Caddo Parish Divorce Records document the final legal end of marriages for couples who lived in this Louisiana parish. These records include the original divorce petition filed with the Caddo Parish District Court, the judge’s final judgment, any orders about children or money, and the official divorce certificate signed by the clerk. The parish covers Shreveport and nearby towns across 937 square miles and serves around 248,000 people based on the 2020 Census. Anyone can request copies in person, by mail, or online through the court’s secure system. Each file is organized by case number, filing date, and the full names of both spouses, making it easy to find exact records.
How to Search for Caddo Parish Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Caddo Parish starts with knowing where to look. The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court holds all official divorce files. You can visit the office at 500 East Texas Street in Shreveport, call during business hours, or use the online portal. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most requests need the full legal names of both people, the case number if known, and a valid photo ID. Some records may be restricted if they involve minors or sealed by court order. Always check current rules before submitting a request.
What Information Is Included in a Caddo Parish Divorce Record?
Each Caddo Parish divorce record contains key legal details. The petition shows who asked for the divorce and why. The final judgment confirms the court approved the split. If children were involved, the record includes custody, visitation, and support orders. Property division, alimony, and name changes are also listed. The official divorce certificate is the most important part—it proves the marriage is legally over. This document is needed for remarriage, name changes, or financial matters. All pages are stamped and signed by the clerk to show they are authentic.
Where to Get Certified Copies of Divorce Records in Caddo Parish
Certified copies come only from the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court. These copies have an official seal and can be used in court, for government forms, or legal proof. You can get them in person at 500 East Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101. Mail requests must include a completed form, copy of ID, and payment. Online requests use the secure portal on the clerk’s website. Fees vary but usually cost $15 to $25 per document. Turnaround time is 3 to 10 business days. Same-day service is available for walk-ins during busy hours.
Using Third-Party Sites to Find Caddo Parish Divorce Records
Some websites like US Records and SearchQuarry offer access to digitized Caddo Parish divorce files. These platforms scan old paper records and put them in searchable databases. They let you search by name, date, or case number from anywhere. However, they are not official sources. Only the Clerk of Court can provide certified copies. Third-party sites may charge subscription fees and require ID checks. Always verify information with the official office before using it for legal purposes.
Marriage and Divorce Records Office Locations in Caddo Parish
Caddo Parish has five offices where you can get marriage and divorce records. The main office is at 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101. It handles most requests and keeps records dating back to 1838. Another location is Blanchard Town Hall at 110 South Main Street, Blanchard, LA 71009, which serves northern residents. All offices accept walk-ins, mail, and online requests. Staff can give same-day certified copies for a small fee. Bring a photo ID and know the names and dates involved.
Public Access to Court and Arrest Records in Caddo Parish
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office manages arrest reports and jail records. Their office at Texas Street in Shreveport handles phone calls at (318) 675-2170. The Louisiana State Police also keep criminal history files, including arrests in Caddo Parish since 1931. These records are not the same as divorce files but may appear in background checks. The public can request limited self-search reports for a fee. Full background checks require approval from authorized agencies.
Historical Divorce and Marriage Records in Caddo Parish
Caddo Parish has kept marriage licenses since 1838 and divorce decrees since 1885. These old records are valuable for family history research. The Clerk of Court stores them in ledgers and digital files. Many have been scanned and are searchable online. Genealogists often use these to trace family lines or prove relationships. Certified copies of historic records cost the same as current ones. Delivery takes up to five business days for mailed requests.
Vital Records and Archives for Caddo Parish
Archives.com and other sites offer indexes of Caddo Parish vital records, including divorces. These include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Users can search by name, date, or type of record. Purchased documents come as watermarked PDFs with a notarized statement. While convenient, these are not official government copies. For legal use, always get certified documents directly from the Clerk of Court.
Free Online Search Tools for Caddo Parish Public Records
The County Office website provides a free search portal with over 150 data sets for Caddo Parish. You can look up arrest logs, property deeds, business filings, and divorce cases. Results show in sortable tables and can be saved as CSV files. The system updates nightly, so new filings appear within 24 hours. This tool is great for quick checks but does not provide certified copies. For official needs, contact the Clerk of Court directly.
How to Request Records by Mail or Online
Mail requests must include a written letter with full names, case number if known, and a copy of your ID. Send it to Caddo Parish Clerk of Court, 500 East Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101. Online requests use the secure portal at caddoclerk.com. You’ll need to create an account, upload ID, and pay fees with a credit card. Processing takes 3 to 10 days. Include a return address and phone number in case of questions.
Inmate and Sheriff Sale Information in Caddo Parish
The Caddo Parish Correctional Center at 505 Travis Street, 7th Floor, Shreveport, LA 71137, keeps an online inmate roster. It lists names, booking dates, charges, and bond status. The sheriff’s office also posts monthly sale notices for foreclosed properties. These auctions happen at the courthouse and include minimum bids and property details. Phone the jail at (318) 675-2170 for more information.
Using SearchQuarry and Other Tools for Divorce Records
SearchQuarry combines data from Caddo Parish courts, Louisiana Vital Records, and genealogy sites. Enter a full name to get a report with filing dates, judgments, and property orders. The tool also links to marriage licenses and name changes. A small fee gives access to member-only records like criminal histories. Remember, only the Clerk of Court can issue certified divorce certificates.
Fees, Processing Times, and Required Documents
Fees for divorce records in Caddo Parish range from $15 to $25 per document. Certified copies cost more than plain prints. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, or credit card for online requests. Processing takes 3 to 10 business days. Same-day service is available for in-person visits. You must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Minors need a parent or guardian to request records.
Privacy and Restricted Access Rules
Some divorce records in Caddo Parish are not public. If children were involved, parts of the file may be sealed. Judges can also restrict access for safety or privacy reasons. Only parties named in the case, their lawyers, or authorized agencies can view restricted files. Always ask the clerk if a record is open to the public before making a request.
Common Reasons People Search for Divorce Records
People look up divorce records for many reasons. Some need proof of single status to remarry. Others want to check child support or alimony details. Lawyers use them in custody battles or property disputes. Genealogists study them to build family trees. Employers or landlords may request them for background checks. Always have a valid reason when asking for someone else’s record.
Tips for First-Time Record Requesters
If you’ve never requested a divorce record, start with the basics. Know the full legal names of both spouses and the approximate year of the divorce. Have your ID ready. Use the online portal if you live far away. Call the clerk’s office if you’re unsure what to do. Keep copies of all forms and receipts. Be patient—processing takes time.
Contact Information for the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Address: 500 East Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (318) 226-6793 Website: http://www.caddoclerk.com/ Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email: clerk@caddoclerk.com (for general questions only)
Related Search Terms and Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions About Caddo Parish Divorce Records
Many people have questions about how to get, use, or understand divorce records in Caddo Parish. Below are answers to the most common ones. These cover legal rules, access limits, costs, and best practices. If you don’t see your question here, call the Clerk of Court for help.
Can I get a divorce record if I’m not named in the case?
Yes, but only if the record is not sealed. Most divorce files in Caddo Parish are public, so anyone can request a copy. However, you must provide the full names of both spouses and a valid photo ID. If the case involved minors or was closed by court order, access may be denied. Always check with the clerk before submitting a request. There’s no fee to ask, but copies cost $15 to $25.
How long does it take to receive a certified divorce certificate?
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. In-person visits can get same-day service during busy hours. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days. Online orders usually finish in 3 to 5 days. Add extra time for shipping if you’re not local. The clerk’s office sends tracking numbers for mailed items. Rush service is not available, so plan ahead if you need the document quickly.
Are online divorce record searches accurate?
Online tools like US Records or SearchQuarry can help you find basic info, but they are not always up to date. Only the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court has the official, complete files. Third-party sites may miss recent filings or sealed cases. Use them for initial research, but always verify details with the clerk. For legal matters, only certified copies from the court are accepted.
What if I don’t know the case number or exact date?
You can still search without a case number. The clerk’s system lets you look up records by full legal names and approximate year. If you’re unsure of spelling, try common variations. Staff can help narrow results if you provide extra details like addresses or children’s names. Online portals also allow fuzzy searches. Just be ready to pay for each record pulled, even if it’s not the right one.
Can I use a divorce record from Caddo Parish in another state?
Yes, but only if it’s a certified copy with the clerk’s seal. Other states accept Louisiana divorce certificates as proof of marital status. Make sure your document includes the final judgment and certificate page. Some agencies may ask for an apostille—a special stamp for international use. The clerk’s office can add this for an extra fee. Always check the rules of the state or country where you’ll use the record.
What should I do if my record is missing or incomplete?
Contact the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court immediately. File a request for a search of old ledgers or backup files. Sometimes records are misfiled or damaged. The office keeps microfilm and digital backups for most cases since 1885. If a record is truly lost, you may need to petition the court to recreate it. This process takes time and may require a lawyer. Keep all communication in writing.
Is there a fee waiver for low-income requesters?
The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court does not offer fee waivers for divorce records. All requesters pay the standard $15 to $25 fee per document. However, some nonprofit legal aid groups may help cover costs for those in need. Check with local organizations like Legal Services of North Louisiana. They assist with family law matters and may pay for certified copies in certain cases.