Maggie Trahan Simar loves her job as Hearing Officer for the 16th Judicial District’s Family Court docket, where she hears and makes recommendations on all family filings, including custody, child support, community property and any other issue affecting divorce matters.

An active attorney, wife, mother, and community volunteer, Maggie was recently sworn in as the President of the Lafayette Bar Association. She has also served as President of the Junior League of Lafayette and is a big proponent on the opportunities the League offers women to not only serve the community, but to learn invaluable skills which can transfer to their professional and person lives.

Maggie offers a delightful and optimistic take on life. An enthusiastic participant in Mardi Gras through the Krewe of Xanadu, she served as Queen and has remained steadfast friends with the many women who joined her in the celebration.

This year the Lafayette Bar Association (LBA) celebrates its 50th anniversary and Maggie is looking ahead to promoting the many ways the LBA enhances our community through its public service programming, a few of which are as follows:

The Homeless Experience Legal Protection or H.E.L.P. Program assists area homeless individuals once a month in obtaining certified copies of birth certificates.  These documents help to prove your identity when trying to find shelter and apply for jobs.

Counsel on Call is a free program that gives people an opportunity to discuss legal matters with volunteer attorneys on a first come, first serve basis.  These attorneys will not represent you in court, but they will give legal advice.  The program is offered every Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Lafayette Bar office, 2607 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503.

Protective Order Program for victims of Domestic Violence who need help navigating a petition for a Protective Order or Temporary Restraining Order.

Legal Forms for "pro se" or unrepresented litigants in cases such as divorce, child support or adoption are available for purchase at the Lafayette Bar office. These forms have been designed for use in the 15th Judicial District Court (Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes). Once the packet is complete, it is filed at the parish courthouse where the matter is to be decided.  For more information, please visit https://www.lafayettebar.org