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How many copies of each pleading do I file?An original plus one copy is required for most documents. The clerk's office will retain the original for the case file and depending on the document send a copy to the judge. If you want a file-stamped copy for your records, submit an additional copy (i.e., an original plus two copies). [Back to Top] |
What are the current filing fees charged by the judiciary?The filing fee for a civil suit is $350; for a notice of appeal $455; for a miscellaneous action $39. For other fees, please refer to the Fee Schedule. [Back to Top] |
To whom do we make our checks payable?Checks are to be made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court. [Back to Top] |
How do I file after hours?All pleadings must be filed in the clerk's office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with the exception of complaints which may prescribe and those requiring immediate judicial intervention, for example, temporary restraining orders, vessel seizures, etc. Any other pleading filed after that time shall be considered as being filed on the next business day. If it will be necessary to file a document after hours, call the clerk's office during regular business hours and ask to speak to the "duty" deputy clerk. [Back to Top] |
What are the Federal holidays?Please see Federal Holidays under General Information. [Back to Top] |
How are judges assigned to cases?All civil and criminal cases are assigned randomly to a judge and a magistrate judge at the time of filing. [Back to Top] |
What is the current post judgment interest rate?You may call the clerk's office financial unit at (504) 589-7785 or the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts at 1-202-502-4369 for the current post judgment interest rate. [Back to Top] |
What discovery material should be filed with the clerk's office?Rule 5(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure states "...disclosures under Rule 26 (a)(1) or (2) and the following discovery requests and responses must not be filed until they are used in the proceeding or the court orders filing:
In addition, see Local Rule 26 for information regarding submission of the proposed discovery plan. [Back to Top] |
Who issues and serves the summons?The clerk signs, seals and issues the summons to the plaintiff. The plaintiff is responsible for service of the summons and complaint on the defendant. Service may be effected by anyone at least 18 years of age who is not a party to the suit. See FRCvP 4. [Back to Top] |
Can an attorney issue a civil subpoena?Pursuant to FRCvP 45, an attorney may issue a subpoena on behalf of a court in which the attorney is authorized to practice or a court for a district in which a deposition or production is compelled if it pertains to an action in a court where the attorney is authorized to practice. [Back to Top] |
What is the amount of the attendance fee paid to a witness in federal court?The attendance fee currently paid to a witness in federal court is $40 per day. Mileage at the rate of $.505 per mile is also paid. See 28 USC § 1821. [Back to Top] |
Where are case and party indices located?Case and party indices are located in the clerk's office. Information for civil cases filed on and after July 1, 1989 and for criminal cases filed on and after March 1, 1993 is available in electronic form. Terminals in the clerk's office may be used to access this information. Some cases that were closed prior to December 31, 1991 may be archived and can be retrieved on request. Party names for civil cases filed prior to 1989 and for criminal cases filed prior to 1993 are available on microfiche. [Back to Top] |
How do I get a transcript?Transcript of a trial or other court proceeding is ordered directly from the court reporter or from the court reporter coordinator. Please see applicable telephone numbers by accessing Directories. [Back to Top] |
Can I file a pleading by fax?No. We do not accept fax filings. [Back to Top] |
Can you fax other documents to me?The clerk's office does not send copies of other documents by fax. [Back to Top] |
How do I obtain a commercial surety bond?You may obtain a commercial surety bond only from a certified company approved by the U.S. Treasury. A list of approved surety companies may be found at the US Department of the Treasury website. [Back to Top] |
How can I obtain a Petition for Naturalization (Form N-405) and get information about applying for citizenship?Applicants for citizenship must file a Petition for Naturalization (Form-405) with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). All requirements of the INS must be fulfilled prior to receiving the Certificate of Naturalization. To obtain petition forms and naturalization information, please contact the INS office.
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Where are the court's naturalization records located?Inquires regarding the court's naturalization records should be directed to:
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How will I be notified of my naturalization ceremony date?Approximately two to three weeks prior to the ceremony, the Immigration and Naturalization Service will send you a written notice of the date and time to report. [Back to Top] |
I lost my certificate of naturalization. Can I get a copy from the court?No. You must contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service office that issued the certificate to obtain a copy. [Back to Top] |
Can I get verification of citizenship from the court?Yes. The clerk's office can verify citizenship information derived from court records. Contact the office in the city where your naturalization ceremony was conducted. [Back to Top |
Does the court issue passports?No, this court does not issue passports. Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State. You may contact the New Orleans Regional Passport Agency located at 365 Canal Street or access recorded information by calling (504) 589-6161. [Back to Top] |
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