Evangeline Parish Public Records /Evangeline Parish Divorce Records

Evangeline County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Evangeline County in 2026

EvangelineParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Evangeline Parish (County), Louisiana. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, and final judgment information. Available record categories include divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Divorce records in Evangeline Parish may be searched through the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online case management tools maintained by the Louisiana court system.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court maintains case records that members of the public may search online or in person. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document retrieval.

2. Louisiana Court System Portal

The Louisiana Supreme Court's court locator provides access to statewide court information and directs users to the appropriate district court for Evangeline Parish. The Louisiana District Courts page offers consolidated information across jurisdictions.

3. Louisiana Vital Records

Louisiana does not register divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death records. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records; divorce records are maintained exclusively by the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was filed.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court – Evangeline Parish

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
200 Court Street, Suite 100
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
200 Court Street, Suite 100
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

Written requests should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing year
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and whether the file requires retrieval from archives.

By Phone

Limited Information Available by Phone:

Clerk of Court: (337) 363-5671
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Louisiana may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper motion practice, and obtain certified copies. The Louisiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Evangeline Parish
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct Parish

In Louisiana, divorce proceedings are filed in the district court of the parish where either spouse is domiciled at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing parish may need to search multiple parishes. The parish where the marriage occurred is not necessarily the correct jurisdiction unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 10.1, at least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana, and the action is brought in the parish of either spouse's domicile. At present, Louisiana does not impose a minimum residency waiting period before filing, though a period of living separate and apart may be required before a judgment of divorce is rendered under Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 or Article 103.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the judgment is signed
Certified copies are available once the judgment is filed with the Clerk

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
Archived records may require additional retrieval time
Some older records may not be digitized; in-person or mail requests are recommended

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect parish searched
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office directly at (337) 363-5671
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Verify the correct filing parish
Consult a licensed Louisiana family law attorney

What Are Evangeline County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Evangeline Parish are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the 13th Judicial District Court. These records are maintained by the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to Louisiana's public records law.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files

A complete divorce case file contains all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding, including:

Petition for divorce
Citation and return of service
Answer or reconventional demand
Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Motions, oppositions, and court orders
Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
Final judgment of divorce

Final Decree

The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of community property and debts
Spousal support obligations, if any
Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Court.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate (filed as an exhibit)
Community property inventories
Partition agreements
Post-divorce modification orders
Income deduction orders for support enforcement

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and succession matters
Immigration proceedings
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in the 13th Judicial District Court. The Clerk indexes records by party name and case number, issues certified copies, and maintains both active and archived case files.

Legal Framework

Divorce proceedings in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code, specifically § 102 and § 103, which establish the grounds and procedures for obtaining a divorce. Public access to court records is governed by the Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to all records maintained by public bodies, including courts.

Are Evangeline County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Evangeline Parish are public court records under Louisiana law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and results
Final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries
Spousal support orders

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Specific account balances (subject to protective orders)

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children
School enrollment information
Medical and psychological records
Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)

Sealed Records

A court may seal all or part of a divorce record upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.

Legal Basis for Public Access

The Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1, establishes that all records maintained by public bodies are presumptively open to inspection. Restrictions require an affirmative legal basis. Courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and, particularly, the best interests of minor children.

Who Can Access Records

General Public:

May access most case information and public documents
May be required to present identification at the Clerk's office
Must pay applicable copy fees

Parties to the Case:

Have full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
May obtain all documents without restriction

Attorneys:

Access case files on behalf of clients
May seek access to sealed documents through motion practice

Researchers and Media:

Access public portions of the record
May petition the court for access to sealed materials under First Amendment principles

Prohibited Uses of Records:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
Identity theft or fraud
Violation of existing protective orders
Any purpose prohibited by court order

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Evangeline County?

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Louisiana law. Under La. R.S. 13:843, clerks of court are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of judgment	$5.00 per document + $1.00 per page
Certification seal/stamp	Included in certified copy fee
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies; confirm with Clerk
Electronic copy (if available)	Varies by request

Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office at (337) 363-5671 before submitting a request.
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court. Confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted at the time of request.
Mail requests should include a money order or check for the estimated fee amount.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket information at public access terminals in the courthouse
Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
Review of documents in person at the Clerk's office (no copy fee for inspection only)

Fee Waivers:

Indigent parties to the case may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to Louisiana law governing pauper status in civil proceedings.
Fee waivers do not apply to third-party requestors.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Evangeline County

A divorce case file maintained by the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court is a comprehensive collection of all documents filed in connection with the dissolution proceeding. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested, and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption (case number, court name, division, party names)
Judge assigned to the matter
Attorneys of record for each party
Filing date and case type designation
Jurisdiction basis

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation, the grounds for divorce under Louisiana law, information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The answer or reconventional demand reflects the respondent's position and any counterclaims.

Financial Affidavits and Disclosure:

Both parties are required to disclose financial information, which may include income from all sources, monthly expenses, community and separate property assets, and outstanding liabilities. Supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents:

Community property inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property
Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
Appraisals and expert valuations for real property or business interests

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
Child support order specifying the amount, payment schedule, and enforcement mechanism
Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Support Documents:

Spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Income deduction orders for support enforcement

Settlement Documents:

Consent judgment or community property partition agreement resolving all issues by agreement
Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed)

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the proceeding
Final judgment of divorce incorporating all resolved issues, signed by the district court judge, and bearing the court's seal

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement orders
Income deduction orders and liens

What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health and substance abuse records
Mediation communications

Organization of the Case File:

Documents are filed in chronological order and indexed by document type and filing date. Recent cases are maintained electronically through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper form only and may require additional retrieval time.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Evangeline County?

Proof of divorce in Evangeline Parish is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the Clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case by confirming the case number and filing date through the Clerk's office or online case search.
Submit a request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office.
Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page, subject to confirmation).
Receive the certified copy in person or by mail.

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
200 Court Street, Suite 100
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

Members of the public who need proof of divorce for Louisiana vital records purposes, such as updating a marriage license application, may also reference the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office, which may require a certified copy of the divorce judgment as supporting documentation.

For individuals who were divorced in another state and need to verify that record, the Louisiana Secretary of State can provide guidance on authenticating out-of-state court documents through apostille or certification procedures.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Evangeline County?

A divorce proceeding in Evangeline Parish is presumptively a public court record under the Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. 44:1. However, specific portions of a divorce file, or in limited circumstances the entire record, may be made confidential by court order upon a proper showing.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:

Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and evidence related to abuse may be sealed to protect the safety of a victim or minor children.
Children's information: Courts routinely restrict access to records identifying the residential addresses, schools, or medical information of minor children.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records obtained through treatment providers are protected under both state law and federal regulations.
Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential under Louisiana law and are not part of the public record.
Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the record upon a showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in access against the privacy interests at stake.
High-profile or sensitive cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest.

Members of the public who encounter a sealed record may petition the court for access by demonstrating a legitimate legal interest.

How Long Does Evangeline County Keep Divorce Records?

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court retains divorce records in accordance with Louisiana's records retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program.

Retention Periods by Record Type:

Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum period established by the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association and state retention schedules; at present, closed civil case files are generally retained for a minimum of ten years before any disposition review.
Financial affidavits and disclosure documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the file's retention period.
Temporary orders: Retained as part of the case file.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental proceeding file, subject to the same retention schedule.
Archived paper records: Older cases that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time; they are not destroyed absent specific statutory authority.

Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures, as some older records may be held in off-site storage facilities.