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Louisiana Small Claims Court Limits
Louisiana small claims limit is $5,000 in both City Court and Justice of the Peace Court. No limit for eviction cases in JP Court.
Court Name: City Court or Justice of the Peace Court
Official Website: https://lasc.libguides.com/JOP
Filing Fees in Louisiana
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-75 |
Filing fees vary by parish and court type. Service fees additional.
Serving the Defendant
Service requirements vary by court. Generally 10 days before the hearing.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Domiciliary service
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Louisiana small claims courts.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to District Court within applicable time limits.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter (called 'mise en demeure' in Louisiana civil law) is recommended before filing suit.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Louisiana?
Louisiana small claims limit is $5,000 in both City Court and Justice of the Peace Court.
What courts handle small claims in Louisiana?
Small claims in Louisiana can be filed in City Court or Justice of the Peace Court, depending on location and claim type.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have 10 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
How long do I have to sue for personal injury in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a short 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup