Court records in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, can be searched through several channels. AscensionParishCourt.org can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. Additional access points include the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court online record search portal, the clerk's office in person, and public terminals available at the courthouse in Gonzales. Federal cases with a connection to the parish can be looked up through PACER.
Ascension Court System & Jurisdictions
Ascension Parish falls within the 23rd Judicial District Court of Louisiana, which serves both Ascension and Assumption parishes. The parish seat is Gonzales. Understanding which court handles a particular case type is essential before searching dockets.
- 23rd Judicial District Court — General jurisdiction over civil suits, criminal felonies, family law matters (divorce, custody, adoption, child support), successions (Louisiana's equivalent of probate), and juvenile cases. This is the primary trial court for the parish.
- Gonzales City Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters involving smaller dollar amounts that arise within the City of Gonzales. This court also processes preliminary hearings for felony arrests made within city limits.
- Donaldsonville City Court — Exercises similar jurisdiction as Gonzales City Court for cases originating within the City of Donaldsonville, including traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and small civil disputes.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Handle minor civil disputes, typically involving claims up to $5,000, in the wards where they sit.
For federal matters such as bankruptcy or federal criminal charges, records are maintained by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and can be accessed through the PACER system. Inmates currently held at the Ascension Parish Jail can be located using the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office inmate search.
Ascension Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for the 23rd Judicial District Court are typically managed by each division's judge. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Check the Clerk of Court website — The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court site may post docket information or direct users to the appropriate division calendar.
- Call the Clerk's Office — Staff can confirm hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and whether a particular case is on the docket for a given day.
- Visit the courthouse — Daily docket sheets are generally posted near courtroom entrances or available at the clerk's counter in the Ascension Parish Courthouse in Gonzales.
- Contact the judge's office — Each division of the 23rd JDC maintains its own schedule. The judge's judicial assistant can provide calendar details for cases assigned to that division.
Gonzales City Court and Donaldsonville City Court each maintain separate calendars. Contact those courts directly for hearing schedules. Criminal arraignment and motion dates are often set at the time of booking or at a prior hearing, so checking the case record through the clerk's online search may also reveal upcoming dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Ascension Court Document
The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court is the official custodian of court records for the 23rd Judicial District Court within Ascension Parish. You can obtain copies through three main channels:
Online
Use the Clerk of Court's online record search to look up criminal, traffic, civil, and marriage records. Some documents can be viewed or requested directly through the portal. Not all records are available for online download — older or sealed records may require an in-person visit.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Ascension Parish Courthouse:
Bring a valid photo ID. You will need the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can help locate records and prepare certified or uncertified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case name or case number
- Type of document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, government filings, and official use. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference. Certain records — including juvenile cases, sealed records, and adoption files — are restricted and not available to the general public.
For divorce records, certified copies can be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted. Birth and death certificates are handled by the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office, not the Clerk of Court.
Ascension Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Ascension Parish are set by Louisiana statute and the Clerk of Court's fee schedule. The following table reflects common charges — contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $5.00 for first page; $2.00 each additional page |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Certification / seal only | $5.00 |
| Filing fees (civil petition) | Vary by case type; contact clerk |
| Marriage license | Contact clerk for current fee |
Note: Fees are based on Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13 (Courts and Judicial Procedure) and the clerk's posted schedule. Confirm exact amounts before submitting payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some clerk offices accept credit and debit cards; ask before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court.
- Online: If ordering through the clerk's website, payment is typically processed by credit or debit card. Processing fees may apply.
For statewide criminal background checks, the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check system charges a separate fee and is independent of the Clerk of Court. Individuals searching for someone in state prison custody can use the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender search at no cost.