State-Specific Legal Forms

Louisiana follows civil law and does not use traditional quitclaim deeds; instead, an Act of Cash Sale, Donation, or Quitclaim must be passed before a notary public with two witnesses.

Louisiana civil law calls a power of attorney a 'mandate' or 'procuration'; must be in authentic act form (notarized with two witnesses) for real estate transactions.

Louisiana recognizes notarial wills (executed before a notary and two witnesses) and olographic wills (entirely handwritten, dated, and signed); forced heirship rules apply to descendants under 24.

Louisiana's Natural Death Act allows a Declaration Concerning Life-Sustaining Procedures; statutory form is provided in La. R.S. § 40:1151.3.

Louisiana LLC law calls the operating agreement an 'operating agreement' but allows it to be oral; not filed with the Secretary of State but strongly recommended.

Louisiana residential leases are governed by the Civil Code; no statutory cap on security deposits but they must be returned within one month after lease termination.

Louisiana requires a 5-day notice to vacate before filing a Rule for Possession in justice of the peace or city court; no notice required if lease so provides.

Louisiana small claims jurisdiction varies by court; city courts and parish courts hear claims up to $5,000 with simplified procedures.

Louisiana offers Article 102 (no-fault, requires 180-day separation if no children, 365 days if children) and Article 103 (fault-based) divorces; covenant marriages have additional requirements.

Louisiana adult name changes are filed in district court of the parish of residence; district attorney must be served and may oppose.

Louisiana uses an Act of Cash Sale with full warranty in lieu of traditional warranty deed; must be passed before a notary with two witnesses and recorded.

Louisiana requires a notarized bill of sale (Act of Donation or Sale) for vehicle and watercraft transfers; submitted to OMV for title transfer.

Louisiana matrimonial agreements modify the default community property regime; must be in authentic act form (notary + two witnesses) executed before marriage.

Louisiana landlords may charge reasonable application fees; tenant screening must comply with federal Fair Housing Act and the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act.

Louisiana 'putting in default' is a civil law concept that may be required to claim damages or interest; written demand by registered mail satisfies the requirement.

Louisiana service of process is performed by the sheriff or constable; the return is filed with the court to establish proper service.

Louisiana promissory notes are governed by both UCC Article 3 and the Civil Code; legal interest rate is set annually by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Louisiana enforces NDAs as ordinary contracts under the Civil Code; trade secrets are protected under the Louisiana Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

Louisiana strictly limits non-competes to specified parishes/municipalities and a maximum of two years post-employment; agreements must comply with La. R.S. § 23:921 to be enforceable.

Louisiana permits modification when there is a material change in circumstances resulting in a 25% or greater change in support amount; Louisiana Child Support Guidelines apply.