Karen Q. Smith, Justice of the Peace, District 6 & Notary Public

04/26/2026

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Duplechain! I don't have a photo (but hope to get one soon). This beautiful couple was my milestone couple, my 200th officiated ceremony. I created a ceremony keepsake for them as a special lagniappe. I pray both of my couples have a beautiful and happy marriage!

04/24/2026

The final touches for tomorrow's ceremonies are done, and the last drafts are tucked into my book. This weekend holds something special - my 199th and 200th wedding ceremonies, all in the same week that my husband and I celebrate our own anniversary.

I'm humbled every single time a couple trusts me with one of the most important moments of their lives. That trust is never taken lightly. I get the best spot in the room - close enough to witness the love, the nerves, the joy, and the quiet promises that only a couple can truly understand.

I feel incredibly fortunate to do this work as a judge - to stand with people on a day filled with hope and intention, and to help make their ceremony feel as meaningful and personal as it deserves to be.

Here's to the couples who invite me into their stories, to the families who welcome me with kindness, to the new friends I've made along the way, and to the work that continues to fill my heart with gratitude.

Congratulations to all of the happy couples I've had the honor to officiate - and to the ones yet to come!

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04/21/2026

There are THOUSANDS of Notaries dealing with suspension due to the new bond requirements. I AM NOT one of those notaries. I was one of the first to be in compliance when they opened submissions. If you need any Notary services, you can feel confident that I remain ACTIVE!

Louisiana non-attorney notaries: check your commission status.

A law passed by the Louisiana Legislature in 2025 now requires all non-attorney notaries to maintain a $50,000 surety bond (up from $10,000).

Those who did not meet the requirement may have had their commissions suspended.

Verify your status today: https://sos.la.gov/NotaryAndCertifications

04/16/2026

Rocky was nice enough to share my post, but added a little to it! Thanks Rocky Laviolette! This means a lot to me!

04/14/2026

Title company had some problems and this was the Borrower's 3rd signing. They were frustrated, rightly so, but had total confidence in me. Thankful to all of my "expert witnesses" that help me accommodate these requests.

04/13/2026

The Peggy Martin roses are blooming and it's the most beautiful time to get married at the rose arbor! $100-$150 will get you a sweet, intimate, personalized ceremony with up to10 guests. I'm a Justice of the Peace in Arnaudville and this is on my property. If you were trying to decide if you wanted something small in the next week or two, here's your sign! Give me a call and we can get you in while the roses are in full bloom. 337.852.1705.

04/12/2026

I started my day officiating my 196th wedding ceremony! It was a beautiful spring morning ceremony by the water with the birds providing the music. I don't typically officiate ceremonies on a Sunday, but this sweet couple's officiant cancelled on them less that 2 weeks before the wedding. I'm so happy that I was able to step in.

Who will my 200th couple be? I have 15 ceremonies on schedule for this year, with 4 of those weddings currently scheduled in the next 2 weeks! Will it be one of these couples? Will someone else pop up with an elopement? I'm excited to find out!

03/24/2026

I have the pleasure of helping some of the most amazing people. This sweet lady and I spoke on the phone prior to meeting today and she found out I love flowers and gardening. She brought me this special gift when we met today. She is insisting I get some of these bulbs that have a very special meaning to her. I'm thankful for the special moments and the amazing people I have the pleasure to meet through this work that I love.

02/25/2026

I'm still here!

I know I've been quiet on Facebook lately - life and work have both been full - but I'm still here, still working, and serving our community as your Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.

This weekend I'll officiate my 5th wedding of the year, with 13 more already scheduled. I'm on track to surpass 200 ceremonies in my first term, and I'm so grateful for every couple who has trusted me with their day.

Notary work has been steady too - power of attorney, wills, property transfers, loan closings and plenty of vehicle transfers. It's a reminder of how many important moments pass across a notary's desk and how meaningful it is to help people through them.

And for a little fun update: we put up a new "street sign" at the end of the office driveway - NOTARY LANE. It makes me smile every time I see it.

If you ever have questions about the process for any of these documents, I'm always glad to help make things clear and make sure everything is executed property.

*Notary/JP cannot give legal advice.

12/25/2025

Ellie, Chad and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

Louisiana has strict rules for Wills - If yours isn't in proper form, it may not be effective.