Caddo County Divorce Records
What Are Caddo County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Caddo Parish are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 103, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition for divorce, summons, financial disclosures, property settlement agreements, child custody arrangements, and the final judgment of divorce.
The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records as part of their official duties under Louisiana law. These documents serve several important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records in Caddo Parish are categorized as both court records (the case files containing all documents related to the divorce proceeding) and vital records (the certificate of divorce that officially documents the dissolution). The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court maintains the comprehensive court files, while certified copies of divorce certificates can be obtained through the clerk's office.
Are Caddo County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Caddo Parish have a complex public access status that varies by document type and content. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law (R.S. 44:1 et seq.), but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The basic case information, including:
- Names of parties
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- General procedural history
- Final judgment status
These elements are typically accessible to the public. However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted or sealed under various provisions:
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and minor children's information may be redacted or restricted pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 44:4.1
- Documents filed under seal by court order
- Records in cases involving domestic violence, where protective orders have been issued
- Financial affidavits and detailed property settlements may have restricted access
- Records pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations and support calculations
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Louisiana vital records regulations, these documents are generally only available to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Their legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest
Members of the public seeking divorce records must typically make their request through the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court and may be required to provide identification and state their purpose for requesting the records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Caddo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Caddo Parish may follow these steps to locate and obtain the necessary documentation:
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Determine the specific information needed (case documents or certified divorce certificate)
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Gather required information about the divorce:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Parish where divorce was granted
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Contact or visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court:
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Complete the appropriate request form (available at the clerk's office or downloadable from their website)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the applicable fees:
- Search fees (typically $5-10 per name/year searched)
- Copy fees ($1-2 per page for regular copies)
- Certification fees ($5-15 per document for certified copies)
For certified divorce certificates, requesters must demonstrate eligibility under Louisiana vital records access laws. Authorized individuals include:
- Either party named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with written authorization
- Individuals with court orders authorizing access
- Persons with a legitimate legal interest (with supporting documentation)
Processing times vary based on the age and accessibility of records. Recent divorce records (within the past 5-10 years) are typically available within 1-3 business days, while older records may require additional processing time.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Caddo County Online?
Caddo Parish offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The following methods are currently available for conducting online searches:
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Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Online Records Portal:
- Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court website
- Navigate to the "Online Records" or "Case Search" section
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, date ranges)
- Pay any applicable online search fees
- View basic case information and docket entries
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Louisiana Judicial System Case Management Information System:
- Access is limited to basic case information
- Provides filing dates, case types, and party names
- Full documents are not available for download
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Third-party subscription services:
- Several commercial services aggregate court records
- Require paid subscriptions
- May provide more comprehensive search capabilities
- Information accuracy should be verified with official sources
Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:
- Complete case files are generally not available for download
- Certified copies cannot be obtained online
- Older records (typically pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Sealed or restricted records will not appear in search results
- Personal identifying information is typically redacted
For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, requesters must still contact the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court directly or visit in person. Online searches primarily serve as a preliminary research tool to identify cases before requesting full documentation through official channels.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Caddo County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Caddo Parish have several options available, though free access typically provides limited information compared to paid services:
- In-person inspection at the Caddo Parish Courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- Bring identification and case information if available
- No fee for viewing public records, though copying fees apply
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Computer terminals available for public use
- Basic case information searchable by name or case number
- Limited to on-site access only
- May require assistance from clerk staff
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Caddo Parish Law Library resources:
- Located within the courthouse complex
- Provides reference assistance for legal research
- May have indices or finding aids for divorce cases
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Shreveport City Court public access:
- Limited to cases that may have related municipal court components
- Basic case information may be available
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Local public libraries:
- May provide access to newspaper archives
- Historical divorce notices sometimes published in legal notices sections
- Limited to cases with public announcements
It is important to note that while viewing public divorce records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees:
- Regular photocopies: $1-2 per page
- Certified copies: $5-15 per document
- Search fees may apply for records requiring extensive research
Additionally, free access methods generally do not provide certified copies, which are required for most official purposes such as name changes, remarriage, or benefits applications. For certified documents, requesters must pay the applicable fees through the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Caddo County
Divorce records in Caddo Parish typically contain multiple documents that collectively provide a comprehensive record of the dissolution process. 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 include:
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Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Divorce (filed by the petitioner)
- Citation and service documentation
- Answer to Petition (filed by the respondent)
- Counter-petitions (if applicable)
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Financial Documentation:
- Sworn financial statements from both parties
- Property and asset disclosures
- Debt schedules
- Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Pension and retirement account information
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Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support calculations and worksheets
- Parenting plans
- Guardian ad litem reports (if appointed)
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Procedural Documents:
- Court orders and notices
- Hearing transcripts (if requested)
- Motions and responses
- Discovery materials
- Continuance requests
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Settlement Documents:
- Property settlement agreements
- Separation agreements
- Mediation results
- Stipulations between parties
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Final Judgment:
- Judgment of Divorce (final decree)
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Judicial determinations on contested issues
- Name change orders (if applicable)
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Post-Judgment Filings:
- Motions to modify support or custody
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
- Contempt proceedings
The certified divorce certificate, which serves as official proof of divorce, contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of divorce
- Case number
- Presiding judge
- Official court seal
Pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 13:841, the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records and makes them available according to applicable public records laws and court rules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Caddo County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Caddo Parish must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate. This document serves as legal verification of marital dissolution and is typically required for remarriage, name changes, and various administrative purposes. The process for obtaining this documentation is as follows:
- Submit a request to the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court:
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Provide required identification and information:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if available)
- Relationship to the case (party, attorney, etc.)
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Complete the appropriate request form, available at:
- The clerk's office in person
- Downloadable from the clerk's website
- By mail upon request
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Pay the applicable fees:
- Certified copy of divorce decree: $5-15 per copy
- Search fees if case information is incomplete: $5-10
- Additional pages may incur per-page fees
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Specify delivery method:
- In-person pickup (same day or next day service possible)
- Mail delivery (processing time 5-10 business days)
- Expedited services may be available for additional fees
For divorces finalized in Caddo Parish but requiring state-level verification (such as for international use), requesters may need to obtain a certified copy through the Louisiana Department of Health's Vital Records Registry. This process requires:
- Submission of the appropriate state form
- Payment of state fees ($15-25 per copy)
- Verification of identity and eligibility
- Additional processing time (typically 4-6 weeks)
Individuals located outside Louisiana may request proof of divorce through:
- Written request by mail with notarized signature
- Authorized attorney or legal representative
- Louisiana's online vital records service
All certified copies of divorce decrees contain an official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage licenses, passport applications, and name changes on government identification.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Caddo County?
While divorce proceedings in Caddo 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 options available to divorcing parties include:
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Sealing of Records by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file
- Requires demonstration of compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
- Governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426
- Typically granted only in exceptional circumstances
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Protective Orders for Sensitive Information:
- Financial records and account numbers
- Medical and mental health information
- Children's personal information
- Domestic violence details
- Social Security numbers and tax information
-
Redaction of Personal Identifiers:
- Court rules require redaction of certain information in public filings
- Includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's names
- Responsibility typically falls to the filing party
-
Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation proceedings are confidential by law
- Settlement negotiations may remain private
- Final agreements become public when incorporated into court orders
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Domestic Violence Protections:
- Cases involving protective orders may have heightened confidentiality
- Victim address and contact information can be sealed
- Safety concerns may justify additional privacy measures
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Covenant Marriage Dissolution:
- Louisiana's covenant marriage laws (R.S. 9:272) provide for counseling requirements
- Counseling records remain confidential
It is important to note that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is extremely rare in Caddo Parish. Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information typically remains public, including:
- Names of parties
- Case number
- Filing date
- Judge assigned
- General nature of proceedings
- Final disposition
Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to implement appropriate protective measures before sensitive information enters the public record. Once information becomes part of the public court file, retroactive sealing becomes significantly more difficult to obtain.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Caddo County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Caddo Parish varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce, complexity of issues, and cooperation between parties. Current timeframes for divorce completion in Caddo Parish are as follows:
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Uncontested No-Fault Divorce (180-Day Separation):
- Minimum waiting period: 180 days of living separate and apart
- After separation period: 30-60 days to complete paperwork and court processing
- Total typical timeframe: 7-9 months from separation to final decree
- Governed by Louisiana Civil Code Article 103.1
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Uncontested No-Fault Divorce (365-Day Separation):
- For couples with minor children
- Minimum waiting period: 365 days of living separate and apart
- After separation period: 30-60 days for processing
- Total typical timeframe: 13-15 months
-
Covenant Marriage Divorce:
- Extended waiting periods under Louisiana R.S. 9:307
- Requires counseling and additional procedural steps
- Typical timeframe: 18-24 months
-
Contested Divorce:
- Highly variable depending on complexity
- Discovery process: 3-6 months
- Pre-trial motions and hearings: 2-4 months
- Trial scheduling: 3-6 months waiting period
- Post-trial proceedings: 1-2 months
- Total typical timeframe: 12-24 months
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Fault-Based Divorce:
- No mandatory waiting period if fault is proven
- Evidence gathering and hearings: 3-6 months
- Total typical timeframe: 6-12 months
Factors that commonly extend divorce timeframes in Caddo Parish include:
- High-value or complex asset division
- Business ownership requiring valuation
- Contested child custody arrangements
- Retirement and pension division issues
- Real estate in multiple jurisdictions
- Court calendar congestion
- Discovery disputes
- Expert witness involvement
According to Caddo Parish court statistics, approximately 65% of divorces are resolved within 12 months of initial filing. The median time to disposition for all divorce cases is approximately 9 months, though contested cases with multiple issues typically take significantly longer.
Expedited processing may be available in limited circumstances, such as:
- Military deployment situations
- Domestic violence cases with protective orders
- Certain hardship situations
- Cases with full agreement on all issues
Parties seeking to minimize divorce duration should consider mediation, collaborative divorce processes, or comprehensive settlement negotiations prior to filing.
How Long Does Caddo County Keep Divorce Records?
Caddo Parish maintains divorce records according to Louisiana's records retention schedules, with different preservation periods applying to various components of divorce files. The retention policies are governed by Louisiana R.S. 44:36 and administrative regulations of the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program.
Current retention periods for divorce records in Caddo Parish are as follows:
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Final Judgments of Divorce:
- Permanent retention (never destroyed)
- Maintained in original paper form and microfilm/digital backup
- Available indefinitely through the Clerk of Court
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Case Files and Supporting Documentation:
- Minimum retention: 10 years after final judgment
- Cases involving minor children: until youngest child reaches age 27
- Cases with ongoing support obligations: until 3 years after final payment
- High-profile or precedent-setting cases: permanent retention
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Financial Disclosures and Discovery Materials:
- Minimum retention: 5 years after final judgment
- May be purged from file while maintaining core case documents
- Sealed financial records: same retention as public records
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Exhibits and Evidence:
- Physical exhibits: returned to parties after appeal periods expire
- Documentary exhibits: retained with case file according to file retention schedule
- Digital evidence: minimum 5-year retention
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Indices and Docket Books:
- Permanent retention
- Maintained as finding aids even after case files may be destroyed
- Historical indices preserved for genealogical and research purposes
For divorce records predating computerization (generally pre-1980s):
- Many older records have been microfilmed for preservation
- Original paper records may have been destroyed after microfilming
- Access requires specialized assistance from clerk staff
The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court maintains a records management program that includes:
- Climate-controlled storage for paper records
- Digital conversion of recent and high-demand records
- Disaster recovery protocols for vital records
- Scheduled destruction of eligible records according to retention schedules
Individuals seeking very old divorce records (50+ years) may need to consult with:
- Louisiana State Archives
- Historical societies
- Genealogical research services
- University special collections
It is advisable for individuals to obtain and maintain personal copies of their divorce decrees indefinitely, as these documents may be needed throughout their lifetime for various legal and administrative purposes.
How To Get a Divorce In Caddo County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Caddo Parish must follow Louisiana's established legal procedures. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but generally includes these steps:
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Determine eligibility and grounds:
- Louisiana residency requirement: at least 6 months before filing
- No-fault grounds: living separate and apart (180 days without minor children; 365 days with minor children)
- Fault-based grounds: adultery, felony conviction, or cruelty under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103
- Special requirements for covenant marriages
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Prepare and file initial documents with the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court:
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Required documents include:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification form
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Filing fees (approximately $250-400)
- Service instructions
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Serve divorce papers on the spouse:
- Through sheriff's office (fee approximately $40-60)
- Through private process server
- By certified mail in some circumstances
- Waiver of service possible if spouse cooperates
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Address temporary matters:
- File for temporary custody, support, or property use if needed
- Attend hearing for temporary orders
- Establish interim arrangements during the divorce process
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Complete the mandatory waiting period:
- 180 days of living separate and apart (no minor children)
- 365 days of living separate and apart (with minor children)
- No waiting period for certain fault-based divorces if proven
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Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Property division
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Child custody and support if applicable
- Consider mediation services through the Shreveport City Court or private mediators
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Finalize the divorce:
- Submit judgment paperwork
- Attend final hearing if required
- Obtain signed judgment from judge
- File signed judgment with clerk's office
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Address post-divorce matters:
- Implement property transfers
- Update estate planning documents
- Change names on accounts and identification
- Establish custody exchange and support payment systems
Self-represented litigants can access forms and assistance through:
- Louisiana Law Help
- Caddo Parish Law Library
- Self-Help Resource Center at the courthouse
Individuals with complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, or contested custody are strongly advised to seek legal representation. The Shreveport Bar Association offers referral services for those needing attorney assistance.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Caddo County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Caddo Parish have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. The following resources are currently available:
- Caddo Parish Clerk of Court:
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6500
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available:
- Basic divorce petition packets ($20-30 fee)
- Instructions for completion
- Filing assistance (procedural guidance only, not legal advice)
- Notary services for completed documents
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Caddo Parish Law Library:
- Located in the courthouse complex
- Reference materials and form books
- Self-help resources
- Computer access for online form completion
- No direct legal advice, but research assistance available
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Louisiana Supreme Court-approved forms:
- Standardized forms for uncontested divorces
- Available online through the Louisiana Supreme Court website
- Include detailed instructions
- Primarily designed for simple, uncontested cases
-
Legal aid organizations:
- Legal Aid of North Louisiana
- Volunteer lawyers providing limited assistance
- Income restrictions may apply for free services
- Clinics periodically offered for form completion assistance
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Private attorneys:
- Custom-drafted documents tailored to specific situations
- Consultation fees typically $150-300
- Full representation available
- Recommended for complex cases
-
Online legal document services:
- Commercial websites offering Louisiana-specific forms
- Varying costs ($150-500 depending on complexity)
- Quality and accuracy vary significantly
- No guarantee of court acceptance
Required documents typically include:
- Petition for Divorce
- Verification
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Service Instructions
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses (if children involved)
- Proposed custody plan (if applicable)
- Property division proposals
For respondents who have been served divorce papers, the primary document needed is an Answer to the Petition, which must be filed within the time period specified in the citation (typically 15-30 days).
Self-represented litigants should be aware that while forms are available, the proper completion and filing of divorce documents involves legal strategy and knowledge of procedural requirements. Errors can result in delays, dismissals, or unfavorable outcomes. The Shreveport City Court and other local courts offer procedural information but cannot provide legal advice on how to complete forms to best protect individual interests.
Lookup Divorce Records in Caddo County
City Courts | Shreveport, LA - Official Website
Online Services - The official website of Louisiana
Vital Records Requests | Shreveport, LA - Official Website
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court | Parish of Caddo
Center for Vital Records and Statistics | Louisiana Department of Health