How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Louisiana
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Louisiana, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: In district court, file an answer within 21 days after service of the citation, or within 30 days if discovery requests were served with the petition. The court may grant more time. La. C.C.P. art. 1001; Attorney General's Guide to Louisiana Justice of the Peace Courts
| Answering a debt lawsuit | In district court, file an answer within 21 days after service of the citation, or within 30 days if discovery requests were served with the petition. The court may grant more time. In justice of the peace court, appear on the trial date; if no trial date is set, file an answer within 10 calendar days of service. JP guide: https://ag.louisiana.gov/Files/Shared/Documents/AGuideToLaJpcCourt.pdf |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for most contract claims ('personal actions'), whether the contract is written or oral, unless a shorter period applies. Debts on money lent and on open accounts have a shorter 3-year period. Louisiana calls limitation periods 'liberative prescription.' Art. 3494: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=110518 Source: La. C.C. art. 3499; art. 3494 |
| How long a judgment lasts | A Louisiana money judgment expires 10 years after it is signed (or after it becomes final if appealed). Before it expires, the creditor can revive it by filing a motion with an affidavit that it has not been paid; each revival gives another 10 years, and a judgment can be revived as often as needed. C.C.P. art. 2031: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=111373 |
Where to get help in Louisiana
More Louisiana debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Louisiana
- Wage Garnishment in Louisiana
- What Creditors Can't Take in Louisiana
- Medical Debt Protections in Louisiana
- All Louisiana debt & collections rules
FAQ
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Louisiana?
In district court, file an answer within 21 days after service of the citation, or within 30 days if discovery requests were served with the petition. The court may grant more time. In justice of the peace court, appear on the trial date; if no trial date is set, file an answer within 10 calendar days of service.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Louisiana?
10 years for most contract claims ('personal actions'), whether the contract is written or oral, unless a shorter period applies. Debts on money lent and on open accounts have a shorter 3-year period.
How long does a court judgment last in Louisiana?
A Louisiana money judgment expires 10 years after it is signed (or after it becomes final if appealed). Before it expires, the creditor can revive it by filing a motion with an affidavit that it has not been paid; each revival gives another 10 years, and a judgment can be revived as often as needed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.