Louisiana Small Claims Court

Quick Facts

How to File a Small Claims Case in Louisiana

1. Send a Demand LetterBefore filing, send a written demand via certified mail. Give the other party 14 days to respond. Louisiana courts view this as evidence of good-faith effort to resolve the dispute.
2. Complete the PetitionVisit your local City Court or Justice of the Peace Court to obtain the small claims petition form. Include your name, the defendant's name and address, the amount claimed (up to $5,000), and a description of the dispute.
3. Pay the Filing FeeSubmit your petition and pay the filing fee ($30–$60). Fees vary by parish. The clerk will assign a hearing date, typically within 30 to 60 days.
4. Serve the DefendantThe defendant must be formally served with the petition. Louisiana allows service by sheriff, certified mail, or private process server. File proof of service with the court.
5. Attend Your HearingBring all evidence organized clearly. Present your case concisely — Louisiana small claims hearings are informal. The judge typically rules the same day or within a few days.

Louisiana Small Claims Filing Fees

Filing fees in Louisiana City or Parish Court range from $30 to $60 depending on the jurisdiction and claim amount. Fees vary between parishes — urban courts like Orleans Parish may charge differently than rural parishes. Service of process adds $20–$50.

If you win, the court can order the defendant to reimburse your filing fees and court costs. Louisiana courts offer fee waivers for individuals who demonstrate financial need.

What You Can Sue For in Louisiana Small Claims Court

• Security deposit disputes — landlord failed to return your deposit or made improper deductions
• Property damage — damage to your vehicle, belongings, or other personal property
• Breach of contract — failure to deliver goods, services, or payments as agreed
• Unpaid debts — money owed to you by an individual or business
• Consumer complaints — defective products or substandard services
• Landlord-tenant disputes — repair issues, lease violations, or wrongful charges

Louisiana small claims court handles monetary disputes only. It cannot issue injunctions, handle evictions, or resolve family law matters. Note that Louisiana uses a civil law system based on French and Spanish legal traditions, which differs from other states.

Frequently Asked Questions