LOUISIANA SMALL CLAIMS INFORMATION

Relevant Statutes:

Maximum Dollar Limit:

Locating Agent For Service:

Online Court Forms:

Service Of Process:

Hearing Date:

Attorneys:

Transfer:

Appeals:

Additional Information:

Small claims cases are heard by City Court in urban parishes. Justice of the Peace Court in rural parishes

Louisiana Revised Statutes Annotated, Sections 13.5200-5212; Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, Articles 4831, 4832, 4845, 4911-4925.

$3,000.

Secretary of State Commercial Division, 8549 United Plaza Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125; Phone: (225) 925-4704; Fax: (225) 922-2003.

Louisiana Court Forms

City Court: certified mail with return receipt, sheriff, marshal, or constable. Justice of the Peace Court: sheriff or constable, certified mail if marked as allowed.

Set by court.

Allowed.

City Court: if defendant's counterclaim exceeds $3,000, or if defendant files written request within specified time allowed, the case proceeds under the rules of civil procedure and evidence in City Court. Justice of the Peace: if the demand exceeds the jurisdictional limit, the case will be transferred to trial court.

City Court: Not allowed. Justice of the Peace: Either side may appeal for a new trial; to District Court within 15 days of judgment.

Equitable relief available in either court. No jury trial. Case may be referred to arbitration if both sides consent. Defendant must answer within ten days (15 if served through the secretary of state) or lose by default.