Family Court in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans sits in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, so family court is handled at the parish level. How and where to file family court papers from New Orleans: the right clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers if I live in New Orleans, Louisiana?

New Orleans sits in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Family court matters for New Orleans residents are filed with the clerk of court for the Orleans parish. Start with the Orleans parish court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my New Orleans family court case online?

Louisiana uses Parish-by-parish e-filing for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in New Orleans can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file for divorce or custody in New Orleans?

Divorce filing fee: ~$200-$400 by parish. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Louisiana courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents near New Orleans?

Yes. Louisiana maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.

Which county court covers New Orleans?

New Orleans is served by the Orleans parish court in Louisiana. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for New Orleans residents are heard in that court's family division.