St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court’s Office

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court’s office serves a vital function in preserving the history and legal records of the parish. From maintaining archives to overseeing elections, the Clerk’s office provides key services to parish residents. Some of the main departments include:

Archives Department at st tammany parish clerk of court

Preserving Parish History

The Archives Department has the critical responsibility of maintaining the rich historical and genealogical records of St. Tammany Parish dating back to 1810. From historic property maps to court case files, these archives offer a window into the parish’s past.

Maintaining Genealogical Records

In addition to historical records, the Archives Department also preserves vital genealogical information for St. Tammany families. From birth and marriage certificates to succession files, these records allow parish residents to trace their family trees and connections to the parish’s history.

Civil Department st tammany parish clerk of court

Processing Civil Case Records

The Civil Department handles the processing and maintenance of all civil case files. This includes keeping records organized and accessible for civil and domestic suits, adoptions, commitments, successions and tutorships.

Maintaining Civil Records

In addition to processing new civil cases, the Civil Department also maintains past civil case files in an organized, searchable manner. This preserves vital legal records related to parish property, families, and other civil disputes.

Civil and Domestic Suits

This includes keeping records of disputes between individuals or organizations from contract disagreements to injury lawsuits.

Adoptions

The Civil Department keeps records related to all parish adoptions, preserving vital genealogical connections.

Commitments

Records of commitments related to mental health or elder care needs are maintained.

Successions

The passing down of property after a death is recorded in succession files.

Tutorships

If a minor child’s parents are deceased or incapacitated, tutorship grants custodial rights. These records are preserved.

Processing Civil & Criminal Appeals

The Civil Department handles appeals files from both civil and criminal cases, maintaining those records.

Criminal Department st tammany parish clerk of court

Processing Criminal Case Records

The Criminal Department keeps records of all criminal cases, including arrests, charges filed, court proceedings, and outcomes.

Maintaining Criminal Records

These criminal case files must be accurately preserved for future reference by law enforcement and courts.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanor crimes include minor offenses like petty theft, traffic violations, and public intoxication.

Felony Cases

Major crimes like assault, robbery, and murder are categorized as felonies.

Juvenile Cases

Youth crimes have special legal considerations around privacy, so these sensitive records are carefully maintained.

Non-Support Cases

Failure to pay child support or alimony falls under non-support cases.

Traffic Violations

Even minor traffic tickets and accidents need to be kept on file in the criminal records.

Elections Department

Chief Elections Officer

The Clerk of Court serves as the chief elections officer for St. Tammany Parish, overseeing and certifying elections.

Board of Election Supervisors

The Clerk also chairs the Board of Election Supervisors who manage voting preparations and vote tallying.

Land Records Department

Maintaining Property Records

The Land Records Department keeps real estate documentation for all parish properties including sale records, mortgages, settlements, and more.

Acts of Sale

Files recording new owners after property sales.

Mortgages

Mortgage agreements associated with properties.

Property Settlements

Documents related to inheritance or divorce disputes over properties.

Judgments of Possession

Court decisions granting ownership rights.

Cancellations

If mortgages or liens are paid off, cancellation files remove those burdens.

Passports Department at st tammany parish clerk of court

U.S. Passport Services

The Clerk’s office provides U.S. passport application processing and photos as an approved passport agent.

New Passport Applications

Residents can apply for first-time passports conveniently through the Clerk’s office.

Passport Photos

The office takes regulated photos for passports and renewal documents.

Passport Renewals & Amendments

People can also submit passport renewals or name/status changes through the department.

Personal Document Services Department

Louisiana Vital Records Services

Acting as an agent for the state’s Vital Records office, the department assists with key personal documents.

Marriage Licenses

Couples can apply for official marriage licenses at the Clerk’s office.

Birth Certificates/Cards

The office provides certified copies of birth certificates or wallet ID cards.

Death Certificates

Certified death certificates can also be obtained through the department.

Recording Department

Recording Conveyance Documents

The Recording Department files all documents connected to parish property sales including deeds, mortgages, and land surveys.

Mortgages

All mortgage agreements associated with property sales are recorded.

Miscellaneous Property Documents

Any other paperwork tied to transactions or ownership such as liens or easements are stored.

Conclusion

In summary, the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court’s office performs many vital functions like running fair elections, keeping public records, and preserving parish history in its archives. By better understanding all the services this office provides, citizens can more fully utilize its resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back do the parish archives go? The archives date all the way back to 1810 when the parish was first established.

Where are older court records stored? For security and preservation, older court files are kept in climate-controlled, fireproof vaults in the archives.

Can I access old family property records?
Yes, the Land Records Department keeps copies of all historical property transactions involving your ancestors.

Does the Clerk’s office offer online records access? Some archived documents get digitized for online searching to improve public access.

How long are election results kept? Election result records are permanently preserved in the archives for historical purposes.