St. Bernard Parish Genealogy Records

St. Bernard Parish genealogy records are held by the Clerk of Court in Chalmette, covering marriage, land, probate, and court documents dating back to the 1800s. Researchers tracing family lines in this southeast Louisiana parish will find the clerk's office to be the main source for historical records.

St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Chalmette is the official keeper of all court and civil records for St. Bernard Parish. The office handles genealogy research requests and provides access to historical documents for family historians and legal professionals alike.

St. Bernard Parish does not currently offer a comprehensive online records portal. Most research requires an in-person visit or a written mail request. A Public Records Request form is available, and staff can assist researchers who call ahead with specific document needs.

Note: Hurricane Katrina caused significant disruption in St. Bernard Parish and affected some records access. Staff can advise on any gaps or alternative sources when records from specific periods are unavailable.

The clerk's office in Chalmette handles all official records requests for St. Bernard Parish.

Search St. Bernard Parish Genealogy Records Online

St. Bernard Parish does not have a dedicated online search portal for historical records at this time. However, several statewide platforms offer some access to Louisiana records that may include St. Bernard documents.

eClerks LA is a statewide system that some Louisiana clerks use to make civil and property records available online. Check the platform to see current St. Bernard Parish availability. Similarly, ClerkConnect provides access to records from multiple parishes and is worth checking for any indexed St. Bernard documents.

The Louisiana State Archives Online Vital Records Index covers older birth, death, and marriage records that may include St. Bernard Parish entries. This free index is a good first step before contacting the clerk's office directly.

The eClerks LA portal is one option for searching Louisiana parish records online.

Genealogy Records in St. Bernard Parish

The St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court holds a range of historical documents useful for genealogy research. Records go back to the early 1800s. Marriage records, land conveyances, probate filings, and civil court documents are all maintained by the clerk's office.

Marriage records in St. Bernard Parish date to the 1800s and are among the most requested document types. Land and property records also begin in the 1800s and include conveyances, mortgages, and related filings. Probate records, which cover estate settlements and successions, are kept with court records at the courthouse. These documents often name family members and can help establish relationships between relatives.

Birth and death certificates are not held by the Clerk of Court. Those vital records are managed by the Louisiana Vital Records Registry in New Orleans. Under RS 40:41, birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years, so recent records may be restricted.

The 34th Judicial District Court serves St. Bernard Parish and maintains court records useful for genealogy research.

Louisiana State Archives and St. Bernard Parish

The Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge holds a large collection of historical records from parishes across the state, including St. Bernard. The Archives maintains vital records indexes, colonial-era documents, and other historical files that may supplement what the local clerk's office has available.

For birth and death records that are old enough to be public, the State Archives online vital records index is a useful tool. You can search by name and year to locate entries before contacting the Archives or the Vital Records Registry for certified copies. The State Archives also holds microfilm collections and other resources from early Louisiana history that cover the St. Bernard area.

Note: The Louisiana State Archives is a strong secondary source. For records not available locally, this should be your next stop after the parish clerk's office.

How to Request St. Bernard Parish Records

You can request St. Bernard Parish genealogy records in person, by mail, or through a Public Records Request form. Each method is straightforward.

In-person visits to the Chalmette courthouse allow you to search records directly with staff assistance. Bring as much detail as possible, including full names, approximate dates, and the type of record you need. Staff can help guide you to the right index or filing. There is no appointment required during regular business hours.

Mail requests should be addressed to the Clerk of Court at 1101 W St. Bernard Hwy, Chalmette, LA 70043. Include a written description of the record you want, full name, date range, and record type. Include payment for copy fees when you know the cost, or ask the clerk to confirm fees before sending payment. The office can also accept Public Records Requests online. Contact the office by phone at (504) 271-3434 to ask about current fee schedules and processing times.

Under RS 44:1, most government records in Louisiana are public records and must be made available upon request. This statute governs your right to access St. Bernard Parish documents held by the clerk's office.

What St. Bernard Parish Records Contain

Different record types held by the St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court contain different kinds of genealogy information. Knowing what each type includes helps you target your search.

Marriage records include the names of both parties, the date and place of the marriage, and sometimes the names of witnesses or parents. These documents are especially useful for tracing family connections and establishing maiden names. Land records list property owners by name along with descriptions of tracts, sale prices, and dates of transfer. They can reveal where ancestors lived and who they bought land from or sold it to.

Probate and succession records are among the richest sources for genealogists. They typically name the deceased, list heirs, describe property, and may include inventories of personal belongings. Civil court records can also be useful, as they document disputes and legal matters that often name multiple family members. Court records from the 34th Judicial District Court covering St. Bernard Parish date back to the 1800s.

Cities in St. Bernard Parish

The parish seat is Chalmette, which serves as the center for records access in the area.

Nearby Parishes

St. Bernard Parish borders several other Louisiana parishes. Records for ancestors who moved between these areas may be found in multiple locations.