Louisiana Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Louisiana — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Louisiana Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$3,000
Filing Fee
$75–$150
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (City Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Louisiana
Louisiana small claims court is handled by the City Courts and provides a simplified process for resolving civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $3,000. While the small claims limit is relatively low, Louisiana's regular civil docket can handle claims up to $20,000, providing additional options for larger disputes. The court is designed to be accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses.
Filing fees in Louisiana range from $75 to $150 depending on the parish and claim amount. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. Louisiana is distinctive in allowing attorney representation in small claims court, unlike many other states. The proceedings remain informal, but either party may choose to hire legal counsel.
Louisiana small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs. Louisiana's unique legal system, based on civil law rather than common law, means some procedures differ from other states.
To file, you must submit a petition form to the City Court serving the parish where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days.
Where to File
File in the City Court of the parish where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Louisiana. The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 10 years. Oral contracts: 3 years. Property damage: 1 year. Personal injury: 1 year. Fraud: 1 year from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the District Court within 10 days. The case is retried de novo.
File Your Louisiana Small Claims Case
We handle the paperwork — research, document preparation, court filing, and defendant serving.
Start My CaseLouisiana FAQ