What is the small claims limit in Louisiana?

Louisiana small claims procedure is uniquely governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13, Chapter 25 (La. R.S. 13:5200-5211) and applies only in City Courts and Parish Courts (not in District Court).

1. Monetary Limit — La. R.S. 13:5200 sets the small claims jurisdiction at $5,000 in City Courts and Parish Courts. City Courts themselves have civil jurisdiction up to $15,000-$50,000 depending on the city under La. R.S. 13:1872, where formal procedures and appeals apply.

2. Filing Fee — Varies by city court: $30-$60 in smaller jurisdictions, $100-$150 in Baton Rouge, New Orleans (Orleans Parish has a unique court structure), Lafayette, and Shreveport. Sheriff or city marshal service runs $25-$50 per defendant.

3. Lawyers — Permitted at all stages. Corporations may appear through an officer or employee; sole proprietors may represent themselves.

4. Statute of Limitations — Louisiana uses "prescription" rather than statute of limitations. La. Civ. Code arts. 3492-3499: 10 years for contracts (Civ. Code art. 3499), 1 year for personal injury and tort (Civ. Code art. 3492), 3 years for actions on open accounts and wages (Civ. Code art. 3494), 10 years for actions on judgments.

5. Where to File — City Court or Parish Court of the territorial jurisdiction where (a) defendant is domiciled, (b) defendant has a registered business address, or (c) the cause of action arose. Note: Justice of the Peace Courts in some rural parishes have similar small claims jurisdiction up to $5,000.

6. Service — By city marshal, parish sheriff, or constable (in JP courts). Some courts permit certified mail. Defendant must be cited and served at least 15 days before the answer due date (La. C.C.P. art. 1001).

7. Hearing — Informal trial before the City Court judge. Rules of evidence relaxed. The judge may question parties and witnesses directly.

8. NO Appeal from Small Claims — La. R.S. 13:5202 bars appeal from a small claims judgment (a defining feature of the simplified procedure). The judgment is final and binding. To preserve appeal rights, file in regular City Court — those judgments may be appealed to the Court of Appeal within 30 days under La. C.C.P. art. 2087.

This is legal information, not legal advice.