Court records of Terrebonne Parish in the state of Louisiana can be found through several channels. TerrebonneParishCourt.org allows you to view public information about court cases in this parish. Additionally, records are available through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals installed directly in the courthouse. For federal cases, the PACER system is used.
Terrebonne Court System & Jurisdictions
Louisiana has a unique judicial structure built on parishes instead of counties. Several judicial instances operate in Terrebonne Parish, and understanding their jurisdictions will help you quickly find the necessary case registry.
32nd Judicial District Court — the main court of general jurisdiction in the parish. It handles:
- Criminal cases — from felonies to certain categories of misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits without monetary limits
- Family cases: divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate cases (probate — the court process of settling an estate)
- Juvenile cases
The judge of this court also performs functions that in other states are assigned to a separate Family Court or Probate Court. Therefore, you should search for family or probate cases here.
Houma City Court handles civil lawsuits up to $50,000, minor criminal misdemeanors, violations of city ordinances, and traffic violations within the city of Houma. If you received a traffic violation ticket in Houma, your case is most likely in this court.
Justices of the Peace operate in several districts of the parish. Their jurisdiction is limited to minor civil disputes involving small sums and some administrative functions. Contact information for these judges can be found on the official parish page.
Federal cases concerning Terrebonne Parish are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Records of these cases are stored separately and are available through PACER.
Terrebonne Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of the 32nd Judicial District Court is usually published on the court's official website. To find out the date and time of a specific hearing, the most reliable way is to call the court clerk's office directly or check the information on TerrebonneParishCourt.org.
Here's how to find out about scheduled hearings:
- Check the court's online calendar on the 32nd JDC website, if available.
- Contact the Clerk of Court with the case number — the staff will confirm the date of the next hearing.
- Visit the courthouse in person: the schedule for the current day is often posted near the courtrooms.
Houma City Court maintains its own calendar for traffic and misdemeanor cases. Hearing dates in this court can be confirmed by phone or directly at the clerk's office.
For general information about the judicial branch of Louisiana, including the structure of appellate courts, use the state's official portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Terrebonne Court Document
Copies of court documents in Terrebonne Parish are issued by the Clerk of Court. There are two types of copies:
- Certified copy — has an official stamp and the clerk's signature, confirming the document's authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal purposes.
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy for review. It costs less.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Clerk of Court's office. You will need the case number or the names of the parties for the search.
- By mail — send a written request with case details, type of copy, and payment to the address:
- Online — some records, including real estate and mortgage records, may be available through the Clerk of Court's electronic system. Confirm the availability of online access by contacting the office.
Divorce records are issued by the Clerk of Court of the parish where the divorce was filed. Birth and death certificates are a separate category; they are issued by the Louisiana Center for Vital Records and Statistics or the local Clerk of Court.
Some records have restricted access. Cases involving minors, adoptions, and certain family matters are generally closed to the public. Criminal cases after the expungement process are also inaccessible.
Terrebonne Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Louisiana law and the internal rates of the Clerk of Court. Below are approximate amounts — we recommend confirming exact rates directly with the office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Certification of copy | $5.00 per document |
| Registry search (per request) | Depends on the type of search; confirm with the office |
| Civil lawsuit filing fee | Varies depending on the type of case |
| Criminal history check through LSP | $26.00 + $5.00 technology fee |
A state-level criminal history check can be ordered through the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check according to La. R.S. 15:587.
Payment methods:
- In person — cash, money order, cashier's check. Some offices accept credit and debit cards.
- By mail — money order or cashier's check payable to Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court.
Public records in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Public Records Law (LRS 44:1 et seq.). Requests for sheriff's records, including arrest information, can be submitted through the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office. Information about inmates and visitation services is available on the Inmate Services page.