Contact The Clerk Of Court

When you contact the clerk, have all the details of your case nearby. These important details should be at the top of the petition:

• case number;

• section or division of the court, which may be a letter or a number; and

• party names

After you provide the case information, the clerk will see the documents filed in the case. The clerk can give you the title of filed documents or tell you whether a document with a certain title (ex. "affidavit of waiver of service") has been filed, and can tell you the date on which the document was filed. The clerk may be able to tell you of any scheduled hearing dates and times.

The specific forms or documents required when reaching out to the Clerk's office can vary depending on the nature of your inquiry or request. 

Here are some general guidelines for common scenarios:

1. General Inquiry or Information Request:

   • No specific forms may be required. You can often contact the Clerk's office by phone, email, or in person for general information.

2. Requesting Court Documents:

   • Some jurisdictions may have specific request forms for obtaining court documents. Check the court's website or contact the Clerk's office to inquire about the necessary form.

3. Filing Court Documents:

   • If you need to file documents with the court, there are usually specific forms for different types of filings. These forms can typically be obtained from the Clerk's office or the court's website.

4. Marriage License Application:

   • If you are applying for a marriage license, there may be a specific application form. This form is often available on the Clerk's office website or can be obtained in person.

5. Requesting Birth or Death Certificates:

   • The process for obtaining birth or death certificates may vary. Check with the Clerk's office or the vital records department for the specific form and requirements.

6. Electronic Filing:

   • If the Clerk's office allows electronic filing, there may be specific procedures and forms for submitting documents online. Check the court's website for information on e-filing.

7. Continuance or Court Date Rescheduling:

   • There may be specific forms or written requests required to seek a continuance or to reschedule a court date. Contact the Clerk's office or check the court's website for guidance You can also find information on rescheduling or delaying a court proceeding here.

When in doubt, it's always advisable to contact the Clerk's office directly to inquire about the specific forms or documents needed for your particular situation. They can provide accurate and up-to-date information based on the rules and procedures of the specific court jurisdiction. 

The Clerk's office is typically the primary source for information regarding fees for various court services and transactions. You can find information on court fees and links to each district parish clerk of court's fee schedule here. 

Here's how you can obtain information on fees:

1. Visit the Clerk's Office Website:

   • Many Clerk's offices have official websites that provide information on fees for different services. These websites may have fee schedules, forms, and instructions available for download.

2. Contact the Clerk's Office Directly:

   • The Clerk's office has staff who can assist you with information on fees. You can contact them by phone, email, or by visiting the office in person. Be prepared to provide specific details about the service or transaction you are inquiring about.

3. Check Local Court Rules:

   • Some fees may be outlined in the local court rules. These rules can often be found on the court's website or may be available in print at the Clerk's office.

4. Review Fee Schedules:

   • The Clerk's office may have printed fee schedules available for public reference. These schedules can outline the costs associated with various court services, such as filing fees, document copies, and other transactions.

5. Ask for a Fee Estimate:

   • If you are uncertain about the total cost of a particular service, you can ask the Clerk's office for a fee estimate. They can provide guidance on the expected fees based on your specific needs.

6. Understand Payment Methods:

   • Inquire about accepted payment methods. Some offices may accept cash, checks, or credit cards, while others may have specific requirements for payment.

It's important to note that fees can vary depending on the type of court service, the nature of the case, and local jurisdiction rules. Always check with the specific Clerk's office handling your case for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees.

The ability to file court documents electronically, known as e-filing, varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific court. Here's a general guide on how you might go about e-filing, but keep in mind that the process can differ from one court to another:

1. Check the Court's E-Filing System:

   • Visit the court's official website and look for information regarding electronic filing. Courts that support e-filing often provide details about the e-filing system they use.

2. Create an Account:

   • If the court offers an online portal for e-filing, you may need to create an account. This typically involves providing your contact information and creating login credentials.

3. Review E-Filing Requirements:

   • Each court may have specific requirements for e-filing. These could include acceptable file formats, document size limitations, and any additional information required during the filing process.

4. Prepare Your Documents:

   • Ensure that your documents are in the required format and that they meet any size limitations. Some courts may have guidelines for naming your files.

5. Log In to the E-Filing System:

   • Use your account credentials to log in to the court's e-filing system.

6. Select the Case or Document Type:

   • Choose the appropriate case or document type for your filing. Courts often have specific categories for different types of filings.

7. Complete the E-Filing Forms:

   • Fill out any necessary forms or information required by the e-filing system. This may include details about the parties involved, the nature of the filing, and other relevant information.

8. Upload Your Documents:

   • Upload the electronic copies of your documents to the system. Some courts may have a step-by-step process for uploading individual documents.

9. Review and Confirm:

   • Review the information you've entered and the documents you've uploaded. Confirm that everything is accurate before submitting.

10. Pay Filing Fees:

    • If there are filing fees associated with your submission, you may be required to pay them online as part of the e-filing process.

11. Receive Confirmation:

    • After successfully submitting your documents, you may receive a confirmation email or notification. Keep a copy of this confirmation for your records.

To find out about upcoming court hearings or trials in a specific case, you can follow these general steps:

1. Contact the Clerk's Office: Reach out to the Clerk's office of the specific court handling the case. The Clerk's office maintains the court's docket, which information about scheduled hearings and trials.

2. Online Access to Court Records: Some courts provide online access to their records, including information about upcoming hearings. Check the court's website or online portal to see if you can search for your case details. 

3. Use Case Search Websites: There are online case search websites that aggregate information from various courts. These websites may allow you to search for specific cases and provide details about upcoming hearings. Keep in mind that the availability of information can vary by jurisdiction.

4. Sign Up for Notifications: Some courts offer notification services that allow you to receive updates about upcoming hearings in a specific case. Check with the Clerk's office to see if this service is available.

5. Attend Court Proceedings: If the court allows public attendance, you can physically go to the courthouse and check the posted schedule of hearings. Court calendars are often displayed near the Clerk's office.

6. Use the Docket Number: If you have the docket number for the case, you can use it to search for information about upcoming hearings. The docket number is a unique identifier assigned to each case.

7. Visit the Court in Person: If online resources are not available or if you prefer to inquire in person, visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse and ask for information about upcoming hearings in the case.