Louisiana filing guide
After your papers are ready, you usually file them with a clerk of court. This guide helps you find a clerk and know what to ask. It gives general information, not legal advice.
Five simple steps
For many domestic-abuse petitions, a possible parish may be where you live, where the other person lives, where the harm happened, or where the shared home is. More than one parish may fit.
If a divorce case is already open, tell the clerk. That can change where the petition should be filed.
Use the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association directory for current phone numbers, addresses, and court websites.
Pick one parish that may fit. The clerk can tell you if that court is the right place.
Pick a parish to get the next step.
The directory opens in a new tab so you do not lose this guide.
You can say:
“I need to file a petition for a restraining order. Does your court accept the Louisiana Protective Order Registry forms? Where do I file them, and when is the filing desk open?”
Also ask:
The clerk must make forms available and give clerical help when needed. The clerk may also have notary help available.
A judge decides whether to issue an order. Before you leave, ask the clerk for copies and write down any hearing date, room, remote-hearing link, and service instructions.
Keep a copy of every paper and order in a safe place. If keeping papers at home is not safe, ask the clerk about a safer way to receive copies.
Louisiana law says a person seeking protection from domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault should not have to prepay court costs or service or subpoena costs. The clerk should file and process the request even if the person cannot pay.
If someone asks you to pay before filing, ask the clerk to explain the charge.
For many domestic-abuse petitions, Louisiana law lists several possible parishes, including where you live, where the other person lives, where the harm happened, or where the shared home is. A pending divorce can affect where the papers go. Ask the clerk to confirm the right court.
Louisiana law says a person seeking protection from domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault should not have to prepay court costs or service or subpoena costs. Ask the clerk if you are told to pay before filing.
Not always. The Louisiana Protective Order Registry forms are statewide courtesy forms, but a court may prefer its own forms. Call the clerk before you go.
FileMyTRO helps prepare paperwork and gives general steps. Unless the app clearly says that e-filing is available for your court, you must file with the clerk of court.
Answer simple questions and save your work as you go.
Checked July 25, 2026. Court rules and contact details can change.