The Mortgage Certificate is a search form of the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department, in Gretna, Louisiana. It certifies that the parish mortgage records hold no liens, claims, or mortgages in the exact name or names written on it for the property described. It is used with ordinary acts of sale or mortgage and with certain releases of mortgage inscriptions. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF; the Clerk of Court publishes the original PDF and sets how requests are handled.
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What is Mortgage Certificate – Jefferson Parish, LA?
The Mortgage Certificate is a Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court form certifying that the mortgage records of the parish contain no liens, claims, or mortgages of record in the exact name or names listed, affecting the property described on the certificate.
The form is issued by the Clerk of Court and Recorder of Mortgages for the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, through the Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department (P.O. Box 10, Gretna, LA 70054-0010). Its wording sets the limits of the search. The certificate is run exclusively in the names written on it and not in any variation of those names. Where a middle initial is given, identical names with no middle initial or a different middle initial are not run unless specifically requested. Where no middle initial is given, identical names with middle initials are not run unless specifically requested.
The Clerk's forms page lists the Mortgage Certificate among the Search Requests, next to the General Mortgage Certificate, Lien & Privilege Certificate, UCC Search and Conveyance Certificate. Each is a separate search. The Mortgage Certificate covers the mortgage records only.
The same page states that, effective April 7, 2017, the Clerk of Court contracted with Jefferson Certificate Corp. to prepare mortgage and conveyance certificates. It also says the forms are samples intended for qualified notaries or attorneys, and that Clerk of Court employees cannot give legal advice or help complete them.
Who needs to file Mortgage Certificate – Jefferson Parish, LA?
Notaries, attorneys and parties who need proof that no mortgages, liens or claims are recorded against named persons and a described property use the Mortgage Certificate. The Clerk's forms page directs anyone needing certificates for an ordinary act of sale or mortgage to Jefferson Certificate Corp. at (504) 361-0206.
The certificate also supports one kind of cancellation. A Release by Prescription must be submitted with mortgage certificates run in all names concerned, covering the appropriate prescription period.
Exclusions and limits stated by the Clerk:
- Plaintiffs in sheriff's sales no longer need to supply certificates or pay a preparation fee. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff contacts Jefferson Certificate Corp. directly.
- The forms are intended as samples for qualified notaries or attorneys only. Clerk of Court employees may not give legal advice or help complete any form.
- The certificate only covers the names written on it. Variations of a name, and different middle initials, are not searched unless specifically requested.
When to file Mortgage Certificate – Jefferson Parish, LA
You need a Mortgage Certificate when an ordinary act of sale or mortgage calls for a search of the mortgage records, or when you prepare a Release by Prescription, which must be submitted with mortgage certificates run in all names concerned and covering the appropriate prescription period. The form prints no due date of its own. For a sheriff's sale, plaintiffs no longer supply the certificate: the Jefferson Parish Sheriff contacts Jefferson Certificate Corp. directly. For timing questions on a specific request, call the Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department at (504) 364-2954.
How to fill out Mortgage Certificate – Jefferson Parish, LA
Print setup for legal size paper
Open the form and set it to legal size paper, as the Clerk of Court asks for this certificate. The letterhead already shows the Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department address and telephone number.
Enter the Mail to name
On the Mail to line, write the name of the person or firm that is to receive the certificate.
Enter the mailing address
On the Address line, write the street address or P.O. box for that recipient.
Enter city, state and ZIP code
On the City/State/ZIP Code line, complete the recipient's city, state and ZIP code.
List the exact names to be searched
After the words "in the exact name or names of," write each name exactly as it must be searched. Include a middle initial only if you want it searched, because names with a different or missing middle initial are not run unless specifically requested.
Describe the property
After "affecting the following described property," write the description of the property the certificate covers.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check each name, the property description and the mailing lines. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and send the request through the contacts listed under How to submit.
How to submit Mortgage Certificate – Jefferson Parish, LA
The Clerk's forms page gives two contacts for certificates: Jefferson Certificate Corp. and the Clerk of Court's Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department.
- Jefferson Certificate Corp.: since April 7, 2017, this company prepares mortgage and conveyance certificates under contract with the Clerk. It is at 217 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, LA 70053. For ordinary acts of sale or mortgage, call (504) 361-0206.
- Clerk of Court, Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department: P.O. Box 10, Gretna, LA 70054-0010, telephone (504) 364-2954.
- Sheriff's sales: you do not supply the certificate. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff contacts Jefferson Certificate Corp. directly.
Print the form on legal size paper. The form has Mail to, Address and City/State/ZIP Code lines for mailing details. The Clerk says documents must be submitted with the appropriate fees; it refers you to its Fees page and does not print amounts on the form. If the certificate goes with a Release by Prescription, submit it with that release. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Printing the Mortgage Certificate on letter size paper when the Clerk asks that it be printed on legal size paper.
- Writing a name differently from the record, or leaving out a middle initial. The certificate is run only in the exact names written on it.
- Assuming a name with a different middle initial, or with no initial, will be searched too. The form says such names are not run unless specifically requested.
- Retyping the form and changing its wording. The Clerk allows retyping only if all language and required information are preserved.
- Expecting Clerk of Court staff to help complete the form. Employees are prohibited from giving legal advice or assistance with any form.
- Supplying a certificate for a sheriff's sale. Plaintiffs no longer need to, because the Sheriff contacts Jefferson Certificate Corp.
- Submitting a Release by Prescription without mortgage certificates in all names concerned for the full prescription period.
- Submitting the request without the appropriate fees listed on the Clerk's Fees page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Mortgage Certificate in Jefferson Parish?
It is a form of the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court certifying that the mortgage records hold no liens, claims, or mortgages of record in the exact name or names listed, affecting the property described. It is run only in those names.
Is the Mortgage Certificate a Jefferson Parish property tax form?
No. The form certifies that no liens, claims, or mortgages of record exist in the parish mortgage records for the names and property listed. Nothing on it concerns assessments or tax bills. It is issued through the Clerk of Court's Mortgage & Conveyance/UCC Department.
Who prepares mortgage certificates for Jefferson Parish?
Since April 7, 2017, Jefferson Certificate Corp., 217 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, LA 70053, prepares mortgage and conveyance certificates under contract with the Clerk of Court. For ordinary acts of sale or mortgage, call (504) 361-0206.
Do I need to supply a mortgage certificate for a sheriff's sale?
No. Plaintiffs in sheriff's sales no longer need to supply certificates or pay a preparation fee. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff contacts Jefferson Certificate Corp. directly, according to the Clerk of Court's forms page.
Does the certificate cover different middle initials?
No. The certificate is run only in the exact names written on it. Names with no middle initial or a different one are not run unless specifically requested. If no initial is given, names with initials are likewise not run.
What paper size should I use?
Legal size. The Clerk of Court's forms page asks that the Mortgage Certificate be printed on legal size paper.
Can Clerk of Court staff help me fill out the form?
No. The Clerk says its forms are samples for qualified notaries or attorneys, and its employees are prohibited from giving legal advice or assistance with completing any form.
Can I fill out the Mortgage Certificate online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, not affiliated with the Clerk of Court, and does not file or prepare the certificate; follow the Clerk's contacts to submit your request.
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