Louisiana Small Claims

Small claims court is Louisiana’s way of dealing with lower-value civil cases efficiently. This court structure helps consumers, tenants, landlords, contractors, and small businesses recover money or property—often without the need for legal assistance.

In Louisiana, small claims are handled through simplified processes in Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts and the Small Claims Division of numerous City/Parish Courts.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Louisiana?

For simple disputes, including unpaid loans or bills, simple contract/workmanship difficulties, and small property damage, small claims can be a useful way to get what is owed. In Louisiana, it is a civil, judge-only process.

Cases are brought in either a JP Court or the Small Claims Division of a City/Parish Court, depending on the parish. Within their authority, JP Courts typically hear cases involving contracts, minor property damage, and evictions. Since many represent themselves, attorneys are not necessary.

Small Claims Court Limits in Louisiana

Louisiana law caps small claims jurisdiction at $5,000; this is outside of such costs as court costs, attorney fees, or penalties. This cap applies to Small Claims Divisions created by law. No more than ten complainants can be listed in a small claims case. Class actions are also not allowed in small claims.

Parish Courts have joint authority with the district courts up to the small claims cap. City/Parish Courts may hear broader civil cases outside of the Small Claims Division.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Louisiana

There are several steps that you should take when filing a small claims case in Louisiana, regardless of where in the state you file. These steps include:

1) Pick the right court (venue): You can file your complaint where the defendant resides, does business, or where the dispute arose. To start the process, you will need to go to the Small Claims Division of your local City/Parish Court (if one exists) or to a JP Court for your area. You may check local websites like Baton Rouge and Shreveport’s to understand what their small claims docket covers and where you can file.

2) Use the court’s forms: Courts provide short, plain-English packets that can be very helpful when you wish to file. Many clerks also post downloadable instructions. For example, Baton Rouge City Court provides a “How to Use Small Claims” guide, and the Orleans First City Court website has useful instructions related to filing.

3) Pay filing fees: Fees are set by the parishes, and you can find them on the court’s site or cost schedule. In Baton Rouge, for example, the clerk posts current civil/small-claims costs. Your fee deposits may also cover service by mail or sheriff/constable when requested.

4) Serve the defendant correctly: In several Louisiana courts, small claims can be served by certified or registered mail with a clerk's return receipt. Suits can also be served by sheriffs, constables, or authorized servers. Before the hearing, you are expected to file proof of service and carefully follow the instructions in your court packet.

5) Representation: You may hire an attorney, but many people appear without counsel. JP Courts state that attorneys are not required and that procedures are “user-friendly.”

Small Claims Courts in Major Louisiana Cities (examples)

• New Orleans: TheFirst City Court, which handles Small Claims up to $5,000, is located at 421 Loyola Ave., Room 201, New Orleans, LA 70112. You can find small-claims eligibility and civil limits (separate from small claims) on the clerk’s page.
• Baton Rouge: The Baton Rouge City Court can be found at 233 St. Louis St., Room 251, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. This court handles Small Claims up to $5,000 and provides detailed “How to Use Small Claims” instructions and cost schedule online.
• Shreveport: The City Court handles Small Claims up to $5,000. Its local page explains who can file and states the joinder/class-action limits.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Louisiana

There is no jury in these informal, judge-led hearings. You are expected to bring your witnesses, contracts, bills, pictures, and messages. The rules in the small claims court are relaxed to ensure a speedy, fair result.

At the hearing or soon after, many courts make their decisions public.

It is not possible to appeal a small-claims verdict in many Louisiana small claims courts. However, some city courts have specific rules for appeals. For example, the Lafayette City Court package makes it clear that to maintain standard appeal rights, a party must transfer (or "remove") the case to the regular civil docket within a specific time frame, often 10 days, after receiving the notice.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Louisiana

Court records are public unless sealed by law or order. You can usually see the case number, parties, filings/docket entries, hearing dates, and judgment. Louisiana does not have one free, unified small-claims portal, so use official local resources:

1. City/Parish Court & Parish Clerk Portals (official):
   • Orleans Parish (New Orleans): You can get in touch with the Civil Clerk online for records. It has a case inquiry tool, which you can use to find civil matters. You can also find small-claims information and contacts from this court
   • East Baton Rouge Parish: The EBR Clerk of Court explains how to view and obtain copies of civil suit records.
   • Multi-parish access: TheClerkConnect portal collects participating clerks’ civil records. You should check if the county you are looking for is on there, as not all parishes are represented on there.
2. JP Courts: Some JP offices post basic dockets online; many provide case information by phone or in person. Check the Louisiana State Law Library guides for “how-to” and JP overviews.
3. In person (for certified copies): Visit the clerk of the court that maintains your case to get certified copies of documents that are not available online. Local court clerk websites tend to list court addresses and the hours they are open. You can also find information about copy fees there.

Some photographs may not be available online. You may also not be able to get sensitive information because these are typically removed. Never rely on third-party services; instead, use the official clerk's systems, as they are the most reliable.