The judges of the 22nd Judicial District Court have appointed hearing officers and social workers to conduct preliminary family court matters in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. Hearing officers, who are licensed attorneys with expertise in domestic matters, hear support and custody issues. Licensed social workers provide mediation and parental coordination services. Based on the hearings and conferences, hearing officers and social workers make recommendations to the family court judges. Matters may be resolved without the necessity of an appearance before a judge or may proceed to hearing or trial before a family court judge.
The offices of the hearing officers and social workers are on the third floor of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center. The office of the hearing officer administrator is in Room 3066, also on the third floor, of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center. Questions about hearings and conferences should be directed to that office. See contact information below.