The Public Service Department’s primary function is to greet the public and to help the public obtain the information it is requesting.

The following requirements are to help us serve the public more efficiently and accurately. These requirements will cut down on errors that might be made by either our office or the requesting party. If you have any questions, you can reach us at the numbers listed below. We look forward to better serving you.

Public Service Copy Fees and Requirements:
     (Excludes Birth or Death Certificates which are cash or credit card only)

• Accepted payment methods: Cash, check made payable to Rapides Parish Clerk of Court, or credit card with a 2% fee.
• All request for copies must be in a written request or in person. No phone orders will be accepted. (A self addressed stamped envelope must accompany all request).
• Civil/Suit copies are $1.00 per page and $5.00 for certification.
• Recording copies are $1.00 per page and $10.00 for certification.
• Act of Congress: copies are $1.00 per page and $5.00 for certification.
• Searches: One Name-One Index $20.00; $10.00 each variation of name.
• Extracts of Court Minutes are $10.00 per docket and $5.00 for certification..
• Requests may be faxed to 318.473.4667, attention Public Service.
• Fax copy fees: Local $1.00 per page. Long distance $2.25 per page.
• Copies for the general public must be paid for in advance. If a request comes in by fax, we will call or fax with the amount due. Once payment is received, copies will be sent out.
• Any charges to an attorney or firm must be initialed by whoever picks up the copies. No copies will be put in the court house box until the charge account is initialed.
• No legal descriptions, legal documents, proceedings, etc., can be read over the phone.

Appeals – Preparation of Appeals is handled by the Appeal Department. In accordance with the Uniform Rules of the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, State of Louisiana, the Clerk of Court is responsible for preparing the appeal. The Public Service Department can make copies of an existing appeal, however, Public Service does not prepare the appeal for the appellate court. Cost are in accordance with 13:841. All questions regarding appeals, including cost, should be directed to the Appeal Department at 318-619-5851.