About Public Records in Louisiana

• General Jurisdiction / Upper Courts


• District Courts - one or more courts for each parish in Louisiana. These courts handle the following case types:
• Civil - Torts, Contracts, real property rights.
• Civil - Estate, mental health, civil appeals.
• Domestic relations and divorce.
• Criminal felony, misdemeanor, and DWI/DUI.
• Juvenile cases, criminal and civil.
• Traffic.


• Juvenile Courts - 4 courts. These courts handle the following case types:
• Mental health.
• Child Support.
• Adoption, paternity, custody.


• Family Court - 1 court in East Baton Rouge. This court handles the following case types:
• Mental health.
• Child Support.
• Adoption, paternity, custody.


• Limited Jurisdiction / Lower Courts


• Justice of the Peace Courts - one or more courts for each parish in Louisiana. These courts handle the following case types:
• Civil - Torts, Contracts, and real property rights for claims to $2,000, small claims.
• Traffic, Parking, and Infractions.


• Mayors Courts - These courts handle the following case types:
• Traffic, Parking, and Infractions.


• City and Parish Courts - 52 courts. These courts handle the following case types:
• Civil - Torts, Contracts, and real property rights for claims to $15,000, small claims.
• Criminal - misdemeanor and drunk driving.
• Traffic, Parking, and Infractions.
• Juvenile cases.

Louisiana real and personal property tax records are kept by the Assessor in each parish.
 

Louisiana deeds and general document recording are handled by the Clerks of Court in each parish. Records kept include deeds, mortgage documents, easements, powers of attorney, and liens.

The Louisiana Vital Records Registry accepts, registers and issues certified copies of Louisiana birth, death, fetal death and Orleans Parish marriage certificates.