Terrebonne County Court Records
What Is Terrebonne County Court Records
Court records in Terrebonne Parish (commonly referred to as Terrebonne County) encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the parish's court system. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, which defines public records and establishes requirements for their maintenance and accessibility.
Terrebonne Parish court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judgments and orders issued by judicial officers
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and succession documents
These records are distinct from other public records such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by different parish offices.
The Terrebonne Parish court system includes several courts that maintain their own records:
- 32nd Judicial District Court (handles major civil cases, felony criminal matters, family law, and probate)
- Houma City Court (handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims within city limits)
- Terrebonne Parish Justice of the Peace Courts (handle small claims and minor civil matters)
Court records in Terrebonne Parish document proceedings in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate and succession cases, and traffic violations, providing an official history of legal actions within the parish.
Are Court Records Public In Terrebonne County
Court records in Terrebonne Parish are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Louisiana's Public Records Law, codified in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public bodies, including courts, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets showing case progression
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
However, certain records may be restricted from public access under various provisions of Louisiana law. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile court records (protected under Louisiana Children's Code)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain family court matters involving abuse allegations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
The Louisiana Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records that supplement statutory requirements. These rules aim to balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (which includes Terrebonne Parish) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law.
How To Find Court Records in Terrebonne County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Terrebonne Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of records for the 32nd Judicial District Court.
To obtain court records in person:
- Visit the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.50 per page for regular copies)
Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
7856 Main Street, Suite 100
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 868-5660
Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
For records from Houma City Court:
Houma City Court
8046 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 868-4232
Houma City Court
To request records by mail:
- Send a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For expedited service, the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court accepts requests via fax at (985) 873-6338, though original signatures may be required for certain documents.
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of public records must make records available during regular office hours. The statute permits reasonable fees for copies but requires that examination of records be free of charge.
How To Look Up Court Records in Terrebonne County Online?
Terrebonne Parish offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.
The primary online portal for Terrebonne Parish court records is the Louisiana Clerk of Court Association's Clerk Connect system. Through this platform, users may:
- Access civil, criminal, and probate case information
- View case dockets and document indexes
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Purchase and download non-certified copies of documents
To use this system:
- Visit the Terrebonne Parish Clerk Connect portal
- Create a user account with valid email address
- Select search parameters (case type, date range, party name)
- Pay applicable fees for document downloads ($5.00 subscription fee plus $1.00 per page)
For criminal case information, the Louisiana Supreme Court maintains a separate Criminal Court Case Management Information System. This database includes:
- Case status information
- Hearing dates
- Charge information
- Disposition and sentencing data
Federal court cases involving Terrebonne Parish residents are accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. PACER provides:
- Federal civil and criminal case records
- Bankruptcy filings
- Appellate court decisions
Users should note that online systems may not contain all court records, particularly for older cases that have not been digitized. Additionally, certain confidential or sealed records are excluded from online access even when they may be available through in-person requests with proper authorization.
How To Search Terrebonne County Court Records for Free?
Louisiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." While copy fees apply, examination of records must be permitted without charge during regular business hours.
In Terrebonne Parish, the following free options are available for accessing court records:
- In-person inspection at the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse
- Public access terminals located in the Clerk of Court's office
- Limited case information through the Louisiana Supreme Court's online docket search
Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
7856 Main Street, Suite 100
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 868-5660
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The public access terminals at the courthouse provide free access to:
- Basic case information
- Court calendars
- Docket entries
- Party and attorney information
- Case status updates
For federal court records, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana offers public access terminals at the courthouse where records may be viewed without charge. Additionally, written opinions by federal judges are available free of charge through PACER.
The Terrebonne Parish Public Library system also provides free public computer access where citizens may utilize the limited free features of court record databases. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with basic navigation of public resources.
What's Included in a Terrebonne County Court Record?
Court records in Terrebonne Parish contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
For Civil Cases:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and service of process documentation
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Judgments and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Bill of information or indictment
- Arraignment records
- Bond and pretrial release information
- Motions and court rulings
- Evidence logs
- Plea agreements
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation and parole records (when filed with the court)
For Family Law Matters:
- Petitions for divorce or separation
- Child custody and support orders
- Community property settlements
- Protective orders
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
- Name change petitions
For Probate/Succession Cases:
- Petitions for probate
- Wills and testaments
- Inventories of assets
- Succession representative appointments
- Creditor claims
- Judgments of possession
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case's progression through the judicial system.
According to Louisiana Clerk of Court Association standards, court records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their authenticity, accessibility, and preservation.
How Long Does Terrebonne County Keep Court Records?
Terrebonne Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana State Archives under authority granted by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36. These schedules vary by record type and significance.
The following retention periods apply to major categories of court records:
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Domestic relations cases: Permanent retention
- Civil judgments: Permanent retention
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
- Expunged records: Sealed and maintained according to expungement order
Probate/Succession Records:
- Wills and successions: Permanent retention
- Estate inventories: Permanent retention
- Tutorship and curatorship: Permanent retention
Administrative Records:
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Docket books: Permanent retention
- Indexes: Permanent retention
- Oaths of office: Permanent retention
The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court has implemented digital preservation systems for many permanent records, allowing for the conversion of paper documents to electronic format while maintaining their legal validity. This digitization effort helps ensure the long-term preservation of historically significant records.
Records scheduled for destruction after their retention period are disposed of through secure methods that protect confidential information. However, records of historical significance may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.
Types of Courts In Terrebonne County
Terrebonne Parish's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court maintains its own records according to its jurisdictional responsibilities.
32nd Judicial District Court
7856 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 868-5660
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
32nd Judicial District Court
The 32nd Judicial District Court is Terrebonne Parish's court of general jurisdiction, handling:
- Major civil cases (claims exceeding $50,000)
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and succession cases
- Juvenile matters
- Appeals from lower courts
Houma City Court
8046 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 868-4232
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Houma City Court
Houma City Court has limited jurisdiction over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Terrebonne Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
Multiple locations throughout the parish
Hours vary by district
Justice of the Peace Courts handle:
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Evictions
- Peace bonds
- Notarial services
The hierarchical structure of Louisiana's court system places the 32nd Judicial District Court under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, followed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as the court of last resort for state matters.
Federal cases involving Terrebonne Parish residents are heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, located in New Orleans.
What Types of Cases Do Terrebonne County Courts Hear?
Terrebonne Parish courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. The distribution of case types among the parish's courts is as follows:
The 32nd Judicial District Court handles:
- Major civil litigation including:
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Property disputes
- Medical malpractice
- Class action lawsuits
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Domestic relations matters:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child and spousal support
- Community property partitions
- Protective orders
- Probate and succession cases:
- Will probates
- Estate administration
- Interdictions
- Tutorships
- Juvenile matters:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child in need of care cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
Houma City Court adjudicates:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses within city limits:
- Simple battery
- Theft under $1,000
- Criminal trespass
- Disturbing the peace
- Traffic violations:
- Speeding tickets
- DWI/DUI (first and second offense)
- Moving violations
- Parking infractions
- Civil matters with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- City ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Justice of the Peace Courts in Terrebonne Parish handle:
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Peace bonds
- Notarial services
- Certain civil matters within jurisdictional limits
The distribution of cases among these courts is governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 4841 and related statutes, which establish jurisdictional amounts and subject matter authority for each court level.
How To Find a Court Docket In Terrebonne County
Court dockets in Terrebonne Parish provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. These dockets are accessible through several methods, depending on the court and case type.
To access the 32nd Judicial District Court docket:
-
Visit the Clerk of Court's office in person
- Request docket information at the public service counter
- Provide case number or party names
- Review docket on public access terminals
-
Check online through the Louisiana Clerk Connect system
- Navigate to the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court portal
- Select "Court Docket Search"
- Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
- View results showing scheduled hearings and proceedings
-
Contact the Clerk's office by telephone
- Call (985) 868-5660 during business hours
- Provide case information to staff
- Receive basic docket information verbally
For Houma City Court dockets:
- Visit the court clerk's office at 8046 Main Street, Houma
- Call (985) 868-4232 for docket information
- Check the court's website for daily docket postings
Criminal court dockets are also available through the Louisiana Supreme Court's Criminal Court Case Management Information System, which provides:
- Arraignment schedules
- Trial dates
- Motion hearing calendars
- Sentencing proceedings
Attorneys registered with the Louisiana Bar Association have additional access options through secured portals that provide enhanced docket information and notification services.
The Louisiana Judicial Branch website offers a centralized portal for accessing court calendars and docket information across multiple jurisdictions, including Terrebonne Parish.
Which Courts in Terrebonne County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Louisiana's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all matters before the court. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically maintain only basic records of proceedings and judgments without verbatim transcripts.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:1896, which governs courts of limited jurisdiction, the following Terrebonne Parish courts are classified as courts not of record:
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- These courts handle minor civil matters and do not maintain stenographic records of proceedings
- While basic case information and judgments are documented, verbatim transcripts are not created
- Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in the 32nd Judicial District Court
The Houma City Court occupies a hybrid position in the judicial hierarchy. While it maintains more comprehensive records than Justice of the Peace Courts, it is not required to keep verbatim transcripts in all proceedings. However, in certain matters, particularly criminal cases, the Houma City Court does function as a court of record with appropriate documentation.
The 32nd Judicial District Court is a court of record in all proceedings, maintaining:
- Complete verbatim transcripts through court reporters
- Comprehensive evidence records
- Detailed minutes of all proceedings
- Full documentation of motions, pleadings, and orders
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record has significant implications for appeals. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing the record of proceedings from the lower court.
Lookup Court Records in Terrebonne County
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