Beauregard County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Beauregard County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, may access publicly available information through BeauregardParishRecords.us and official government repositories. Divorce records maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court may include final decrees, case filings, property settlement agreements, and custody orders. Access to specific documents may vary depending on the nature of the case and applicable confidentiality protections under Louisiana law.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court maintains case records that may be accessible through in-office public terminals. Members of the public may contact the Clerk's office directly to inquire about available online search tools. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document reproduction.
2. State Vital Records
Louisiana does not issue divorce certificates through the Center for Vital Records and Statistics in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health notes that certified copies of divorce records are obtained from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce occurred, not from the state vital records office. The Louisiana Online Services portal provides guidance on which agency maintains each record type.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Beauregard Parish:
Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court
201 West First Street
DeRidder, LA 70634
Phone: (337) 463-8595
Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court, 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (337) 463-8595
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Louisiana may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of legitimate need. The Louisiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Beauregard Parish
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct Parish
Under Louisiana law, divorce proceedings are filed in the parish where either spouse is domiciled at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing parish may need to search multiple parishes. The Beauregard Parish profile on the official Louisiana state website provides jurisdictional context for records maintained within the parish.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code § 3941, venue for divorce proceedings lies in the parish where either spouse is domiciled. Louisiana does not impose a minimum state residency period as a prerequisite to filing for divorce, provided the petitioner is domiciled in Louisiana at the time of filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may require several days to weeks before appearing in the clerk's index
- Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before requesting certified copies
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect parish — the divorce may have been filed in a different parish
- Name variations, including maiden names or spelling differences
- The case may still be pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records may be stored in off-site archives
- The case may be sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (337) 463-8595 to request staff assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Consult the Louisiana Division of Administration Document Access portal for additional record resources
What Are Beauregard Parish Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Beauregard Parish are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 36th Judicial District Court. These records are maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to Louisiana's Public Records Law, La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce or separation
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Property settlement agreements
- Motions, oppositions, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of community property and debts
- Spousal support obligations, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
- Certified copies are available through the Clerk of Court
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as evidence)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Community property inventories
- Post-divorce modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Center for Vital Records and Statistics at the Louisiana Department of Health does not maintain divorce decrees; those records remain exclusively with the parish clerk where the proceeding occurred.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code, including provisions under La. Civ. Code § 102 and § 103, which establish the grounds and procedures for obtaining a divorce. Public access to court records is governed by Louisiana's Public Records Law, La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to all records maintained by public bodies, including courts.
Are Beauregard Parish Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Beauregard Parish are public court records subject to Louisiana's Public Records Law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Salary and income details may carry limited access protections
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted from general public access
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records are protected
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Beauregard Parish?
The Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court charges standard fees for document reproduction and certification. Current fees are established pursuant to Louisiana law and are subject to revision by the clerk's office.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification seal/stamp | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
| Electronic copies | Contact clerk for current availability and pricing |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies: A certification fee applies in addition to the per-page reproduction cost.
- Payment methods: The Clerk of Court accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court. Members of the public should contact the office directly to confirm currently accepted payment methods before submitting mail requests.
- Fee waivers: Louisiana law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests; however, indigent parties to a case may petition the court for waiver of fees related to their own proceedings.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case numbers, filing dates, and party names, may be reviewed at no charge at the clerk's public access terminal during office hours.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Beauregard Parish
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through post-judgment actions. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court division, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
- Jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce stating grounds, marriage date, separation date, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Community property inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property or business interests
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income information for both parties
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Settlement and Judgment Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of divorce including all property, support, and custody provisions
- Post-judgment modification orders, if any
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications and settlement negotiations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Beauregard Parish
Proof of divorce in Beauregard Parish is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it as a true and accurate reproduction of the original court record.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
In Person: Visit the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court at 201 West First Street, DeRidder, LA 70634, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Pay the applicable copy and certification fees.
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By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate divorce date, the case number if known, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for fees.
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Through the Louisiana Online Services Portal: The Louisiana vital records and court services portal provides guidance on obtaining certified divorce records from the appropriate parish clerk.
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Through an Attorney: A licensed Louisiana attorney may obtain certified copies on behalf of a client and can assist in cases where records are difficult to locate or partially sealed.
Certified copies of the final divorce decree are accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof of marital status. The Beauregard Parish profile on the official Louisiana state website confirms that certified divorce records are issued exclusively by the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Beauregard Parish?
A divorce proceeding in Beauregard Parish may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While Louisiana law establishes a presumption of public access to court records under La. R.S. § 44:1, courts retain authority to seal records upon a demonstrated showing of good cause.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the individual.
- Child protection matters: Documents containing identifying information about minor children, including custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments, may be sealed by court order.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential under Louisiana law and are not filed as part of the public record.
- High-profile or sensitive cases: A party may petition the court to seal the entire case file upon a showing that public disclosure would cause substantial harm outweighing the public interest in access.
- Financial account information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
A motion to seal must be filed with the 36th Judicial District Court, and the opposing party is entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard before a sealing order is entered.
How Long Does Beauregard Parish Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records maintained by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court are subject to Louisiana's records retention requirements, which mandate permanent preservation of final court judgments and case files.
Retention Periods by Record Type:
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Retained permanently in accordance with Louisiana court records retention schedules applicable to civil and family law proceedings.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory rulings: Retained as part of the permanent case file for the duration of the case and thereafter.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; retention periods for supporting documents may vary based on the document type and applicable schedules.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same permanent retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older cases filed before electronic systems were implemented are maintained in paper or microfilm format and remain accessible upon request, though retrieval may require additional time.
The Louisiana Division of Administration provides guidance on document access and retention standards applicable to Louisiana public records, including court filings.