Court records of St. Landry Parish in Louisiana can be accessed through several channels. StLandryParishCourt.org allows viewing public information on court cases in the parish. Additionally, official court resources, the Clerk of Court of St. Landry Parish office, and public terminals in the courthouse in Opelousas provide access to case registers, hearing calendars, and documents. Below is a practical guide on how to search for and obtain court records.
St. Landry Court System & Jurisdictions
St. Landry Parish is part of the 27th Judicial District of Louisiana. The District Court (27th Judicial District Court) handles the widest range of cases — from serious criminal charges to civil lawsuits without a monetary limit.
Here are the courts operating in the parish and what they handle:
- 27th Judicial District Court — criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil disputes, family law (divorce, custody, alimony), probate matters (the process of managing a deceased person's estate), and juvenile cases.
- City Court of Opelousas — civil claims up to $50,000, minor offenses, traffic violations within the city, and small claims cases.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — small civil disputes and minor offenses in rural areas of the parish.
Criminal cases involving arrests and incarceration are coordinated through the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. General information about the structure of the Louisiana judicial branch can be found on the state's official website. If you are unsure which court your case is in, contact the Clerk of Court — staff will help determine the correct registry.
St. Landry Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The district court's hearing calendar is usually published on the court's website or available directly at the Clerk of Court's office. To find out the schedule for today, tomorrow, or the current week, follow these steps:
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website and check for a section with the court hearing schedule.
- Call the court office and provide the case number or party's name — the clerk will confirm the date and time of the hearing.
- Visit the courthouse in Opelousas in person, where the current schedule is posted on public terminals and bulletin boards.
The City Court of Opelousas maintains its own calendar for traffic cases and small claims. Hearing dates for criminal cases can also be clarified through the parish page on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website if the defendant is in custody.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Landry Court Document
The Clerk of Court of St. Landry Parish keeps all court documents — from civil lawsuits to judgments and property records. Copies come in two types:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for review, does not have an official seal.
- Certified copy — contains the clerk's seal and signature, accepted by other courts and government agencies.
How to order a document:
- In person — visit the Clerk of Court office at the address below. Bring identification and the case number if you know it.
- By mail — send a written request with the full name of the party, type of case, approximate date, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — check on the Clerk of Court website if an electronic request form is available. Some records can be viewed through StLandryParishCourt.org.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
Divorce records are issued by the Clerk of Court of the parish where the divorce was filed. Birth and death certificates are held by the Louisiana Vital Records Registry. Some older marriage records can be found in the Louisiana State Archives.
Note: Juvenile, adoption, and certain family cases are usually closed to public access under state law.
St. Landry Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Louisiana law and the internal rules of the Clerk of Court. Below are approximate rates — we recommend confirming exact amounts directly with the office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (per name) | Check with Clerk of Court |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 and up (depends on the document) |
| Certification of an existing copy | $5.00 |
| Copy of property record (conveyance/mortgage) | Depends on the number of pages |
Payment is accepted in person (cash, check, in some cases — credit card) or by mail (money order or check payable to St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court). Before sending a mail request, call to confirm the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.
Louisiana law (including La. R.S. 13:841 and related statutes) regulates the maximum fees charged by the Clerk of Court. For cases requiring a large number of copies or archival searches, the cost may be higher — the clerk will inform you of the final amount after processing the request.