Louisiana § RS 13:5201 - Small claims divisions
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5201 — Small claims divisions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 13:5201. Small claims divisions
A. Each city court, now in existence or hereafter created, is authorized to establish by court rule one or more small claims divisions.
B. Such small claims divisions may be established in such areas of the territorial jurisdiction of the court as the judge or judges thereof deem appropriate to best serve the small claims litigants within the jurisdiction. Evening and Saturday hours of operations of a small claims division may also be established.
C. A small claims division so authorized is provided for the filing of matters within its subject matter jurisdiction as provided in R.S. 13:5202(A). A plaintiff filing suit on a claim within the jurisdiction of the division is authorized to file such suit in the division instead of on the regular civil docket of the court.
D. The clerk of court shall maintain a docket for the record of cases filed in the small claims division. At his option, small claims so identified may be entered in docket books maintained for the ordinary civil docket.
E. In the City Court of East St. Tammany, parties shall participate in the Online Dispute Resolution Pilot Project Program process pursuant to R.S. 13:5213 et seq.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 710, §1. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 46, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 1980; Acts 1987, No. 256, §1; Acts 2021, No 281, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 13:5201
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5201 cover?
Section RS 13:5201 ("Small claims divisions") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 13:5201?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5201" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 13:5201 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.