My name is Karen Smith, and I’m a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace of St. Landry Parish, District 6.  I’m a 1989 graduate of Leonville High School.  I received my notary commission in August, 1999 while living in Ascension Parish. Shortly after being commissioned, I went to work as a clerk for the Justice of the Peace office (pro tempore). Here, I executed notarial acts, took in court filings, and processed NSF checks, and had my first true taste of public service.  I currently reside in Arnaudville, where I’ve lived since returning home in 2002. I worked in the travel industry and the transportation industry before I took my notary business “full-time” in 2012, the same year I remarried.

As a Notary Public, I’m also qualified as a Certified Loan Signing Agent. I offer mobile notary services and maintain an office next door to my home. I assist clients with a broad range of services from simple vehicle transfers to Mandates, Small Succession Affidavits, property transfers, and Wills. This year, I worked with Representative Boyer and Senator Kleinpeter to help introduce and pass Senate Bill 116, creating reciprocity between St. Landry and St. Martin Parish parishes. This allows me to better serve my entire hometown of Arnaudville, which is split between the two parishes.

As a Justice of the Peace, I assist my constituents with Evictions, Small Claims Court, Office of Motor Vehicles and Wildlife and Fisheries judgments for Ownership, and have officiated over 170 wedding ceremonies. I’m currently working on creating the first “St. Landry Parish Justice of the Peace & Constable Association” for the purpose of collaboration, support and streamlining the services provided by the Office of the Justice of the Peace to the constituents of St. Landry Parish.