Tensas Parish Court Docket
The Tensas Parish court docket contains civil, criminal, probate, and land records filed with the 6th Judicial District Court in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Tensas is one of Louisiana's smallest parishes by population, but the clerk's office in St. Joseph holds a complete set of local case records going back many decades.
Tensas Parish Quick Facts
Tensas Parish Clerk of Court
Hon. Christina "Christy" Lee serves as the Tensas Parish Clerk of Court. The office is located at 201 Hancock St. in St. Joseph, the parish seat. This is the only clerk's office in the parish. The 6th Judicial District is shared with East Carroll and Madison parishes, but each parish has its own clerk and its own set of records.
The clerk's website at tensasclerk.org provides basic information about the office and its services. For specific record searches, contact the clerk directly or visit in person during regular business hours.
| Clerk | Hon. Christina "Christy" Lee |
| Address | 201 Hancock St., St. Joseph, LA 71366 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 78, St. Joseph, LA 71366 |
| Phone | (318) 766-3921 |
| Fax | (318) 766-3926 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Website | tensasclerk.org |
The screenshot below shows the Tensas Parish Clerk of Court website with contact details and available services.
Source: tensasclerk.org
Because Tensas is a small parish, many searches are handled quickly by calling the clerk directly or visiting in person.
How to Search Tensas Court Docket Records
Start at tensasclerk.org to see what the clerk currently offers online. For broader digital access, check eClerks LA, which provides a free index search for many Louisiana parishes including small ones like Tensas. If the parish data is available, you can search by name or case number and get basic case information at no cost. Document images require a paid subscription.
Clerk Connect is a second option. It covers civil, criminal, land, and UCC records across multiple parishes and may include Tensas data. Check both platforms when you begin your search.
For records not available online, contact the clerk by phone at (318) 766-3921 or by mail at P.O. Box 78, St. Joseph, LA 71366. Given the size of the parish, the clerk's staff can often answer basic questions quickly over the phone.
Tensas Parish Court Record Types
The Tensas clerk holds records from every case type heard in the 6th Judicial District. Civil files include contract disputes, tort claims, and property matters. Criminal records document charges, pleas, and outcomes. Probate records cover successions and interdictions in the parish. Family law matters include divorce filings and custody orders.
The clerk also acts as the recorder of conveyances and mortgages in Tensas Parish. Deeds and land instruments filed here become part of the permanent public record. UCC filings and notarial acts are also maintained by this office.
Online Access to Tensas Parish Dockets
Tensas Parish has limited dedicated online tools, but statewide platforms cover much of the gap. eClerks LA is your best starting point for a free index search. The platform works in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and lets you search by name, case number, or date range. A paid plan is needed for document images.
The screenshot below shows the Louisiana Secretary of State's clerk directory, which helps confirm contact information for the Tensas Parish Clerk of Court.
Source: coraweb.sos.la.gov
This statewide directory is updated periodically and is a reliable way to verify that you have the correct phone number and address before making a trip to the courthouse.
Public Records Rights in Tensas Parish
Louisiana's public records law, La. R.S. § 44:32, gives every adult the right to inspect public records without explaining why. Free inspection is guaranteed during regular business hours. Copies cost $0.50 to $1.00 per page under the standard fee schedule. Certified copies have an added charge.
Some records are restricted. Juvenile files are protected under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412. Sealed orders, adoption records, grand jury materials, and certain mental health files are not available to the public. If the clerk refuses your request, ask for the specific law that applies.
La. R.S. § 13:503 keeps court proceedings and records open to the public. Most filings in the 6th Judicial District become public once submitted to the clerk. If you believe a record is being improperly withheld, contact the Louisiana Attorney General's office.
Legal Resources for Tensas Parish
The Louisiana State Bar Association can connect you with an attorney familiar with the 6th Judicial District. Louisiana Law Help provides free guides on using clerk's office services and understanding your rights as a party to a case. The Louisiana Supreme Court site also has downloadable forms for common legal matters.
Cities in Tensas Parish
St. Joseph is the parish seat and the main community in Tensas Parish. The parish has a very small population. All court filings go through the clerk's office in St. Joseph.
Nearby Parishes
Tensas is located in northeast Louisiana along the Mississippi River. It borders Madison to the north, Concordia to the south, and Franklin and Catahoula to the west.