[ PLEADINGS / FILING ]   [ FINANCIAL INFORMATION ]   [ NATURALIZATION / PASSPORTS ]

PLEADINGS/FILING
 

Do I have to file my pleadings in the division to which the case is assigned?

No. Venue only applies to the district. 28 U.S.C. 98(c) Divisions are created for the convenience of the court in administration of cases. LR 77.3W In the interests of time and efficiency, pleadings may be mailed to:

  For Cases in the Alexandria, Monroe or Shreveport Divisions -
  Robert H. Shemwell, Clerk
  300 Fannin St., Suite 1167
  Shreveport, LA 71101-3083

  OR

  For Cases in the Lafayette/Opelousas and Lake Charles Divisions -
  Robert H. Shemwell, Clerk
  800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2100
  Lafayette, La. 70501

However, if the filing is time-sensitive, it may be presented to any office of the clerk for filing.

After-hours filing:

Drop boxes are located at each office of the Clerk, i.e. in Alexandria, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport, and Lafayette, for after-hours filing. Go to Court Information, Court Locations for directions to the division offices. 

How many copies of each pleading do I file?

Only the original is required. If the filer desires a file-stamped copy, please include an extra copy along with a postage-paid return envelope.

Where are case and party indices located?

On-line information (i.e., PACER / ECF) for all divisions is available for civil cases filed 1/1/90 and after and non-sealed criminal cases filed 1/1/93 and after. This information is also available at public terminals at each division. Microfilm indices are maintained in each division from 1/1/78 to approximately 6/14/94. Prior to 1978, party name index cards for the entire district are available in the Shreveport clerk’s office.

How are judges assigned to cases?

Generally, cases are assigned on a geographic basis to the judges in the division to which the case is allotted. The cases, both civil and criminal, are randomly assigned upon filing to the judges in that division. Judges Haik, Doherty and Melançon share the Lake Charles criminal cases with Judge Trimble.

What discovery material should be filed with the clerk’s office?

Under the Uniform Local Rules for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, neither discovery nor Notice of Deposition is filed. Exceptions include excerpts of discovery materials used to support a motion, notices of deposition and when the court orders filing of particular discovery materials. See LR 26.5.

How do I get a transcript of court proceedings?

Transcripts are ordered directly from the court reporter transcribing the proceeding. See the Guide to Practice, Roster of Officials for a list of official court reporters.

Do I have to pay a fee every time I file a pleading?

No! In federal court a litigant only pays a fee for filing of a new suit. Subsequent pleadings can be filed without cost to the filer. The only other filing fees that may be due are the fees for filing an appeal. See the Guide to Practice, Fees for details.

Do I have to put down a deposit for jury costs when requesting a jury?

No! In federal court there is no cost for a jury trial unless such costs are awarded at the trial by the judge.

Do I have to file a “Notice of Motion” and how do I set my motions?

In the Western District of Louisiana, it is not necessary to file a “Notice of Motion.” Whenever a motion is filed, the court will issue its own “Motion Notice” which sets forth briefing times and the date upon which the motion will be presented to the court. Oral arguments are not held in motions filed in the Western District unless permission is granted by the judge. LR 78.1W Only Judge Haik in Lafayette routinely grants oral arguments.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 

To whom do we make checks payable?

Make checks to: Clerk, U. S. District Court.

What is the current post judgment interest rate?

Visit the Administrative Office of the U. S. Courts at: http://www.uscourts.gov/postjud/postjud.html, or call the A.O. at 1-202-502-4369.

NATURALIZATION / PASSPORTS
 

Where can I get forms and information about becoming a United States citizen?

The Western District of Louisiana holds naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. Applicants for citizenship must file a Petition for Naturalization with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Forms and further information may be obtained from the regional office of the INS at:
  Immigration & Naturalization Service
  701 Loyola Ave., Rm. T-8005
  New Orleans, LA 70113
  1-800-375-5283 (Information)
  1-800-870-3676 (Forms)

 Web site: http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/ftsmith/index.htm

 Or visit the national Immigration & Naturalization Service web site at: http://uscis.gov
 

Where are naturalization records kept?

Naturalization petition stubs (sorted by name of the petitioner) are on file with the clerk’s office in Shreveport from 1907-1996. Thereafter, petitions are maintained by INS. The court in Shreveport maintains an order listing petitioners from 1996 to present (i.e., an approximate date of naturalization must be known to conduct a search).

How will I know when my naturalization ceremony is to occur?

Immigration and Naturalization Service will send a written notice when you are to be naturalized, usually 2-3 weeks prior to the ceremony.

Can the court replace my certificate of naturalization?

No. Replacement certificates are provided by the INS office that issued the original certificate.

Can the court verify my citizenship?

Yes. Using court records, citizenship can be verified by contacting the clerk’s office in the city in which you were naturalized.

Does the court issue passports?

The Western District of Louisiana no longer processes passports. To obtain a passport, visit “Passport Information” at the U. S. State Department’s web site: http://travel.state.gov