Find St. George Succession Records
St. George probate court records are filed with the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court, the same office that handles all succession cases for every city and community in East Baton Rouge Parish. St. George became an incorporated city in 2024, but incorporation does not change where residents file probate matters — all estate filings go to the Clerk's office at 300 North Boulevard in Baton Rouge. This guide explains how to find records, how the online search system works, and what Louisiana succession law requires.
St. George Quick Facts
Where to File Probate Records in St. George
St. George is located entirely within East Baton Rouge Parish. All probate and succession cases for St. George residents are filed at the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court. The Clerk is Hon. Doug Welborn, and his office maintains all civil, probate, criminal, family, and property records for the parish. Incorporation as a separate city in 2024 did not create a separate court or clerk's office for St. George — residents use the same filing system as everyone else in East Baton Rouge Parish.
| Clerk | Hon. Doug Welborn |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 |
| Phone (General) | (225) 389-7642 |
| Phone (Family & Probate) | (225) 389-3972 |
| Website | ebrclerkofcourt.org |
| Archives | 444 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 |
The Family and Probate Division handles all succession matters. Call (225) 389-3972 to ask about a specific case, confirm that a file is available for review, or get guidance on what forms to file. The main office number, (225) 389-7642, covers general inquiries. For older records that have been moved off-site, the archives are held at 444 St. Louis Street in Baton Rouge.
How to Search St. George Probate Court Records
You can search St. George probate court records three ways: in person at the Clerk's office in downtown Baton Rouge, online through the ClerkConnect portal, or by mailing a written request to 300 North Boulevard. All three methods give access to the same public records. The in-person option lets you use public terminals at the courthouse at no charge to search. You only pay when you order copies.
Online searches are available through the East Baton Rouge ClerkConnect system at ebrclerkofcourt.org. ClerkConnect covers Civil, Family, Probate, Criminal, and Property records. You can search by name, case number, or document type. Probate and succession filings are listed under the civil or family docket depending on how the case was classified. The system includes scanned images for many records, so you can view documents without visiting the courthouse.
Mail requests should be sent to 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. Include the name of the deceased, an approximate date of death, and the type of document you need. The office will confirm availability and send a fee quote before processing your request. Response times vary based on workload, so plan ahead if you are working under a deadline.
East Baton Rouge Parish holds some of the oldest probate records in Louisiana. The office maintains records going back to 1782, when Baton Rouge was under Spanish colonial rule. This makes the EBR archive one of the most historically significant in the state. Not all pre-1900 records are digitized, so very old files may need to be retrieved from physical storage.
Online Access for St. George Succession Records
The East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court operates ClerkConnect, a web-based portal that gives remote access to court records including probate and succession filings. You can reach it through the main website at ebrclerkofcourt.org. The portal covers multiple record types: Civil, Family, Probate, Criminal, and Property. Succession cases are typically found under the Civil or Family sections.
ClerkConnect lets you search by party name, case number, or filing date. Once you find a case, you can view the docket entries and in many cases view scanned images of the actual documents. This is useful if you want to review a will, an inventory, or a judgment of possession before ordering certified copies. The system is available around the clock, which makes it practical for attorneys and researchers who work outside regular business hours.
For St. George residents who need access to records from before the digital era, the archives at 444 St. Louis Street hold older materials. Call ahead before going so staff can locate the records and have them ready. Some very old records may only be available on microfilm.
What Records Are in a St. George Succession File
A probate or succession file in East Baton Rouge Parish follows the same format as other Louisiana parishes. The file opens with a petition filed by an heir, attorney, or succession representative. That petition names the deceased, identifies known heirs, and describes the assets to be distributed. The court then issues orders as the case moves forward.
Inside a typical succession file you may find a sworn descriptive list of assets and debts, an inventory of property, any wills that were filed, orders appointing an administrator or executor, and a final judgment of possession. The judgment of possession is the document that officially transfers title of property from the estate to the heirs. This document is often needed for real estate transactions and financial accounts.
Wills filed in East Baton Rouge Parish are public records once a succession is opened. Louisiana accepts olographic wills, which are entirely handwritten and signed by the person making the will, and notarial wills, which are signed before a notary and two witnesses. Both types become part of the court file.
Under Louisiana R.S. 44:1, all probate court records are public documents. You do not need to be a family member or have a legal interest in the estate to request access. Anyone can review the file or order copies. Only sealed court orders or records involving minors may be restricted from public view.
Louisiana Succession Law
Louisiana succession law is different from any other state. It comes from French and Spanish civil law, not English common law. Civil Code Art. 871 says a succession opens at the moment of death. The estate is then handled through the court system, usually in the parish where the person lived. Because St. George is in East Baton Rouge Parish, all succession cases for St. George residents go to the 19th Judicial District Court through the EBR Clerk of Court.
Civil Code Art. 873 establishes that succession is filed in the parish of the deceased's last domicile. This is a fixed rule. It does not matter where the property is located or where the heirs live. The domicile at the time of death controls where the case is filed.
Louisiana also has forced heirship rules under Civil Code Art. 1493. Children under 24 years old are forced heirs and are entitled to a protected share of the estate — called the forced portion or legitime — regardless of what a will says. Children of any age who have a permanent disability that prevents them from caring for themselves are also forced heirs. A will that attempts to cut out a forced heir can be challenged in court.
The community property rules in Civil Code Art. 876 also play a big role in most succession cases. Assets acquired during a marriage are generally owned equally by both spouses. When one dies, only their half goes through succession. The surviving spouse keeps their own half automatically. Separate property, such as items owned before the marriage or received as a gift, follows different rules and passes entirely through the estate.
For smaller estates, R.S. 9:1555 allows heirs to use a small succession affidavit. If the net estate value is $125,000 or less and at least 90 days have passed since the date of death, heirs may be able to claim assets without opening a full court proceeding. A notary handles this process. Not all estates qualify, so it is worth checking with a notary or attorney before choosing this path.
Copy Fees for St. George Probate Records
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court charges fees for copies of court records. Regular copies are available for a per-page fee. Certified copies carry an additional charge and include the clerk's official seal, which is typically required for legal and financial transactions such as transferring real estate or settling bank accounts. Contact the Family and Probate Division at (225) 389-3972 to get current fee information before ordering.
If you request records by mail, the office will confirm the fee before processing. Payment methods accepted at the office include cash and check. Contact the office in advance if you plan to pay by another method. Fees set by the clerk are governed by Louisiana statute and apply uniformly to all record types, including probate and succession files.
Legal Resources in St. George
The Louisiana Supreme Court website has general information about the state court system and links to self-help legal resources. The Louisiana Clerks of Court Association provides contact information for all 64 parish clerks and publishes guides on how the records system works. Both are useful starting points if you are new to the succession process.
Legal aid services in the Baton Rouge area include the Capital Area Legal Services Corporation, which serves low-income residents in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. They may be able to help with basic succession questions, particularly for smaller estates. The Baton Rouge Bar Association can also provide referrals to attorneys who handle probate and succession matters in the 19th JDC.
The Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge holds historical court records and is a good resource if you are researching older estate files or need records that predate the parish clerk's digital system. The Archives is open to the public and staff can help with research requests.
East Baton Rouge Parish Probate Court Records
St. George is in East Baton Rouge Parish. All succession cases for St. George residents are filed with the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court. For full details, visit the East Baton Rouge Parish probate court records page.