Updated May 2026 Louisiana
Louisiana Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Louisiana small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$5,000
Court Limit
10 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
10 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
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Court Limit
Written Contract SOL
Oral Contract SOL
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How to File → Louisiana Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Louisiana, small claims cases are heard in the City Court / Justice of the Peace. The maximum amount you can sue for is $5,000.
Tip
Louisiana property damage claims have only a 1-year statute of limitations — act quickly.Filing Fees in Louisiana
Filing fees in Louisiana range from $75 to $150 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in Louisiana
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 10 years
- Oral contracts: 10 years
- Property damage: 1 years
Louisiana City and Parish Courts handle small claims. A per-defendant charge often applies for each named defendant.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Louisiana limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most Louisiana courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Louisiana?
The small claims court limit in Louisiana is $5,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the City Court / Justice of the Peace. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in Louisiana small claims court?
You can sue for up to $5,000 in Louisiana small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is 10 years for written contract claims and 10 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in Louisiana?
To file in Louisiana: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the City Court / Justice of the Peace clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($75–$150), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Louisiana how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the City Court / Justice of the Peace in Louisiana?
Louisiana's small claims court is called the City Court / Justice of the Peace. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $5,000 in Louisiana small claims?
No — the $5,000 cap is absolute in Louisiana. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for Louisiana
Louisiana Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in Louisiana
Step-by-step Louisiana filing guide
Louisiana Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Louisiana?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Louisiana
Enforce your judgment after winning
Louisiana Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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