When a civil suit concludes with unused funds remaining in the advance deposit account, the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court issues a refund to the attorney of record or pro se litigant who made the deposit. As of February 2023, the office had refunded a cumulative total of $63,590,754.74 in unused civil suit costs since 1991.
When Refunds Are Issued
The Clerk has established the following criteria for issuing refunds:
- Five years have elapsed since any pleading or document advancing the case was filed into the record; or
- Final termination of the suit has been verified in writing; or
- Upon request of the attorney of record or pro se litigant
Under La. R.S. 13:842(B), a refund is required after five years of complete inactivity. Under La. R.S. 13:843.1, a refund or statement of costs owed must be issued within 90 days of written verification of final termination.
How the Process Works
Before issuing a refund, a deputy clerk reviews the suit’s docket ledger to verify that all charges were applied correctly. Because the Clerk distributes civil advance deposit funds to multiple government agencies, balances shown in JeffNet or the civil docket system are estimates — adjustments are typically required before a refund check can be issued.
Refund checks are issued weekly. Probate matters are included in the Clerk’s refund procedures, though they are technically exempted under state statute.
Contact
Call (504) 364-2912 with questions about civil case refunds and billing.