Search Evangeline Parish Court Records

Evangeline Parish court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Ville Platte, Louisiana. The office holds civil and criminal case files, land records, marriage licenses, and other vital records for the parish. Randall "Randy" M. Deshotel serves as the clerk and is the official custodian of these Evangeline Parish court records. You can contact the office directly to request copies or visit during business hours for in-person access.

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

Randall "Randy" M. Deshotel serves as Clerk of Court for Evangeline Parish. His office is located at 200 Court Street, Suite 104 in Ville Platte, Louisiana 70586. The mailing address is P.O. Drawer 347, Ville Platte, LA 70586. The phone number is (337) 363-5671. The fax number is (337) 363-5780. The official website for the office is evangelineparishclerkofcourt.com.

Clerk Deshotel describes his role as the custodian of vital records that capture the histories of families, towns, and the parish as a whole. The office handles all court filings for the 13th Judicial District Court and maintains land records, marriage licenses, and other documents required to be recorded under Louisiana law. This includes both current filings and archived records from past decades. The clerk's office is the right contact for anyone who needs to search, copy, or certify Evangeline Parish court records.

The official clerk website provides current information on services, fees, and how to access Evangeline Parish court records online or in person.

The screenshot below shows the official homepage of the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court, the main reference point for office information and record access procedures.

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court website at evangelineparishclerkofcourt.com provides information on how to access court records, request copies, and use the online search portal for Evangeline Parish court records.

How to Search Evangeline Parish Court Records

Evangeline Parish court records can be searched in person at the Ville Platte courthouse or online through the clerk's web portal. In-person access is available during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Online access is available through the tools linked from the clerk's website at evangelineparishclerkofcourt.com.

For in-person searches, go to 200 Court Street, Suite 104 in Ville Platte. Staff can assist with name searches and pull case files or land record documents as needed. Bring a photo ID. If you know the case number or document number you need, have it ready. Copy fees apply to any documents you want to take home. Certified copies carry an additional fee on top of the standard per-page rate.

For online searches, visit the clerk's website and use the portal links provided there. The statewide eClerks LA portal at eclerksla.com may also provide access to Evangeline Parish records. Basic name searches return index results showing case numbers, party names, and filing dates. Image access may require an account or subscription depending on the record type.

Note: Call (337) 363-5671 ahead of time if you need records from a specific date range or case type, so staff can confirm availability and any special retrieval procedures.

Types of Court Records in Evangeline Parish

Evangeline Parish court records include civil case files, criminal case files, land records, and marriage licenses. Civil records document all filings in the 13th Judicial District Court for civil matters. Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor cases handled at the district court level. Both types are part of the official record maintained by the clerk's office in Ville Platte.

Land records include conveyances (property deeds) and mortgages recorded in Evangeline Parish. These are used in real estate transactions and title searches. Marriage licenses are another key category stored at the clerk's office. If you need a certified copy of a marriage license or a court judgment from Evangeline Parish, this office is your source. Staff can help identify what you need and confirm whether the record is in the physical archive or available in digital format.

Under La. R.S. 44:1, Louisiana public records include any document made or received by a public body in the conduct of its official duties. Evangeline Parish court records fall within this definition and are presumed to be open for public inspection. La. R.S. 13:507 further confirms that district court records are public documents in Louisiana, reinforcing the right of any person to view and copy what has been filed in the Evangeline Parish court system.

Online Access to Evangeline Parish Court Records

Online access to Evangeline Parish court records is available through the clerk's website and through the state-level eClerks LA portal. The clerk's website at evangelineparishclerkofcourt.com is the primary local source and may link directly to a dedicated search portal or provide guidance on how to access records remotely. For broader statewide access, eclerksla.com offers a centralized entry point for many Louisiana parish clerk systems.

Basic online searches typically return index-level results at no charge. These include case numbers, party names, filing dates, and document types. To view images of actual filed documents, registration or a paid subscription may be required. For attorneys and title companies that routinely search Evangeline Parish court records, a subscription to the online portal is usually the most efficient option.

Under La. R.S. 44:31, any person has the right to inspect and copy public records. Online portals are one mechanism through which Evangeline Parish fulfills this obligation. In-person access at the Ville Platte courthouse is the other, and it remains the only method that guarantees no portal fees for viewing document images during your visit.

Court Record Fees in Evangeline Parish

Standard copy fees apply to Evangeline Parish court records. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies require an additional certification fee. Name search fees may apply when staff must search records not available in the online index. Contact the clerk's office at (337) 363-5671 to confirm current rates before submitting any paid request.

Under La. R.S. 44:32, custodians of public records may charge the actual cost of providing access, including reasonable fees for search time on extensive requests. Viewing records in person at the clerk's office is typically free of charge unless you request copies. Copy fees are charged per page at the standard rate. Mail requests should include payment by check or money order, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of copies.

Public Records Law and Evangeline Parish Court Records

Louisiana's Public Records Act is the legal foundation for access to Evangeline Parish court records. Under La. R.S. 44:31, any person can inspect and copy public records held by a government custodian. The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court is that custodian for court filings in the 13th Judicial District. No reason is required to access most records, and access must be provided during normal office hours.

When a records request is denied, La. R.S. 44:33.1 requires the custodian to explain the denial in writing. This written explanation creates a formal record of the refusal that you can use to challenge it if needed. Most Evangeline Parish court records are fully public. Exceptions include juvenile files, adoption records, records sealed by court order, and certain mental health-related filings. If you are not sure whether a specific record is public, call the clerk's office and ask before making the trip to Ville Platte.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes neighbor Evangeline Parish. Request records from the parish where the case was filed.