Updated May 2026 Louisiana

Louisiana Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the City Court / Justice of the Peace — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$75–$150

Filing Fee Range

$5,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Louisiana Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the City Court / Justice of the Peace, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Louisiana, filing fees are $75–$150 depending on the amount of your claim.

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Louisiana City and Parish Courts handle small claims. A per-defendant charge often applies for each named defendant.

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Tip

Louisiana property damage claims have only a 1-year statute of limitations â€” act quickly.

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You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

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Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Louisiana courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Louisiana official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Louisiana?

The small claims filing fee in Louisiana is $75–$150. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Louisiana?

The fee to start a small claims case in Louisiana is $75–$150. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Louisiana?

E-filing availability varies by county in Louisiana. Contact your local City Court / Justice of the Peace clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in Louisiana small claims?

If you cannot afford the $75–$150 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Louisiana courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Louisiana small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Louisiana?

Small claims cases in Louisiana are handled by the City Court / Justice of the Peace. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.