LA State Guide

Louisiana Small Claims Court

Small Claims Division (City Court/Justice of Peace)

$5,000

Maximum Claim

$30 - $75

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Division (City Court/Justice of Peace)

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to District Court within 15 days

Court Website

https://www.louisiana.gov/courts

Statute of Limitations

10 years

Written Contracts

10 years

Oral Contracts

1 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Louisiana

Based on civil law system

Parish variations apply

How to File in Louisiana

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Louisiana

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Louisiana typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Louisiana small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Louisiana?

The maximum you can sue for in Louisiana small claims court is $5,000.

How much does it cost to file in Louisiana?

Filing fees in Louisiana range from $30 - $75, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Louisiana small claims court?

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Louisiana small claims court.

How long does a case take in Louisiana?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Louisiana.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Louisiana?

Appeal to District Court within 15 days

Parishes We Serve in Louisiana

Find small claims court information for your county

All 64 Parishes in Louisiana

Acadia Parish Allen Parish Ascension Parish Assumption Parish Avoyelles Parish Beauregard Parish Bienville Parish Bossier Parish Caddo Parish Calcasieu Parish Caldwell Parish Cameron Parish Catahoula Parish Claiborne Parish Concordia Parish De Soto Parish East Baton Rouge Parish East Carroll Parish East Feliciana Parish Evangeline Parish Franklin Parish Grant Parish Iberia Parish Iberville Parish Jackson Parish Jefferson Davis Parish Jefferson Parish Lafayette Parish Lafourche Parish LaSalle Parish Lincoln Parish Livingston Parish Madison Parish Morehouse Parish Natchitoches Parish Orleans Parish Ouachita Parish Plaquemines Parish Pointe Coupee Parish Rapides Parish Red River Parish Richland Parish Sabine Parish St. Bernard Parish St. Charles Parish St. Helena Parish St. James Parish St. John the Baptist Parish St. Landry Parish St. Martin Parish St. Mary Parish St. Tammany Parish Tangipahoa Parish Tensas Parish Terrebonne Parish Union Parish Vermilion Parish Vernon Parish Washington Parish Webster Parish West Baton Rouge Parish West Carroll Parish West Feliciana Parish Winn Parish

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Louisiana small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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