Tangipahoa Parish Public Records /Tangipahoa Parish Divorce Records

Tangipahoa County Divorce Records

What Are Tangipahoa County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish are official legal documents maintained by the parish court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are governed by Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, creating a comprehensive legal history of the marital dissolution.

The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining them as part of the parish's vital records collection. Divorce records serve numerous important purposes, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes following divorce
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying marital status for loan applications
Establishing marital history for immigration matters
Serving as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings

Divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different components maintained by different government entities depending on the specific document type and intended use.

Are Tangipahoa County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish have a nuanced public access status governed by Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1, which establishes the state's public records law. While divorce proceedings are generally considered public records, certain components may be restricted or sealed under specific circumstances.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish is structured as follows:

Court Case Files: The basic divorce case files maintained by the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court are generally accessible to the public. These include petitions, judgments, and other procedural documents filed with the court.
Restricted Components: Certain elements within divorce records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Financial disclosures and statements
- Records containing minor children's personal information
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other sensitive personal information
- Records sealed by judicial order for privacy, safety, or other compelling reasons
Certified Divorce Certificates: Official certified copies of divorce decrees are available only to the parties named in the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a demonstrable legal interest in the records, as determined by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Individuals seeking access to divorce records must follow established procedures through the appropriate parish agencies, with different levels of access granted based on the requester's relationship to the record and the specific documents being sought.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Tangipahoa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The primary methods for obtaining divorce records currently include:

Contact the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court directly:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N. Bay Street, Suite 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Submit a written request specifying the names of the parties and approximate date of divorce
- Provide valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for search, $1.00 per page for copies)
Submit a request to the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry:

Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Complete the official vital records request form
- Provide proof of identity and legal interest in the record
- Submit required fees ($15.00 for first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy)
Visit the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse in person:

Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse
110 N. Bay Street
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-3215
Tangipahoa Parish Government
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Request assistance from court staff to locate divorce records
- Use public access terminals to search court case indices
- Review non-confidential divorce case files in the public viewing area

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:841, requesters must pay established fees for record searches and copies, with payment methods including cash, money order, or credit card depending on the specific agency and request method.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Tangipahoa County Online?

Tangipahoa Parish offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. The following online resources are currently available to assist with divorce record searches:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court Online Records Portal:
- Visit the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court website
- Navigate to the "Court Records" or "Search Records" section
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria including party names, case numbers, or date ranges
- Pay applicable online search fees (typically $5.00 per search)
- View basic case information and docket entries
- Note that complete document images may not be available online
Louisiana Department of Health Online Vital Records Request System:
- Access the Louisiana Vital Records portal
- Select "Divorce Certificate" as the record type
- Complete the online application form with required information
- Provide identity verification as prompted
- Submit payment for processing fees
- Receive instructions for digital delivery or physical mailing of records
Third-Party Legal Research Platforms:
- Commercial legal research services like LexisNexis or Westlaw may provide access to Tangipahoa Parish court records
- These services typically require paid subscriptions
- Search functionality may include advanced filters for divorce cases
- Results generally include case summaries rather than complete documents

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same privacy restrictions as in-person requests, with sensitive information redacted or restricted according to Louisiana law. Complete divorce files typically require in-person requests, with online services primarily providing case verification and basic information.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Tangipahoa County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish have several options available, though free access is typically limited to basic record verification rather than obtaining certified copies. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to divorce record information:

In-Person Court Record Review:
- Visit the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to use the public access terminals in the Clerk of Court's office
- Search case indices by party name or case number
- Review non-confidential case files in the public viewing area
- Note that while record review is free, copying fees apply ($1.00 per page)
Public Law Library Resources:
- Utilize the Tangipahoa Parish Law Library located within the courthouse
- Access public terminals for basic case information searches
- Consult with law library staff for assistance locating divorce records
- Review available court dockets and indices
Online Case Verification:
- The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court website offers limited free case verification
- Basic case existence and status information may be available without fees
- Full document access typically requires payment
Louisiana State Archives Research:
- For older divorce records (generally over 50 years old):
- Contact the Louisiana State Archives
- Request information on historical divorce records
- Visit the archives in person for free research access

While basic record verification may be available at no cost, obtaining official copies or certified documents will require payment of statutory fees as established in Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:841. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances for individuals demonstrating financial hardship through proper legal channels.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Tangipahoa County

Divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish typically contain multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. The specific contents vary based on the complexity of the case, whether children were involved, and if the divorce was contested or uncontested. Standard components of Tangipahoa Parish divorce records include:

Petition for Divorce:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce under Louisiana law
- Statement regarding community property
- Requests for relief (property division, support, custody)
Summons and Service Documentation:
- Proof that the respondent was properly notified
- Sheriff's return or other service verification
Answer and/or Counter-Petition:
- Responding party's formal response to divorce petition
- Any counter-claims or alternative requests
Financial Disclosures:
- Sworn statements of income, assets, and liabilities
- Property inventories and valuations
- Child support worksheets if applicable
Custody and Support Documents (if children involved):
- Parenting plans
- Child support calculations
- Custody evaluations or recommendations
Settlement Agreements:
- Community property partition agreements
- Spousal support arrangements
- Child custody and support agreements
Judgment of Divorce:
- Final court order dissolving the marriage
- Judicial determinations on all contested issues
- Court's approval of settlement agreements
- Effective date of divorce
Post-Judgment Filings:
- Motions to modify custody, support, or property division
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals or related proceedings

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, certified divorce certificates contain more limited information, typically including only the names of parties, date of divorce, parish where granted, and case number. These certificates serve as official verification of divorce status without disclosing the detailed contents of the full court record.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Tangipahoa County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Tangipahoa Parish have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the specific purpose, with different agencies accepting different forms of verification. The primary methods for obtaining proof of divorce include:

Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Clerk of Court:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N. Bay Street, Suite 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Submit written request with case number (if known) or names and approximate date
- Provide valid photo identification
- Pay certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Specify whether full decree or certificate of divorce is needed
Certified Divorce Certificate from Louisiana Vital Records:

Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Complete the official vital records request form
- Provide proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
- Demonstrate legal right to access the record
- Pay required fee ($15.00 for first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy)
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing by mail or expedite in person
Verification Letter from Court:
- For some purposes, a verification letter from the court may be sufficient
- Request a letter confirming divorce status from the Clerk of Court
- Provide case information and identification
- Pay applicable administrative fee

According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:841, certified copies of court records provided by the Clerk of Court serve as legal proof equivalent to the original documents. For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification from the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Tangipahoa County?

While divorce proceedings in Tangipahoa Parish are generally matters of public record, Louisiana law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426 and related statutes that establish protective orders and sealing provisions.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealed Records by Judicial Order:
- Either party may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file
- Judge must find compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
- Common grounds include protection from domestic violence, harassment, or stalking
- Business trade secrets or sensitive financial information
- Protection of minor children's privacy
Automatically Protected Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Medical and mental health records
- Victim information in cases involving domestic abuse
Confidential Proceedings:
- Certain hearings may be conducted in chambers or closed court
- Mediation sessions and their work product are confidential
- Guardian ad litem reports may be restricted
- Psychological evaluations and similar reports
Protective Orders:
- Specific documents may be filed under seal with court approval
- Protective orders may limit disclosure of sensitive information
- Redaction of sensitive information may be permitted

Parties seeking confidentiality must follow specific procedural requirements, including filing appropriate motions with the court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court implements court-ordered confidentiality measures in accordance with judicial directives and applicable law.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, basic case information (parties' names and case numbers) typically remains in public indices, though exceptions exist in cases involving protected persons or other special circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Tangipahoa County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Tangipahoa Parish varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce, complexity of issues, and level of agreement between parties. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103 and related statutes, different waiting periods and procedural timelines apply to various divorce scenarios.

Typical timeframes for Tangipahoa Parish divorces include:

Uncontested Divorces with Complete Agreement:
- No-fault divorce after 180 days of living separate and apart: 6-8 months total
- No-fault divorce after 365 days of living separate and apart (with minor children): 12-14 months total
- Processing time once final paperwork submitted: 2-4 weeks
Contested Divorces:
- Simple contested matters: 8-12 months
- Complex property division cases: 12-18 months
- Cases involving custody disputes: 12-24 months
- High-conflict cases with multiple issues: 18-36 months
Fault-Based Divorces:
- Adultery: 6-12 months (no waiting period, but requires proof)
- Felony conviction: 6-12 months (depends on case complexity)
- Other fault grounds: 8-18 months

Factors that significantly influence the timeline include:

Court docket congestion in the 21st Judicial District Court
Attorney availability and scheduling
Complexity of property division (especially businesses or substantial assets)
Child custody evaluations and related proceedings
Discovery disputes and motion practice
Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
Judicial caseload and hearing availability

According to statistics from the Louisiana Supreme Court, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in the 21st Judicial District Court, which serves Tangipahoa Parish, is approximately 9 months for uncontested matters and 14 months for contested cases, though individual cases may vary significantly from these averages.

How Long Does Tangipahoa County Keep Divorce Records?

Tangipahoa Parish maintains divorce records in accordance with Louisiana's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance. The retention of divorce records is governed by Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36, which establishes the general framework for public records preservation.

The retention periods for different types of divorce records in Tangipahoa Parish are as follows:

Court Case Files (Clerk of Court):
- Complete divorce case files: Permanent retention
- Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
- Minute books containing court orders: Permanent retention
- Original signed judgments: Permanent retention
Vital Records (Louisiana Department of Health):
- Divorce certificates: Permanent retention
- Statistical divorce data: Permanent retention
Supporting Documentation:
- Financial disclosures: Minimum 10 years after judgment
- Temporary orders: Minimum 10 years after judgment
- Procedural filings: Minimum 10 years after judgment
- Evidence and exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeals period unless ordered preserved
Electronic Records:
- Case management system data: Permanent retention
- Scanned document images: Retention mirrors physical records
- Audio recordings of proceedings: Minimum 10 years

After the initial retention period in the Clerk of Court's active files, older divorce records may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation, particularly those with historical significance or research value. Records transferred to the State Archives remain accessible to the public through that agency's research procedures.

Digital conversion initiatives are currently underway to preserve older paper records in electronic format, though the original paper records are still maintained according to statutory requirements. The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian for divorce records throughout their lifecycle.

How To Get a Divorce In Tangipahoa County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Tangipahoa Parish must follow specific legal procedures established under Louisiana law. The divorce process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, whether minor children are involved, and the grounds for divorce being pursued.

The general process for obtaining a divorce in Tangipahoa Parish includes:

Determine Eligibility and Grounds:
- Confirm residency requirements (at least one spouse must be a Louisiana resident)
- Identify appropriate grounds (living separate and apart for required period, adultery, felony conviction, etc.)
- Determine if case qualifies for simplified procedures
File Initial Petition:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N. Bay Street, Suite 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Submit petition for divorce with required information
- Pay filing fee (approximately $250-350, varies based on service requirements)
- Request temporary orders if needed (custody, support, use of property)
Serve the Other Spouse:
- Arrange for service through Sheriff's Office or private process server
- If spouse agrees, they may sign a waiver of service
- Allow time for spouse to respond (typically 15-30 days)
Mandatory Waiting Periods:
- 180 days of living separate and apart (no minor children)
- 365 days of living separate and apart (with minor children)
- No waiting period for adultery or felony conviction grounds (but requires proof)
Resolve Contested Issues:
- Participate in court-ordered mediation for custody disputes
- Attend settlement conferences
- Exchange financial disclosures
- Negotiate property division, support, and custody arrangements
Finalize the Divorce:
- Submit judgment paperwork to the court
- Attend final hearing if required
- Obtain signed judgment from judge
- File judgment with Clerk of Court
Post-Divorce Procedures:
- Implement property transfers as ordered
- Update personal records (name change, etc.)
- Establish payment methods for support obligations

Legal assistance is strongly recommended, particularly for contested matters. The 21st Judicial District Court provides forms and information for self-represented litigants in simple uncontested divorces, though these resources are not substitutes for legal advice.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Tangipahoa County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Tangipahoa Parish must obtain the appropriate legal forms and documentation. Several resources are available for accessing divorce papers, with options varying based on whether the individual has legal representation and the complexity of the case.

Methods for obtaining divorce papers in Tangipahoa Parish include:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N. Bay Street, Suite 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Request basic divorce petition forms in person
- Forms available include:
  - Petition for Divorce (103 and 102 versions)
  - Verification form
  - Service instructions
  - Waiver of service (if applicable)
  - Motion for preliminary default
  - Judgment forms
- Pay nominal fee for form packets (typically $10-25)
21st Judicial District Court Self-Help Resources:

21st Judicial District Court
110 N. Bay Street
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-8015
21st Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Access self-represented litigant forms for uncontested divorces
- Obtain instructions for completing and filing documents
- Review sample completed forms
Louisiana Law Library Resources:

Louisiana Supreme Court Law Library
400 Royal Street, 2nd Floor
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 310-2400
Louisiana Supreme Court Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Access standard Louisiana divorce forms
- Consult legal reference materials
- Obtain guidance on form completion (not legal advice)
Legal Aid Organizations:

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Hammond Office
1200 Derek Drive, Suite 100
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 345-2130
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Obtain forms with assistance for qualifying low-income individuals
- Receive guidance on form completion
- Access clinics and workshops on divorce procedures

It is important to note that while forms are available for self-represented individuals, divorce proceedings involve complex legal issues. The Tangipahoa Parish Government recommends consulting with an attorney, particularly for cases involving children, significant assets, or contested issues.