.
The eClerks LA portal is another online option. Some Louisiana parishes are covered by both Clerk Connect and eClerks LA. Check the eClerks LA portal to see if Lafourche Parish is listed there in addition to Clerk Connect.
For appellate records, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal covers Lafourche Parish. Cases that went up on appeal from the 17th Judicial District can be found on the 1st Circuit's docket in Baton Rouge.
Lafourche Parish Court Docket Record Types
The 17th Judicial District Court hears civil cases, criminal prosecutions, probate matters, and family law filings. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property suits, and successions. Criminal cases range from misdemeanor charges up to serious felonies prosecuted by the district attorney. Each case type is entered into the court docket maintained by the clerk's office.
Land records are a major part of what the Lafourche Parish clerk's office holds. Deeds, mortgages, liens, judgment inscriptions affecting property, and UCC filings are all recorded here. These are separate from court case records but managed by the same office. For real estate transactions or title searches in Lafourche Parish, a land record search through the clerk's office is required.
Marriage licenses and notarial acts are also in the clerk's custody. The clerk of court is the official recorder for Lafourche Parish, handling a wide range of documents alongside the court docket records.
Online Docket Access Through Clerk Connect
Lafourche Parish's participation in Clerk Connect gives you several options for remote access. Search inquiry lets you look up court docket entries and land records from your computer. E-recording supports electronic submission of mortgage, conveyance, and UCC documents. E-filing lets attorneys submit court pleadings and other documents without a courthouse visit.
A subscription or account is typically needed for full Clerk Connect access. The site explains pricing and registration. Index-level searches may be free, while full document images and e-services require a paid account. The platform works with current desktop browsers.
If you need records not available online, written requests by mail are accepted at the clerk's mailing address. Include party names, approximate dates, and a description of the documents needed. A self-addressed stamped envelope speeds up the reply. The office will confirm fees before sending copies.
Public Records Law and Lafourche Parish Dockets
Under La. R.S. § 44:32, any person 18 or older may inspect public records held by a government custodian without giving a reason. Inspection is free during normal business hours. Fees apply only when you want copies. Court docket records in Lafourche Parish are public under this law.
Civil filings, criminal docket entries, judgments, and recorded land documents are open to the public by default. Restricted records include juvenile case files under the Louisiana Children's Code, adoption records, sealed cases, grand jury proceedings, and mental health records. The clerk's office can tell you what is available and what may be restricted before you visit.
If you believe access to a public record is being wrongly denied, the Louisiana Law Help website explains your rights under state public records law and the steps to take.
Legal Help in Lafourche Parish
The Louisiana State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service to help you find an attorney in the Lafourche Parish or Thibodaux area. Legal aid organizations serving south Louisiana may offer free civil legal help to qualifying residents based on income.
The Louisiana Law Help website has free guides on public records access, clerk of court services, and navigating the court system. The Louisiana Supreme Court site links to self-help resources for court users across the state.
Nearby Parishes
Lafourche Parish is in south Louisiana. It stretches from the Thibodaux area down toward the Gulf. Several neighboring parishes have their own district courts and clerk offices. Use party addresses or the location of the events to confirm which parish holds the records you are looking for.