Search St. James Parish Civil Court Records
St. James Parish civil court records are filed and kept at the Clerk of Court office in Convent, Louisiana. The clerk maintains civil case filings, judgments, land records, and other official documents for the parish, with records dating back to 1809. You can search St. James Parish civil court records online through eClerks LA or visit the Convent courthouse in person during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
St. James Parish Quick Facts
St. James Parish Clerk of Court
Shane LeBlanc serves as the St. James Parish Clerk of Court. The office is located at 5800 LA Hwy 44 in Convent and serves as the official custodian of all civil court records for the parish. As a self-supporting office, it runs on statutory fees, not parish tax revenue. The clerk's office is continuously upgrading its systems to improve access to records for the public.
Civil records in St. James Parish go back to 1809. That is more than two centuries of filings, making this a rich resource for legal research, property searches, and historical inquiries. Older records may exist in paper or index form, while more recent filings are accessible through online portals. The office handles civil case filings, land records, mortgages, marriage licenses, and notarial acts.
The clerk's website provides contact information, portal links, and service details. Staff are available during regular hours to assist with searches and copy requests.
| Clerk of Court | Shane LeBlanc |
|---|---|
| Address | 5800 LA Hwy 44 Convent, LA 70723 |
| Phone | (225) 562-2270 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | stjamesclerk.com |
How to Search St. James Parish Civil Court Records
You can search St. James Parish civil court records online or in person at the Convent courthouse. Online searching is the quickest option if you just need basic case information. An in-person visit lets you view the full case file and request certified copies on the spot.
St. James Parish is part of the eClerks LA statewide portal. This free system provides index-level searches for civil, land, marriage, and probate records across all 64 Louisiana parishes. The Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) runs this system under La. R.S. 13:754. Index results show party names, case types, and filing dates. To get document images, you may need to use a premium access option or visit the office.
The St. James Parish Clerk of Court website at stjamesclerk.com provides portal links, contact information, and service details for civil record access.
In-person access requires a photo ID and either a party name or case number to start the search. Staff will pull the relevant files for review. If you need copies, you pay the standard per-page fee at the time of the request. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mail requests are accepted. Write out what you need clearly, include payment for expected copy costs, and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Response times vary based on request volume.
Online Civil Record Access in St. James Parish
The eClerks LA portal is the primary online access tool for St. James Parish civil court records. It is free to use and requires no account for index-level searches. You can search by party name or document type and get basic case data right away.
eClerks LA at eclerksla.com covers all 64 Louisiana parishes and provides free civil record index searches for St. James Parish.
The clerk's office is also continuously upgrading its systems. Check the official website for the latest information on what online access options are currently available, including any subscription portals for document image access. The office is committed to improving digital access over time.
The St. James Parish Clerk of Court continues to expand online access to civil records as part of ongoing system upgrades.
Under La. R.S. § 44:1-41, Louisiana's Public Records Act, anyone has the right to inspect civil court records at no cost. Copy fees apply when you request documents to be reproduced. Standard rates are $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost more. Confirm current rates with the office before your visit.
Types of Civil Court Records in St. James Parish
The St. James Parish Clerk of Court maintains all civil filings for the judicial district within the parish. Civil cases include personal injury actions, contract disputes, property matters, debt collection, successions, and family law cases. All pleadings, motions, and court orders are part of the public record unless sealed by a judge.
Records in St. James Parish go back to 1809. The office holds over two centuries of civil filings, land records, and official documents. This makes it a key resource for anyone researching historical property ownership, old legal disputes, or family genealogy in St. James Parish. Older records are often in paper or index format and require staff assistance to access.
Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 251 places the duty to maintain and share court records on the Clerk of Court. Anyone can request to view a civil case file, regardless of whether they are a party to the case. You do not need to provide a reason for your request. Inspection is always free under state law.
Records that are not public include adoptions, juvenile court files, mental health proceedings, and anything sealed by court order. Expunged records are also restricted. Ask staff if you are unsure whether a record is open or restricted before making the trip to Convent.
Civil Record Fees in St. James Parish
Inspecting civil court records in St. James Parish is free. You pay only for copies. Standard fees in Louisiana are $1.00 per page for plain uncertified copies. Certified copies cost more per document. Call the office at (225) 562-2270 to confirm what the current rates are before you visit or submit a mail request.
eClerks LA index searches are free with no subscription needed. If the clerk's website offers premium document access, check that site for current pricing. Mail requests should include your payment, the details of the records you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow adequate time for the office to process and respond.
Nearby Parishes
These parishes are close to or border St. James Parish. Civil cases are filed in the parish where at least one party lived or where the subject matter of the dispute is located. Check party addresses at the time of filing if you are unsure which parish holds the record you need.