Orleans Parish Court Docket Records

The Orleans Parish court docket is split between two distinct court systems: the Civil District Court, which handles civil suits, land records, and family matters, and the Criminal District Court, which handles all criminal cases in New Orleans. Both courts maintain separate dockets, separate clerks, and separate online access portals. This page covers how to find records in each system and what public access rights you have under Louisiana law.

Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk

Hon. Chelsey Richard Napoleon serves as the Clerk of Civil District Court for Orleans Parish. Her office handles all civil case filings, family law matters, and the critical land records division -- which includes mortgages, conveyances, and the Notarial Archives. Orleans Parish is unique in Louisiana: it uses a Civil District Court rather than a traditional district court, and civil and criminal matters are handled by entirely separate court systems.

The civil clerk's online records system at orleanscivilclerk.com provides subscription-based access to civil case files and land records. The index includes clerk's office data entry and images from December 14, 2015 forward, with images available back to 2010. Land records index entries go back to February 18, 2014, with images from 2005.

Subscription costs for online access are: 24 hours for $20.00, 30-day access for $100.00, and an annual subscription for $700.00. These fees cover both civil court records and land records for Orleans Parish.

The image below shows the Orleans Civil District Court clerk's online portal. It is the main digital access point for Orleans Parish civil court dockets and land records.

Source: orleanscivilclerk.com

The civil clerk's office also maintains older historical records through the Notarial Archives Research Center, located within the Land Records Division at 1340 Poydras St. That collection includes documents dating to the 1700s, covering property, genealogical, architectural, and landscaping research.

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk

Criminal matters in Orleans Parish are handled entirely separately from civil cases. The Criminal District Court has its own clerk, courthouse, and docket system. If you are searching for a criminal case in New Orleans, this is the place to start.

The Criminal District Court handles all felony and misdemeanor cases in Orleans Parish. Its docket includes arraignments, motions, trial dates, sentencing records, and case dispositions. The clerk's office at the Tulane Avenue courthouse maintains these records separately from the civil court system.

The image below shows the Orleans Criminal District Court's online presence. This is the source for criminal case records in New Orleans.

Source: criminalcourt.org

Criminal case records that are open to the public include docket entries, case numbers, charges, court dates, and disposition information. Restricted records include juvenile matters and sealed cases.

How to Search Orleans Parish Court Dockets

Because Orleans Parish has two separate court systems, you need to know which type of case you are searching for before you start.

For civil cases -- divorce, custody, property disputes, contracts, personal injury suits -- go to orleanscivilclerk.com. The online system requires a paid subscription for full access. The 24-hour option at $20.00 is a practical choice for occasional searches. In-person access is free; visit Room 402 at 421 Loyola Ave. during business hours.

For criminal cases, check the Criminal District Court at criminalcourt.org or go to 2700 Tulane Ave. The docket is maintained separately and the clerk's staff can help you locate a case by defendant name, docket number, or approximate date of charges.

For land records including mortgage filings, conveyances, and historical notarial records, the Land Records Division at 1340 Poydras St. is the right place. The online land records index covers filings from February 18, 2014 forward, with images going back to 2005. Older mortgage records (September 21, 1987 through February 14, 2014) and older conveyance records (January 1, 1989 through February 14, 2014) are also indexed. The Notarial Archives Research Center handles documents dating back to the 1700s and is useful for genealogical, property, architectural, and historical research. For research center inquiries, call the general line at (504) 407-0106 or reach Archivist Sally Reeves directly at (504) 407-0113.

Orleans Parish Docket Record Types

The Civil District Court handles a broad range of civil matters: personal injury, contract disputes, property litigation, divorce, custody, child support, successions, interdictions, and adoption proceedings (adoption files are restricted). The Land Records Division processes mortgage filings, conveyances, and UCC documents. The office consolidated the formerly separate Recorder of Mortgages, Register of Conveyances, and Custodian of Notarial Archives into a single division.

The Criminal District Court handles all felony and misdemeanor cases in Orleans Parish. That includes drug charges, violent crimes, property offenses, and DWI matters. Arraignments, motions, trial scheduling, and case dispositions are all recorded in the criminal docket. Juvenile matters are handled separately and are restricted under Children's Code Art. 412.

Online Access to Orleans Parish Court Records

Online access to Orleans Parish civil records is through the subscription portal at orleanscivilclerk.com. Subscription tiers are $20.00 for 24 hours, $100.00 per month, and $700.00 per year. The system includes civil case data and images from December 2015 forward, and land record images back to 2005.

Clerk Connect and eClerks LA also cover Orleans Parish for broader multi-parish searches. For criminal records, check the Criminal District Court's website at criminalcourt.org for any available online docket access. Federal court records for New Orleans matters are available through PACER under the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Orleans Parish Public Records Law and Docket Access

Under La. R.S. § 44:32, any adult has the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. No reason is needed. This applies to both the civil and criminal court systems in Orleans Parish.

Most civil and criminal docket records in Orleans Parish are open. Restricted records include juvenile files (Children's Code Art. 412), adoption records, mental health proceedings, grand jury materials, and cases sealed by a judge's order. When a record is restricted, the clerk will tell you it is unavailable but is not required to give a full explanation of why.

Copy fees range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry additional costs. The civil clerk's online subscription provides the most cost-effective option for anyone who needs regular access to Orleans Parish records.

Legal Help for Orleans Parish Court Cases

Louisiana Law Help offers plain-language guidance on how the clerk of court works and how to access court records. It covers both civil and criminal court processes. The Louisiana State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service and has resources specific to New Orleans-area legal matters.

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeal handles appeals from Orleans Parish. Its jurisdiction also covers Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines parishes. The Louisiana Supreme Court is based in New Orleans and its website provides information on the state's highest court decisions and procedures. Federal matters go through the Eastern District of Louisiana, with records available on PACER.

Cities in Orleans Parish

Orleans Parish and the city of New Orleans are essentially coextensive -- the parish and city share the same boundaries. New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and the parish seat of Orleans Parish.

New Orleans

Nearby Parishes

Orleans Parish is bordered by parishes that also fall under the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal's jurisdiction.