Catahoula Parish

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is located in central Louisiana and is a distinctive example of rural Louisiana culture and history. The parish seat is Harrisonburg, a small town situated along the banks of the Ouachita River. Catahoula Parish includes approximately 739 square miles and has a population of roughly 8,738 residents, making it one of Louisiana's least densely populated parishes. The parish derives its name from the Harrisonburg area Indian tribe and is famous for being the origin of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, the official state dog. Geographically, the parish features rich bottomland hardwood forests, agricultural lands, and significant wetland ecosystems. The Ouachita River forms much of the eastern boundary and has historically served as a vital transportation and commerce corridor. Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area represents one of the parish's most significant natural landmarks, offering unique loess bluff ecosystems rare in Louisiana. The parish was officially established in 1808, making it one of Louisiana's original nineteen parishes. Key government offices include Catahoula Parish Clerk of Court located at 301 Bushley Street in Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish Assessor's Office at the parish courthouse, and the Catahoula Parish Police Jury (equivalent to county commission) which is the primary governing body. The economy has traditionally centered on agriculture, timber production, and commercial fishing, with cotton, soybeans, and cattle forming major agricultural products.

The Catahoula Parish Court serves this area Parish, Louisiana and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the parish seat of Catahoula Parish. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Louisiana online court portal.

The Catahoula Parish Courthouse is the central hub for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, where residents can file requests for court documents.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written or in-person requests to the Sheriff's Office, though response times and fees may apply for copies.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Louisiana allows for the release of individuals pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the detention center.

• Catahoula Parish also maintains Justice of the Peace Courts for small claims matters (up to $5,000), evictions, and minor civil disputes.

• Certified copies of recorded documents typically cost $2 per page plus a certification fee.
• The Clerk's office staff can assist with property title searches, though many requesters hire private title abstractors for full title examinations.

Vital records for this parish include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Certified birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; certified death certificates cost $7 each.
• Processing times typically range from 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
• Expedited service is available for additional fees.
• The Louisiana Vital Records Registry offers online ordering through VitalChek, a state-approved vendor, at https://www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
• Marriage records are public documents and can be accessed through the Clerk's office.