Court records of St. Mary Parish in Louisiana can be found through several channels. StMaryparishCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the parish. Additionally, records are available through official resources of the district court, the Clerk of Court's office in Franklin, and public terminals in the courthouse. Online tools and in-person visits are the two most common ways to obtain the necessary data.
St. Mary Court System & Jurisdictions
Several judicial instances operate in St. Mary Parish, each handling specific categories of cases. Understanding the jurisdiction will help determine where exactly to look for the necessary dossier.
16th Judicial District Court is the main court of general jurisdiction in the parish. It covers St. Mary Parish and handles:
- Criminal cases, including felonies (serious crimes)
- Civil lawsuits without a monetary limit
- Family cases — divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate cases and succession matters
The administrative center of the parish is the city of Franklin, where the main courthouse is located. General information about the Louisiana court system can be viewed on the state's official website.
City Courts operate in some municipalities of the parish. The Franklin City Court and Morgan City Court handle:
- Small claims up to a statutory limit
- Traffic violations
- Misdemeanors (minor criminal offenses)
- Violations of municipal ordinances
If you are unsure which court your case belongs to, call the Clerk's office — they will advise which court is handling the specific proceeding.
St. Mary Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The court schedule in the parish is published through the office of the 16th Judicial District Court. To find out the date and time of a hearing today, tomorrow, or during the week, contact the Clerk of Court directly — this is the quickest way.
- Call the St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court's office at (337) 828-4100 and inquire about the schedule of a specific judge or case.
- Visit the courthouse in Franklin — the schedule is usually posted on a bulletin board or provided upon request.
- Check StMaryparishCourt.us — the resource may contain up-to-date information about scheduled hearings.
The parish sheriff's office also publishes press releases and arrest reports, which can be useful for tracking criminal cases in the early stages. For inmate information, you can view the sheriff's inmate roster.
Note: not all parish courts publish calendars online. Morgan City and Franklin City Courts may have their own schedules available only by phone or in person.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Mary Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court. There are two types of copies:
- Certified copy — has the official seal and signature of the clerk, accepted by other courts and government agencies as an official document.
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy for personal review, without legal force.
How to Order a Copy
In person: come to the Clerk of Court's office during business hours. You will need the case number or the names of the parties and the approximate date of filing the lawsuit.
By mail: send a written request specifying the case details, the type of copy needed, and a return address. Include a check or money order payable to "St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court".
Marriage and divorce records: certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained through the Louisiana Department of Health. Copies of divorce decrees are issued by the clerk of the parish where the decree was issued — for St. Mary, this is the same office on Main Street. Separate state online services also assist with vital records requests.
Some records have restricted access. Cases involving minors, adoptions, and certain criminal proceedings may be sealed by a judge's order. Ask the clerk if there are restrictions for a specific document.
St. Mary Court Records Fees & Payment
The parish Clerk of Court charges fees for searching, copying, and certifying documents in accordance with Louisiana law. Below are approximate rates — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the office, as they may change based on administrative orders.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search fee | $5–$25 per name |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Certified copy fee | $5.00 and up per document |
| Copy of court judgment | Depends on document volume |
| Copy of marriage certificate (via clerk) | Check with the office |
Fees are set according to the Louisiana Revised Statutes, including provisions of Title 13, which govern the operation of clerks of court. Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some offices also accept credit and debit cards — confirm this in advance by phone.
If you order copies by mail, include prepayment. The office will not process the request without payment. For large orders, the clerk may send a preliminary invoice.
Information about local parish administrative services and additional contact details can be found on the official St. Mary Parish government website.