The historic Thibodaux Courthouse will undergo major repairs this fall to address damage caused by Hurricane Ida. During the renovation period, court proceedings will be temporarily relocated to various sites throughout Lafourche Parish.
17th Judicial District Chief Judge Jennifer Richard said the repairs will affect Divisions A, B, and E, overseen by Judges Rebecca Robichaux, Shaun-Philip George, and Richard herself. She cautioned that the work could cause temporary disruptions for court staff and the public.
Scope of the Renovation
Judge Richard explained that the renovation will cover “everything from under the roof to the ground,” restoring the building after years of hurricane damage.
Lafourche Parish Government Public Information Officer James Duet confirmed the courthouse annex will reopen by the end of June. Bids for the repair work on the historic courthouse are scheduled to be released on July 8, with costs estimated at around $3 million, funded through insurance and FEMA.
Temporary Court Relocations
- Division E – First affected on July 1. All proceedings will be temporarily relocated.
- Division A (Judge Robichaux) – Moves on July 6. Cases will be handled at the Matthews office, 4876 LA 1, Raceland. Drug Court and child support cases will be conducted at the Courthouse Annex, 303 W. 3rd St., Thibodaux.
- Division B (Judge George) – Moves on August 1. Offices will be at 206 Green St., Thibodaux; jury trials will be at the Matthews office. Arraignments and magistrates will be held at the Courthouse Annex, with other hearings at the Thibodaux City Court, 1309 Canal Blvd.
- Judge Richard’s Jury Trials – All will take place at the Lafourche Parish Government office in Raceland.
Communication With the Public
The courthouse shuffle has prompted judges to explore better ways to communicate updates to the public. Chief Judge Richard said the court is considering creating a social media presence, such as a Facebook page, to provide timely information about relocations and schedule changes.
The renovations are intended to restore and preserve the historic courthouse while maintaining continuity of judicial services across the parish.
