Want it written for you? Louisiana courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim written so you can copy each field onto your court’s form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Louisiana claim qualifiesThe Louisiana Small Claims Form
📄 Per-court petition (uniform city/parish forms exist; JP courts vary)
Louisiana courts issue their own version of this form, so get the one for the court you file in. Download it free from lasc.org.
Louisiana Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | City Court (Small Claims) / Parish Court / JP Court |
| Claim limit | $5,000 |
| Claim form | Per-court petition (uniform city/parish forms exist; JP courts vary) |
| Filing fee | Varies by county or court in Louisiana — confirm the exact amount with the clerk before you file |
| Serving the defendant | Sheriff/constable (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | La. R.S. 13:5202(A) |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
In Louisiana, the exact court, local paperwork and fees can differ by county or court. The court finder below shows yours.
Filing Deadlines in Louisiana
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 10 years — 3 years for compensation for services, arrearages of rent, money lent, and open accounts — La. Civ. Code art. 3494. | La. Civ. Code art. 3499 |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 10 years | La. Civ. Code art. 3499 |
| Damage to property | 2 years | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
| Personal injury | 2 years — 1 year for injuries occurring before July 1, 2024, under the since-repealed arts. 3492/3493. | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years | La. Civ. Code art. 3494(3)-(4) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Louisiana Instead?
Do you file an answer? You must file a written answer within 10 days after you are served (15 days if served through the secretary of state). (La. C.C.P. art. 4903 (applied by La. R.S. 13:5203))
If they owe you money: If your claim against the plaintiff is over the small-claims limit, you may file it in a court that can hear it at any time before the small-claims trial. (La. R.S. 13:5206)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Louisiana Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — lasc.org
- Official source — legis.la.gov
- Official source — legis.la.gov
- The law itself — La. R.S. 13:5202(A)
- The clerk of the City Court (Small Claims) / Parish Court / JP Court — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Louisiana compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Louisiana Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Louisiana?
The claim is filed on your court’s own version of the claim form. The official source is lasc.org. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Louisiana small claims court?
In Louisiana you can claim up to $5,000 in the City Court (Small Claims) / Parish Court / JP Court. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Louisiana?
Filing fees in Louisiana vary by county or court, so confirm the exact amount with the clerk of the City Court (Small Claims) / Parish Court / JP Court before you file. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Louisiana small claims form for me?
Louisiana courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto your court’s official form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Louisiana case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Louisiana claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.