Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana State Court Records
Tangipahoa Parish court records are documents that show the details of legal cases handled in the local courts. These records serve as a permanent public account of court proceedings, helping people understand case outcomes, verify facts, and protect their legal rights. The main trial-level court in the parish is the 21st Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, and other matters. The Clerk of Court acts as the official custodian of these records.
The Clerk’s office creates and maintains the records according to Louisiana’s Public Records Law and state court rules. Filings, docket entries, judgments, and orders are safely stored so the public can view them when needed. Furthermore, these records are often connected to other public documents, such as vital records, arrest logs from the sheriff’s office, or even federal case files if a matter crosses into the U.S. District Court. They are a key part of the parish’s transparent justice system and give residents easy access to important legal history.
Are Tangipahoa Parish Court Records Public?
Yes. Under Louisiana’s Public Records Law, most Tangipahoa Parish court records are open to the public. This law ensures that anyone may inspect or copy court documents unless a specific law protects them. Typical cases that are open to the general public include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, probate filings, and divorce or custody cases that have reached final judgment.
However, some records, such as juvenile cases, certain adoption files, sealed criminal records after expungement, and sensitive family matters involving minors, often require a court order or special permission before release. Mental health or domestic violence protective orders may also have privacy protections.
What Information is Available in Tangipahoa Parish Court Records?
A typical court record in Tangipahoa Parish contains a lot of useful details. They include the following
- The names of the parties or companies involved
- The case number and filing date
- The types of cases, such as civil, criminal, family, probate
- A full list of court filings.
- Motions
- Responses
- Evidence summaries
- Hearing dates
- The final judgment or sentence
Criminal files may show charges, plea agreements, and bond information. Civil cases list information such as complaints, answers, and settlement details. Probate records include wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers. Family law files detail divorce petitions, custody arrangements, and support orders.
Tangipahoa Parish Court Records Search
Court records in Tangipoa Parish may be searched and accessed via the following methods:
- Online Access: Interested persons may begin a court record search online because it saves time and travel. The Clerk of Court offers access through the Clerk Connect Portal. One may look up civil and criminal cases there after purchasing a short-term or yearly subscription. Separate eSearch tools also exist for land records and other indexes. Note that access levels can vary, as some basic docket info is free or low-cost, while full document images require payment
- In-Person Access: The general public may utilize computer terminals at the Clerk’s office location during business hours. Staff at the counter can help individuals locate files, and they can view or request copies immediately
- Mail and Phone Requests: Mail or phone requests may be used if Requesters are unable to visit in person. To request a record, send a written request with the case number or party names, including a self-addressed stamped envelope for copies to be mailed back. Requesters may pay by check or money order. Phone staff are available to guide interested persons on what information to provide and any fees
Fees for Court Records in Tangipahoa Parish
Obtaining copies of Tangipahoa Parish court records may require certain fees. Regular copies typically cost $1 per page. Certified copies, which carry an official seal and are accepted in most legal settings, cost $10 each plus any search fees. Online subscriptions through Clerk Connect typically begin at $20 for a 24-hour pass, $40 for 30 days, or $300 for a full year of unlimited searches and printing.
Searches conducted in person at public terminals are often free for basic viewing, but may require a small fee for printing. Mail requests require payment up front, and the office accepts checks or money orders. Vital records have their own set of fees set by state law. Interested persons may look up the current fee schedule on the state’s Department of Health website.
Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse Locations
Below is a directory of court locations in Tangipahoa Parish, including their addresses and phone numbers.
Tangipahoa 21st Judicial District Court - Amite
Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse
110 North Bay Street,
PO Box 667
Amite, LA 70422
Phone: (985) 748-4146
Fax: (985) 748-6503
Tangipahoa 21st Judicial District Court - Hammond Branch
Physical: 318-A Northwest Railroad Avenue, Hammond, LA 70401
Mailing: PO Box 667, Amite, LA 70422
Phone: (985) 549-1638
Fax: (985) 549-1639
City Court of Hammond
303 East Thomas Street
Hammond, LA 70401
Phone: (985) 542-3455
Fax: (985) 542-3453
Justice of the Peace Ward 1
12142 Jr. Feets Lane
Kentwood, LA 70444
Phone: (985) 215-2376
Justice of the Peace Ward 2
19413 Hwy 38
Kentwood, LA 70444
Phone: (985) 229-2514
Phone: (985) 514-0360
Fax: (985) 229-3325
Justice of the Peace Ward 3
111 North Bay Street, Suite 3
PO Box 744
Amite, LA 70422
Phone: (985) 747-0407
Justice of the Peace Ward 4
17424 Hwy 10
Kentwood, LA 70444
Phone: (985) 517-7581
Justice of the Peace Ward 5
56044 North Cooper Road
Loranger, LA 70446
Phone: (985) 878-6166
Justice of the Peace Ward 6
PO Box 1004
Natalbany, LA 70451
Phone: (985) 419-0032
Justice of the Peace Ward 8
28238 Hwy 22
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone: (985) 845-8747
Phone: (985) 966-1331
Amite City Mayor’s Court
212 East Oak Street
Amite, LA 70422
Phone: (985) 748-8761
Fax: (985) 748-3729
Independence Mayor’s Court
473 West Railroad Avenue
PO Box 35
Independence, LA 70443
Phone: (985) 878-4145
Fax: (985) 878-4568
Kentwood Mayor’s Court
308 Avenue G
Kentwood, LA 70444
Phone: (985) 229-3451
Fax: (985) 229-3438
Ponchatoula Mayor’s Court
125 West Hickory Street
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone: (985) 370-7500
Fax: (985) 386-5533
Roseland Mayor’s Court
62438 Commercial Street
PO Box 302
Roseland, LA 70456
Phone: (985) 748-9063
Fax: (985) 748-7131
Tickfaw Mayor’s Court
50081 Highway 51
PO Box 249
Tickfaw, LA 70466
Phone: (985) 542-9249
Fax: (985) 542-5239
Criminal Records Access in Tangipahoa Parish
Criminal history checks for background purposes may be carried out through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, not the local Clerk of Court. Registered users may conduct an internet background check. Alternatively, individuals may submit their digital fingerprints and afterward obtain or review their criminal history records online or via mail.
Alternatively, individual case files from Tangipahoa Parish are available through the Clerk’s office. One may search local felony and misdemeanor records online via Clerk Connect, view dockets in person, or request copies by mail. This keeps court records transparent while directing full background checks to the proper state agency.
Tangipahoa Parish Probate Records
Tangipahoa Parish probate records cover cases related to the handling of people’s estates after they pass away or when a court appoints a guardian or conservator. These files may include wills, trusts, estate inventories, creditor claims, final accountings, and court orders that transfer property or money. Petitions to open an estate, inventories of assets, and documents for guardianships of minors or incapacitated adults, plus conservatorships that manage finances for those who need help, are common examples.
The Clerk of Court maintains these records and makes most of them available to the public. Recent filings are often provided to the public online through the Clerk’s portal. Older or more detailed files may still require an in-person visit to the Amite office. Certain probate cases, especially those involving minors or sensitive medical information, stay confidential by law. Therefore, a judge’s order might be needed before full access is granted.
Tangipahoa Parish probate records provide a clear, step-by-step history of how an estate was settled. While the process follows strict state rules, the Clerk’s staff may guide requesters on what documents exist and how to obtain copies.
Parish | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tangipahoa Parish | Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court | 110 North Bay Street, Suite 100, Amite, LA 70422 | (985) 748-4146 | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
Tangipahoa Parish Family Court Records
Family law cases in Tangipahoa Parish fall under the purview of the 21st Judicial District Court. They include divorce, child custody, visitation, adoption, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. The Clerk of Court maintains all related files, and the same online portals and in-person rules apply as for other civil matters. Some sensitive details may require court approval before release. However, most final judgments and basic docket information are open to the public.
Record seekers may request certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders for official use. The process is the same as other record requests. Begin the search online, visit the courthouse or mail a request. Staff help ensure individuals get exactly what they need while protecting privacy where the law requires it.
Federal Court Records in Tangipahoa Parish
Federal cases that affect Tangipahoa Parish residents are processed through the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, based in New Orleans. They include matters such as federal crimes, civil rights claims, bankruptcy, or large-scale disputes that cross state lines. Most records may be accessed via the federal PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). To search, create a PACER account online, pay a small per-page fee, and view dockets and documents from anywhere. For physical copies or help, one may contact the federal clerk’s office in New Orleans or use the parish Clerk as a starting point.